Chapter 25! Wow! I both can and can't believe I've gotten this far with this fanfic project. Just seriously thank you all so much for following this fanfiction project of mine. You have no idea how much it means to me. :) Anyway, this chapter picks up right after the Wilson's get back to the house from the Christmas party at the country club. This came out to 7 pages in word processing so I hope you're ready to hunker down and read. Enjoy! :)

(Heather's POV)

We just got back from the country club and started walking back to my room from the bathroom after I changed into my usual shorts and T-shirt I usually sleep in.

Right as I was about to reach for the door handle on my bedroom door... I felt like I had paralysis for a second as I paused.

I scrunched my eyes shut and grit my teeth before letting out a tense sigh.

Preparing myself.

"Okay Heather, get a grip. Don't let this crap get to you. It's just a week." I said under my breath, practically giving myself a weird lame-ass peptalk.

Eventually I shook my head and straightened up, finally seeming to be getting a hold of myself.

Ugh, c'mon Heather! You've had to put up with WAY worse 'accommodations'.

If I was able to survive spending weeks on end sharing a shitty, death trap cabin with a psycho hose beast, an annoying gutter punk, and Leshawna… Ugh, please, I can handle this for one week.

I opened the door part way and saw him while he was in the process of putting on what looked like an expensive red silk men's button up long sleeve pajama shirt and a pair of red silk pajama pants to match.

Wait… he actually wears pajamas?

Ugh, this is so stupid.

I mean, it's not even like this is even the first time we slept in the same bed, considering every time before this usually involved sex and us sharing a bed completely naked…

SO THEN WHY AM I OVERTHINKING THE HELL OUT OF THIS?! UGH!

But as ridiculous as it was… it's like I 'preferred' when more was involved to add a 'distraction' to avoid him trying to get me to 'communicate'.

Then I kept thinking about what happened in first class…

Then my room back in October…

Then the lake house….

Ugh, dammit…

I let out another sigh and scrunched my eyes shut as I tried to get it together.

Eventually, and even though I did NOT like anything about this situation with practically being stuck with him and him probably going to try something to get me to talk about us and me and…

UGH! Stop it! C'mon Heather! This is YOUR damn room. Take charge!

I straightened up as I walked into my room and saw him now sitting on the edge of my bed reading a book. He caught me walking in as he flashed his usual grin and started, "Hola, mi amor. Or I suppose I should say Merry Christmas now considering..."

He glanced over to the alarm clock on my nightstand, indicating it was already a few minutes past midnight now.

I felt my stomach clench for a second, feeling like this was about to go somewhere I didn't want to. I just ignored it as I changed the subject as I crossed my arms and started, "I didn't peg you as a 'pajamas' guy."

He chuckled slightly as he smirked before replying, quirking up an eyebrow and sounding nothing short of teasing, "Truth be told, I am actually. In fact these were a gift from my mother last week. Why? Would you prefer I wear less?"

He reached his hand up to the top button on his shirt as I shot forward and gripped my hand over his shirt as I gave him an absolute death glare and strained through my teeth, "Keep… it… on…"

I felt like I was going to blow a gasket even more when all he did was just continue to give that teasing look and smirk as he responded, "As you wish."

I continued to just give him a hard glare in absolute annoyance as he continued to just hold that satisfied smirk.

Ugh! How can I hate him yet also love him at the same time?!

I seriously have to be insane… or at least be a complete masochist for letting myself feel like this about him. Then again, I think I've just come to expect it now since I've already proven that whether I'm near him or away from him it doesn't even matter or change anything.

Just… UGH! Damn him…

I was about to walk over to the other side of the bed, determined to not let this get to me.

But right as I was about to take a step, I felt myself get pulled back only for him to practically pull me into his lap. Before I could even react, he immediately caressed my cheek with his free hand as he looked right into my eyes, making my mind go blank for a second, "Come now, Heather. There's no need for this. After all, it's been quite a while since we were last alone like this. And after that wonderful gift you gave me earlier today, I want to show you how much I appreciated it. Perhaps a massage?"

Despite how thrown off I felt, I knew he was up to 'something' and he was trying to do anything he could to weaken my hold on the situation to get me in the palm of his hand… and like hell I was going to let him have it that easy.

Instead, I remembered something.

As much as I hated giving in to something like this with him that easy and hated myself even more for how much I sickly wanted this from him almost desperately it made me want to beat the ever living crap out of myself… it was my only option I had to subtly counter this into going my way.

