* joined at the HIPS. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ running into.. friends? There was still time after she left the Dawson residence so she decided that she'd go to barney's to pick up an "i'm sorry" gift for a best girl Zarah Dawson. Perhaps a new pair of shoes would thrill her enough to forget the fact that Jolene was sleeping with her father. No? Maybe a million dollars? The world and all it's people? Nodding her head slightly as though she were having a conversation with herself, Jolene sighed. She picked up a pair of blue satin bottega veneta ballet flats and shrugged. It seemed like something Zarah would wear, at least she thought. Assuming she had down the likes and dislikes of her friends, being so very few, Jolene deemed Zarah's style as laid back and girly. She picked up the pair and began to wander around aimlessly as though she were consumed in her own thoughts. Almost stumbling into someone, she quickly apologized and then regained composure. "Sorry," she said. "I'm really sorry," Jolene stated again, this time sounding more convincing. Finding herself in the men's section now, she glanced around at several suits neatly showcased in front of her. Since Ryan was kind enough to get her a gift, she thought she'd only return the favor and secretly slip it onto his bed after their next rendezvous. "Jolene?" She heard a familiar voice from behind and suddenly turned to find Serena van der Woodsen standing before her. She had a purple vest in her hands and several other objects that Jolene didn't seem to notice. "Su.. su.. Serena!" she exclaimed suddenly after the awkward silence. It was as though she had forgotten her name for that split second. "What are you doing here?" asked S casually as she checked out the ballet flats in Jolene's hands and then spotted something familiar. "Oh, you're carrying the Prada." Immediately directing her attention towards the pale pink bag, Jolene looked back at Serena with a smile, as though she had just been caught with her pants down. "Yes!" she said loudly but not as if she were annoyed. Jolene had a knack for speaking in a higher voice when she was nervous. There was something about Serena that made her feel uneasy. Perhaps it was because of who she was related to. Taking a deep breath, she shoots Serena a smile. "Look, I know I didn't get a chance to thank you for it on my birthday but I just wanted to say that I really appreciate it." "Aww it's no problem," responds Serena smiling. "I was in a hurry to be somewhere else. Sorry I skipped out so early." Shrugging her shoulders, Jolene seems to be more relaxed now. "It's fine. I know what happened. I really love it though," she said, her eyes gazing over at the bag. "For several reasons." Nodding subtley, Serena knew exactly what or who she was talking about. Just then, a curtain swung open and out stepped a dapper young gentlemen. He took a few steps towards the ladies in his steel grey suit and extended his arms while gazing at Hips. "Sexy," mumbled Jolene before she realized who it was. "ALEXANDER?! Is that you?" "Yep," he responded calmly. "But your mom, sister, girl friends and YOU call me Papi." "Different look, same attitude." Jolene said and then both Serena and her chuckled softly. "Hips is just trying to help me out with my new look," stated Alex not being too precise. "Got a problem?" Nodding her head, Jolene smiled softly. Feeling as though she had made some friends or found of peace, she was relieved. Suddenly she heard a familiar song, her phone was ringing and caught a glimpse of the display. It was Zarah. "Hey guys, I gotta go," she says, feet already heading towards the opposite direction. "I'll see you two later." Before they could say anything else, Jolene had already disappeared.