Tessa sat on the patio of Crimson Lights, her head resting in one hand as she stared into her coffee. Her other hand rested on her phone, she had started to dial Rachel's number a few times, hanging up before it could connect. Tessa wanted to express how she was feeling about her friend, but she was unsure how, or even if she should approach her. Tessa had composed a text to Rachel, confessing her feelings, however she deleted it before she had the nerve to send it.

"Tessa?" Startled Tessa looked up to see Fen, coffee cup in hand.

"Oh, hi," Tessa said.

"It's getting close to Christmas," Fen said, "Are you doing anything special?"

Tessa paused before she said, "What?"

"I was asking about your Christmas plans," Fen said, "Usually a fun time of year."

"Sure, I guess," Tessa said.

"Are you okay?" Fen said, "You seem a little down."

"I'm fine," Tessa said.

"You don't look fine," Fen said, "Holiday blues?"

"Fen, I just want to be alone," Tessa snapped.

"Alright then," Fen said, turning away from her and walking to the door. Fen stopped and sighing he sauntered back over to Tessa and sat across from her.

"What are you doing?" Tessa said.

"I've been known to be a good listener," Fen said.

"I didn't ask you to sit down," Tessa said.

"Just the same, you look like you need someone to talk to," Fen said.

"I don't have anything to say," Tessa said.

"I can just listen," Fen said, "You can vent and I won't say a word."

"You don't want to hear about my troubles," Tessa said.

"Ah, so you admit something is wrong," Fen said, "Now we are getting somewhere."

"I am in a situation and I don't know what to do," Tessa said.

Tessa did not say anymore, so Fen prompted, "Care to elaborate?"

"A friend of mine is having a tough time with her feelings," Tessa said.

"Can I stop you there?" Fen said, "You're not seriously going to give me the 'my friend' routine, when we are really talking about you."

"I thought you weren't going to say a word," Tessa said. Fen held his hands up in surrender as Tessa continued. "First of all, don't get me wrong. I am in a great relationship with Mariah. It's just that, I developed feelings for someone else and I thought I had gotten to a place where I could accept just friendship. Lately my feelings have been getting stronger and I don't know how to deal with it."

Fen looked at Tessa, until she said, "You can speak now."

Fen nodded before he said, "Have you tried talking to your friend? Maybe, you should admit your feelings."

"I can't do that," Tessa nervously said.

"Why not?" Fen said, "It might help to get things out in the open."

"My friend does not feel the same way about me," Tessa said, "Besides, this person is getting married really soon. Believe it or not I am even the bride's maid of honor."

"Are you talking about Kyle and Rachel's wedding?" Fen said. Tessa just looked at Fen. "Are you saying you have feelings for Kyle?"

"What?" Tessa said, "No, not Kyle."

"Then…?" Fen started, until he realized, "Oh, you mean Rachel." Tessa nodded.

"Does she know how you feel?" Fen said.

"I told her once," Tessa said, "I also kissed her."

"You did what?" Fen said.

"It was almost a year ago," Tessa said, "And I nearly cost Rachel and I our friendship. We got past it, but lately I can't get her off my mind. I don't have anything against Kyle, but it's not fair that he gets to spend his life with her and I don't."

"Can I say something else?" Fen said.

"You're going to anyway," Tessa said.

"No matter what," Fen started, "Rachel is never going to give you what you want from her. It's the way she is, the way things are. Besides, she's deliriously happy to be marrying Kyle."

"Is that supposed to make me feel better?" Tessa said, "Because you just made me feel worse."

"On the other hand," Fen continued, "There's Mariah. Someone who loves you. She would give you anything and everything you want. Mariah wants to be with you. You are pining away for someone you can't have, when what you want is right in front of you. Instead of getting distressed over what you don't have with Rachel, maybe you should focus on what you do have with Mariah."

Tessa paused before she slightly laughed and said, "Well wonders never cease."

"Meaning?" Fen said.

"You actually make a good point," Tessa said, "Why didn't I think of it that way? Maybe building things with Mariah is exactly what I need to do."

Walking cautiously into the living room, Kyle looked around to see if anyone was nearby. Noticing he was alone, Kyle made his way to the Christmas tree and placed a few presents beneath it. The packages were accumulating and Kyle couldn't resist, as he read the tags, not noticing the front door open Rachel step inside. She stopped when she saw Kyle checking out the gifts and his smile as he found a few with his name on them.

