Okay, first off… apologies for taking until today to post a new chapter since this week has been literally insane. But, I have some exciting news. I'M A HOMEOWNER! :D I just got confirmation today that my bid went through on the house I wanted and I should close on my house late in February. Anyway, this may keep me busy and I will still try to post once a week if I still can, but just know that if there is a week I don't update, DON'T PANIC! I am determined to finish this fanfic and nothing is going to stop me! It just might have some slight delays where I may miss a week every now and again for adulting. Haha. All I ask for is your understanding and patience. Thank you everyone! :) Hope you enjoy the chapter! This is the flashback chapter that shows what exactly transpired between Kelsey and José to lead to them showing up at The Wilson's house for the holidays. Enjoy! ;)

1 week prior

({No POV})

Kelsey pulled into a parking spot on the street in her car, taking a look around her.

After their 'less than adequate' date, interesting one-night stand, and then follow that up with José practically busting into her building unannounced on Monday … it was clear that Kelsey wanted to put an 'end to it' at this point. There was only one problem… she had no idea where to find José just to tell him 'no' to his face and make it loud and clear.

Since he was the one that picked her up on their one and only date, she had no idea herself where exactly he lived.

Sure she had his number but even if she tried to call or text him, Kelsey knew somehow a guy like José would misconstrue that as her just 'playing hard to get' with him rather than as a 'leave me alone or you'll wish you had' kind of scenario.

To Kelsey, it was very imperative that she did this in person and in public.

Though still incredibly conflicted and confused, she found the card José gave her during his 'surprise visit' on her floor that was written entirely in Spanish.

After a quick online search, she ended up finding out that the heading on the top of the card was the name of a boxing gym in Lower town Ottawa where a lot of Spanish and other Latin American restaurants and businesses resided in the city. Plus Kelsey remembered José saying he had a match on Wednesday.

Weighing all her options, she knew this was her golden opportunity to end it. She looked in front of her at the gym several buildings away before gripping her hands on her steering wheel.

Letting out a long annoyed sigh, she said to herself, "Okay Kelsey, get a fucking hold of yourself. This is your only way out of this shit storm. Just go in there and give him a hard 'no'. Then you won't have to deal with this crap again." Finally she got out of her car and locked it before making her short walk over to the gym. The clicking of her heels on the pavement as snow started to fall. On the other side of the street, there appeared to be 2 younger male mechanics playing cards and listening to a radio inside their open garage.

She kept looking forward until her eyes widened for a brief moment when she heard one of the mechanics 'wolf whistle' at her and calling out immediately, "Oye! Chica linda!"

She ignored it and just kept walking. Even though she was determined with her current course of action and didn't know exactly what they said, internally she couldn't help oddly feel a fleeting sense of satisfaction at the male attention with assuming they were giving her a compliment after the obvious 'wolf whistle' in her direction that would have made a lot of other women uncomfortable in this particular situation.

Finally she made it to the entrance of the gym and was about to walk inside until an arm blocked her as a male voice commented, "Hey, whoa there, chica. We got a sold out match here. So unless you got a ticket to show me, no entry."

Kelsey looked over to see this young man about her age or slightly older, wearing sunglasses, a bomber jacket, and built like a brick wall.

But, his demeanor didn't seem to deter Kelsey as she spat in annoyance, "Does it look like I give a shit? I'm just trying to find someone."

The bouncer further got in her way and crossed his arms as he said, "Sorry, no ticket no entry."

He readjusted his sunglasses as Kelsey gave him a beyond pissed off and agitated look as she dug the piece of paper José gave her out of her purse and shoved it into his chest before erupting, "Look you biker gang reject! I'm just trying to find José. Now can you just get the hell out of my way already?!"

The guy gave her a slight look and seemed like he was slowly but surely losing his last shred of patience with Kelsey… until he looked down at the paper she shoved into his chest.

Kelsey kept giving him an annoyed glare until her expression contorted into absolute confusion as he grinned mischievously and let out a laugh before commenting, "Oh! Why didn't you say so, chica! Here I thought José was shittin' me when he said he asked a girl to be in his corner. C'mon, I'll show you."

"HEY!" Kelsey called out as the guy started leading her inside.

They went past what looked like a weight room before going through a long hallway. The further they went the more crowd noise could be heard until they made it into what looked like a gymnasium with a high ceiling.

While the atmosphere wasn't anything overly fancy or high end, everything looked in good shape and the small crowd sitting in folding chairs looked lively. Spectators appeared to be doing everything from chatting to placing bets on the match.

Meanwhile Kelsey confusion continued to tear through her as the bouncer finally brought her to this nice padded seat that was sitting right next to the ring on the outside… and then progressively becoming even more confused as she noticed people looking and pointing at her while making side comments to their friends.

