You weren’t expecting much when you got to school. Same cliques. Same whispers. Same rejection from Blair Waldorf’s inner circle. But something was different this time. Something blonde, tall, and glowing like a golden scandal.

Serena van der Woodsen was back.

You saw her first on the Met steps—just like in the photos and whispers. Her legs stretched long beneath a cream trench, sunglasses perched perfectly, and beside her: Blair, barely smiling.

They weren’t talking. Not really. Not like they used to. You felt the tension from the sidewalk. Something was off. Something had happened.

And you? You were just a shadow. The quiet girl with books for friends and headphones for company. You were the kind of girl Blair wouldn’t even side-eye. The kind of girl Serena used to fly past like light through glass.

But then her eyes flicked to yours.

And she smiled.

Just once. Just enough to make your heart skip—and enough for Gossip Girl to notice.

Spotted: S. back on the Met steps, but no Queen B welcome wagon. Looks like the Upper East Side’s golden girl has a new mystery on her mind. A bookworm with Converse and secrets? Let’s just say… Blair’s party might not be the only place S. wants to go tonight.

Your phone buzzed.

NO invite to Blair’s party. NO social status to speak of. And yet… Serena van der Woodsen just looked at you like you were the only girl on the map.

Welcome to the Upper East Side, sweetheart. You’re in the game now.

And you know I’ll be watching. XOXO — Gossip Girl.