Beyond The Words | Chapter 30 | Epilogue
Chapter 30 | Epilogue
All my life Ive been waiting
For you to bring a fairytale my way
6 Months Later
Jenny opened her eyes to the clearest sky she’d ever seen, the sun was at it’s highest, the sky a beautiful shade of blue, after stretching for a few seconds Jenny made her over to her mirror, observing the skinny frame looking back at her. Today was her 18th birthday, she was finally 18. Finally free to do whatever she wanted, sure her father could poke his nose into her business whenever he felt like it, and make comments and pass his judgements but he could no longer hold her back, Jenny was free. Running her hands up her stomach and over her breasts, Jenny didn’t really feel any different. She didn’t feel like a woman, she felt like regular old Jenny Humphrey the girl she’d always been - just with slightly bigger boobs. Running her hands through her hair, she admired her new hair cut. Jenny had been dying to cut her locks ever since she returned to the City, 6 months ago… wow had it really been that long ago? It seemed like yesterday she was saving Caveman - Nate from his drunken habits and was hearing him tell her how much he loved her, actually the second part he still did often, whenever he saw her infact and Jenny never got tired off hearing it - nor would she ever.
Yawning, Jenny pulled down Nate’s T shirt she had hanging off her thin body, walking over to her bed side cabinet she pulled out Nate’s letter from the top drawer. Curling herself up in bed, she smiled as she read each perfect word, this had become a daily ritual now, every morning when she woke up she’d read Nate’s letter or sometimes get Nate to read it to her… which drove Nate crazy, but he did it anyway they didn’t even need it anymore both had memorized the thing word for word, but Jenny couldn’t stop herself holding onto it tightly whenever she traced his words, his words to her. Licking her lips she heard a commotion coming from the kitchen, frowning she put the letter back into her drawer before getting out of bed and following the noise. She was sure it was her Father and Lilly preparing her birthday morning wake up, Jenny had decided to spend her last night as a 17 year old on the Upper East Side, all her family were here and she was closer to Nate.
Tucking her hair behind her ear, Jenny smiled broadly as she saw her Father and Nate rise from the couch. They’d clearly stopped whatever they were talking about due to Jenny’s arrival but Jenny didn’t care, she was too distracted by the fluttering in her stomach the second she saw Nate.
“Happy Birthday Jenny!”, Rufus shouted locking his daughter in a tight embrace.
“Um, Dad, oxygen… lack of it.” Jenny squealed pulling a face at Nate causing him to laugh coyly.
“Im sorry, I just I cant believe my little girl’s all grown up now.”
Jenny smiled at her father, before her eyeline quickly made it’s way back to Nate and his perfect features. Noticing his daughter’s lack of interest in him, and her fascination with the guy standing behind him, Rufus stepped aside letting Jenny get past him.
Biting her lip gently, Jenny watched as Nate made his way up to her smirking. Kissing her cheek gently, Nate rested his cheek against hers.
“Happy Birthday beautiful”, he whispered sending shivers and electric shocks through Jenny’s body.
“Thanks”, Jenny replied looking down suddenly feeling shy, her and Nate had been together for half a year now and the guy still made her blush. Clearing her throat she looked up at her boyfriend.
“What are you doing here?”, she asked gazing into his eyes.
“Jenny it’s your birthday! Cant I come see my girlfriend on her 18th birthday?”, Nate replied before reaching behind him and picking up a card and a small wrapped up present. “Plus, I come with gifts.”
“Ooh!”, taking the card from Nate she opened it quickly reading the contents inside.
Jenny,
Happy 18th Baby!
I love you with all my heart,
Nate x
Simple, but yet somehow insanely perfect. That was Nate. Jenny thought to herself smiling. Taking the gift from him, Jenny raised it to her ear before shaking it quickly.
Nate laughed. “Would you just open it?!”
Smirking, Jenny unwrapped the small present anxiously, before opening the small parcel up revealing the beautiful bracelet it possessed. Running her fingers over it she noticed the inscription inside - Mine Forever.
“Nate this is beautiful!”, Jenny whispered looking up at him.
Nate smiled weakly, “Im glad you like it.”
“I love it!”
