***Trigger Warning***

The beginning of this chapter describes a scene of bullying that involves body shaming. Just to give the friendly heads up if this is something triggering to you. Thank you.

As you can see by the marker below, we're starting this chapter off on a flashback before we get to the party! Particularly this is a flashback to Heather's past during her years as a 'fashion challenged, junior high reject with braces and bad acne' as described in her profile. And let's just say that this flashback is important since this was the turning point to how she got to be the 'Queen Bee' we all know her as in Total Drama. This chapter begins about 2 days prior to Heather practically exploding on Shane in the hallway during his junior high flashback in Chapter 9 of "Propositions and Conniptions''. Hope you all Enjoy!

9 years ago

A 12 year old, junior high aged Heather was looking over some clothes she had laid out on her bed and an extremely frustrated expression on her face.

For the past hour, Heather had been trying to figure out the perfect outfit to wear for a Junior League event… only she was far from it.

At this point in time; and while Heather was the most high achieving of her siblings in terms of grades and extracurriculars, fashion was something that wasn't exactly her strong suit. In fact, it was something Heather completely sucked at if she was honest with herself.

Colors, patterns, the reason behind not wearing white after Labor Day… nothing made sense to her.

She kept looking at her 'clothing choices' and started holding up a variety of skirts and tops up to herself in an attempt to match something… anything!

Heather kept up her task until she heard a snide voice comment, "Seriously? You're going to wear that skirt with that top? What? Did you blindfold yourself to pick those out?"

Immediately Heather furrowed her eyebrows and looked over to see her then 14 almost 15 year old sister Kelsey in the doorway dressed in her cheerleading uniform, clearly just getting back from cheer practice, as well as a snide grin on her face.

But, not wanting to give her sister the satisfaction, Heather just gave Kelsey a glare as she spat, "No. Now can you beat it? I'm trying to figure out my outfit for the Junior League luncheon."

All Kelsey did was laugh before commenting, sounding the epitome of snarky and snide, "Wow, 'trying'? Yeah, that totally sounds like you for being the complete fashion trainwreck you are."

Heather clenched one of her fists before directing at her sister, daggers shooting out of her eyes, "Look, if you're just going to stand there like a jerk and not do anything to help then can you just get bent and go away?!"

Kelsey looked up and put a finger to her chin and looked up slightly as she started, almost taunting, "You know? I could do something to help... But, then again, what's the point? You know, considering my 'help' wouldn't even matter anyway."

Heather gave Kelsey a hard look before retorting through her teeth, "And why not, you stupid mannequin?"

It was quiet for a couple seconds before Kelsey knelt down slightly and got in Heather's face. A wicked smirk spread across her face as well as Kelsey taunted, sounding nothing short of mean and condescending, "Do you really want to know why it wouldn't matter, spotty?"

Kelsey paused and widened her smirk in satisfaction at Heather tensing up, clearly in response to the nickname referring to her bad acne that was frequently used by her sister, despite Heather still trying to maintain her ground.

Nothing seemed to deter Kelsey; however, as she continued, "Because it doesn't matter what you do, how good your grades are, or how many of those lame-ass dance awards you win since no matter what… you're just a braced up, fat loser with the fashion sense of a thousand year old blind dog and with nothing but an equally pizza faced, four-eyed beanpole dweeb of a dance partner being the closest thing you'll ever have to a boyfriend. So the sooner you figure that out; the sooner you'll learn your place in life."

Then almost to add insult to injury, Kelsey gave Heather two condescending pats on her head and said almost mockingly, "Good talk, sis."

Kelsey finally left as Heather stood there and the clothes she was holding were now on her bedroom floor.

Heather's expression slowly contorting in both rage and even a degree of hurt at what her sister just said to her. Heather's fists clenched at her sides and shaking ever so slightly as her eyes scrunched shut, almost looking like she was trying to force the words she just heard out of her mind… and almost looking like she was close to fighting some very rare tears.

