DAUGHTER OF THE MOON

Stop— [ She held her hand up pre-emptively regardless of what they were actually going to say ] If this is about whether or not Frankie Vives is returning to FNB, it’s way too early for me to even get into it so just re-think before you speak.

Oh no. He’s definitely not coming back [realizing that’s harsh, she stops and backtracks]. I mean, not for a while, at least. We want to keep the fans begging for it. Predicting it. Guessing that he’s coming back every time we hint at a new character being introduced. And then we’ll wait until ratings week for the next season. That’s how you play the long game.

Avery Archibald is everything one would expect the daughter of Serana van der Woodsen and Nate Archibald to be. She’s kind, beautiful, and she tries her best to be a good person. Unfortunately (for both Avery and the UES), she’s also got two very inconvenient flaws: she’s flighty, and she lies. Like, a lot. The first is manageable. Thanks to her parents wide net of connections, she’s never been lacking in close companions who know her well enough to not be phased by months of unanswered text messages or unplanned disappearances across the world. But the second is slightly harder to deal with.

The lies are small, usually, fibbing the details of a story or making up an interaction with someone, so she gets away with an airheaded giggle if someone points out the inconsistencies. Because of this, most people never even realize that the things she’s saying are lies. Her avid imagination and ability to create detailed stories off the top of her head did help her through school, however, and several of her teachers pushed her to pursue writing as a career. Avery had never cared much about school, though, so, despite getting into Cornell and NYU, she decided to start writing a book.

Fast forward three years and Avery’s the published bestselling author of two YA franchises (one of which was called “a modern day Harry Potter” by the New York Times--not that she ever works that into her conversations). Her swift rise to fame has made her the name to know in fantasy circles right now, which prompted the producers of Friday Night Bites to call her in as a script consultant for a few of their episodes. Deciding their writers room was too messy, she decided to stick around and give them notes for the rest of the season (nobody’s really sure how they feel about that yet).

FACTS:

21 years old

Popular novelist and current scriptwriter for FNB

Daughter of Serena van der Woodsen and Nate Archibald

FC: Christian Serratos

She adores her parents, but they need to stop trying to make friends for her

Has last-minute cancelled every book signing so far (her agent hates her)

CONNECTIONS:

Holly Abrams: the first, best, and favorite friend in Avery’s life, Holly’s been there for every first she’s had. At every twist and turn they’ve been HollyandAvery--mostly because of their mother’s insistence that they have weekly playdates.

I am, I am a buzzkill and if it wouldn’t break my parents heart I would legally change my name to that. Avoiding fun is what I do. [ laughs against her better judgement ] Stop or not only will I tag you in all my Insta posts but I’ll hashtag spiral in every single one of them.

That I have no problem believing. I guess on a long list of things that are a waste of time, ‘being mad at Serena van der Woodsen’ is top 10. … Alright, fine. Twist my arm, again but there better be a little umbrella in it or what’s the point?

Hey, you can always get it started as a nickname, right? No parental knowledge, no shame. Mhh, well, get used to the fun coming to you, then. ‘Cause I will not leave you alone until you do something at least somewhat entertaining today. [makes a funny face] It’s your choice, Tessa, you can pick ring toss or karaoke. But you have to choose one. Gasp, now that’s a threat. But honestly, my reputations been hit with worse and still bounced back, so I think I’ll be okay. Do your worst.

No matter how apprehensive Eric was about starting his life over again, even just hearing Serena’s voice calmed him in a way that he couldn’t even explain.  Despite having so many things that he just couldn’t quite tell her, he still trusted her more than any other person.  He turned his face to her and let out a small laugh.  "I was actually enjoying being away from that for awhile,” he said honestly, but his lips twisted up into a bigger smirk as she just went on anyway.

He didn’t even really get a chance to process what she was saying either, not really before she said that.  And it wasn’t so much that she said it really, Eric hardly noticed.  It was more the way she gasped and her face just feel that really hurt, stung this place inside of him that made him feel…broken.  Like no one would ever be able to have a normal conversation with him again.  God, it sucked. 

Eric took a breath and smiled again, a little more forced and reached out to grab Serena’s arm gently and give it a comforting squeeze.  "It’s fine,“ he said, his voice just slightly on edge.  "Really.  It’s fine.  And it does sound…like that, as if my sister couldn’t claw herself up from anything and be on top regardless the situation,” he finished cheerfully.  But there was still that too cheerful edge to Serena’s voice and it made that thing in Eric’s gut clench just a little tighter.  "Not really surprised by that,“ he added about their mother having a new boyfriend and gave his sister a wry smile.  "I don’t know if I can make it through another wedding though, I need at least a couple years to get over the last one.”  Eric felt his smile slid into something a little more genuine and he turned and pulled his sister into his arms and hugged her tightly for a moment.  "I missed you too.  Don’t worry so much okay?  I’m fine.  I’m pretty much fine.“

She didn’t mention her own arrest, or anything else bad about her own life, because she really was trying to change, and Eric didn’t need to know the details of everything she’d been doing wrong on that journey so far. But Nate’s life was free game, and as awful as it was, she was glad to have something else--anything else--to talk to her brother about. “Yeah, I guess that must have been pretty nice, huh?” She said softly, thinking of her own time spent away from the city, without having to think about or worry about what was happening back home. Of course, she’d ended up in worse trouble for it, when everything had changed around her. Eric included.

It felt like she’d swallowed a shard of glass, pain sharp and acute near her heart as she tried to smile back at her brother. It wasn’t okay, not really, and it never would be. She loved Eric more than anything, but that didn’t mean she knew how to talk to him anymore. “It’s not. I should have been here, I should have--I’m sorry.” She said, because what else was there to say? She’d left him all lone to handle everything without her, and she couldn’t say anything that would fix that. Nobody could. “I...Yeah, I guess I have been able to do that before. But I’m not sure I can do that anymore. Everything just keeps breaking, Eric.” And it’s not fair for her to burden him with any of it, to ask him to take some of her pain and add it to the pain he’s already carrying, but she’s felt so goddamn alone these past few months, and he’s always been there for her. “I feel like we’re breaking, Eric.”

