Prince and the Pauper: Poison Ivy
There's plenty of upside to being the spawn of the fabulously wealthy, but the downside, super successful parents expect nothing less from their offspring and when it comes to college that means the Ivy's. It's more than just getting into college, it's setting a course for the rest of your life and for those few who aren't legacies, the pressures are no less. When parents have sacrificed for their children's future, what kid would want to let them down?
The teens: Blair, Serena, Dan, Nate, Chuck, and Jade. They are all looking at themselves in their mirrors. Blair puts on her ruby ring, Serena adjusts her tie and everyone is adjusting pins, brooches and watches. Serena applies her mascara, Blair puts on a white headband, Nate fixes his blazer, Chuck puts on his trademark scarf and Dan is shaving himself and cutting himself frequently. Even Blair's minions were placing headbands on.
Jade picks a soft colored ribbon tying it into her pony tail, putting on a tinted chapstick and adjusting her small golden compass necklace that is all she has from her military father. Glamorous by Fergie is being sung by the Constance Billard Choir, Jenny Humphrey being apart of it. They finish and walk away whilst a male and female teacher walk onto the stage
Female Teacher: Thank you ladies.
Everyone watches and listens, Chuck looks bored.
Female Teacher: Good morning students. I ask all of you to show a little sympathy for our junior class. They are almost through with Ivy Week.
Male Teacher: As is our long standing tradition, the Constance Billard girls will be in charge of Friday night's mixer and the St.Jude's boys will provide the ushers for the visiting representatives.
Female Teacher: For those of you dreaming of attending an Ivy League school this mixer is the most important event of your life.
Male Teacher: But no pressure.
The male and female teacher both laugh
After school,Jade heads to her cafe and bakery shop. She opens the back door with her book bag. She didn't need to worry about homework as she spent her time doing it during lunch. She goes to walk through the kitchen to the break room so she can set her things down but it was really chaotic.
Jade: Mom? Are you okay? You seem stressed.
Lian: I'm okay honey,it's just that Lily Van Der Woodsen ordered a bunch of pastries for that Ivy League mixer at school. I know I'm firm with dead lines but I can make an exception just this once,after all it'll be good for business.
Jade: Then how can I help you through this?
The soft girl asked always willing to help her mother through work hating to see her in a bad mood
Lian: I can take care of this,just focus on the register like always.
Jade: Affirmative Mother.
The girl said going to start her work day to keep everything flowing as Lian lead the team despite being almost an impossible task.
Back at school a few days after there was an assembly held. Buzz was still present about the Ivy League mixer still heavily present,some more than others.
Students including Dan are exiting the assembly. Serena runs up the stairs and stops at Dan
Serena: Please don't tell me it's over.
Dan: What? You were there; I would say it's pretty over.
Serena: I meant the assembly.
Dan: Alright, no, yeah, it just ended, now.
Dan walks away past Serena
Blair approaches Serena. Kati and Isabel are approaching behind Blair
Blair: Aww too bad you missed the assembly. Not that it matters, Brown doesn't offer degrees in slսt.
Serena makes a face then laughs as Blair, Kati and Isabel walk past her. Blair stops at the stairs and glares back at Serena, Serena simply smiles back.
Spotted! S not so fashionably late and dressed down by B. Game on ladies.
Nate: Hey Jade,I haven't spoken to you in a while. Are things good?
Jade was shocked someone called her name and jogged up to her
Jade: Oh uh yeah,it's all very good. I'm helping my mom with catering for the party.
Nate: Your Mom's sending food!? I'm very happy to hear that. I have something to look forward too.
Nate: Not really. My dad wants me to go to Dartmouth but I'm not sure if it's what I want.
Jade: Well I'm sure you'll be spoiled for choice at the event.
Nate: Me? Well what about you? Ms Straight A's
Nate: Don't deny you're not smart.
Jade: I didn't say that just,I don't think it's for me
Jade: I should get to class... I'll see you at the event Nate. Good bye Nate
She said walking off feeling eyes glaring at her. A few classes later, Serena and Blair are playing field hockey with a group of other girls for gym class. Blair and Serena are both attacking for the ball
Serena: Look I made a mistake with Nate ok, but you sabotaged me with Dan. We don't have to be friends-
Blair strikes Serena down with her hockey stick. Serena stands back up again and frustratedly throws her stick on the ground
The referee blows the whistle and they all continue playing hockey.