Eventually Heather slowly looked over to her mirror in her room, taking a good long look at herself.

Until her expression then morphed into a spitefully determined one as she said to herself, her tone equally as serious, "Fat loser… Hmph, I'll show you who's a 'loser'. I'll show everyone. And when I do?... I'll make them all pay."

Present day

(Heather's POV)

I decided to stop into the bathroom on my way into the venue.

After Alejandro's parents 'vow renewal' thing, which was practically like some insane high society wedding minus the dress and formal bridal party, we all took off to this hotel ballroom in downtown Ottawa.

Actually, truth... This was better than my cousin's wedding last January so far.

Mostly because I didn't have Damien constantly trying to annoy the crap out of me or have my dad here with his completely painfully embarrassing dance moves. Luckily my parents couldn't come with me anyway even if they wanted to, since they were actually at a Christmas party for one of my dad's clients tonight.

And sure Alejandro can annoy me… really annoy me, but at least he has the capability to not be a total annoying PIA when the situation calls for it.

Well, that and he can actually dance.

Granted he has been behaving himself for the most part. Well, aside from his annoying display this morning after going jogging together.

I retouched my mascara and gave myself a quick look over in the bathroom mirror before giving myself a slight smirk.

Perfect.

I walked out of the bathroom only to see Alejandro waiting out there for me in his usual jet black suit but actually wearing a dark purple dress shirt underneath to match my dress like I told him to a week ago so we could coordinate.

Hey, coordination is key and I always made sure Shane and I weren't wearing contradicting colors to make us the laughing stock of the group for Junior League events, especially once we got to high school.

And I wasn't about to relax that now.

And honestly… ugh, he looked so hot.

Not that I'd flat out tell him that still and inflate his already oversized ego, whether we're together or not. But I always have to give Alejandro credit, even if just to myself.

He has never disappointed me when it comes to his presentation.

Also, he's wearing that cologne that I like again that's just the right amount of subtle.

He immediately smirked as he saw me before saying, "Excellent timing. While you were away, I took the liberty of getting us both a drink for cocktail hour. Moscato?"

I looked down at the two wine glasses he was holding as he held one out to me. I grabbed the glass and smirked as I replied, "Is that even a question?"

He chuckled slightly as he said, "I'd like to think I know what you like by now. Considering it's also what I happen to like as well. Then again, why is it even surprising that we both have the same exquisite taste."

He took a much more flirtatious tone by the end of it, making me roll my eyes.

Ugh, dammit… why does he have to be right?

He just smirked at me as he offered me his arm and said, "Well, mi cariña… shall we proceed?"

I tried to keep myself even as I linked my arm with his, but as we walked in… I couldn't help but let a smirk slip.

Hey, so far he's done everything I wanted and got me a glass of wine, so whatever? I can get used to this.

We walked into the main ballroom and my eyes actually went wide. Okay, I'm not that easily impressed, almost ever… but this venue was gorgeous. Seriously, this place made my parents' country club ball room look pathetic. Expansive main room, large dance floor, multiple crystal chandeliers.

Hmm… colour me impressed.

We kept walking in and slowly but surely my thoughts started contorting in annoyance as we started walking toward this group of people that were all obviously related to Alejandro somehow.

Well, yeah duh, they were speaking Spanish and a lot of them were wearing the Longhorns necklace that were probably from his dad's side if I had to guess… but they were also all annoyingly gorgeous.

Seriously… HOW IS THERE NOT ONE PERSON THAT'S A TOTAL REJECT IN THIS STUPID FAMILY?! UGH!

Okay, there has to be someone that's hideous?

I kept my expression neutral as we passed by, but they would go quiet and just stare when we came in eyeshot. Well, mostly staring at me.

Figures… But, whatever?

I'm not here to kiss anyone's ass to make them like me. Sure, I could've just not come like I did when I didn't have a date to my grade 12 fall semi-formal in high school… that would have been fine until Gwen just had screw me over with it and make a joke put of me on the fucking internet and Celebrity Manhunt back in the day.