Well, that and to make sure he zips it.

Quickly, I smirked and smoothed my left hand up the side of his face, actually looking like I caught him off guard for a moment.

Perfect…

I smoothed my thumb over his cheek in the most teasing way I possibly could as I started, trying to not be too obvious but still let him know 'what I wanted' him to do, "Actually… I seemed to remember someone a couple months back mentioning something about returning the favor after what I did for him?"

Eventually his eyes widened for a brief second, almost reminding me of that time I was hinting I wanted him after we went out dancing in Ottawa only to totally turn him off completely at the second, before he grinned slightly and started, "Of course, how could I have possibly forgotten? If that's what you'd like? Then by all means…"

My eyes went wide for a brief moment as he turned us in one swift motion so I was on my back on my bed with him lingering above me as he looked me right in the eye, caressing my cheek again as he continued, his tone oozing with seductive desire, "Allow me, mi ángel."

Before I could even do anything he immediately leaned down and pressed his lips full on mine and I almost instantaneously reacted by pressing back into him and wrapping my arms around his neck, making him sigh into me.

Look, if this is what it takes to keep him from trying to force me into more stupid and pointless discussions about us and our relationship, I'll take it.

And not that I'd admit it even now, but… ugh, I want him so bad right now it makes me feel disgusted with myself but I also couldn't give a crap and a half about it.

He can do almost anything to me right now.

We kept making out as I felt him smoothly slide his hands down my sides, making that satisfying chill go down my spine as my eyes rolled back a little.

His hands slowly made their way down until they got to the waistband on my shorts and I slowly felt his fingers curl inside and around the waistband of both my shorts and panties and I felt like I was pathetically losing it even from just this as he slowly started pulling them down.

Look as much as I despise the fact that he always has to bring up how he was technically my first like he did earlier and make me want to just smack him every single time he has that stupid winningly satisfied grin stuck on his stupidly perfect face when he brings it up… it's not like I had zero experience.

Yeah, I messed around a little with guys if they fulfilled their purpose to me at a dance by doing everything I wanted them to do.

But actually letting them get with me?

Ha! Not a chance would I have ever let any of those stupidly, pathetic dillweeds get there with me.

I have standards.

But Alejandro… ugh, I don't know what even happens to me?!

He just has the ability to completely make me almost weaken to the point of practical crumbling and as much as I hate it… ugh, I'd be lying if I said I don't sickly enjoy every second of everything he does to me.

Not that I would EVER say it to him, but… to me, he goes past any and every standard I had in situations like this before.

We kept kissing as he kept pulling my shorts and underwear down as he started lingering his lips down my neck… until we both stopped dead in our tracks as we both heard a loud 'THUMP' on the other side of my wall that sounded like Kelsey's dresser slamming into the wall and then it immediately being followed by 2 insufferably annoying laughs.

I could feel my blood starting to boil as my jaw practically locked in livid rage.

They wouldn't dare…

But, then it was like they only answered my question as I what sounded like Kelsey's dresser repetitively continue to hit the wall.

Alejandro and I both gave each other annoyed, disgusted, and totally livid glares about what we were hearing before looking back at the wall as we kept hearing what was clearly Kelsey and José obnoxiously 'going at it with each other', clearly trying to be just as obnoxious to make sure we could hear everything they were doing.

I felt my jaw continue to clench, feeling completely disgusted, annoyed, and 'turned off' at this point as I felt like daggers were shooting out of my eyes.

That's it… she and Rico Suave McSkeez are totally going to get it now.

2 hours later

Suburban Ottawa at the Burromuerto household

({No POV})

It was nearing 2:30 AM and Gerardo was and had been fast asleep and despite them both having a relaxing and romantic Christmas Eve night together, Elena had a hard time staying asleep.

Even with her husband providing her with plenty of distractions, she just couldn't seem to shut the constant stream of conflicting and irritating thoughts going through her brain.

However, rather than continue to allow them to consume her, she got up and made her way to the Livingroom as she picked up her phone to find yet another distraction.

And luckily Elena thought of one rather quickly as she opened up her apps and immediately sent a video call invitation to Gemma.

Elena remembered her saying she was going to stay in Spain to be near the lab in case anything needed to be addressed and that Gemma was an 'early riser' usually and she should be up by now.

Eventually Elena smirked as Gemma picked up the call and immediately started, "Happy Christmas". To which Elena grinned and responded, "Feliz Navidad."