Serena: I really wanna believe that that was an accident.
Blair: Then you must be delusional.
Blair runs and jabs Serena in the side. The referee blows the whistle and gives Blair a green card. Serena turns to the referee
The girls continue playing hockey and Blair runs at Serena with her stick and knocks her down. The more heated it got the more worried Jade got. She hated gym class. For many reasons but mostly because she hated altercation.
Serena stands back up and the referee blows his whistle and gives Blair a yellow card
Referee: I'm running out of colours here Blair. Serena approaches and moves close to Blair
Serena: And I'm running out of patience. Enough, okay?
Blair: It's enough when I say it's enough.
Blair walks away from Serena. The girls continue playing hockey. Serena runs towards Blair and knocks her to the ground. They struggle and fight on the ground. The referee blows his whistle and the other girls run to them
Referee: Girls break it up!
Serena is on top of Blair and hitting her
Serena: So we've actually come to physical blows, huh? Truce?
Blair thinks for a moment and then smiles and starts clutching her leg in agony
Referee: Serena, you're out of here!
Serena: I hope it's broken.
Hey Upper East Siders. We hear that World War Three just broke out and it's wearing knee socks. Choose your side or run and hide. We have a feeling that this one is to the death.
After gym class Jade was rushing to class. She hated gym class because it gave her anxiety. What if she was late because she had to change out of her gym clothes back to her uniform, then who know! Detention?
As she was running a guy bumps into her
Jade: Seriously? I swear I'm never this clumsy.
Dan: No, totally my fault. Here—
He helps her pick up papers that fell out between the books. He notices formulas and a sketch of a robotic bunny.
Dan: Wow. This is... not doodling.
Jade: It's nothing. Just... side projects.
Dan: Nothing? It looks like NASA homework.
Jade goes to hide it worried
Dan: It's really cool, a fancy vacuums cleaner?
Jade: No not quite although maybe it could.
Dan: So what would the bunny be used for.
The girl didn't answer worried it would make her seem more lame than she already believed she was so the fellow outsider out reached his hand.
Dan: I'm Dan Humphrey. I go through the St Jude's part of school though I'm sure that was obvious.
Jade: I'm Jade Chen, Constance half. See you around Daniel.
Meanwhile in the St Jude's side of the school, A Dartmouth rep is talking to potential candidates who want to be apart of the school. First was Dan who when asked the question about being an ushure for the school spoke about the schools principles and how the school is Dan's first choice. While on the other end when it was Nate's turn he said that even though there is alumni from the school in his family, it's not his first choice and they should look for someone else. And between the two sides to the coin there was also...
Chuck: Why should I be chosen to be an usher? I'm Chuck Bass.
In the end Nate was chosen and Dan was annoyed at the nepotism at play. Feeling like an outsider because he lived in a poverty loft. He got more mad when it was clear that Nate knew nothing about J.L Hall. But that didn't stop Rufus Humphrey. He saw his kid be robbed of a fair chance and by a miracle was able to get him into the mixer,though not quite the position Dan hoped for.
Dan: You got me the Dartmouth spot!
Jenny: I knew you could do it dad.
Rufus: No you didn't and no I didn't. How do you feel about the refreshment committee?
Dan: Well there is no refreshment committee. Rufus: Not until now.
Rufus: What? Everybody gets thirsty; it's really a position of power.
Dan: How did you secure me this prominent and simultaneously embarrassing position?
Rufus: By offering my own services.
Dan: You're serving snacks?
Rufus: I'm the head of the entertainment committee.
Dan laughs and walks back to the sofa. He picks up his book and sits down.
Dan: Another committee that didn't exist until you left the house today.
Jenny: Way to go dad! Wait so who's the entertainment?
Rufus: Since it was such short notice the only person I could get was myself.
Dan: Kind of a stayed affair for early nineties post punk mass rock, don't ya think?
Rufus: I'm bringing a couple of the guys, it'll be Rufus unplugged.