But, whatever, at least this place has free wine and will probably have decent music, so I can deal with whatever goes down tonight.

These ridiculously gorgeous posers can make shocked and confused glares at me for being here all night all they want, I'm not here for anyone but me.

We got close to the bar and all of a sudden I felt a hand on my shoulder as I heard, "Hola ahijado, cómo estás?"

I looked over my shoulder only to have my eyes go wide.

What… the hell?!

At first I thought it was Mr. Burromeurto since this guy looked even more like a mirror image of Mr. Burromuerto than Alejandro did somehow. Even down to the light brown hair, light green eyes, fashion sense, longhorn necklace around his neck, and age.

But, rather than assuming it was some pod-person clone or whatever; I noticed a few 'key details'.

Mainly that his hair was slightly longer and pulled back into possibly the shortest low ponytail I have ever seen and his facial hair was different.

While Alejandro's dad had more of a true anchor goatee, this guy had more of a van dyke style goatee… but still ridiculously good-looking just like everyone else in this stupid family seems to be.

Alejandro's face immediately broke out in a huge grin as he started, "Tío!"

He immediately let go of me, mentally throwing me off for a second, as they started clapping each other on the back in a hug and laughing.

Finally it looked like Alejandro remembered I was here and decided to actually include me in the conversation. "Heather, this is my Uncle Julio. He's my father's twin brother and my godfather."

Twin?

Well, that explains the creeptastically unsettling resemblance.

Ugh… great, and now there's 3 of them.

I saw his uncle smirk as he started, smoothing a hand over his hair, "Despite being 'identical twins', I think you neglected to include that I also happen to be the more guapo of the pair. Nothing against your father, of course."

Well, he's just as narcissistically full of himself like every other man I've met in this family… well, except maybe Carlos but even he still seemed pretty full of himself in a way honestly.

They both laughed as Alejandro clapped him on the shoulder.

Eventually Alejandro started, "I'll be sure to keep that from father. Also, please, allow me to introduce my bella novia, Heather Wilson."

I opened my mouth to make a remark only to get cut off when his uncle grabbed my hand and started, even looking like it caught Alejandro off guard for a second, "Pleasure to meet you, señorita. Dr. Julio Burromuerto Navarro, at your service. My brother has told me quite a bit about you from when he visited some weeks ago. Quite the intriguing young lady, aren't you?"

I caught what he said as I recalled out loud, "Wait, doctor? I thought you were a hypnotist or something?"

I remembered seeing Alejandro pulling that hypnotism crap and saying back on the show that he learned it from his uncle, but he never said his uncle was a doctor.

His uncle just smirked and chuckled before saying, quirking up an eyebrow at me, "Clever recollection, Miss Wilson. Though you are not entirely wrong. I am a hypnotist by training, but by education I am what you would call a 'psychiatrist'. Hypnotism is one of my practices I use on certain groups of my patients. You'd be surprised how many people I use hypnotism as a tool on to help one get over a phobia, point of anxiety, or even just a bad habit. Although… it doesn't mean it also can't be 'useful' for having a bit of fun at a slow affair. Perhaps you'd like a demonstration of my capabilities?"

Julio chuckled as he took out what looked like an antique gold pocketwatch from his inside breast pocket of his jacket by a matching gold chain.

Alejandro was quick to lower his uncle's hands as he started, "How about some other time, uncle? Besides, I don't think madre would appreciate it after last time."

After that I saw both of them look over my shoulder and I turned my head to see them looking at this very well put together middle aged man, that looked quite a lot like Alejandro's mom, in pristine black-tie attire and a very uptight expression on his face.

Seriously? This guy's expression alone looks like Courtney if she suddenly turned into a middle aged man… Ugh, why am I even thinking about that all those annoying pains in my ass today?!