Walking a little closer she said, "What is it you are doing?"

Startled, Kyle quickly straightened up saying, "Nothing."

"Oh really?" Rachel smiled, as Kyle couldn't hide his guilty expression, "Looks to me like you can hardly wait to get at those presents."

"I was just checking to make sure they were all properly labelled," Kyle said, "You know, so nobody gets the wrong gift."

"Do they pass your inspection?" Rachel said.

"Yes," Kyle said, "I saw some for you."

"That's nice to know," Rachel said, as Kyle helped her take off her coat, "Although, unlike you, I can wait until tomorrow morning to find out what they are."

"I can wait," Kyle said. Gesturing to the bags she had brought in with her, Kyle said, "Are you done your shopping now?"

"It's Christmas Eve," Rachel said, "If I'm not done by now, I never will be. The stores were crazy busy, but I found some more things for Susie."

"Anything for me in there?" Kyle said, peering towards the bags.

"Don't you dare peek," Rachel said.

"I'm going to take that as a yes," Kyle smiled.

"It's gotten really cold out there too," Rachel said.

"It's nice and warm in here," Kyle said, "No need to keep this on." He lifted her hat off and paused.

Rachel watched as a smile crept across Kyle's face. "What happened here?" he said. Gesturing to her head, Kyle said, "Something's different."

"I didn't bother to wear much make-up today," Rachel said.

"It's not the make-up," Kyle said, "It's your hair. The used to be more of it."

"A new year, a new husband, I figured it was time for new hair," Rachel said, "I've been think of getting a shorter cut for awhile."

Still smiling, Kyle said, "I like it."

"Really?" Rachel said.

"Yes," Kyle said, "It's kind of sexy." Rachel giggled as Kyle kissed her.

Walking into the living room, Jack and Traci spied the kiss. "Looks like we interrupted the newlyweds," Jack said.

"We are not newlyweds," Kyle said, "Yet."

"It's getting close," Jack said.

"Don't remind me," Rachel said.

"Excuse me?" Kyle said.

"Don't worry, I am looking forward to marrying you more than anything," Rachel reassured, "I only meant there is still a lot to do to get ready."

"I will do anything I can to help," Traci said.

"I may take you up on that," Rachel said.

"By the way, I love you hair," Traci said, "It looks really lovely."

"Keep telling me that," Rachel said, "It's going take some getting used to."

"I see everything is very festive in the house," Kyle said, admiring the decorations.

"We should be all set for tonight," Jack said.

"You mean for Santa?" Kyle said.

"Talk about a one track mind," Rachel said, "You know, I already caught him rummaging through the gifts underneath that tree."

"Just like when he was a little boy," Jack smiled, "Some things never change."

"Thank you, for my annual holiday embarrassment," Kyle said.

"What I was referring to before, is a small get together here tonight," Jack said.

"With who?" Kyle said.

"The family," Jack said, "Billy & Victoria, Jill, Summer…

"Summer?" Kyle said.

"Why?" Rachel said.

"Summer has always been like family," Jack said, "Just like you Rachel."

"Please don't make that comparison," Rachel said.

"She is coming and bringing her boyfriend," Jack said.

"Great," Kyle sighed, "Is that it?"

"Theo was invited," Jack said, "I'm not sure if he will come."

"Let's hope not," Kyle muttered.

"I also invited Phyllis," Jack said.

"You want her here?" Kyle said, "Are you trying to cause more family drama?"

"I thought she could use some holiday cheer," Jack said.

"We could also use this as a pre-wedding family celebration," Traci said, "And of course Adele will be joining us."

"At least two on that list are making me feel less festive," Kyle said.

"Me too," Rachel said, "But I guess we will survive for a few hours of family time."

"More shopping?" Traci said, noticing the bags.

"That's all of it," Rachel said, "I'm going to take them upstairs and then freshen up."

"It is so nice to see you again, Traci," Adele said, "It has been too long."

"Adele, it is very good to see you," Traci said, "I didn't realize you were coming for the wedding."

"I have to admit, my visit was a surprise," Adele said, "Where else would I be on my daughter's big day?"

"We are all very excited," Traci said, "Also, how nice you can spend the holidays with us."

"You went all out with decorations," Adele said, "Maybe a little overboard."

"We like to celebrate big," Traci said.

"That is an interesting choice for the tree," Adele said.

"How do you mean?" Traci said.

