Gossip Girl (Voice Over)
Good morning, Upper East Siders! Gossip Girl here. Your one and only source in the scandalous lives of Manhatten's elite. Top story on my homepage: Serena van der Woodsen. Everybody's favourite It-Girl has just returned from a mysterious absence.
[INT TRAIN - Serena is looking out of the window]
[INT GRAND CENTRAL STATION - Serena walks in]
[INT HOME OF THE WALDORFS - Chuck, Katy and Isabel are sitting on a couch, Katy and Isabel are looking at their messages on their cell phones]
Katy
You'll never believe what's on 'Gossip Girl'!
Isabel
Someone saw Serena getting off a train at Grand Central!
[EXT NEW YORK - Several people on the streets receive the news over their cell phones that Serena has returned]
Gossip Girl (Voice Over)
Everyone knows Serena. And everyone is talking
[INT BLAIR'S BEDROOM - Blair and Nate are kissing on the bed, half undressed, Eleaonr interrupts them]
Eleanor
Blair, it's Serena!
Nate
Serena?
Gossip Girl (Voice Over)
And B's boyfriend Nate? Rumour has it he's always had a thing for Serena.
[EXT THE PALACE HOTEL]
Nate
But you'r back now.
Serenar
I didn't come back for you. Look, Blair is my best friend and you're her boyfriend and she loves you.
[INT OSTROFF CENTER - Serena is looking into her brother's room]
Gossip Girl (Voice Over)
Why did she leave? Why did she return?
Eleanor
Must be a lot of rumours why you're back.
Serenar
Yeah, but none of them mentioned you.
[INT OSTROFF CENTER - HALLWAY]
Serenar
He tries to take his own life and you're worried it's gonna cost you 'Mom Of The Year'.
Lily
You have no idea what it's been like.
[FLASHBACK - INT BAR - Serena and Nate are having sex, Chuck is watching from the balcony]
Chuck
Best friend and the boyfriend. That's pretty classy, S.
Gossip Girl (Voice Over)
And Nate's friend Chuck won't let Serena forget about her past.
[INT THE PALACE HOTEL - KITCHEN]
Serenar
I'm trying to change.
Chuck
I liked you better before.
[INT THE PALACE HOTEL - BAR - Serena crashes into Dan]
Gossip Girl (Voice Over)
And then there's Dan: Outsider, looks like his childhood crush has returned.
[INT THE PALACE HOTEL - FOYER]
Dan
She doesn't know me. Nobody knows me. It's cool.
Concierge
Serena! Do you know this young man?
Serenar
Uhm, from last night.
Dan
You remember me?
[Dan walks off but then turns around]
Dan
You'd really go out with some guy you don't know?
Serenar
Well, you can't be worse than the guys I do know.
[INT HOME OF THE HUMPHREYS - KITCHEN]
Rufus
Guess who's dad is cool!
Jenny
It's a trick question.
Dan
Yeah, 'cause it can't be ours.
[Dan looks at the front page of 'Rolling Stone']
Dan
'Top 10 Forgotten Bands Of The '90s'.
Rufus
Yeah, check out who's number nine.
Jenny
He's very proud.
Dan
Hey, hey way to be forgotten.
[INT THE HUMPHREY'S ART GALLERY]
Lily
Why is my daughter going to one of your concerts?
Rufus
Well, our kids were about to meet. It's a small island.
Lily
You're sure it's not some ploy your using my daughter to get to me? Now that your wife left you?
[INT 'KISS ON THE LIPS' PARTY - Dan and Serena are walking through the crowd]
Gossip Girl (Voice Over)
Serena and her mystery man made a surprise appearance at Blair's 'Kiss On The Lips' party.
Isabel and Katy
Serena's here?
Blair
What is she doing here? She wasn't invited.
Gossip Girl (Voice Over)
But Serena wasn't the only one who made an impression.
[INT 'KISS ON THE LIPS' PARTY - Chuck notices Jenny]
Chuck
Who's the newbie?
Gossip Girl (Voice Over)
Jenny made an impression on Chuck.
Chuck
Let's go and talk somewhere private.
[EXT ROOF TOP - Chuck tries violently to kiss Jenny]
Jenny
No, stop!