“Well here, put it on”, taking the box from Jenny he took out the small silver bracelet before placing it on her left wrist. Fastening it up, he kissed Jenny’s hand.
“Perfect.”
“Yeah it is”, Jenny replied admiring it, it really did look great on her wrist.
“I wasn’t talking about the bracelet.” Nate whispered coyly, a sudden twinkle forming in his eyes.
Jenny laughed pushing him back gently. “Your cheesy…”
“No Im not”, Nate replied smiling. “Im just in love.”
Jenny found her mouth falling open slightly as Nate’s lips got closer to hers, feelings his hot breath on her face the chills in her body returned each one, more intense than the last.
Nate slanted his lips gently over hers, fully aware of the fact her father was still in the room. Grabbing Jenny’s waist, he couldn’t resist pulling her closer to him, tighter against his chest.
“Ok you two, these are not the things a father wants to see.” Rufus yelled from the kitchen.
Pulling away, Jenny scanned Nate’s face jealous of how perfect it actually was. She could think of a million things she hated about herself, but not one thing about Nate. Shaking her head, she shook herself out of his trance grabbing his hand and leading him into the kitchen with her father.
“So what are we having for breakfast?”, Jenny asked watching Nate sit down on one of the stools before sitting on his lap.
“Actually I was thinking we could all go out for breakfast”, Rufus replied taking a sip of his coffee.
“Really?”
“Yeah, it’s not everyday a girl turns 18 - lets celebrate it.”
“Thanks Dad! Your coming right?”, Jenny replied looking at Nate.
“Jen, I think Im gonna have to pass on that one. Ive got stuff I need to sort out before tonight.”
“Stuff? What kind of stuff, Nate come on I want you there!”, Jenny replied pouting at her boyfriend.
“Just stuff, important stuff. I’ll see you tonight though Ok?”, rising from his stool Nate set Jenny down before straightening his shirt.
“Your leaving now?”, Jenny asked frowning up at him - this wasn’t like him. What was wrong with him?
“Yeah, Im sorry there’s something I need to check.”
“But-”
“Jenny let Nate go, he said he has to do stuff so you should let him.” Rufus intervened looking at his daughter and her boyfriend.
Jenny frowned, looking over the counter at her father.
“I’ll see you later Ok?”, Nate said before kissing her on the forehead.
Watching him leave, Jenny began playing the bracelet he’d just given her.
That was a little weird.
….
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”, the crowded room of people shouted causing Jenny to take a step back shocked.
“Wow…”, Jenny muttered, tucking her hair behind her ear she felt embarrassed she hated all the attention being on her.
“Happy birthday Jenny”, Lilly said locking her daughter in a tender embrace.
“Thank you”, looking around the room she couldn’t help admire all the effort her family had put into it.
“Lilly, this all looks amazing.”
“Well only the best for my step daughter.”
“Hey I’d like to take some of the credit too.” Rufus muttered, walking over to his daughter. Jenny laughed wrapping her arms around her Dad. “Happy birthday kiddo.”
“Thanks Dad”, Jenny whispered before letting go off her father and looking around the room. It was filled with faces she didn’t know, much like her disaster of a 16th, although tonight Jenny didn’t seem to mind all that much, her 17th hadn’t exactly been all that great her father wasn’t speaking to her, Eric and Serena hated her, and Nate completely forgot - how things could change in a few months.
Smoothing down her dress, Jenny noticed there was no sign of Nate. It wasn’t like him to be late, especially on her birthday. Frowning she began opening the presents her father had shoved in front of her.
Smiling broadly Jenny turned to face her Dad. “Dad a sewing machine!”
“Ah, that one is from your mother. She knew you’d thrown your old one out, and the one you had in Hudson wasn’t exactly up to your standards.”
Jenny shook her head, running her hands along the machine. It had been so long since she’d used one now, being back in New York it was like everything distracted her, Nate distracted her. Maybe she’d forgotten how to use one now?!
“I think it’s time you got back into what you do best.” Rufus said, putting a hand on his daughters shoulder.
Jenny nodded her head, before turning her attention to Eric who was approaching her with Mood bags filled with materials. Placing them down in front of her, Jenny laughed noticing he was out of breath.
“And since your 18 now, there’s nothing really stopping you from starting your own line.” Eric mumbled breathless.