Normally Kelsey wouldn't be one to discount 'male attention', but the evening had just gone from frustrating to downright weird as far as she was concerned.

She had no idea why she was even still sitting there as she continued to contemplate her life choices at the moment until she heard, "Oye! Chica!"

Kelsey whipped her head around to see this guy leaning over the barricade slightly as she snapped sharply, furrowing her eyebrows in annoyance at whatever the hell was happening, "What?"

The guy backed off slightly before asking, putting his hands up slightly, "Oye! Relájate. I just wanted to ask if you were dating José?" Kelsey, who at this point was still confused and frustrated by everything, snapped again, "What's it you?" "Nothing! I was just asking. José's never had a girl at ringside with him before so…"

At that moment, the crowd erupted into both cheer and jeers. Two young men in ring gear started approaching the ring from opposite ends of the room. Well, until the jeers started getting louder once José approached the ring. His championship belt adorning his waist.

José stopped and looked over to where Kelsey was now sitting in a state of annoyed perplexity as he smirked. Taking off his head gear and mouth guard, he started to walk up to her.

Kelsey stood up on reflex and looked like she was about to start tearing into him until José caught her off guard as he pulled her closer to him with his free arm. A cocky, satisfied, and arrogant smirk on his face as he commented, "Hola, bombón. You had me worried, but somehow I knew you would accept the invitation. After all, it would be foolish to turn down a chance with a champion."

Kelsey; again, looked as if she was going to have something to say until José pulled her in for a kiss to silence her and causing the few fans and friends José had to erupt in immature cheers, whistles, and various suggestive comments being called out in Spanish and English.

Kelsey froze in shock, embarrassment, and over all physical confliction as José pulled back and gave her a satisfied grin before commenting, "Well… that should keep my spirits up. Not that I'd need it, of course. But a little luck never hurts, sí? Don't worry, I'll make quick work of this. I've fought Cortez before."

José gave her a wink before putting his gear back on and climbed into the ring. He removed his championship belt before handing it over to the referee, though holding it above his head to show it off before he did so and making eye contact with his opponent all the while.

And 'all the while' Kelsey just stood there until her hands slowly but surely started clenching into tight fists at her sides, slowly and progressively shaking more and more.

40 minutes later

The match just ended and José and Kelsey were exiting out the back entrance of the boxing gym.

José, now dressed in his street clothes but also sporting his championship belt around his waist and an arrogantly satisfied smirk to match at his latest victory.

Meanwhile Kelsey seemed to be mirroring the same look of pent up annoyed rage as she did after their first date since José had yet again prevented her from getting a word in edge wise.

They continued to walk until José put his arm around Kelsey's shoulders, making her freeze up, as he whispered, "So… what do you say we celebrate back at your place? I'm sure we could figure out something special to mark the occasion, sí?"

After chuckling for barely a second, Kelsey grabbed him by his shirt before shoving him against the brick wall of the back alley.

Her entire demeanor reflected nothing short of absolute enraged scorn as she spat through her teeth with fire in her eyes, "What… the fuck… is WRONG WITH YOU?!"

José just tilted his head and only pissed her off more as she continued in blind fury, "UGH! What fucking delusional planet do you live on that you think I came here to get with you?!"

José continued to look more confused and skeptical before saying, "Pardon? You are the one who accepted my invitation! I asked you to be at ring side for me. I've never asked a girl to do that before!"

"OH! What?! Am I supposed to feel 'lucky' or something, you annoying shit?! Look! I have already had to deal with you and all your insane infatuation bullshit with not leaving me alone these past couple days! You made a total idiot out of me in front of everyone in there! And before that I was dealing with your brother and my stupid fucking!..."

Unexpectedly, José immediately got in Kelsey's face, his teeth bared and practically having fire behind his eyes now as he yelled, going off the rails completely, "What about my brother? Would you rather fuck him too?! IS THAT IT?!"

Kelsey went wide eyed and instinctively put her hands up, trying to hide her slight internal fear behind confusion at the 'accusation' José just threw at her, not knowing what he was going to do, "No! What the hell are you talking about?!"

José; however, didn't seem to listen regardless as he got more and more wrapped up in his rage before getting to the point of kicking a trash can. The metal can flew several yards away and landed with a loud metal 'clang' on the concrete surface of the back alley.