Both of them laughed quietly at their usual holiday exchange, though Elena then became curious at first glance as she looked at Gemma.

Gemma looked as if she had practically just rolled out of bed. For as long as Elena had known her when they met at age 20 as flatmates, Gemma had a very strict routine.

Immediately after Gemma's alarm went off promptly at 6:15 am every morning, she would immediately shower, do her make up, and then put on her clothes she laid out for herself the night before and only then would she come into the kitchen and have coffee or tea with her toast like she usually did every morning for breakfast.

But then again, it was Christmas so perhaps she was 'taking it easy' due to the holiday? Elena decided not to read too much into it as she started, "Sorry for springing this on you. I couldn't sleep and thought I'd see if you were interested in helping me pass the time?"

Gemma grinned and responded in a friendly yet almost sisterly fashion to Elena, "I figured as much. Last time I remembered this happening was before you got married and you called me at midnight in practically a blind panic about my opinion on your wedding flower arrangements and if they would clash with the colours of your centerpieces."

Elena remembered that instance as she immediately gave Gemma a slightly cheeky look as she replied simply in just as sisterly of a response, clearly indicating how well and long they knew each other, "Don't start."

They both laughed a little again to themselves at that memory. After that Gemma started, "Well, penny for your thoughts?"

Elena sighed before saying, deciding she could speak honestly with Gemma, "More like an entire gold bar's worth if I'm speaking honestly."

"Golly, what is it this time?" Gemma started, even though she had an inkling of knowing Elena and the current events surrounding things at the moment with Alejandro and a certain someone.

Elena sighed again and looked as if she was about to start explaining until Elena heard a familiar voice call out in the background on Gemma's end, "Gemma?"

Immediately Gemma's eyes widened as she sheepishly and nervously laughed quietly before quickly excusing herself to Elena, "Um… one moment."

She quickly muted Elena and put her phone down on the sofa she was sitting on and was quick to throw a pillow over the phone as Elena looked as if she was spiraling in total confusion.

Gemma looked behind her as saw Julio emerge from the side hallway from his bedroom in nothing but a pair of men's pajama pants and his usual long horn necklace around his neck. His slightly long light brown hair out of its usual hair tie as he smoothed his hand over it.

Immediately he smirked at Gemma as he started, teasingly playful in his tone, "Hola, mi cariña. I was wondering where you went off to? Or suppose I should say Feliz Navidad, sí?"

Though Gemma was internally panicking about Julio giving her away to Elena just now, but she knew making a thing of it wouldn't help anything.

Instead she just 'stomped it down' and smiled as she started, teasing him back in a similar manner, "I think I'm entitled to a cup of coffee in the morning, wouldn't you agree?"

Julio grinned now as he walked around to Gemma's side of the couch and leaned over her as he started, tucking a strand of her short hair behind her ear, "Well, after everything… I'd say you are entitled to whatever you'd like, mi amor."

At that moment he leaned in and Gemma leaned forward as well as they shared a tender kiss between them until Julio broke away and gave Gemma another kiss on her forehead before he almost affectionately rest his forehead against hers and they looked at each other and exchanged slight smiles for a second.

However, even more unluckily for Gemma, the throw pillow she put on top of her phone didn't cover the camera and Elena was able to see the current display between Gemma and her currently shirtless brother-in-law, obviously showing this wasn't a 'new thing' that happened over night and there was clearly something intimate going on between the two.

Elena continued to watch in shock as Gemma continued to almost genuinely smile as she put her hand on the side of Julio's face and he leaned into it a bit as he continued to look at her almost adoringly in a way.

Eventually Julio sighed as he started, "As much as I truly hate to leave, I think I'm going to freshen up. It's not often I have a guest on the day of the holiday or plans. Perhaps we could take a nice walk along the shore together today, if you'd like?"

Gemma just smiled slightly as she started, "A walk sounds lovely."

They both shared another peck between them before Julio walked off and disappeared out of sight.

Meanwhile Elena's eyes continued to look like they were going to fall out of her head at everything she just witnessed. And by the time Gemma got the courage to retrieve her phone to face the music with Elena, even she could see exactly what Elena realized by the lividly shocked look on her face.

And that extent of Elena's realization was pretty much 'everything'. But, not looking swayed in the slightest, Gemma unmuted the call right as Elena snapped in near outrage, "You cannot be serious! Julio?! Do you not remember what he did to Ernesto at Gerardo and I's party 5 years ago?! How long have you been keeping this from me?! Gemma, how can you possibly?!..."

