Chapter 2.

2002. Mansion van der Bilt, New York.

My grandfather, Charles Van der Bilt, the patriarch, was in his element, greeting guests with a smile and a kind word. When he saw me, his face lit up with a mixture of pride and affection, and he pulled me into a warm embrace.

"Alexander, my dear grandson, how good it is to see you," he said in a deep but affectionate voice. "You have grown so much since we last saw each other."

"Happy birthday grandfather, you still look the same. "I tell him jokingly. 

"Here you go, your presents." I tell him as I pull out two small boxes wrapped in wrapping paper. "The cheapest one is mine, I bought it before it came out thanks to dad with my savings from mowing the lawn" I say as he opens the gift, a Nokia 7650. "I think you'll find it useful.

"Thank you son, I see you worked hard to give it to me." He says as he smiles

"And the other one is part of my parents, I picked it out myself. "And the crown jewel in watches, a Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon.

"Thank you Charles, Victoria." Says my grandfather as he takes off his watch and puts it on to replace it." Looks good doesn't it? Haha. 

As I wandered around the party, I ran into my cousins Nate and Tripp, who were immersed in a lively conversation with some friends. We greeted each other enthusiastically and soon found ourselves engaged in a discussion.

"Looks like the dotcoms are all going down this year, finally." Nate comments.

"It was a long time coming, we'll see what happens to WorldCom this year." Tripp comments. "What do you think Alex?

'I know it's going to collapse from my earlier recollections, but I better say something generic so as not to alarm people.'

"Who knows." I say heavily.

< --- >

After a few hours of pleasant and not so pleasant conversations with others of my relatives and family friends, the harmony of the evening was interrupted when a heated discussion erupted between some distant relatives and my aunt, a shrewd and ambitious woman who had always been known for her ability to manipulate situations to her advantage.

The discussion revolved around my parents and their business success, which had generated some envy and resentment among some family members. My aunt, in an attempt to curry favor with my grandfather, began to openly criticize my parents, insinuating that their fortune was the result of dependence on the family patriarch.

'This lady... how I feel like destroying her' I think, repressing my urge to yell at her.

Unexpectedly, my grandfather heard her and shouted "Enough, you get out of my house" pointing at the judgmental aunt. 

"Thank you father, but I think we're going to go, we've had enough partying for today, Happy birthday again. " says my father to grandfather. "Come on son" he says to me.

"Okay son, I'll call you tomorrow to discuss some things. " says grandpa.

< --- >

2002. Manhattan, New York.

After we left the family mansion, we alerted our family's head of security, Jacob, to retreat to the family Penthouse, at 1136 Fifth Avenue just off Central Park.

Getting out of the limo, I grabbed my backpack from the trunk of the car Jacob was driving, where I carried what I needed so I wouldn't be bored wherever I was, a few comic books, a book on human anatomy, 'if I want to be a doctor in this life' and a game boy advance with pokemon ruby.

"Alex?" a little Blair in a dress that would cost more than a normal person's entire closet says to me. 

Running up to me in a big hug.

"Blair? How are you?" I say with a smile. 

"Good evening, Mr. Waldorf" I say as I look at the man behind Blair.

"Good, good. It's been a long time since I've seen you Alex. You've grown up again. You're looking good. " he says to me as he takes a shy step back.

"You look good too Blair" then I quickly say "Nice dress."

"Thank you! My mom designed it for me, what are you doing in New York, didn't you tell me you weren't coming here until you were in high school?" she tells me with a look of pity and intrigue.

"I came for my grandfather's birthday. I didn't know I was coming before. But I told you I wasn't going to Live, not come." I tell her as I stroke her brown hair. "Let's go inside it's cold."

"You want to stay home for dinner with your dad today and we can catch up" I say softly. "No problem no, mom? "I say to my mother who was following us with a smile as she listened to our conversation. 

"No problem, but if it's no problem for Mr. Waldorf." Comments my mother.

"Of course not! But call me, Harold!" he says cheerfully,

"GREAT!" says Blair. 

"Come on, you don't want your dress ruined by the cold," I say, leading her towards the entrance of the building.

We went upstairs together to the penthouse, where luxury and comfort blended perfectly. My mother, Victoria, who had pleaded before we went upstairs, approached us and greeted Harold with a warm smile.

"Harold, it's a pleasure to have you here. I hope you enjoy dinner," she said.

"Thank you, Victoria. I'm sure it will be a lovely evening," Harold replied, returning the smile.

We settled into the dining room, where a table was set with a variety of delectable dishes in advance for the 3 of us, but it seemed a bit sparse for 5, although I'm sure my mother had already spoken to the staff. Blair sat down next to me, still excited about our unexpected reunion.

"What have you been up to lately, Alex?" asked Blair as she helped herself to some salad.

"Well, other than studying, reading and playing games, not much. I got bumped up to Advanced Calculus and Advanced Biology at school, so I've been pretty busy," I replied, trying not to sound too cocky.

"Wow, that sounds impressive! I've been busy with ballet classes and my mother's fashion events," Blair said, with his characteristic tone of pride.

Dinner passed uneventfully, with light conversation and sporadic laughter. Harold and my parents discussed mundane things, while Blair and I reminisced about moments from our childhood.

After dinner, we headed to the living room, where Blair and I sat on the couch. She looked at me curiously.

"Alex, how do you like living in California? I always thought New York was your place," Blair said, with a mixture of nostalgia and curiosity.

"California is different, but it also has its charm. I like the quiet and the weather. But, New York will always have a special place in my heart," I replied, sincerely.

"I'm glad to hear that. I always thought you were a true New Yorker," she said with a smile.

As we chatted, I could hear my parents and Harold talking in the other room.

"Victoria, I heard about what happened at your father-in-law's birthday party, you know how rumors work around here. It's the worst of the worst." said Harold quietly.

"I know, Harold. But we're used to dealing with these things. My father has always been fair with us, even if some family members don't understand it," my father replied.

Blair and I stood in silence for a moment, listening to our parents' words. She looked at me with a serious expression.

"Is it always like this in your family, Alex? It seems very stressful," Blair said empathetically.

"Sometimes. But I've learned to handle it. I don't let other people's criticism and envy get to me too much," I replied, trying to show a nonchalant attitude.

"That's good to hear. I'm glad to know you're not alone in all this," Blair said, taking my hand in a gesture of support.

The evening continued with more conversation and laughter, and soon it was time to say goodbye. Harold and Blair got up to leave, and my mother walked them to the door.

"Thank you for coming, Harold. Blair, it's always a pleasure to see you," my mother said with a smile.

"Thank you for dinner, Victoria, Charles. See you soon," Harold replied, shaking my mother's hand.

"See you, Alex. Don't take so long," Blair said, giving me a quick hug.

"I promise we'll see each other more often, if you invite me to your annual birthday party I'll come." I replied with a smile.

After they left, I stayed in the living room, reflecting on the evening. Although it had been an evening full of ups and downs, I felt better after a dinner with nice people. 

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