Dan
Hey! That is my little sister!
[EXT ROOF TOP - Dan punches Chuck in the face]
Serenar
Don't you ever touch her again!
Chuck
Hey, you're life is over, slut!
[EXT 'KISS ON THE LIPS' PARTY - Blair and Chuck watch Dan, Jenny and Serena get into a cab]
Blair
She better not show her face again.
Chuck
I'm actually hoping she will.
Dan
So, think I've got a shot at a second date?
Serenar
We talk about it in the cab.
Gossip Girl (Voice Over)
And now that S is back... will the Upper East Side ever be the same? We're all just dying to see what happens next.
END OF TEASER [EXT NEW YORK]
Gossip Girl (Voice Over)
I bet you're wondering what Gossip Girl is doing up so early. Truth is: I never went to bed. Why waste precious time dreaming when waking life is so much better?
[INT THE PALACE HOTEL - KITCHEN - Ice cubes are thrown into a bucket, lemons and cucumbers are being sliced, eggs scrambled]
Gossip Girl (Voice Over)
Is there really anything better than a lazy sunday? Reading the paper in bed, sipping coffee, scrambling an egg or two. Yeah, right. We Upper East Siders don't do lazy: Breakfast is brunch and it comes with champagne, a dress code and a hundred of our closest friends... and enemies.
[Tables get decorated, flowers arranged, strawberries are being dipped in chocolate]
Gossip Girl (Voice Over)
Chuck's dad Bart Bass is hosting the annual brunch for his foundation. Everyone is invited. Well, not everyone.
[INT HOME OF THE HUMPHREYS - Dan opens a garage door which seperates his room from his sister's]
Dan
Oh, hey, you're up.
Jenny
And you're checking up on me. I'm ok, really, I'm ok. You know, I was ok when you asked me at the party and in the cab, when we got home, before and after I brushed my teeth. Well, I just feel really... stupid. I mean, how could I'Ve actually thought that Chuck Bass just wanted to talk to me?
Dan
Because you trust people which is normally a good thing
Jenny
Yeah, except when it involes Chuck.
Dan
Yeah, pretty much.
Jenny
So, the real question is: How are you?
Dan
Me? Why wouldn't I be ok?
Jenny
You know, at the end of the night with Serena and the... the...
[Jenny makes a waving gesture]
Dan
Was it really that bad?
[FLASHBACK - LAST NIGHT - CAB - Jenny, Dan and Serena are sitting in the cab, Serena is getting out, then stops]
Serena
This is me. So, good night.
Dan
Yeah, uhm, yeah, good night.
[Serena gets out of the cab]
Jenny
Go! Walk her to the door! Something! Go!
[Dan nods and tries to get out of the cab but the doors slams into his head, the cab starts to drive off]
Jenny
Whoa, stop, stop, sir, stop, stop!
Dan
I think I have brain damage.
Jenny
You know, Dan, if you had brain damage you wouldn't even know you had brain damage.
Dan
No, let's go, please. Williamsburg.
Jenny
No!
[Serena looks inside through the side window}
Dan
Howie
hi.
[Dan waves at Serena, the cab drives off, Serena looks puzzled after the cab and waves slightly]
[INT OSTROFF CENTER - ERIK'S ROOM - Erik is sitting on his chair, looking at his hand]
Erik
So he waved? I wouldn't have taken him for a waver.
Serena
No, he was just trying to be funny.
Erik
Or maybe he is shy.
Serena
Or he hates me.
Erik
No guy in the history of the world has ever hated you.
[INT HOME OF THE HUMPRHEYS - JENNY'S ROOM - Dan is pacing up and down, Jenny is lying on her bad looking through a magazine]
Dan
She probably thinks I hate her now. I waited my entire adolescent life for a date with this girl. You know, Serena van der Woodsen! And I decided to close the evening with a wave.
Jenny
It was a nice wave.
Dan
At the end of a date? Come on, there's no such thing. And you only get one shot with a girl like Serena. I got mine and I blew it.
Jenny
Which means you've got nothing to loose.
Dan
Nothing except my last shred of dignity.
Jenny
Oh no, I think that's gone.
Dan
You're right. You know, I'll just... I'll go talk to here. I'm gonna apologise for the wave, I gonna tell her how much I like her and I'm gonna ask for a second shot... and I'm gonna get a second shot.