“Yeah like Dad.” Dan muttered, causing the group to laugh.
“Hey, I like to keep an attentive eye on my children thank you very much!”
“Oh and there’s some more things.” Serena giggled passing her present to Jenny. Taking the gift from her she unwrapped it quickly.
“Brand new sketch pads and pens and stuff, I don’t know what you use but the guy in the store said this was all the top stuff so…”
“Yeah, thanks Serena this is, this is really amazing.”
“No problem.” Serena replied hugging Jenny. “The world Is your oyster!” She yelled, clapping her hands together.
Jenny laughed. “You guys, this is incredible! Thank you all so much.”
“Yeah wait till you see Nate’s gift.” Eric mumbled causing Serena to elbow him in the ribs. Jenny arched her brows, looking at Eric.
“What’s going on?”, she asked observing their faces.
“Nothing, let’s go meet some people.” Serena quickly replied, grabbing Jenny’s hand and leading her around the room.
Jenny couldn’t help but question what Eric had said. Nate’s gift? She’d already gotten the earrings and the card, what else was there? Looking around the room, Jenny was thankful there was no sign of Blair or Chuck. Serena must have instructed them not to come tonight, thank god.
Pulling out her cell phone she had no missed calls or texts from Nate, where was he?! Maybe something had happened to him, maybe there had been an accident. Maybe…
“OK! I cant contain this anymore, here Ive been instructed to give you this.” Serena laughed passing Jenny an envelope.
Taking the envelope from her step sister, Jenny opened it slowly immediately recognising the handwriting - it was Nate’s. Looking up at Serena, Jenny frowned, confused.
“I’ll just leave you in peace.” Serena whispered, brushing past Jenny.
Turning her attention back to the letter, Jenny licked her lips as she read the words.
Jenny,
Happy Birthday beautiful. I really hope you’ve enjoyed your day so far, you deserve it. I told Serena to give you this letter with certainty you’d get it, this time on time and not two years late. (Vanessa I swear to god if your reading this…)
Jenny giggled, sitting on the couch slowly. She turned her attention back to the letter.
I remember the first conversation we ever shared, that night on the steps. I knew you were special, I knew you were different. For the first time in my life, someone listened to me without judgement, without looking at their watch waiting until I’ d finished my sentence, you understood me, made me feel like I was sane, and stopped me making one of the worst mistakes of my life. That night started something beautiful, something so unique. Our friendship meant the world to me, your happiness became my focus, your safety my obsession. Who knew in the end I would end up hurting you more than anyone?
Im writing this letter to tell you how much you mean to me, how in love with you I really am. How Ive always been in love with you I was just too blind to see it at first. I know weve been through a lot, I know Ive hurt you, Ive let you down, but I need you to know that us - me and you, means everything to me. Your always talking about how I save you, how I come to your rescue but honestly… you’ve saved me too Jenny. Whenever Ive needed you, you’ve been there, you’ve listened and Im so happy that were finally getting our shot, because in my eyes, it’s well overdue. Im just sorry you had to wait so long.
So Jenny Humphrey, our forever begins now. Look over at the elevator, you’ll see a tall guy dressed in a black suite with a really bad 80’s hair cut. That’s Derek, he’s gonna be your driver for tonight.
Jenny frowned, looking up from the letter and as Nate had said there was a guy standing near the elevator. Standing up slowly, she began making her way over to him reading the last of the letter as she did so.
Your not going to know where your going, Derek will not tell you, nobody will, just enjoy the ride. And I’ll see you very soon.
I love you
Nate x
Jenny folded up the letter, standing in front of the mysterious man. “Derek, right?”
“That’s right. You ready to go Miss Humphrey?”, he replied pressing the button for the elevator.
“Um…”, Jenny turned to find Serena and Eric urging her to go with him, huge grins plastered on their faces.
“Ok…”, Jenny replied stepping inside the elevator. This was getting even weirder.
….
Resting back against the seat, Jenny glanced out of the Limo window. Immediately recognising the location they were driving past, Jenny sat up in her seat - the steps, the place Nate was talking about, their first ever unofficial date took place on those very steps. They then drove past the Palace, memories of the Gala, of the fashion show and her and Nate’s kiss crept back into her mind. Smiling, Jenny looked down at the letter in her hand, as Derek drove past it slowly - she was sure this was planned.
