Beyond The Classroom

Alec.

It was a bright Saturday morning, and Victoria was getting ready to go shopping with Alec. She hummed to herself as she brushed her hair, excitement bubbling inside her. Downstairs, the doorbell rang, signalling Alec's arrival.

Charlotte, still feeling a bit uneasy about Alec despite his efforts to win her over, went to answer the door. She opened it to find Alec standing there, holding a bouquet of flowers.

'Good morning, Mrs Harrison.' Alec greeted warmly, extending the flowers towards her. 'I brought these for you.'

Charlotte accepted the flowers with a polite smile, though her warmth was restrained. 'Thank you, Alec. Come in.'

Alec stepped inside, and almost immediately, Sophia came running down the hall, her face lighting up at the sight of him. 'Alec! You're here!'

'Hey, kiddo!' Alec said, picking her up in his arms. 'How's my favourite girl doing?'

Sophia giggled. 'I'm good. Are you taking Vic shopping?'

'That's the plan.' Alec said, setting her back down. 'But I'll need her to hurry up a bit.'

Charlotte cleared her throat, her expression still reserved. 'Victoria will be down in a moment.'

As if on cue, Victoria appeared at the top of the stairs, her face lighting up when she saw Alec. 'I'm here.'

Alec smiled up at her. 'You look nice. As always.'

Victoria walked down the stairs, and hugged Alec. 'Thanks for the flowers, they're lovely.'

'Anything.' Alec replied, kissing her on the cheek.

Charlotte watched the interaction, her face softening slightly but still cautious. 'Be back by dinner.' she instructed, her tone firm.

'Will do, Mrs Harrison.' Alec said respectfully. He took Victoria's hand, and they headed out the door, with Sophia waving energetically after them.

'Bye, Alec! Bye, Vic!'

'Bye, Sophia!' they chorused.

As they walked to Alec's car, Victoria glanced at him, noticing the slight tension in his shoulders. 'Don't worry about my mum.' she said softly. 'She'll come around.'

Alec sighed as they reached the car. 'I hope so. I really don't want her to hate me.'

'You're doing great.' Victoria assured him, squeezing his hand. 'She just needs time.'

They got into the car, and Alec started the engine. 'So, where to first?' he asked, his mood lifting as they pulled away from the house.

'The mall.' Victoria said with a grin. 'I need new clothes.'

'Shopping it is.' Alec said, heading towards the mall with a smile.

*******************

Once they arrived at the mall, they started with the department stores. Alec, always playful, made a game of picking out the most outrageous outfits for Victoria to try on.

'How about this one?' Alec said, holding up a bright pink dress with huge ruffles.

Victoria laughed, shaking her head. 'I'd look like a cupcake in that.'

'What? Cupcakes are good.' Alec laughed, and winked.

They continued browsing, with Alec occasionally picking up random items and pretending to model them. 'Do you think this hat suits me?' he asked, putting on a wide brimmed, floral hat.

Victoria burst into laughter. 'Yeah. If you're going to a garden party.'

'Perfect, I've always wanted to crash one of those.' Alec said, striking a pose.

After trying on a few more dresses, Victoria finally found one she loved. 'What do you think?' she asked, stepping out of the dressing room in a sleek, elegant black dress.

Alec's eyes widened, his playful demeanour shifting to genuine admiration. 'People are going to want to rip it off of you.'

Victoria smirked, feeling his sincere gaze. 'You think so?'

'I know so.' Alec said, stepping closer to her. 'I want to.'

Victoria smiled, feeling a rush of warmth. 'Then this is the one.'

They paid for the dress and continued wandering through the mall, stopping at various stores and laughing together.

'My feet hurt.' Alec complained.

'Deal with it.' Victoria rolled her eyes and pushed him forward.

'Ugh.' Alec moaned.

After a few more stores and plenty of laughter, they decided to grab some lunch. As they sat down with their trays of food, Victoria looked at Alec, her eyes full of affection.

'Thank you for today.' she said. 'I haven't had this much fun since like my birthday.'

'Me neither.' Alec laughed. 'You're actually quite fun, Victoria. Who would've thought?'

'Shut up, Alec.' Victoria playfully nudges him.

They finished their lunch and headed back to the car, still laughing and joking with each other. As they drove back to Victoria's house, Alec glanced over at her, his expression serious for a moment.

'I really hope your mum warms up to me.' he said quietly. 'I can't have her hating me forever.'

Victoria reached over and took his hand. 'She will. Just give her time. She sees how happy you make me, and that's what matters the most.'

Alec smiled, squeezing her hand. 'It's worth the wait.'

*********************

When they arrived back at Victoria's house, Charlotte opened the door, her expression still a bit cool but less frosty than before.

'Did you have a good time?' she asked, her tone neutral.

'Yep.' Victoria said, smiling brightly. 'It was very fun.'

Charlotte's gaze softened slightly as she looked at her daughter's happy face. 'I'm glad you had fun.'

Alec nodded respectfully. 'Thank you for letting me take her out, Mrs Harrison.'

Charlotte gave a small, reluctant smile. 'Just make sure you take good care of her.'

'I will.' Alec promised, his voice earnest.

As they stepped inside, Sophia ran up, her face lighting up at the sight of Alec. 'Did you bring me anything?'

Alec grinned, pulling out a Sephora bag. 'I got you this.'

Sophia squealed with delight. 'Thank you, Alec.'

Victoria watched the scene with a warm heart, feeling hopeful about the future. Alec was working hard to win over her family, and she knew that in time, they would see him the way she did. As someone truly special.

As they settled back into the house, Charlotte watched Alec interact with Sophia, a thoughtful expression on her face. She still had her reservations, but seeing her daughters happy and Alec so genuinely caring, she felt a small spark of hope. Maybe, just maybe, things would work out after all.