Beyond The Classroom

'Where Have You Been?'

Victoria slung her backpack over her shoulder, it's weight pulling her down as she trudged home. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the sidewalk, and the air was warm with the promise of summer. She could feel the sweat trickling down her back, mixing with the grime of the day's events. The fight with Sarah had left her feeling drained and annoyed. She wondered how she was going to explain everything to her mum and her little sister, Sophia.

As she reached the front door, Victoria took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. She pushed it open and stepped inside, the cool air of the house washing over her. The familiar smell of dinner cooking in the kitchen greeted her, a stark constant to the chaos of her day.

'Victoria, is that you?' Charlotte called from the kitchen.

'Yeah, it's me, mum.' Victoria replied, dropping her backpack by the door.

Charlotte appeared in the doorway, wiping her hands on a dish towel. She took one look at Victoria and her expression shifted from welcoming to concerned. 'What happened to you? Where have you been? You look extremely tired.'

Victoria sighed, her shoulders slumping. 'I had a rough day.'

Sophia, who had been sitting on the living room couch doing her homework, looked up. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, but her expression turned serious when she saw Victoria's face. 'Whoa, Vic, you look like you've been run over by a truck. Did you finally decide to become a stunt double?'

Victoria couldn't help but smile a little at Sophia's attempt to lighten the mood. 'Not exactly, Soph.'

'Come on, sit down and tell me about it.' Charlotte said, guiding Victoria to the kitchen table. She poured a glass of water and placed it in front of her daughter. Sophia abandoned her homework and followed them, perching on a chair opposite Victoria.

'Now, start from the beginning. What happened?' Charlotte asks.

Victoria took a sip of water, trying to find the right words. 'Well, it started with Sarah. She's been acting weird and bitchy around me for a while. Giving me looks and making snide comments.'

Charlotte's eyes narrowed. 'Sarah? Is this the same Sarah who used to come over for sleepovers?'

'Yeah. That's the one.' Victoria confirmed. 'Today, at lunch, she decided to come up to me, and accuse me of something I didn't do.'

Charlotte leaned forward, her concern evident. 'Accusing you of what?'

Victoria laughed, her eyes filled with anger. 'She thinks I'm sleeping with her boyfriend, mum. But I'm genuinely not. Why would I even do that? I don't even like the guy.'

Sophia's mouth dropped open. 'Sarah's crazy! You'd never go near that guy. He smells like a gym locker and has the personality of a wet mop.'

Charlotte shot Sophia a look, but Victoria couldn't help but laugh through her anger. 'Thanks, Soph.'

Charlotte's face softened, and she reached out to hold Victoria's hand. 'Oh, sweetheart, I'm so sorry this has happened. What even happened after?'

'She wouldn't listen to me. She just kept shouting, and then she tried grabbing my hair, so I punched her in the face. But it all happened so fast. The teachers broke us up before I killed her, but now everyone at school thinks I'm some kind of home wrecker.' Victoria explained, a hint of annoyance in her voice.

Charlotte's grip on Victoria's hand tightened. 'I can't believe this. You should never have to deal with this kind of crap. Why didn't you call me to tell me?'

'I didn't want to worry you.' Victoria admitted. 'I handled it perfectly fine anyway. And she's been expelled.'

Charlotte sighed deeply, her expression resolute. 'Alright, this ends now. Tomorrow, I'm coming with you to the school. We're going to meet with your teachers and get this situation sorted. You shouldn't have to deal with her bullshit.'

'Cheers, mum.' Victoria said, smiling at her mum. 'I don't even know what's gonna happen to her now.'

Charlotte stood up and pulled Victoria into a tight hug. 'She was stupid anyway. And if Sarah's spreading lies, we'll make sure the truth comes out. You just continue being you, okay?'

Victoria nodded against her mother's shoulder. 'Perfect.'

Sophia crossed her arms and nodded vigorously. 'And if anyone messes with you again, they'll have to deal with me. I've got a mean right hook.'

Victoria chuckled and looked at Sophia. 'That sounds very reassuring, Soph.'

Charlotte pulled back and gave Victoria a reassuring smile. 'Now, how about we finish dinner and then you can relax for the rest of the evening? You've had a long day, and you deserve a break.'

'Sounds good.' Victoria agreed.

As they worked together to finish preparing dinner, Victoria felt a sense of comfort in the familiar routine. Despite the turmoil of the day, she knew she had her mother's unwavering support and her sister's fierce loyalty. It didn't make the situation with Sarah any less painful, but it gave her the strength to face whatever came next.