It didn’t take them long to reach their destination after that.
“Were here Miss Humphrey, Ive been informed to tell you to go to the 18th floor.” Derek muttered looking in his rear view mirror.”
“Ok… thank you”, Jenny replied getting out of the Limo she looked up at the Apartments. She’d never been here before. Making her way into the building, she smiled at the doorman before getting into the elevator - instructing it to take her to the 18th floor. Pacing the elevator, Jenny’s heart began to beat unhealthily, she was feeling anxious now, what was Nate planning?
Getting out of the elevator, Jenny walked down the corridor nervously suddenly realising she didn’t know what apartment to go to, noticing a white rose placed outside one of the doors, Jenny gulped pushing open the door. Slowly making her way inside, she was taken aback by the beautiful scenery. The place was filled with candles, and roses it was all so perfect. Smiling weakly, she saw Nate approaching from one of the rooms.
“So, what dya think?”, Nate asked smiling at Jenny.
“Nate, this is… it’s beautiful”, she replied struggling for words. “Is this what you’ve been doing all day?”
“Pretty much yeah. I wanted everything to be perfect.”
“It is perfect, it’s so perfect”, Jenny muttered scanning the apartment.
“Im glad you like it, cause… this is gonna be our home.”
Jenny shot Nate a confused look. “Our home? Nate did you buy this place?”
“Yep, a couple days ago. I was trying to figure out whether to get a place in Brooklyn or Manhattan but the second I saw this, I knew it was amazing for us.”
“Can we really do this? I mean move in together?”
“Of course we can, your 18 now you can do whatever you want”, Nate replied winking at his girlfriend.
“I cant believe you did this!”, Jenny laughed running her hands through her hair. “It’s incredible we have a home! We have our own couch, and our own kitchen… our own bedroom.”
Nate raised an eyebrow at Jenny playfully causing her to giggle.
“Well the surprises aren’t over just yet.” Nate took Jenny’s hand. “Follow me.” Leading Jenny out onto the balcony, Jenny looked over the railings, admiring the beautiful scenery that the City had to offer, no other place in the world took her breath away like this place did.
“Wow”, Jenny whispered looking out into the distance. “It’s so beautiful out here.”
“Yeah it is.” Nate looked at Jenny. “Ok wait here.”
“Where are you going?!”, Jenny laughed turning to face Nate.
“I’ll be right back.”
She watched as he ran quickly back into the apartment, turning her attention back to City, Jenny inhaled the air. Tonight was so perfect, their were no clouds, just a clear sky, the stars sparkled in the distance. Jenny scanned the sky, counting the stars she tried to figure out which star would be for her and Nate. Hearing commotion behind her, Jenny turned to find Nate carrying a small birthday cake with a candle in the middle. Giggling she watched as Nate approached her, trying not to drop the cake.
“Aren’t you gonna sing?”, she laughed.
“Have you heard my singing?”
“Umm no, I don’t think I have actually.”
“Well, that’s something you can look forward to in the future Humphrey.” Nate stood in front of Jenny. “Now close your eyes and make a wish.”
“My wish already came true”, Jenny whispered gazing into Nate’s eyes.
“So make another one.”
Closing her eyes, Jenny blew out her candle. She knew that only one candle meant one wish but she decided to be greedy and wish for two things. 1, to be with Nate Archibald for the rest of her life. And 2, to finally hit the big time in fashion.
Opening her eyes she smiled at Nate, watching as he put the cake down onto the table.
“Now, it’s time for your next surprise.”
“More surprises? Nate was else could you possibly do to surprise me?”
Smiling coyly, Nate reached into his trouser pocket pulling out a mysterious object and placing it in the palm of Jenny’s hand.
Jenny frowned, looking down at her hand she immediately recognised what was resting in it. The small blue box from 4 years ago, the one Nate had shown her on the steps that night. Jenny froze, her mouth falling open, she couldn’t move, couldn’t speak. Was this real?