I think that pun was just a little bit intended but yeah, it’s good. Nice. Time to trade out my v-necks for the hazy ball of light look full-time or…? You’re the fashion expert here.

[ Just for good measure, he smiled back just as fondly and added another- ] Hey. Oh man, how could we? Chuck’s birthday photographer from that Harry Potter party would be so disappointed with us right now. You can’t “sm-eyes” with your eyes closed. [ Laughs ] I’d have to conduct a full investigation if that happened. I’ve [ he did the typical ‘I’m watching you’ gesture ] got my eye on you, Miss van der Woodsen. I don’t know… I kinda like the first one.

It was, but I’ll deny it if you ever tell anyone it was. No more v-necks ever? I have to admit I’ve gotten a bit....attached to them at this point. So even if they aren’t always in fashion, they’re classic and very you. We’re keeping them [she grins and enjoys the way her heart does a little fluttery thing whenever she refers to them as a we].

Veronica, just brought out of deep thought, was genuinely surprised to see who it was speaking to her. “O-M-G. You’re Serena van der Woodsen. Huge fan. Seriously, your outfits are always so on point. Total fashion icon.” Roni stuck her hand out to shake the blonde’s, “I’m Veronica Ravenwood. Roni for short.”

“Uh--yeah. That’s me.” It was always disconcerting when someone knew her that she didn’t know, but after all of the recent drama she’d been struggling through, it kind of made sense. “Thanks, I try to mix it up and keep it fun, but you know, there’s only so much you can do when everyone in town is sampling from the same seven designers for their wardrobe staples. You must be, too, that outfit is incredible.” Serena said as she shook Roni’s hand. “Nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you, actually. Having you at Constance has really caused quite the uproar, I think.”

Okay, you got me there. Excuses do help though, ie: my birthday like you said so I wouldn’t not save the date. Not sure if I can top the whole ball-slash-arrest thing baby Archie had going on but I’ll try and make seventeen as special as ever.

Hi, Serena.

MhhHMm, I so knew it. I’ll make sure to clear my calendar for the whole week in case you decide to throw something really wild. Oh god, that was awful, I don’t think we’re quite ready to joke about it. At least, not anywhere Nate could hear. You could probably get away with stealing a cop car or flashing a priest or something, that might just top it.

Oh, don’t let me stop you. I can wait if you want more time in there. Party’s only just started, after all. Plenty of time for me to practice my pout.

Oh yeah, it wasn’t you. I don’t really take photos.

It’s no problem really, whatever makes it easier for you. Uh-Oh. Um, are y-you sure? I don’t want to ruin your photo or I even your insta feed. A boomerang?

How do you remember all the great things you’ve done? I’m such a Gen Z kid, but I have to document everything.

Don’t worry, I was actually just coming over to let you know that I asked and it’s definitely too late to pull my questionnaire. Which, BTW, totally your fault van der Woodsen. 

But I forgive you. You’re on thin ice but… I forgive you.

Oh, you asked? Oh my god, you’re such a buzzkill, Cooper, stop trying to avoid the fun. It might stop knocking on your door. I take complete credit for it, feel free to blame me for all of the fun you have tonight. And make sure to tag me in all your insta posts.

Serena really was a literal angel and Dan knew it by the way she’d so easily agreed to help him, as if his presence wasn’t actually a bother like it was to most people on the Upper East Side. Namely Chuck and Blair. “Hey, that doesn’t matter to me. At least I’m learning something brand new.” He slid into the seat next to Serena without missing a beat. “What’s the next step? To smile?”

Dan was a nice guy in a city full of assholes, and honestly that meant Serena had never really paid him much attention. She had a type of guy she paid attention to, and that type was usually entitled, pretty, and stupid. But when Dan looked at her like she was offering him her kidney instead of just showing him how to work a photobooth, she wondered how many other people had been overlooking him, too. “Hey, if you really like it, maybe you’ll get one for your room. Not that a photobooth is what I’d consider practical decoration, but I’m hardly an expert. My mom replaced our chandelier with a pair of hanging ceramic lips. She says they’re art deco, but I think she’s wrong.” Serena laughed. “Well, we should do one with a smile, but the hallmark of a photobooth photostrip is the goofy faces you make. So we’ll have to do one of those next.”

Are you… turning down an offer for me to go in with you?

Yeah, like I’m gonna pass up on what is basically a fancy sex party if everyone honors their commitments and plays nice. You know who you got yet?

No, it’s my not so subtle way of telling you I can and will sacrifice you to Blair if she comes anywhere near us with a professional photographer. It’s a dog eat dog world out there, van der Woodsen, I’m preparing you. 

Oh god. I feel for the girl or guy who gets paired with you. How exactly do you tell Chuck Bass that you don’t want him to feel you up in the corner of a dark photobooth? I don’t, but I’m hoping I got someone I already know pretty well. Maybe not you, though, hope you don’t mind.

“Don’t be silly, S. They could have waited a minute longer.”

“They could have, but we’ve taken a hundred. Okay, maybe not a hundred, but we’ve taken a lot. And we know we look good, so. We can let somebody else have their fun. Do you want to get a mocktail or go Hug Some Pugs?”

Uh-I- I didn’t want it it’s okay. No need to clear it for me.

Oh, I could take the photo for you if you want. It might make it easier to actually photobooth it kind of. Less work on your part?

Are you sure? I know I didn’t make it sound great, but it is a lot of fun.