She said sitting down on the sofa and has the garment and sewing needle back in her hand
Dan: Should I call mom and we could make this a fully fledged Humphrey affair?
Dan smiles sarcastically and Rufus sits down opposite them
Rufus: Look, I did the best I could. At least you get to officially be a part of this thing. You can talk to that author you love. Ask him anything you want.
Dan: Like his preference for soft drinks?
And then the long awaited event begins. The party is taking place outdoors and people are mingling. Gentle acoustic music playing via Rufus and other band member playing various different instruments. Dan is smiling and serving a drink for someone while Jade helps the waiters with handing out the food. Blair is talking to a Yale representative whilst nearby Nate and Chuck are laughing and talking to each other. Serena, Lily and Erik walk into the party together.
Serena,plays dirty decided to find the Yale representative and sabotage Blair's chance passive aggressively and though Blair is upset hope is not lost
Interesting choice of guests B.
Blair: It's such a pleasure; I've heard such wonderful things
Blair smiles at Dr. Ostroff and grabs his arm and leads him away. Chuck smiling at Blair who he helped with getting some intel for
Coincidence? I think not.
On a more positive note,away from the brewing chaos, Lily Van Der Woodesen sees Lian Chen
Lily: Oh Lian I just want to thank you. I honestly can't remember the last time I had a catering company where everything went as smoothly as it is right now.
Lian: I'm glad everything fit your standards. Thank you for the opportunity
Lily: I do apologize for the short notice. The other company fell through,truly the last time I use them I tell you.
Lian: I understand accidents happen,just next time call us in advance. It'll makes things much easier on the staff.
Lily: Yes of course. Won't happen again.
The blonde woman looks out and sees a young girl dressed serving.
Lily: That your daughter?
Lian: Yes that is. Jade. I told her she should focus on talking to representatives to help her already strong application but she insisted she help hand out hors d'oeuvres. Something about not wanting to get in other students way. I told her when an opportunity presents itself to be strong and take it but unfortunately she's too stubborn in her selflessness.
At the crafts table, Dan is pouring a drink for someone and we then see Nate talking to J.L Hall
J.L Hall: Oh thanks, what did you think of the epilogue?
Nate struggles to think of someone to say and stays silent for a moment
J.L Hall: Some people really love it but New York Times called it a cheap cop out. Warner Brothers is making the movie; I think they're going to change the end.
Nate: I can see how the ending wouldn't seem all that... commercial.
J.L Hall nods his head and doesn't know what to say to Nate's vague comment. Nate looks uncomfortable
Nate: Umm... Would you like something to drink?
At the table Serena goes over to Dan but he doesn't show the girl sympathy as she is using the opportunity to mess with her so called best friend because with Serena having money doesn't need to care about working hard for a scholarship or acceptance letter Dan's words hurt.
Dan continues to pour drinks as Jade gets some extra napkins
Dan: Wait a minute I do recognize you from somewhere. It was bothering me. Pie charts is really good, I go for lunch during the week and picked up a pie last year for thanksgiving. Cheapest place around but the taste you really can't beat.
Jade: Thank you. My mom enjoys hearing good reviews
Dan: So what's your first choice?
Jade: MIT but I wanted to help my mom out Additionally, I thought showing up here would be good to get some back up schools
Dan: That's smart. Keep doors open.
Dan: Dartmouth but I don't think it'll ever happen
Jade: You never know. Things change from minutes to years. It's not your end all be all
Jade: I'm going back to serve. And don't be scared to eat a bite.
She said collecting a few empty plates and napkins to throw before going back to the table
Nate reaches the table and picks up a cup. Serena says hi friendly but Nate avoids Serena's gaze and sighs. Serena looks hurt by Nate's reaction to her
Serena: Wait are you seriously not going to talk to me?
Nate sighs again and then turns towards Serena
Nate then turns back towards the table. Serena is annoyed by the way that Nate is acting
Serena looks between both Dan and Nate
Nate: Like a Dartmouth English lit professor that I have nothing in common with.
Nate: I guess I could tell him how I'm an Archibald.