“Jenny…”, Nate rested his hand over the box. “I love you so much, I think about you all the time, my heart ache’s when Im not around you, nobody understands me like you do, nobody makes me feel so… complete. One look from you, and I feel like I can do anything, I can be anything… your all I need. Nothing else matters to me anymore.”
Jenny shook her head in shock, looking up into Nate’s eyes, she felt her knees giving way fighting the urge to fall over, she lost herself in Nate’s gaze… in his words.
“Look I know were young, and we have our whole lives ahead of us. But Ive been waiting 6 months to do this…and I don’t wanna wait anymore. I want to be with you for the rest of my life.”
Feeling Nate opening the box, Jenny looked down. She gulped as the beautiful silver diamond was exposed. It was even more perfect than the last time she’d saw it.
“So.” Nate exhaled deeply, his stomach twisting in knots. He’d never been more sure of anything in his life, but his sureness… his love for Jenny continued to overwhelm him on a daily basis, now more than ever.
“Jenny Humphrey… will you marry me?”
Jenny swallowed deeply. She was gonna pass out, she was sure of it. Any second now, she’d been sprawled out on the floor. She still couldn’t speak, her mouth was getting dry, her body in a lifeless state.
Nate noticed her lack of communication, he saw the glazed over look in her eyes. “Look I know this a shock, but you know we don’t have to get married right away and-”
He was cut off by Jenny’s lips crashing onto his. Gripping onto the box tightly, she threw her arms around Nate’s neck - deepening the kiss. After a few seconds, Nate pulled away breathless.
“So… is that a yes?”
Jenny smiled, nodding her head. “Yes, of course I’ll marry you Nate Archibald.”
Nate laughed, wrapping his arms around Jenny’s waist he lifted her off the floor gently his lips slanting over hers softly. The two had never felt so happy.
“Here, I think it’s time you put this on.” Setting Jenny back onto her feet, Nate took the box from her pulling out the ring. Sliding it onto Jenny’s finger, he smiled. “Perfect fit.”
Jenny shook her head in disbelief. Was this really happening?! Her and Nate had their first home together and now they were engaged. Oh my god… they were engaged! Jenny admired the ring on her finger, this was so surreal.
“And, don’t worry I asked your Dad for permission and he gave us his blessing.”
“He did?! When was this?”, Jenny asked looking into her fiancé’s eyes.
“This morning actually.” Nate scanned Jenny’s face, rubbing her shoulders gently. “There’s no rush. We’ll take it at our own pace, you just let me know when your ready to marry me Ok Humphrey?”.
Jenny licked her lips. “Nate, I’d marry you right now if I could.”
“Well that’s tempting”, he muttered smirking at his new fiancée. “But were gonna do this right, all our family, our friends, I wanna give you the perfect wedding.”
Jenny nodded her head. “Ok”, smiling she kissed Nate smoothly clutching his shirt tightly.
“Now”, Nate muttered pulling away. “What do you say we go celebrate properly in our own bedroom?”
“That sounds perfect.” Jenny whispered, getting lost in his ocean blue eyes.
“Good”, Nate reached underneath Jenny’s knees. Picking her up quickly off the floor, causing her to laugh hysterically.
“Nate! You know your not supposed to do this until after your married.”
“So what? Were starting our own trend.”
Nate spun around, his foot was half way through the door when Jenny stopped him.
“Wait! The cake’s coming with us.”
Jenny reached around Nate and picked up the cake from the table, causing Nate to shoot her a confused look. A look Jenny now called Natefused. It was now among one of her favorite things about him.
“What? Were starting out own trend!”, Jenny smiled running her finger through the icing and wiping some of it on Nate’s nose.
Nate frowned. “Oh so that’s how it is huh?”, carrying her to their room he kicked open their door causing Jenny to laugh hysterically. Nate placed Jenny onto the bed gently, taking the cake from her he put it on the bedside cabinet.
Propping herself up on her elbows, Jenny admired the room. It was beautiful, it was couply… it was very Nate and Jenny. For a guy, he’d decorated the place pretty well, of course she’d have to repaint this room just to put her own stamp on things. Looking up at Nate, she helped him remove his shirt.
Resting on top of Jenny, Nate kissed her softly.
“Nate…”.
Pulling away he gazed into her eyes. “What?”
“I love you.”