"It's lovely," Adele said, "Just not the color scheme I would have chosen with the lights and it is overcrowded with ornaments."

Traci paused before she said, "We like it."

"There she is," Adele gushed, catching sight of Susie and Rachel, coming down the stairs, "My beautiful granddaughter."

Susie looked questioningly at Rachel. "Susie," Rachel said, "This is my mother, your grandmother Adele."

"Mom, this is Susie," Rachel said.

"Hello dear," Adele said, "It's so nice to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you too," Susie said.

"How old are you now?" Adele said.

"I'll be thirteen next month," Susie said.

"A teenager?" Adele said, "You grew up so fast."

"Too fast," Rachel said, "By the way, I've been meaning to ask you, where is Miranda these days?"

"Your niece moved out when she went to college," Adele said, "I lost track of her after that."

"Shocker," Rachel said, "It would be nice to know where my sister's daughter is and how to get in touch with her."

"She knows where we are if she wants to see us," Adele said.

The sound of the doorbell, sent Adele to answer. Opening it she revealed Kevin and Chloe on the other side.

Both Kevin and Adele were surprised as they recognized each other. Trying to be polite Kevin said, "Adele."

Adele slammed the door shut and walked away.

"Mom?" Rachel said, "What did you….who was at the door?"

"Nobody," Adele said.

Rachel opened the door to see a displeased Kevin. "You didn't tell me she was here," he said.

"She didn't tell me," Rachel said, "I am so sorry, please come in."

"Do I have to?" Kevin said.

As they stepped inside, Chloe said, "Who was that very rude woman?"

"That would be my mother," Rachel said.

"Is she always….?" Chloe started.

"Always," Rachel confirmed, "It's nice you could come."

"Thank you for the last minute invitation," Chloe said.

"I took a chance that you didn't have plans," Rachel said.

"Mom, this is my good friend Chloe," Rachel said, "Chloe this is my mother."

"How do you do," Adele said.

"Very well, thank you," Chloe said.

"Chloe is also our wedding planner," Rachel said.

"How nice," Adele said, "Tell me, are you with him?" She gestured to Kevin.

"Yes," Chloe smiled, "Kevin is my husband." She motioned for him to come closer.

Kevin forced a smile, as Rachel said, "Mom, you remember Kevin."

"How could I forget?" Adele said.

"I'd like to say it's nice to see you again," Kevin said.

"It seems you have married yet again," Adele said.

"We have," Chloe answered. Rubbing Kevin's arm she continued, "He's wonderful. We also share a daughter."

Adele looked from Chloe to Kevin, who gave Adele a questionable look. Without a word, Adele stepped away.

"Isn't she a ray of sunshine," Chloe said

"I'm sorry," Rachel said.

"It's not your fault," Kevin said, "She never did like me from the time you and I were married."

The front door opened as Kyle bustled in carrying a shopping bag. Rachel rushed over to greet him. "Where did you go?" she said.

"You are not supposed to ask things like that on Christmas Eve," Kyle said.

"Is that something for me?" Rachel said.

"Maybe," Kyle said, "I see I'm just in time for the party."

"Your just in time to stop me from throwing my mother out," Rachel said.

"It's Christmas," Kyle reminded.

"When Kevin and Chloe got here she slammed to front door on them," Rachel said.

"I'm sorry I missed that," Kyle smirked.

"It's not funny," Rachel said.

"Not even just a little?" Kyle said, trying to make Rachel smile, "You'll laugh about it later."

Responding to the doorbell, Kyle said, "I'll get it, before your mother offends somebody else." He smiled as he greeted Summer and Fen.

"Hi," Summer smiled, as she hugged him, "Merry Christmas!"

"Thanks," Kyle said, "Happy holidays to you."

Kyle and Fen looked at each other, until Fen said, "Hey."

"Hey," Kyle muttered back.

"Merry Christmas!" Rachel said, rushing over to greet Fen, with a hug.

Kyle and Summer shared a curious look as Fen smiled and responded with his own well wishes.

"Summer," Rachel said.

"Merry Christmas," Summer said.

"And to you," Rachel said.

"You know, I think we need to call the police," Fen said.

"Why would you say that?" Kyle said.

"Because someone has stolen half of Rachel's hair," Fen said.

"Very funny," Rachel said, "I know it looks different."

"It looks really nice," Fen said, "Don't you think?" He looked at Summer.

"Oh, yes, a nice change," Summer said.