Jenny
Yeah you are!
Dan
Yeah.
[Dan walks out of the room]
Jenny
Wait, wait, wait! I love the plan but uhm... you need a better outfit... and maybe a shower.
[Dan heads into his room and closes the garage door]
[INT ERIK'S ROOM - Serena is pacing up and down]
Serena
Whatever, it is probably for the best. The last thing I need in my life is another guy. He was just so smart, though, and funny...
Erik
It sounds like you like him.
Serena
... and really nice. God, Blair was so plain to me last night. I don't even know why. Whatever, I'm sure if we talk about it we can work it out. Hey, maybe I should go over there.
[INT HOME OF THE WALDORFS - LIVING ROOM - A note is clipped to a dress: Went to Paris. Bruch at 2. Wear pearls! Eleanor Waldorf, New York]
Blair
Serena had better just stay away. Thank you, Dohertha!
Isabel
Thanks!
Katy
We were sleeping on flares last night.
Blair
I don't want to see Serena at school and she better not show up at brunch today.
Katy
You're really mad at Serena.
Isabel
I hope you never get that mad at us.
Blair
Well, you would never do what Serena did.
Katy
No, never.
Isabel
'Course not.
[Isabel looks puzzled at Katy who shrugs her shoulders]
Blair
I wonder if Nate remembered brunch. It would be so wrong of me to show up without my boyfriend whom I love... and who loves me.
[Blair calls Nate]
[INT THE PALACE HOTEL - CHUCK'S ROOM - Nate's cell phone is vibrating on a table covered with cards and poker chips, Nate wakes up on the couch and answers the phone]
Nate
Hello?
[INT THE WALDORF'S LIVING ROOM]
Blair
Hi sweety. Did I wake you?
[INT THE PALACE HOTEL - CHUCK'S ROOM]
Nate
No, I'm up.
[INT THE WALDORF'S LIVING ROOM]
Blair
Well, get some strong coffee and jump in the shower, sleepyhead. Chuck's dad's brunch for his foundation is today at The Palace.
[INT THE PALACE HOTEL - CHUCK'S ROOM]
Nate
Ah, great, of course.
[Nate hangs up the phone and throws it onto the table, the noise wakes up Chuck who is lying in bed with two women]
Chuck
Nathaniel! Keep it down! Some of us are trying to regain our strenght.
Nate
You're dad's brunch is today.
Chuck
The alarm's set for nine.
Nate
It's ten.
[Chuck sighs, then raises and claps his hands, he has a black eye]
Chuck
Ladies, double time! Oh, unless... Nathaniel?
[Chuck points behind him at the two women]
Nate
I'm good. [The two women wear maid uniforms and Nate addresses them]
Nate
Actually, could you two bring some coffee when you get a chance? And some water, lots of water.
Maid
You want ice with that?
[She points at Chuck's black eye]
Maid
Looks like you could use some.
Chuck
That's enough, ladies. And I'll make sure to tell my father just how committed you are to the hospitality industry.
Nate
That kid popped you pretty good, huh? Never mess with a guy's sister.
Chuck
If I knew his name I'd hunt him down and kill him.
Nate
What, 'cause you kill people now? Are you gonna strangle him with your scarf?
[Nate throws Chuck's scarf into his face, Chuck is preparing a hangover remedy in a blender]
Chuck
Don't mock the scarf, Nathaniel. It's my signature.
Nate
Just saying, death by scarf: Not that intimidating.
Chuck
He sucker-punched me, I told you. Besides, better a broken nose than a broken heart.
Nate
What? I didn't even talk to Serena last night.
Chuck
Who said anything about Serena?
[INT JENNY'S ROOM - Dan opens the garage door, he has changed his clothes]
Dan
Do I look ok?
Jenny
Definitely second shot material.
Dan
Alright then, I'm gonna go. Oh, uhm, and about what happend, you know, with Chuck... if you want to talk to someone... not your brother, just let me know.
Jenny
Ok.
Yeah, alright.
Jenny
Hey, there wait! Actually, there is someone I want to talk to.
[Jenny grabs her purse and they prepare to leave, Rufus comes home]
Dan
Hey!
