Beyond The Classroom

Alec's House.

Victoria's frustration with her mother had reached a boiling point. She needed an escape, a place where she felt completely understood and unconditionally loved. Without hesitation, she grabbed her keys and headed to Alec's house.

As she drove, her thoughts were a chaotic swirl. She loved her mother deeply, but the constant tension regarding her relationship with Alec was wearing her down. She needed to see him, to feel his presence and lose herself in the comfort he provided.

When she finally pulled up to Alec's apartment, she didn't bother knocking. She knew he wouldn't mind. The door was slightly ajar, a sign that Alec was expecting her, as they often did this for each other.

'Alec?' she called out as she stepped inside.

'In here.' his voice came from the living room.

She found him sitting on the couch, reading a book. The moment he saw her, he could tell something was wrong. He set the book aside and stood up, concern etched on his face. 'Victoria, what's wrong?'

Without a word, Victoria crossed the room in swift strides, closing the distance between them. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a deep, intense kiss. Alec was momentarily taken aback but quickly responded, his arms encircling her waist, pulling her closer.

The kiss was desperate and hungry, filled with all the emotions Victoria couldn't express in words. She poured her frustration, anger, and love into it, hoping it would drown out the turmoil inside her. Alec's hands moved up her back, holding her tightly as he returned the kiss with equal fervor.

After what felt like an eternity, they finally broke apart, both of them breathing heavily. Alec looked into her eyes, his concern deepening. 'Victoria, talk to me. What happened?'

Victoria leaned her forehead against his, closing her eyes as she tried to steady her breathing. 'It's my mum.' she said, her voice breaking slightly. 'She's still so cold towards you. I don't know what to do anymore. I needed to get away, to be with you.'

Alec sighed, his hands gently cupping her face. 'I'm sorry, Vic. I know this is hard on you. I wish there was something I could do to make it better.'

'You're already doing it.' she whispered, leaning into his touch. 'Just being here, holding me, it helps. It takes my mind off of everything.'

Alec kissed her forehead tenderly. 'I'm always here for you, no matter what. We'll get through this together.'

Victoria nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. 'I just don't understand why she can't see how happy you make me. Why can't she just let go of the past?'

Alec pulled her into a tight hug, his chin resting on top of her head. 'She loves you and wants to protect you. It's hard for her to trust that we've moved past everything that happened. But she'll come around. She has to.'

Victoria buried her face in his chest, feeling his steady heartbeat against her cheek. 'I hope so. I don't know how much more of this I can take.'

'We'll take it one day at a time.' Alec said softly, rubbing her back in soothing circles. 'I'm not going anywhere, and I'll keep proving myself to her. Eventually, she'll see how much I love you.'

Victoria looked up at him, her eyes filled with emotion. 'I love you so much. I can't imagine my life without you.'

Alec smiled, his eyes tender. 'I love you too, Victoria. More than anything.'

They sat there for a moment, holding each other, finding solace in their embrace. Slowly, the tension began to melt away, replaced by the warmth of their love.