Ugh, like I didn't have to deal with them enough on that damn show…

Julio nodded his head in his direction as he explained, "That is my sister-in-law's brother, Ernesto. As you can see he's not the most lively fellow. So, at the last anniversary party… I decided to have a bit of fun to liven him and the party up a bit. Though my dear sister-in-law was none too pleased with me, but I certainly was with myself… as was my brother to a degree."

"He hypnotized my Uncle Ernesto into thinking he was the fictional literature character Parzan the Primate Man." Alejandro elaborated to me, trying to fight a smirk and Julio looked like he picked up on it and smirked himself.

Julio crossed his arms as he started, looking smugly satisfied, "Well, I thought it was a grand improvement to your other uncle's personality. Everyone should have thanked me to be quite frank. I practically turned him into the life of the party!"

"You mean, Uncle Ernesto stripped down to his underwear and somehow got up high enough to start swinging from the chandeliers while doing a 'wild man yell'. Mother was almost faint."

Alejandro cut in as Julio just shrugged and smirk as he said, quirking up an eyebrow at Alejandro, "Now don't start, chico. After all you benefitted quite well from my lessons too and used them just as liberally yourself. Don't think I don't remember seeing you hypnotizing your teammate on that television show. I must say, that was also quite amusing. I'm quite proud really."

They both started laughing until Julio looked to me again and started, "As much as I would love to have the opportunity to 'pick your brain' as a psychiatric professional since you seem like quite the interesting woman, señorita… I must take my leave. I'm afraid I must pay a call to another interesting woman. Perhaps I'll have the chance to see you later during the soiree. Pardon me."

Um… ugh, what the hell is even happening here?!

After that, Julio walked past me with a smirk that progressively got more flirtatiously seductive as he looked like he slicked his hair back even more with his hand.

He continued to walk past me until I felt a hand on my shoulder as I heard Alejandro say, "Follow me, you may find this amusing."

Alejandro started leading me along after my brain finally caught up with all the weirdass things that just happened as I started, "Um, hello? Care to tell me what the hell is going on?"

All he did was continue to smirk as he started, "You'll see, mi amor. Let's just say you'll get to see a 'ritual interaction' between both of my godparents."

We got close enough to this area on the bar where there was this woman standing alone, also middle aged.

While she wasn't as 'ridiculously good looking' as everyone else in the room. She at the very least looked like she took care of herself.

She was wearing a fitted but appropriately classy dark blue evening gown with a draped wrap over her arms at her elbows as she sipped on a glass of red wine. She also had a drastically different set of looks than anyone else in the room, even more than me.

Mainly she had a very fair complexion with freckles scattered all over her face and shoulders. She had short, wavy red hair and blue eyes hidden behind a pair of designer glasses.

She had a neutral expression on her face until Julio leaned on the bar next to her as I heard him start, sounding the epitome of flirtatious, "Buenas noches, Dr. Foyle. I must say, you look quite resplendent this evening. Then again, you always look wonderful from my perspective."

Well, looks like being an 'insufferable flirt' is a running trait in the men of this family.

She started speaking in a very present English accent, her tone sounding mildly annoyed yet also oddly playful as smirked at him, "Julio… it just wouldn't be a party without a delightful conversation with you, would it?"

Julio just smirked and elaborated, "Well, I certainly like to think I'm quite delightful company to keep. And first name basis, hmm? I must admit that hearing my name spoken in your lovely accent and with such whimsical intellect is always simply irresistible. You'll say 'yes' to me one of these days. You are such an intelligent woman and being in that lab decade after decade must be quite lonely for you. Surely you'd like some company at this point in your life? Perhaps desire the consistent 'romantic company' of a fellow doctor who is just as witty as he is dashing? Besides, it isn't polite to encourage a man to no avail, wouldn't you agree Gemma?"

Gemma?

Wait, didn't Alejandro say that his mom's business partner's name was Gemma?

