"It girl" Serena van der Woodsen has returned to Manhattan after a mysterious and self-imposed exile to boarding school. Serena's best friend, Blair Waldorf, has conflicted feelings about her friend's return since she has enjoyed being the Queen Bee during Serena's absence and might not be ready to relinquish her new position on the social ladder, not to mention the fact that she has always suspected there may be unspoken feelings between Serena and her longtime boyfriend, Nate.

It's the day right after the Kiss on the Lips party and Serena receives a cold reception from her former best friend Blair.

Blair uncovers information about Serena that may not remain a secret much longer.

Blair gets excited when her mother, Eleanor, chooses her to be the new face of her clothing line.

It's their first official date and Dan tries to impress Serena with an elaborate plan for the date.

Dan finds himself between two girls when his childhood friend, Vanessa, returns to N.Y. and declares her feelings for him, just as he and Serena are trying to figure out what they mean to each other.