Alexander Cross

Alexander Cross || 40 || proud dad ||

[vanharte-alex]

bethanygracepeters​:

It was a normal day at the bookstore, it had its calm moments and the busy ones. It made the day fly by until the time she always looked forward to, seeing if Faith would be stopping by or not. When she did she gave her an encouraging smile, giving her another book suggestion to read. She always had some water and snacks for her too. Bethany knew all too well how easy it was to lose track of time in reading and forget about the important things. She kept an eye on her as the afternoon went by, checking in on her between helping customers. While organizing her display table though she got to see another familiar face, another one she was always happy to see. Her face lit up with a smile, “Hey you! I’m just very lucky with my visitors today.”

@vanharte-alex​

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Alex loved his flower shop. Starting the small shop a few years back had been one of the best decisions he had made in a long while. Sure, it was hard work, especially early in the morning when a new shipment of flowers came in, but he loved it. There was only one thing, or better said, someone he loved more than his shop, and Alex was currently on his way over to pick up that someone. He grinned when he heard Beth's greeting. "We're lucky to have you to drop in on," he replied as he made his way over to her. "How she been? I hope she wasn't any trouble?" Usually his daughter would find her way to Beth's bookshop after school, but since summer break had started, she had been going there early in the afternoon.

[vanharte-alex]

bethanygracepeters​:

You’re very right about that, there is never a time to give up on dreams like that. But you’re also right about the charms of Amsterdam. Especially the great people in it. I am so glad it has though you deserve all the support, the both of you. You will always have people in your corner I’m sure of it. Me? Well I am very honored to be able to help, I honestly feel like I’m the lucky one. She is doing a wonderful job making my own days better too. Plus it always makes it better when you stop by too. 

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I have yet to meet someone who hates living here. Although... I’m not too fond of the bikes, them things are killing machines. Or at least, some of the people riding them turn them into one. Yes, you... I don’t know of a lot of people who’d let a 5 year old crash at their store almost every day. And come check up if everything’s alright when said 5 year old decides to hang with her dad instead. It’s good to hear that she makes your days better too, though. Me stopping by the store to pick her up makes your day even better? 

[vanharte-alex]

bethanygracepeters​:

Doesn’t it? I use to dream of the day I could have a castle like that. Oh the dream and expectations that movie started for me. I have loved this place since I was a kid though, it was almost like it made a new dream for me. I couldn’t imagine how tough that was but that hard work and determination is so very admirable. And having that support? That must have made all of the difference. She is a wonderful kid and you are an amazing father. I am sure the list of those things is endless. Well it feels only fair when you guys are giving me such a large honor as well. 

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Never say never, you might still end up living in a castle like that. Although living in the middle of Amsterdam does have it’s charms as well. Oh, absolutely. Having my family and friends to fall back on has made it a whole lot easier to adjust to it all. And even now people help out, even if they don’t know or see it as helping me with taking care of Faith. Like for instance you and letting her sit and read in your store after school. I know she’s safe and she’s with someone I’m close with. That truly means a lot to me. 

[vanharte-alex]

tessasays​:

I happen to think you’d be able to pull off a bit of enhancing around the eyes quite well, actually – and I’m very certain I’d not be the only person in the neighbourhood to think so, you might end up beating off the attention with a stick. (Or you could just set Faith loose on them. She’d have her da’s back, I bet.)

You do? Why? I’m tempted to see if that assumption is correct or not. Both the attention part as well as Faith having my back, scaring everybody off. Although, it might not be good for business if I did set her loose. I fear she’d lock the door to the store and never let anybody in again. 

[vanharte-alex]

tessasays​:

You should have a bit of time yet before it gets really dire, at least – and by that point you might even be able to find YouTube channels and such that could be helpful! I’m rubbish with a smoky eye, but I keep trying to find tutorials that might be good online.

And thank god for that! She’s growing up far to fast as it is. If you ever see me sporting manscara or guyliner you’ll know I found a few tutorials I tried to do, ha. I’ll send you links to ones I think are useful. 

[vanharte-alex]

bethanygracepeters​:

I think once I watched Beauty and the Beast I had huge dreams. I like the sound of the latter that much more. And in a way I did get my own library with the bookstore. Well of course, I feel like it must be such a struggle to find that balance between giving independence but still knowing its for their own good to have you keeping an eye on them. How beautiful though and what a wonderful trait to get from her mother. I feel like it would only be fair to add you guys to a special schedule too. You two really deserve it. 