"Elena, enough!" Gemma snapped, making Elena go silent and wide eyed.

Despite the fact that Gemma was never one to make trouble, it was clear she was indicating to Elena that she wasn't going to take any 'accusations' lying down.

Slowly Gemma straightened up and readjusted her glasses as she started, "Elena, I know we have always been so much more than just colleagues and even friends. In fact, I have always considered you like a sister. However, that does not give you any right to throw false accusations at me, especially over my own private business. Though to at least answer one of your questions as to how long its been going on, not long at all actually. In fact it was only a few days after your anniversary party that we started seeing each other."

Elena almost looked too in shock to speak until she finally got out, "But… how? And… why?"

Gemma let out a sigh as she started, "Elena, I'm not going to tread on eggshells around this… or you. In the long and short of it, I wanted to. Three days after the party and right as I was walking out of the lab, Julio was outside waiting for me. I was confused until he said he came to apologize for how he behaved and said too much to me after he had 'one glass too many' at the party and wanted to make it up to me by taking me out to dinner. Which at first I didn't think too much of it since we've talked over lunch together on previous occasions and…"

"Qué?" Elena sputtered in absolute confusion, showing that the fact of Gemma and Julio regularly meeting for lunch was something that was news to her.

Though Gemma wasn't about to let Elena 'guilt trip' her as she immediately responded, "Elena, good god, we're both nearly 58 years old. Just because I don't tell you about every aspect of what I do in my personal life doesn't mean I'm committing high treason against you or anyone. Especially since the fact that Julio and I usually just met for lunch to discuss things strictly professionally as doctors, at least that was how I was quite adamant to keep it that way. Well… until recently."

Gemma paused as she thought back to the most recent party when Julio was coming on a little strong with his usual annoying yet harmless flirtations toward her.

Specifically how Julio mentioned her possibly wanting 'consistent companionship' at this point in her life.

As subtle as it was, it was something Gemma had been thinking about more and more recently.

Especially with the fact that though Gemma never said it out loud, Elena knew Gemma was always 100% dedicated to her work and hardly ever held a relationship for more then 6 months… and even then those stints were very few and far between with men since Gemma had always been a career woman who never really wanted marriage or children since she was 'married to her work' as she said in most of her life up until this moment in time, and Elena knew this better than anyone.

Though Elena was also especially aware of the attraction between Julio and Gemma the moment the two were practically introduced when they were 21. Elena; however, just never seemed to pay it much mind since she knew Gemma was 100% focused on her work and tried not to give Julio any false impressions otherwise for said reason.

Gemma saw this at the current moment as she continued to explain, but maintaining her strong position, "Elena, I know to you I have always been a work horse. Spending time doing my research in almost 'all nighter fashion' on my own with no qualms since I enjoyed pouring myself into my work with everything I had. But… in the past year, I've had to face the fact that I'm not a young woman anymore. That fact sobered me earlier this year when I was woken up at 9 O'clock at night when one of my med student fellows found me and had to wake me up after I passed out on one of the lab tables in the midst of my work. As much as it was hard to accept, I'm not as young as I was and while I will always love my work and can never see myself fully retiring… I know I need to accept more help from my fellows and colleagues and take a slight step back now. Just as you've seen that I have been doing. But, with some extra time I've had on my plate lately due to said reason… I realized something I never paid much mind. It wasn't until I heard it recently from someone {Julio} that I really came to that realization. And the fact is… I was starting to realize what it was like to be lonely."

Gemma paused to let out a slight sigh before she started again, "I know you have always been used to having Gerardo and the boys and that married and family life never had an appeal to me, but I've changed a little. Sure I may not regret my decision to never have children of my own. But every day I would come back to my flat and have some dinner only to realize... I was all alone. No one to have meals with, talk about my day with, discuss things and understand each other. And though it's only been a few weeks, I have found exactly that with Julio. I know you may have never liked him much and I will even concede that he is an insufferably vain and silly flirt of a prankster… but he is very sweet with me, he always has been. We get on very well together. He's handsome, he's brilliant, he's an excellent professional in his field. He loves me and honestly… I love him too. Whether you like it or not Elena, the whole world will not stop turning when something happens that you don't approve of."

Elena's eyes widened at what she knew Gemma was alluding to. Almost outraged, Elena immediately retaliated, "How dare you… How can you of all people approve of him being with that cold, wretched little zorra who?!..."