Summer excused herself and Rachel did the same, leaving Kyle and Fen standing together.

"So, how are you?" Fen said.

"Great," Kyle said.

"Good," Fen said, as the silence presented itself. "I'm going to go…." Fen said, gesturing to the room.

"Yeah," Kyle said, as he and Fen walked in opposite directions.

"This is a lovely party," Jill said, standing with Jack, in the living room, "You have a good number of people here."

"Jack!" Phyllis said, rushing to greet him.

"Maybe one too many," Jill said.

"Hello Jill," Phyllis said, "I see your holiday spirit has not diminished."

"I see yours is a little over the top," Jill said, "Why would you come here?"

"I am an invited guest," Phyllis said, "And you?"

"I'm family," Jill said.

"Oh, that's right," Phyllis said, "What's your relation again? Your son?" Scanning the room, Phyllis continued, "Pity, I don't see him here."

"Billy is on his way," Jill said, "So you may want to make yourself scarce."

"You mean spruced," Phyllis said, "As in spruced up. It's a holiday pun. You'll laugh later."

"Hardly," Jill said.

"Ladies, it's a holiday," Jack said, "The season of good will."

"If you would like to get me a last minute gift," Jill said, "Escort her out."

"I want both of you here," Jack said, "In fact I would like to introduce you to someone." Adele had approached them, as Jack said, "Adele, I would like you to meet Jill Abbott and Phyllis Summers. Ladies, this is Adele Brantford."

"How do you do," Jill said.

"Very well, thank you," Adele said, "Are you the same Jill who was married to John Abbott?"

"A lifetime ago," Jill said, "But yes, that was me."

"It's nice to meet you," Phyllis said, interjecting herself, "How do you know Jack?"

"I'm Rachel's mother," Adele said.

"And friend of the family," Jack said.

"You've come for the wedding?" Jill said.

"Yes, I have," Adele said, "Although I am concerned if my daughter is making the right choice here. Mrs. Abbott…"

"Jill," Jill said, "No need to be so formal."

"Jill, you and John share a son, correct?" Adele said.

"Billy," Jill said.

"Yes, that's right," Adele said, "He would be a much better choice for Rachel."

"She's been there and done that," Phyllis said, "It ended in disaster."

"Didn't your relationship with Billy end up the same way?" Jill said. Phyllis just looked at Jill. "What, no come back?" Jill said.

"Rachel and Kyle are very much in love," Jack said, "They are both extremely happy together."

"Jack, you have raised a fine young man in Kyle," Adele said, "I only hope he can keep my daughter happy."

"No reason to believe otherwise," Jack said, "I know you have your reservations, but with those two, it's true love more than I've ever seen."

"We thought the same thing," Phyllis said, "Remember Jack, when we were married? Look how well that turned out."

"You two were married?" Adele said.

Waiving her hand and whispering, Phyllis said, "It was awhile ago. Now he wants little to do with me, which makes it odd that he invited me here tonight. Go figure."

"Indeed," Jill said.

"Mom?" Summer tapped, Phyllis on the shoulder.

"Summer," Phyllis smiled. Putting her arm around Summer's shoulders, Phyllis introduced her to Adele. "This lovely young woman here is my daughter, Summer. Summer this is Adele, Rachel's mother."

"Nice to meet you," Summer said.

"You as well," Adele said.

"Here's a fun fact," Phyllis said, "My daughter here, used to be your future son-in-law's first love."

"Is that so?" Adele said.

"Excuse us," Summer said, leading her mother away. Once they were alone, Summer said, "Was it really necessary for you to flaunt my past relationship with Kyle, to Rachel's mother?"

"She should know everything about the man, her daughter is about to marry," Phyllis said.

"I know you don't have a high opinion of Kyle," Summer said, "But he is truly happy. They both are. Do not try to throw a wrench in this relationship, just because you don't like him."

"I don't trust him," Phyllis said, "Why Rachel thinks she can, is beyond me."

"It's called being in love," Summer said.

"I would think you would be against this upcoming marriage," Phyllis said.

"Kyle is happier than I have ever seen him," Summer said, "He has been given a second chance at life and he deserves all the good things coming his way. I may not be fond of his future wife, but she makes him happy. That's all I want for Kyle."

"If you say so," Phyllis said.

"Furthermore," Summer said, "Can I ask you to please not cause anymore scenes. I know how you like to make a spectacle of yourself."

"Spectacles can be fun," Phyllis said.