Rufus
Hey, where are you guys going? I was going to make waffles.
Dan
Uh, sorry dad.
Jenny
Yeah, can't.
Rufus
But I want to know everything about your date.
Dan
Later.
Rufus
And your party.
Rufus
When I get back?
You guys missed a really great show! And I make really good waffles!
[Dan and Jenny leave]
[THE PALACE HOTEL - CHUCK'S ROOM - Nate is on the phone]
Concierge
The Palace Hotel.
Nate
Hi, this is Nate Archibald, calling from the Bass suite. I know you don't normally give out this information but could you tell me what room the van der woodsens are in, please?
[EXT NEW YORK - Serena is walking down the street, she is leaving Blair a message on the phone]
Serena
Hey, Blair, it's me. Eh, I guess you're still sleeping but I'm gonna come over. I think we need to talk. Ok, ehm, see you soon. Bye.
[INT HOME OF THE WALDORFS - Blair checks her missed calls: Serena, she deletes it]
[INT THE PALACE HOTEL - BALL ROOM - All the tables are decorated]
Gossip Girl (Voice Over)
Looks like the tables are all set. As soon as the guests arrive we can start dishing. Here's what's on the menue:
[FLASHFORWARD - Serena, Blair, Dan, Chuck, Jenny, Nate, Dan, Blair, Serena, Chuck walks towards Dan but Nate stops him, Blair takes off a blue dress, Jenny is wearing Blair's blue dress and looks at herself in a mirror, Chuck gives Blair a key, Blair and Nate are kissing in an elevator, Blair turns around rapidly]
[THE PALACE HOTEL - THE ROOM OF THE VAN DER WOODSENS - Serena is searching through boxes]
Serena
Mom, did you borrow my Michelle Parise? Uh, I can't find anything in here!
Lily
Well, it might help if you unpacked. Look, you're home now, it's your life, you should start living it.
Serena
This is not live, this is a hotel we're living in because you decided you didn't like the colour of the walls in our real home.
[Lily hands Serena the green pair of pumps she was looking for]
Serena
Mom, I said I'd go to this brunch. What else do you want from me?
Lily
Serena, why are you being like this? You love parties. This is just not like you.
Serena
Maybe it is like me. Maybe you don't know what I'm really like.
Lily
Oh, ok, tell me.
[Serena puts on her pumps and just stares at her mother]
Lily
So did you and Dan have fun at the concert last night?
Serena
We, uhm, never made it. We actually ended up at the 'Kiss On The Lips' party.
Lily
Ah, well that must have pleased Blair.
Serena
Blair? Actually no, not that pleased. Which is why I'm going to talk to her.
Lily
Just be back in time for brunch, ok?
Serena
Mom!
Lily
Look, honey, I know how hard it is for you to be back but the more you hide yourself away the more people are gonna think you have something to hide.
Serena
Coming from someone who's keeping my brother in an institution.
Lily
That's different.
[Serena leaves, Lily shouts after her]
Lily
I mean it: Don't be late!
[EXT THE PALACE HOTEL - Serena runs to get a cab]
Serena
Wait!
[Serena gets into the cab just as Dan walks up to The Palace Hotel, Dan enters and walks over to the reception]
Dan
Hey! How are you doing? I, ah, I was in yesterday with Serena.
Concierge
How could I forget.
Dan
Yeah, well, is... she in?
Concierge
Just missed her, actually, but you're welome to wait.
Dan
Ok, maybe I will. She probably won't be that long, right?
Concierge
Once she went out and didn't come back for six month but feel free to sit.
[Dan points behind him towards a lounge, the concierge points into the opposite direction]
Concierge
Over there.
Dan
Over there is where I'll be.
[Dan walks off, Nate walks towards the elevator, the door opens and Lily steps out]
Lily
Hi, Nate, it's great to see you.
Nate
Hi, Misses van der Woodsen. Good to see you.
Lily
Oh, I'm just heading out.
[Nate accompanies Lily through the foyer]
Nate
Oh, is Serena in?
Lily
Oh, you just missed her but I'll tell her you came by. I'm sure she will be happy to hear it.
Nate
I... I don't know about that.
