Beyond The Classroom

Sister Talks.

Later that night, after dinner had been cleared away and the house had settled into a quiet calm, Victoria found herself sitting on her bed, deep in thought. The day had been wonderful, but the lingering tension with her mum weighed heavily on her mind. She was absently flipping through a magazine when a soft knock came at her door.

'Come in.' she called, looking up to see Sophia, her teenage sister, standing in the doorway.

'Hey, can I talk to you for a bit?' Sophia asked, her tone mature and concerned.

'Of course. Come in.' Victoria said, patting the space beside her on the bed.

Sophia walked over and sat down, her eyes searching Victoria's face. 'You've been quiet since Alec left. Everything okay?'

Victoria sighed, putting the magazine aside. 'It's just... mum. I know she's not thrilled about Alec, and it's really bothering me.'

Sophia nodded, her expression thoughtful. 'Yeah, I've noticed. She's been kind of cold towards him.'

Victoria looked at her sister, appreciating her perceptiveness. 'I get why she feels the way she does, but it's hard. Alec makes me so happy, and it hurts that mum can't see that.'

Sophia reached over and took Victoria's hand, squeezing it gently. 'Mum's just overprotective. You know how she is. But I really think she'll come around. She just needs more time.'

'I hope so.' Victoria said, her voice tinged with worry. 'I just feel like she's holding onto the past too much. Alec and I, we've moved past all that. We're in a good place now.'

Sophia nodded, her eyes understanding. 'It's not easy for her to let go of these concerns, but she will. Especially when she sees how serious and committed you two are. You've already shown a lot of maturity and responsibility.'

Victoria smiled faintly. 'Thanks, Soph. It's just... frustrating. I want her to see him the way I do. He's really trying, you know?'

'I know.' Sophia said. 'And I see it. Alec's great. He's kind, funny, and he really cares about you. I think mum's just being cautious because she loves you so much. But she'll see what we see in time.'

Victoria sighed, feeling a bit better but still conflicted. 'I wish there was something I could do to speed up the process.'

'Just keep being patient.' Sophia advised. 'Show her that your relationship with Alec is stable and healthy. Actions speak louder than words.'

'You're right.' Victoria said, squeezing her sister's hand. 'It's just hard sometimes, you know?'

Sophia gave her a sympathetic smile. 'I get it. But remember, you have me on your side. I'm rooting for you and Alec. And I think deep down, mum wants to see you happy. She just needs to see it for herself.'

Victoria felt a surge of gratitude for her sister's support. 'Thanks, Soph. You have no idea how much that means to me.'

Sophia smiled warmly. 'You're my sister, Vic. I want you to be happy. And I really believe mum will come around. Just give her time.'

Victoria hugged her sister tightly. 'You're amazing, you know that?'

Sophia hugged her back just as tightly. 'I learnt from the best.'

They stayed like that for a while, the bond between them stronger than ever. Victoria knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, she had the love and support of her family. And with Sophia's unwavering belief in their love, she felt more hopeful than ever that her mum would come around in time.

'Sophia.' Victoria said after a moment, her voice soft. 'You're really okay with Alec, aren't you?'

Sophia nodded. 'I like him a lot. He's a good guy, and he makes you happy. That's what's important.'

Victoria smiled, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders. 'I'm glad you see it that way. It means a lot to me.'

Sophia looked at her with serious eyes. 'Just keep being true to yourself and your feelings. Mum will see that Alec is good for you. She can't stand in the way of true love forever.'

Victoria felt tears of gratitude welling up in her eyes. 'Thank you, Soph. You always know just what to say.'

Sophia smiled, her maturity shining through. 'That's what sisters are for.'

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, Victoria stroking Sophia's hair and thinking about her words. She knew Sophia was right, time and patience were key. Alec's genuine efforts and their undeniable love would eventually win over her mum's reservations.

As they finally pulled apart, Sophia yawned and stretched. 'I think I'm going to head to bed. Long day tomorrow.'

Victoria nodded, feeling a sense of peace. 'Good night, Soph. Thanks for talking with me.'

'Anytime, Vic.' Sophia said, standing up. 'And don't worry too much. Everything will work out. I'm sure of it.'

Victoria watched her sister leave the room, feeling a renewed sense of hope. With Sophia's support and Alec's love, she felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. And in time, she knew her mum would see just how much Alec meant to her, and how right he was for her.

She lay back on her bed, feeling a calm wash over her. She had a loving family, a supportive sister, and a boyfriend who adored her. The future was bright, and she was ready to embrace it.