Gemma turned to look more at him as she started, still looking slightly annoyed but weirdly also somehow mildly amused as she smirked and replied, "Julio, while I will admit your 'persistent charisma' does do you credit. It doesn't matter how 'charming' you're going to 'inquire' the request of me this time, because I will reiterate what I tell you every time we have this 'exchange' at these events, Dr. Burromuerto Navarro. I know we were the best man and maid of honor respectively at Elena and Gerardo's wedding and we are both Alejandro's godparents, but that does not and has never meant there is any cause for you to accuse me of 'leading you' at the moment. I am not interested in a date, fling, or otherwise with you… or anyone right now for that matter. I am here tonight to support Elena as a friend and colleague in celebrating her marriage and am not interested in any 'romantic company' this evening from you."

She looked like she was going back to sipping on her glass of wine.

Well, until Julio put an arm around her shoulders, making her choke on her sip for a split second, as he started, "Ah, but think of how wonderful the future possibilities could be, mi cariña? You and me, living together in my villa on the banks of the towns south of Murcia. Spending our days engulfed in intellectual conversation, going out to dinners, and taking relaxing strolls together. Then our nights, well…"

Finally she took a glass of water sitting near her and splashed it in his face, making Julio go wide eyed.

I couldn't stop myself from smirking.

Hmm, usually I'm not easily impressed, but I think I can get behind her. And honestly… she doesn't seem that bad. Julio wiped the water off his face as best as he could with his hand until I saw him smirk and start, "Suit yourself, Gemma. I'll take my leave for now to let you enjoy your wine. Besides, I think you have other 'company' to attend to."

They both glanced over to us and Gemma immediately straightened her glasses and started, "Oh, Alejandro."

"Hola tía Gemma." Alejandro replied smoothly with a slight grin before he motioned to me and started, "Tía, this is my girlfriend, Heather Wilson. Heather, this is my mother's business partner and friend, Dr. Gemma Foyle. Might I add Heather is also a loyal user of your products?"

She tilted her head at me slightly before I was slightly caught off guard as she held out her hand to me and said, "Dr. Gemma Foyle, pleasure."

Well, at least she didn't degrade me to calling her 'ma'am' like someone's mother.

I just took her hand and said, just as simple, "Heather Wilson."

After probably the most stagnant moment of silence, a bartender came over and looked at Julio as he said, "Can I get you something, sir?"

Julio glanced behind him and waved his hand as he started, "Oh, I don't drink anymore…" Gemma and Alejandro both immediately gave him a confused look before Julio smirked and continued, "Though I don't drink any less, either. Merlot, like the lovely lady over here is having, por favor."

Right as the bartender turned to pour the glass, Gemma immediately smacked Julio on the arm with a smirk and rolled her eyes as both Alejandro and Julio chuckled to themselves.

Okay, I have no idea what the hell is so funny about whatever inside joke that just was.

Julio got his glass of wine and said, looking at Gemma, "Well, I suppose this will suffice to help me drown my sorrows. But, I will be back for that dance."

She just smirked and shook her head as Julio took a sip from his glass and then stopped in his tracks abruptly, looking like he just thought of something.

"Though, come to think of it... I do believe we both must check in before the dinner and dancing begins at the head table. Wouldn't you say, Dr. Foyle? Perhaps you'd at least like to make the walk a little less lonely?" Julio asked, smirking as he held out his arm to her.

I saw Gemma eventually smirk as she actually took his arm and started, "I think I will… as long as you behave."

"Certainly." Julio said with a grin as they both walked past us and through the crowd.

It was quiet for a few seconds before I finally looked to Alejandro and asked, "Okay, I know this is coming from me here… but what the hell is their deal?"

Alejandro just looked at me with an amused smirk and shrugged before saying, "Just my uncle and aunt being themselves. They always like to tease."

"Isn't that just your entire family?" I remark, slightly annoyed… considering I'm dating and currently talking to the biggest teasing flirt I've ever met.