Lily
Oh, what? I mean, Serena loves you and I think she's always a little crush on you. 'Course you and Blair are the perfect couple.
Nate
Mmh, is Serena going to be long? I could just wait.
[They arrive at the reception, Lily nods towards the concierge]
Lily
Uhm, well, Dexter here can take care of you. I'm just gonna step out for a while and Nate's gonna wait for Serena.
Nate
Great.
Concierge
He can get in line behind that guy.
[The concierge points towards Dan who's sitting in a chair behind them, Lily and Nate turn around]
Lily
I had a feeling you'd be back. Dan, is it?
[Dan gets up and shakes her hand]
Dan
Humphrey, yes. It's nice to see you again, Misses van der Woodsen. I hope you had a pleasant, eh, 21 hours since I last saw you.
Lily
Yes, it has been very pleasant... until now. Gentlemen...
[Lily turn around and walks off, Nate and Dan stare at each other]
Nate
Hey.
Dan
Hey.
[Nate and Dan sit down next to each other]
[HOME OF THE WALDORFS - Serena exits the elevator]
Serena
Blair? Hey.
Blair
Serena.
[Serena takes a copy of 'Breakfast At Tiffany's' out of a bag]
Serena
Hey., I got two baguettes and Audrey.
Blair
I must have totally blanked on the part where I invited you over.
Serena
I... I called you. Blair, it's Sunday morning: Coffee, croissants, 'Breakfast At Tiffany's'. It's our tradition.
Blair
I have new traditions now.
Serena
Well, they're not traditions if they're new.
[Blair sits down with the Sunday paper and ignores Serena]
Serena
Look, Blair, I'm really trying to make an effort here. I thought everything was good between us.
Blair
It was... before I found out you had sex with my boyfriend.
[Serena is looking for words, Blair just stares at her]
Serena
How did you find out?
Blair
Nate told me. At least he felt he owed it to me to tell the truth.
Serena
I don't know what to say.
Blair
Don't bother saying anything. I wouldn't believe you anyway.
Serena
Blair, it was...
Blair
You know... I always knew you're a whore... I never took you for a liar too.
Serena
Blair, how can I fix this?
Blair
You don't, Serena. You just stay away from me, my boyfriend and my friends. You're done here.
[Blair walks away and leaves Serena behind]
Gossip Girl (Voice Over)
Serena's visit was short and apparently not very sweet but you know what is? Revenge. We hear it's best served cold. Who's hungry?
[Serena has already left, Jenny exits the elevator and enters the living room, Blair shouts from the other room]
Blair
Dohertha, I told you I didn't want to see anyone!
[Blair enters the living room and sees Jenny]
Blair
Hey, Jenny.
Jenny
Hi.
Blair
What do you want?
Jenny
Eh, I realised that I still have your calligraphy pens... from the party invitations and thought you might need them for something.
Blair
That's the lamest excuse I've ever heard. You wanna know what Chuck Bass is saying about you.
Jenny
No. Is he... saying things? Is anyone?
Blair
Mmh, no. Not yet anyway. Chuck likes to brag about his conquests not his victims. Come on, you can help me get ready for brunch.
Jenny
Ok, sure.
[Blair leads Jenny upstairs, Jenny notices an arrangement of flowers]
Jenny
Nice flowers.
Blair
They're hydrangeas.
[EXT NEW YORK - Lily gets out of a cab]
Lily
Just coffee. I'm not staying long... I want to get out of here before someone throws me down and tattoos me.
Rufus
This is Brooklyn, Lil, not the 'Warped Tour' and don't tell me you had all your tattoos removed. I mean, even that one the little heart-shaped one between your, uhm...
Lily
Don't try to be cute, ok. Those days are way behind you.
Rufus
And here I thought I was getting better looking every day. So, what's the big emergency?
Lily
Dan went out with Serena last night.
Rufus
And as Humphrey I sure am proud of him.
[They walk into a coffee shop]
Lily
Well, currently he is sitting in the lobby of the hotel where we're living.
Shop Assistent
Hi, how can I help you?
Rufus
Two americanos, one with an extra shot?
Lily
Mhm.
Rufus
You don't actually think that I'm gonna tell my kid you he can and cannot date. I mean is that really the reason you came down here?
Lily
Oh, I know what you