"Elena, I know you are a CEO and business woman with a lot of control, but even you cannot control everything. While I do not wish to elaborate on the subject and have it result in a quarrel since I don't want to make trouble between us as friends and colleagues. But, just hear me on this. You know that I love Alejandro. He's the closest thing I have to a child and I couldn't love him anymore if he would have been my own son. Do I approve of everything he does? Most certainly not. But he is a grown man now, Elena. You cannot control him or me or anyone into doing everything 'your way'. And just because someone decides to do something 'their way' does not mean they are against you or trying to disrespect you. So the sooner you understand that, the sooner you'll be able to move on. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to wash up as well and have a lovely holiday with Julio. And I hope you and Gerardo do the same. Happy Christmas." After that final note, Gemma hung up.

Meanwhile also leaving Elena in a pensive, conflicted, and shocked state on her living room couch at all the new information and revelations that were just thrown right in her face.

4 hours later

Suburban Toronto at the Wilson household

It was nearing 7 am as most of the Wilson hold were still asleep. Kelsey and José in particular were both still in a deep sleep, both barely even covered by any of the covers on Kelsey bed after their deviously devised escapades the night before.

They were both still sleeping as Kelsey's door slowly started opening and two shadows slowly encroached on the pair.

It was silent for a moment until all of a sudden Kelsey and José sprang awake as dirty, ice cold water was thrown on them.

"Qué carajo?!" "What the fuck?!" They both yelled out in annoyance and sprang up only to see Alejandro and Heather standing at the foot of their bed with devious smirks and buckets in hand.

Eventually Alejandro started in his usual smooth tone, "Buenos días, hermanos. After all the effort you both seemed to be putting in last night, Heather and I decided we'd assist you both and give you a very well deserved cold shower."

At that moment, Heather interjected with a deviously and victoriously satisfied grin, "But, I wouldn't skimp on a regular shower though. We found these buckets in the garage that the landscapers left behind at the end of the season. So, who knows what's been in them? But truth… they're probably cleaner than either of you have ever been. So, whatever?"

At that current moment, both Kelsey and José were practically shaking in livid, stone faced rage as both Alejandro and Heather just kept giving them winningly satisfied smirks in return.

Eventually, Alejandro just started, "Well, anyway, I suppose we'll see you both downstairs for breakfast. Hasta Luego… Oh, and Feliz Navidad."

After that, Alejandro and Heather proceeded to walk out of the room as Heather threw the bucket over her shoulder.

Alejandro was already out of the room as Heather turned around in the doorway before saying, sounding ironically spiteful yet also somehow satisfied at the same time, "Merry Christmas… suckers."

Then almost as if to punctuate her statement, Heather flipped them off with a slight smirk on her face before walking out of the room, leaving Kelsey and José fuming and stewing in their own rage filled juices.

Well, looks like Kelsey and José got more than what they bargained for when they were trying to annoy and get in their siblings' heads. Then again, and as we know, the last thing you'd probably ever want to do is mess with either Heather or Alejandro. But, typically as people, I feel like many of us usually tend to underestimate our siblings to a degree. And of course from Kelsey and José's perspective especially, despite Alejandro and Heather being minor reality TV celebrities in their universe, to them they are both still just their annoying younger siblings that they totally despise and vice versa. Some things just never change! Lol. XD And Alejandro and Heather got their revenge in their own Aleheather-esque way. Sure while maybe not the most mature, I wanted to show how I'd see Alejandro and Heather slowly starting to work together in their own way as a couple. But what else would we expect from our favorite dastardly duo, right?! Haha. ;) That and I hope you my progression on how I'm showing Heather slowly but surely 'softening' in her own still cold, closed off, and emotionally constipated way that we all love Heather for. At least that's why I love her character anyway! Haha. XD And then I hope you liked how Gemma kind of gave Elena a little 'attitude adjustment' in terms of both her now involvement with Julio as well as applying it to Alejandro's involvement with Heather. Whether Elena likes the reality of the situation or not, she needs to eventually 'get over it' so to speak or at least 'tolerate it'. And not to get deep here, but Gemma's 'you do you' advice to Elena is exactly how I feel personally about a lot of things. I just feel like the world would be a better place if more people would 'let things go' and not take things so personally when people are just living their own lives. That's just me though! Haha. :) Anyway, I really hope you enjoyed the chapter and have a lovely rest of your day! Thanks SO much for taking the time to stop by and read and constructive feedback is appreciated as always.

Stay classy, healthy, and safe!

Dexter1995