All he did was chuckle in amusement before he admitted, "Well, with them it's... different. My parents have told me that ever since my uncle and Gemma met while my parents were engaged, they've just always had this sort of rapport between them. And to quote you with it coming from either of us and sounding maybe a bit hypocritical, but… I've always found it quite funny seeing them flirt with each other. Considering this happens whenever they're together in any room. Neither of them have ever been married and my Uncle Julio even called off an engagement at one point with another woman that my father always found suspect with its 'ulterior motive' of sorts behind it. And Gemma may not be a real aunt, but she's the closest thing my mother has to a sister since all mother has are 4 older brothers. But, I digress. It doesn't matter the event with them. Birthdays, holidays, special occasions… my uncle never seems to quit with asking my aunt out on a date. Although he seemed to go the extra step with her tonight. I don't think that glass of Merlot was the first drink he's had this evening."

"Oh, and here I thought it was just him being completely full of himself like 'someone else' I happen to know." I teased, making him give me a smirk and a shrug.

"I'll just pretend I didn't hear that." He teased as I gave him a slight look.

Of course he's not going to admit it.

We both got cut off as a DJ got on the mic over the speakers and said, "Welcome everyone to the 35th Anniversary celebration of Gerardo and Elena! Dinner is about to begin so please grab your drinks and make your way to a seat."

Well, looks like all those boring country club galas and dinners I've had to sit through and pretend to give a crap and a half about what people are saying are finally going to pay off.

And that's part 1! I hope you all enjoyed the flashback from Heather's past to show that final thing that tipped her over the edge on her determination to rise up the school social ladder. Sure I could always see Heather being mean throughout her life but I wanted to show an instance of even Heather getting bullied and having her feelings hurt in her formative years. And it looks like that last dig from Kelsey was the last straw for her. After all, most people that become bullies were once usually bullied themselves. And Heather's sisters clearly weren't the best to her as you'll continue to see later on. Especially Kelsey, for constantly destroying her little sister's self-esteem as seen in this flashback. Now you see why the beef exists between them… and why she had Alejandro help her egg both Kelsey and her apartment back in chapter 1. Lol. XD I also hope you enjoyed the introduction and interpretation on Alejandro's Uncle Julio and Elena's friend and business partner, Gemma Foyle. When Julio was first mentioned in TDWT and we saw how Alejandro used the hypnotism that was implied was taught to him by Julio… I started piecing together a character for him. Mainly that I wanted to make Julio a successful psychiatric doctor that by day uses his hobby of hypnosis for the betterment of his patients… but by night uses it to his advantage and amusement as a bit of a prankster at parties. As well as being one of the many influences behind Alejandro's teasing flirt of a personality aside from his parents. With the example of Julio's persistent yet harmlessly funny flirtation toward Alejandro's godmother and honorary aunt as well as the dermatologist behind the only skincare products that have ever worked for Heather, Dr. Gemma Foyle. While I don't see the Burromuerto's being necessarily religious whatsoever, I do see them being a family of sticking tradition. Since they are originally from Spain and Spain has a lot of cultural roots through Catholicism as a result, I could see them sticking to the tradition of baptizing their sons and having family and friends as Godparents for their sons to be mentors throughout their upbringing. So how fitting that Alejandro got more exposure to 'flirty behavior' by watching Gemma and Julio teasing and flirting with each other at events, well mainly Julio flirting with Gemma. But lets just say Gemma doesn't mind his 'flirtatious behavior' to a degree and the two do hold a lot of respect for each other as highly regarded doctors. And maybe there is secretly something more between them in a sense?... I'll leave it at that for now. ;) But, anyway, I hope you enjoyed my character interpretations all the same and only hope I'm still not disappointing your expectations. Anyway, thanks to you all so much for taking the time to read and constructive reviews are always greatly appreciated. See you all next time and stay safe!

Stay Classy!

Dexter1995