Nate smiled. “I love you too.” Grabbing his hair, Jenny pulled him back down into a passionate kiss. Tonight truly was the start of the rest of their lives together.
2 Magical Months Later
The day had finally arrived, after all the planning, all the panic and stress. Here they were, Jenny in her beautiful gown, Nate in his tux, both looked so beautiful, both complimented each other so well. And both had never been happier. The two had decided to get married out of the City, away from all the Drama, away from the Mean Girls, away from Blair and most importantly… away from Gossip Girl. Jenny had been offered an internship in Paris with Eleanor, a opportunity Jenny immediately jumped at. Nate thought it would be the perfect place to get married… and it was. The Eifel tour right around the corner from them, the sound of church bells sounding, it was secluded, it was theirs.
“I know pronounce you Husband and Wife, you may kiss your bride.”
Nate smiled broadly, cupping Jenny’s face he kissed her passionately. As the two heard the crowd cheering and clapping behind them. Jenny couldn’t help but laugh against Nate’s mouth, she’d never felt so happy, so content. Her and Nate were finally married.
Resting her forehead against his, Jenny looked into her Husbands eyes.
“I love you Nate Archibald.”
“I love you too… Jenny Archibald.” Laughing loudly, Nate grabbed Jenny’s hand. She was practically glowing, she looked so beautiful. Leading her down the isle, they were stopped by Rufus getting up and throwing his arms around Jenny. “I love you kiddo, congratulations.”
“Thanks Dad”, Jenny replied smiling up at her father.
“Nate, you take care of her now Ok?”, Rufus asked putting a hand on Nate’s shoulder.
“I will.”
“Yeah, she’s your headache now.” Dan muttered causing Jenny to hit him on the shoulder playfully.
“Jerk!”
The two were too busy celebrating with their families they were completely oblivious to the fact that a certain 14 year old cousin of Nate’s had gotten our her cell phone and was snapping a photo of the couple. This was too big of an event for Gossip Girl to not know about, sending the picture quickly before anyone noticed she threw her cell back into her purse, smiling as Nate and Jenny passed her.
The two were stopped once again this time by… Chuck.
Jenny gulped, looking up at her husbands expression. Lilly had invited him and Jenny didn’t want a fight, not today… thank god Blair wasn’t here.
“Congratulations, Nate, Jenny.” Chuck smirked, looking at Jenny and then Nate. “You two deserve to be happy.”
“Thanks Chuck.” Jenny muttered, smiling up at him.
Nate let go of Jenny’s hand before holding it out to Chuck. Taking his hand, Chuck shook it quickly. Nate smiled patting Chuck on the arm before grabbing Jenny’s hand again. “Thanks for coming.”
“Anytime Nathaniel.”
….
Blair paced her room quickly. Where was Chuck?! He wasn’t returning any of her phone calls, or texts. And refused to tell her where he was going. Hearing her phone sound, she grabbed it quickly seeing she had a blast from Gossip Girl. Reading it, Blair’s eyes widened.
Well well what do we have here? Nate Archibald and Jenny Hu… Archibald? Tying the knot in Paris? How did I not know about this? Looks like little J finally got her Prince, but I wonder what B has to say about her beau attending her former beau and arch rivals wedding, I’d say congratulations to the pair but I hate happy endings… I cant wait until the newlyweds return to the City. The knives are sharpened and I for one cant wait for a little after wedding catfight.
Blair closed her phone before throwing it on her bed. “OH MY F’ING GOD!”
Until Next Time ;)
xoxo
Thank you all so much for sticking with this story and supporting it! This story began as a joke with the lovely women at FanForum about how I wanted Season 4 to go, I wrote it not expecting anything to come of it, not expecting people to actually read it but you did and ontop of it you liked it and demanded more! Ive had so much fun writing NJ's story, I really hope I wrote them in character and didnt dissapoint anyone. My attempts at being GG arent the best BUT... I can try! ;) So yeah thank you so much for reading it, there will be more stories to come and also a big thanks to Susan (aburstoflight) for encouraging me to write, and being such a big supporter of the fic it's much appreciated S! ;) and all the other ladies who left me comments everytime I posted, I love you all! Thanks so much!! *kisses*
- Naomi x