Beyond The Classroom

Unwell.

Victoria laced up her running shoes, eager to hit the park to have a jog, since she wanted to start being sporty. As she made her way through the winding paths, she couldn't shake the feeling that today would be different somehow.

Sure enough, as she rounded a bend, she spotted Mr Reed jogging up ahead. A surge of excitement shot through her as she quickened her pace to catch up with him.

'Hey there, Victoria.' Mr Reed greeted her with a grin as she drew near. 'Fancy seeing you here.'

Victoria couldn't help but return his smile, her heart racing at the unexpected encounter. 'Hi, Mr Reed.' she replied, trying to keep her cool.

Mr Reed slowed his pace slightly to match hers. 'You can call me Alec. Mind if I join you for a bit?' he asked, a playful glint in his eyes.

Victoria's heart skipped a beat at the prospect of running with him. 'Not at all.' she said, trying to sound casual.

As they jogged side by side, Alec couldn't resist teasing her. 'Come on, Victoria, pick up the pace!' he exclaimed, his voice filled with mock urgency.

Victoria laughed, pushing herself to run faster as she tried to keep up with him. But as they rounded a bend, she had an idea, and 'a sudden wave of dizziness washed over her'.

'Whoa, are you okay?' Alec asked, his concern evident as he reached out to steady her.

Victoria staggered, clutching her chest as she pretended to faint. Alec's arms wrapped around her, supporting her weight as he gently lowered her to the ground.

'Victoria, are you alright?' he asked, his voice filled with worry as he rested her head on his lap.

Victoria fought to suppress a smile as she looked up at him, her heart pounding in her chest. 'I... I think so.' she replied, trying to sound breathless.

Alec's brow furrowed in concern. 'Do you live nearby? Should I call someone for help?' he asked, his hand brushing against her cheek.

Victoria shook her head, her pulse racing with anticipation. 'N...no. I don't live close by.' she lied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alec's lips curved into a smile. 'Well, lucky for you, I do.' he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. 'But if you're really scared of hospitals, I guess I'll just have to take you to my house instead.'

Victoria's heat skipped a beat at the thought of being alone with Alec. 'If you could.' she said, her voice barely a whisper.

With a chuckle, Alec scooped her up in his arms, effortlessly lifting her off the ground. As he carried her back to his house, Victoria couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement at the prospect of what awaited them behind closed doors. And as they disappeared into the distance, she knew that this chance encounter in the park was just the beginning of anything that was about to brew between them.