After a moment of practically angrily huffing to himself, José ran a hand threw before gripping his hand into his hair as he started, sounding more like he was thinking out loud more than anything about something he'd been repressing for years, "It never mattered how successful I was or how many awards and accolades I achieved or how much better I was at practically everything compared to him… everyone has always preferred that rata more than me. EVERYONE! Ever since we were growing up, I was always better than Alejandro. School, sports, competitions… I was ALWAYS better than that little mamahuevo. But did anyone care?! HA! Mother, father, Carlos, nannies, teachers, coaches… EVERYONE HAS ALWAYS PREFERRED HIM MORE! Just because he's a smooth talking little weasel like padre and can charm any half-witted imbecile into getting what he wants, he thinks he can just do whatever he pleases and get away with anything. AND HE DOES! I work so fucking hard and no one has ever bothered to care about me! AND WHAT'S THE POINT?! My older brother is a professional athlete and my younger brother has always been 'the favorite'. I'M the one taking over mother's company someday and yet she still prefers Alejandro! WHAT MUST I DO TO GET THE RECOGNITION THAT 'I' DESERVE?! I just… AGH! CARAJO!"

Almost as if to punctuate the statement he punched the metal back door of the gym, leaving a dent in it but miraculously not breaking anything in his hand. Even though he was repressing how much the punch still hurt his hand as he grimaced and grit his teeth.

It was dead silent for several moments.

José was still baring his teeth, breathing heavily and scrunching his eyes shut in an attempt to continue to release his tension until he was caught off guard as he heard Kelsey scoff and say, sounding equally as annoyed and angry as he did, "Ugh, seriously? You're telling me?"

José whipped his head behind him to Kelsey, looking at her for a moment or two before he let out a confused, "Qué?"

Kelsey just rolled her eyes and crossed her arms before responding, "What? At least you only have two siblings to deal with. Do you have any idea what it's like being the middle of five AND being related to that little sociopath I call a 'sister'?! UGH! She always thought she was so fucking great with her stupid good grades, extracurriculars, and stupid-ass trophies. Then just because she suddenly became a 'hot shit' smokeshow by the time she started high school, she just thinks she can walk on fucking water and take my place after completely destroying my life in my last year of high school. Do you have any idea what it's like having guys look at you like some washed up, old news fucking crone by the time you're 18 and openly saying in that hall that your sister is 'way hotter than you'. EVEN THOUGH SHE'S JUST A TWISTED LITTLE FUCKING COCK TEASE THAT DID NOTHING BUT FUCK WITH THEIR STUPID DAMN HEADS FOR PRACTICALLY THE FUCKING HELL OF IT! Oh, but I know her for what she really is. To me she will always be nothing but a manipulative, sociopathic little bitch who just 'got lucky' with a glow up by the time her stupid life started. And even then! FUCK! Sometimes I wonder what I'm even doing with my life anymore?! I can't go anywhere or do anything without mentioning my name and having people ask if she is 'my sister' after she was on that stupid damn show for all those stupid damn years and practically became a local celebrity. Even in my own fucking family no one gives a shit and passes over me just because I'm 'third' of five! My parents don't give a shit about anyone but themselves and my dipshit older brother just because he's 'heir to the company as the oldest and has dad's name', my older sister is totally useless but is basically like my mom's clone since all she does is coast on her looks and sponge off her rich doofus orthopod husband, and then both of my younger siblings are a couple of evil little psychos! Well, at least Damien can be bribed and hates Heather about as much as I do. And then there's me. Do you think anyone gives a shit about me? HA! Not a fat fucking chance! I mean, c'mon, the only reason why my dad hooked me up with my current job was just so he could use me as a 'bragging point' to his stupid golf buddies about me being in a high up career position in my early 20's. And you think you have it bad with your brothers?! Your stupid little brother helped my sociopathic witch of a sister egg my apartment! So you want to bitch to ME?! I fucking dare you to try!"

After Kelsey's tirade the two stood off in awkward and intense silence at what they both erupted out of rage.

Kelsey eventually crossed her arms and looked away as José looked at her wide eyed, taking in everything that was just said. The atmosphere remained stagnant as José continued to look at Kelsey, his expression evening out from shock to almost intrigue as the wheels appeared to be turning in his head.

Kelsey continued to look in the opposite direction until she saw José take a couple steps closer out of the corner of her eye, his shoes crunching in the fresh wet snow that just fell, before she heard, "Well, I'm not sure about you, but perhaps there's been a misunderstanding, sí? You're a woman of business, so surely you understand the concept of reevaluation of scenarios. If you'd be interested, I'd be more than happy to 'renegotiate' our current contract to 'start a new' over drinks. Perhaps even include some additions to said contract that I think you'd possibly be interested in? Additions that include a little conceptual planning involving our respective siblings? If you're interested, that is?"

Right as José finished his proposal, he offered a hand out to Kelsey and continued, "And not to try to 'tip the scales'; but just for the record… I personally think you are much more attractive than your sister."

