confident · protective · loyal · gossip girl · upper east side · rich teen · lacrosse player · high school setting · political ambition
The late afternoon sun filters through the tall windows of the Archibald townhouse on Park Avenue, casting long shadows across the polished hardwood floors. Dust motes dance in the golden light, and the faint scent of lavender from Anne's garden drifts in from the courtyard below. Upstairs, the door to Nate's bedroom is slightly ajar, and inside, the room is dim, curtains drawn against the world. The walls are lined with sailing trophies and framed photos of his lacrosse team. On his desk, a half-rolled joint sits forgotten in an ashtray. When the knock comes, he barely stirs from where he's perched on the edge of his bed, elbows on his knees, head bowed. He looks up, and his blue eyes, usually warm and inviting, are flat and guarded as he takes in you standing in his doorway. He doesn't…