"Mom…" Summer said.

"Alright," Phyllis said, "I am only kidding. It's Christmas, time for fun."

"That's what worries me," Summer said.

Billy opened the front door, allowing Victoria to walk in ahead of him. "What a great turn out," Victoria said.

"Looks like it," Billy said.

Catching sight of Kyle and Rachel sharing a kiss, Billy watched with interest.

"Don't stare," Victoria said.

"They look happy to you?" Billy said.

"Looks like love to me," Victoria said, "Maybe we should take our cue from them."

"We could leave early," Billy said, "Then I could take you home and…" Billy trailed off, when he spied his brother approaching, "Jack, Merry Christmas" Billy said.

"Merry, merry to you," Jack said, "Victoria, always a pleasure."

"Thank you for including me," Victoria said.

"Of course," Jack said.

Spotting Adele, Billy said, "Jack, who is that woman? I have the feeling I've met her somewhere before."

"You probably have," Jack said, leading him and Victoria towards her.

"Adele, you may remember my brother, Billy," Jack said.

"Nice to see you," Billy said, "Let me introduce my better half, Victoria."

"Very nice to meet you," Victoria smiled.

"You and I," Billy started, "We have met before haven't we?"

"Yes, I believe we have," Adele said, "You know my daughter."

"Of course, you're Rachel's mother," Billy remembered, "I thought we had met before."

"Nice to see you again," Adele said, "Last we met, you dating my daughter."

Billy paused before he said, "Yes, well that was a long time ago."

"I always thought you and Rachel would be getting married," Adele said, "You were always better suited for her."

"We're still friends," Billy said.

"I remember her telling me she was falling in love with you," Adele said, "It's a shame how things turned out."

"I don't know about that," Billy said. Putting an arm around Victoria, he continued, "We both found true love. Everything worked out for the best."

"We will see," Adele said, stepping away.

Victoria half laughed as she said, "How could she go on like that, about you and another woman, when I am standing right here?"

"From what I remember about Adele, she speaks her mind," Billy said, "It's no wonder Rachel does not get along with her."

"Could anyone?" Victoria said.

"That woman keeps looking at me with these distasteful expressions," Kevin said.

"The way she feels is her problem, let's not make it ours," Chloe said.

"Who are we talking about?" Fen said.

"Rachel's mother," Chloe said.

"I don't believe I've had the pleasure," Fen said.

"Spare yourself," Kevin said.

"Are we having fun?" Rachel said, walking over.

"It's a great party," Chloe said, "I love this time of year."

"Has anyone seen my future husband?" Rachel said.

"Maybe Adele swallowed him up," Kevin said.

"You know, it actually wouldn't surprise me," Rachel said, "She would do anything to stop me from marrying someone she does not approve of."

"Oh, Kyle is getting your mother's royal treatment?" Kevin said.

"To perfection," Rachel said.

"So Fen," Chloe said, "What's up with you?"

"Not much," Fen said, as Summer slid up beside him, "Just enjoying the holidays. Spending time with this beautiful lady." He smiled at Summer.

"Isn't he sweet?" Summer said.

"What about the singing career?" Chloe said, "Are you going out on tour again?"

"It's hard to say," Fen said, "Nothing has been planned yet."

"I'm sure you will sell out when it happens," Rachel said.

"If I do go, you should come with me," Fen said.

"I'm sorry?" Rachel said.

"You have a good singing voice," Fen said, "We could go on tour together."

"I don't think so," Rachel said.

"It would be fun," Fen said, as Kyle strode up to join the conversation. "Hey Kyle," Fen said, "You wouldn't mind if I borrowed your future bride for a few months would you?"

"Pardon me?" Kyle said.

"Don't listen to him," Rachel laughed.

"I see you found your way out from the depths," Kevin said.

"I missed a lot, didn't I?" Kyle said.

"Where were you?" Rachel said.

"Doing Christmas stuff," Kyle said. Leaning into her ear, he whispered, "I'll show you later."

"Can't wait," Rachel giggled, as Kyle kissed her cheek.

The sound of the doorbell, sent Traci rushing to greet the guests. Most everyone turned to look as Traci exclaimed, "Theo!"

"Hi Traci," Theo said, "I hope you don't mind that I brought someone." Gesturing to his date he said, "I'm not sure if you know Lola."

Spying Lola, Kyle and Rachel lost their smiles. "Oh, no he didn't," Rachel said.