He try's to be light hearted. Dan and Nate both smile at Nate's remark
Dan: You should mention Dr. Seuss. Theo Giselle was his real name, he went to Dartmouth. Hall says he got the idea for "The Petting Zoo" from the Lorex.
Nate looks really confused
Dan: Umm... you know what never mind. Just mention how his prostyle is influenced by early Faulkner and you'll be alright. Ah, or not.
Nate: I was actually going to get some fresh air, how about you take these over to him?
Nate passes two glasses over to Dan. Dan looks shocked by Nate's gesture
Dan: Alright, yeah I guess he can read my post essay for "Petting Zoo".
Dan walks away from Nate, leaving him standing by the refreshment stand. Dan nods towards Nate to thank him for the kind gesture. Dan leaves the room and approach J.L Hall's table, Dan introduces himself and offers him the drink. J.L Hall stands and shakes hands with Dan
Meanwhile Nate is at the refreshment stand looking upset. And the quiet girl shows up again. Jade stands by holding a tray
She quietly asks Nate. He flashes a genuine and charming smile at her and starts to try and chat with her
Nate: Thanks. Hmm Thats really good did your mom do these?
Jade: Yeah she did. It's a new recipe actually. We thought it would fit the occasion
Nate: Well Jade, your mom is a natural in the kitchen. If she caters all these types of events than it make one thing better about these parties
Jade: I'll try to pass the message along to her
Nate: Cool,have you talked to people yet?
Jade: No not yet, I've been focusing on serving
Nate: Well you should take a break and mingle
Jade: I'm not good at that...
Nate: Come on, I'll help you.
Jade: No you don't have to really.
Nate: Trust me it'll be nice change than sucking up to a rep for a school I don't want to go too.
After Jade slowly talks with well known names, and after encouragement from Nate who got the conversation started, Jade talks about how she's been number one on the honer roll for years and she doesn't travel lots but she spent three years during her middle school days in London
After an in-depth conversation, One gives her a compliment for her hard work and dedication
Jade: Thank you, your words are very much appreciated.
"Well we are so glad to speak with you Ms Chen, it's honestly a wonder why the school has kept you so hidden" The rep laughs,Jade giving a small nervous chuckle
Jade: I don't like to brag...
"We look forward to your application" the Ivy League school reps said before going off looking for the appetizers "now where are those salmon puffs" "have you tried the dumplings" "I like the shrimp toast" "I'm happy with the simple finger sandwiches"
Jade gives a small smile as she walks back to the refreshments to continue passing out the trays of finger foods. Meanwhile Nate sees the shy girl being successful,happy for her and leaves himself,his heart not in any of this.
Jade sees it feeling empathy for him. She undoes the desert box, even though it wasn't time to serve the sweets, and grabs him a chocolate cupcake following him
Nate turns and walks away past his father, Howie stands and looks from Nate to Dan entertaining J.L Hall outside. Howie runs after Nate and stops him by grabbing his arm roughly.
Howie: Where do you think you're going?
Howie: I don't think so, now you get back out there and finish what you started.
Nate: You mean you started. I don't want to go to Dartmouth, there I said it. Now back off!
Nate turns and angrily walks away leaving Howie behind
The soft girl said going after him with a small gift.
Jade: Thank you for your help today. If you have to leave then you at least shouldn't miss out on dessert,right? Enjoy the cupcake.
She said quietly walking back to the mixer. Nate watches he leave and looks down at the cake and smiles at it enjoying the new friendship forming. He indulges in the chocolate as he heads home.
Meanwhile Blair tries to ruin Serena by making her look like an addict and uses her going to the Ostroff Centre as a way to expose the rich blonde girl.
Blair: This year's choice is a very personal one because the centre has helped one of our own It's because of their excellent programme which aids so many young addicts and alcoholics, that a student here with us today is clean and sober... at least for now. Can I please have Serena Van Der Woodsen join me on stage?
Serena meanwhile is in a state of shock. Everyone in the crowd is very surprised and concerned by what is going on; apart from Chuck who is extremely happy and smiling widely at Blair. Blair smiles back at Chuck and then gives a dirty look to Serena. Her younger brother wanted to go up and tell the truth but the older sister stopped him to protect him.