Then to his internal slight surprise, he saw Kelsey put her hand in his outstretched one as she added, sounding more like she was negotiating a business proposal while also being a coy and sly flirt at the same time, "Depends... does buying me a cosmopolitan apply to said negotiation?"

José looked up to see Kelsey looking at him with a smirk as he smirked back in a sly, smug, and satisfied manner as he closed his hand around hers and replied, "Of course, I'd be more than willing accept that term as long as you are willing to hear mine? Though I think you'll end up approving of what I have to say. If not even enjoying?"

José continued to smirk as he held his arm out to Kelsey. Then José's smirk grew into a satisfyingly smug and sly grin as Kelsey linked her arm with his as she added, her tone and grin nothing but sly as well, "Sure, but I think I may have some ideas as well. If you really are interested in wanting to get at Heather and your brother." José continued to grin as he replied, sounding very 'on board' with the idea, "That sounds muy bueno."

2 days later

Alejandro walked back into the house and up to his room after his usual morning jog as he heard, "Hola hermanito. Have a moment?"

Once he looked over, he glared at the doorway where José was leaning. José's arms were crossed as he quirked up an eyebrow and flashed an expectant smirk at Alejandro.

Alejandro just straightened up and crossed his arms himself as he glared at his brother and responded smoothly, though also somehow very skeptical and annoyed, "Depends?"

José merely chuckled in mischievously amusement as he replied, "Well, I was only asking if you were still going to your girlfriend's for Christmas and New Year's?" Alejandro's look continued to twist in annoyed agitation as he responded smoothly yet very short toward his middle brother, "Yes… But, what concern is it of yours where I go?"

José simply shrugged before responding, equally mysterious and opaque, "Oh, none at all, Al. But gracias for the confirmation."

After that José turned on his heels and walked into his room next door, closing his door behind him and leaving Alejandro in a confused, perplexed, and very suspicious state. Almost as if Alejandro was thinking José was going to sabotage his room while he was gone, as he made a mental note of it.

Meanwhile on the other side of the wall in José's room, José was smirking to himself in devious satisfaction before saying to himself, "What's it to me where you go, Al? Hmph… plenty. Hope you and your girlfriend don't mind a little extra company."

Right after he said that, José pulled his phone out of his pocket, selected Kelsey's contact, and immediately pressed the call button.

Well, that's some weird truce these two came to! Lol. XD But, one of the things I pride myself on is trying my best to show differing relationships and dynamics. And as many of you have seen and also pointed out… Kelsey and José don't necessarily have a 'conventional' dynamic. In fact, they're dynamic is actually totally insane and just… 'bad'. Sure not that Alejandro and Heather have an ideal relationship, but I wanted to show that compared to José and Kelsey, they actually don't seem at all like a toxic couple. Sure Heather is a manipulative Queen Bee that's determined to do almost anything to get what she wants and Alejandro is a smooth talking snake who is also very driven with getting the things he truly desires. However, despite everything, Alejandro and Heather both do have a high level of respect for each other. And this is where José and Kelsey differ. Since Kelsey is just basically a bitchy, spoiled rich girl who complains at her lot in life despite the fact that she really doesn't have it 'that' bad and openly accepts things like nepotism rather than trying to strike out on her own and not hypocritically rely on 'daddy's connections'. Then José is also much like Kelsey except he is just a total womanizing douchebag who thinks that all women want him and has the gaul to be upset just because a woman says 'no' the one time he shows signs of wanting more than just sex. But, when it all boils down… José and Kelsey MAJORLY suffer from what I like to refer to as 'the middle child complex'. Basically both of them feel like because they are the middle child in their respective families that they are often forgotten/passed over for their older and younger siblings by their peers and parents. Honestly I could see the real reason José bullies Alejandro and relishes in making him miserable is because he is truly jealous of the fact that Alejandro is a lot more charismatic and likeable than him (the one thing José is NOT better than him at) and this would drive José crazy. And Kelsey is much the same. While not as driven as Heather but not quite as 'complacent' as their oldest sister Megan, Kelsey is a lot like José in the way that she is jealous of Heather's intelligence, talents, and work ethic to get what she wants that she would also attempt to destroy Heather's self esteem to make herself feel better out of her own jealousy. Though unfortunately for Kelsey, Heather took that bullying from her peers and sister over her appearance and turned it into rocket fuel to make herself more determined and ruthless than ever to eventually bite Kelsey later on when Heather dethroned her in high school. In the long and short of it, it is for these reasons that I could see José and Kelsey eventually seeing these similarities between them in a very bizarre way and kind of forming an insane alliance/ kind of-sort of relationship of some kind? But, more on this next chapter. ;) Anyway, thanks so much for reading and constructive reviews are always appreciated.

Stay classy, safe, and well everyone!

Dexter1995