Serena: Hi, I'm Serena Van Der Woodsen. I just wanna thank my friend Blair Waldorf for recognising the Ostroff Centre and all of the good things that they do. Thanks Blair.
She said thinking of a speech and rolling with it about forgiveness. She directed it at the best friend she wronged
Honesty may the best policy in some zip codes but not in this one and not this week cos "I Was a Teenage drսg Addict" is not exactly a winning college essay.
Serena Van der Woodsen tries to call the truth on Blair, but she isn't backing down. Dan Humphrey end up going to Serena and letting her know that if she wanted to talk to anyone he was available. Erik goes up to Blair and tells the truth. He was in the center to help with his mental health and suddenly Blair feels remorse and apologetic
Another bomb lands in Blair's lap. Will she use it as ammunition or will she finally surrender and put down her arms?
Gossip girl said to Blair finding out Erik was the one that needed help. She may be fighting with Serena but she would never take it out on or want to use her "best friends" little brother. Blair is nearly in tears and is trying to compose herself. Chuck is looking at her with a mixture of both curiosity and concern. Blair swallows a lump in her throat
Daniel ended on a good note since his copy of "The Petting Zoo" has a message from J.L Hall saying "To Dan. Hope to see you in two years".
In Chuck's Suite Nate's phone is ringing on a table. There is a trail of clothes spread over the floor and Chuck is lying sleeping in bed. The ringing of the phone awakens Chuck and he throws a pillow at Nate so that he will answer it.
The pillow hits the ground near Nate and he wakes up. Nate looks at the phone and picks it up. He reads the Caller ID and sighs, he then answers it
Nate: Hello? Oh yeah, I'll be right there.
Nate ends the call and then returns the phone to the table that it was previously sitting on.
Chuck: Where the hell could you possibly have to be right now?
Nate: I'm late for a run with my dad.
Nate reaches for a napkin that is sitting on the table in front of him. He reads what is on it and then turns to Chuck
Chuck: Jersey girls. Let's just say they're the Princeton tigers for a reason.
Nate stands up and pulls his vest on over his bare chest Nate laughs at Chuck's remark. He then picks up his phone from the table
Nate: Alright, I'll see ya.
Nate walks out of the room and Chuck gives him a small wave from his bed
In Central Park Nate is walking up some stairs and is met up the top by Howie and J.L Hall
Howie: Hey, good to see ya son! Turns out Jeff's a runner too.
J.L Hall: I would never have mentioned it if I knew he'd have me out here this early.
J.L Hall leans forward and shakes hands with Nate
J.L Hall: I'm glad to see you're feeling better.
Howie: Nate, I was just telling Jeff about your little bout of food poisoning last night. Guess that's what happens when you try a new food company to host your event
Nate looks at his father with a confused expression on his face, regardless, Nate wasn't going to let a false word get out about Jade's mothers business
Nate: It wasn't any of the food at the party. That cafe has quickly become my favorite.
Howie: My bad,must have been something you had earlier. What do you say kiddo? Wanna show him how it's done?
Howie: Nate is the captain of his Lacrosse team as well as being an All Star Cross Country runner.
Howie nudges J.L Hall on the arm and they begin to run out of shot together. Nate is left standing, confused by his father's actions. Nate then walks after them
At the bakery,Jade worked on her day off since the shop was busy
Lian: Did you have a good time last night?
Jade: I did,I'm so glad everything was successful with us
Lian: And the schools you talked too,did you get any other choices?
Jade: I think I have Columbia and Cornell as back ups
Lian: I'm glad. Now don't stay here too long. I'm sure you'll have other things on your schedule
The sentence her daughter just said was worth more than the success of the business
Jade: I'll work till three
Lian: Your shift is ending at one. Your mother's orders
Spotted in Central Park: Two white flags waving. Could an Upper East Side peace accord be far off? So what will it be? Truce or consequences? We all know one nation can't have two queens. What happens next? Only time will tell. XOXO Gossip Girl.
Gossip girl says in response to Blair and Serena making up at a secluded spot in park. Blair apologizing for all her actions she has done to Serena up till this point. And Serena Van Der Woodsen once again apologized for keeping secrets and not trying to keep in touch.