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even I know that that movie has the home library of all libraries. So I can understand why you had huge dreams. That is true, in a way you do have your own library there. It’s one of the toughest things as a parent, especially as a single parent. Especially when she was just born, I had no idea what the hell I was doing and I was on the phone with my mom almost constantly to ask if this was okay, or if she had any tips and all that. But in the end I found my way and even if I say so myself, she’s turning into a great kid. Oh, absolutely. It was one of the things I loved so much about Melanie. Wow, thanks for the honor. I love knowing we’re special enough to get our own schedule. 

[vanharte-alex]

tessasays​:

I bet Bethany or Jackie would be excellent resources, they’re both very stylish young women with much better instincts than myself, to be honest. I wouldn’t mind helping at all, though, as far as I can with technique and the like – I tend to experiment with bright colors since I’m so pale, but there’s nothing to say that she couldn’t, as well.

Oh, thanks for that tip, I know both ladies and will ask them if they can help me out when the time comes. That is true, and who knows, maybe when she’s a little older she doesn’t want to wear any make up. Not that I think she will since she’s already so interested in things right now, but you never know, it could happen. 

[vanharte-alex]

graciesnaps​:

Anything little Miss Faith has a hand in picking out I’m sure will be the very best and most magical tiara in all the land.

She’s becoming a young fashionista as we speak. Honestly, I kid you not, when we go shopping for new clothes she has a great eye for the latest fashion. She’s 5! And telling me what I should wear at times, ha. 

[vanharte-alex]

bethanygracepeters​:

Almost, I’ll have to show you some pictures. I was a little over the top and had a whole scrap book of what my dream room or library would look like. I completely understand, I would be worried sick if there wasn’t an easy way to see them or just check in on them. That is wonderful though, she knows what she wants and likes. On the black board? I feel honored. 

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A whole scrapbook that functioned as a mood board for your dream room/library? Some might call it a little over the top but you could also see it as being very dedicated to get it right. Exactly, you want to be able to at least keep a bit of an eye on them. Yeah, it is nice that she knows what she wants and likes. She’s more like her mother in that way the older she gets. As you should be. Only the really important moments go on that board. 

[vanharte-alex]

graciesnaps​:

My own personal tiara collection is sadly very lacking (which is a shame, I KNOW), so I would be very amenable to anything you and Faith would like to pick out.

The Cross family to the rescue, we’ll hook you up with the perfect tiara for the shoot. 

[vanharte-alex]

tessasays​:

Oh, fun socks are an excellent way of sneaking colour into an outfit, to be sure. Right, this is what you do: make friends with people who can teach her how to wear make-up. I would offer my services, but I’m quite aware that I’m a certain type of ghastly pale that probably wouldn’t be helpful in the least.

I must confess that I don’t have many friends that could teach her even the basics when it comes to make up. But that is something I can work at. Adding it to my to-do list, make more friends who have make-up skills. Any help is welcome, I’d take you up on your offer if you are seriously offering it. Even if it’s something as simple as using mascara or lipstick. 

[vanharte-alex]

tymorganthemodeller​:

Ooh that’s good. Yeah, it was pretty damn costly to get back from Antwerp. It was pretty though.

Oh a beach too? Awesome. I think I’ll go, but I don’t wanna go alone.

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What had you so tired that you fell asleep in a train? 

I’d offer to come along but that’s only if you don’t mind it if my daughter comes along. She’ll never forgive me if I didn’t. I understand if you rather take someone else along. 

[vanharte-alex]

bethanygracepeters​:

I would have loved that at her age. I also dreamed of what I called a castle tower that I could fill with books or a bay window. There are just so many possibilities I just hope she’ll enjoy one of them too. My store will be closed up as well so that works perfectly! 

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As the one in the Princess Diaries? That one looked cool. I don’t know if, as a parent, I’d be happy if my kid had a room like that, but for the kids it’s a great room, you can completely close it off. No parents allowed, ha. Knowing Faith, she’ll let you know if there’s one possibility she likes or if she hates it. I’ll write it down on our blackboard wall - Sunday, Beth’s coming. 

[vanharte-alex]

jackielouiseroberts​:

I suppose it may seem silly to others when they can have their own movie nights or go to a movie theater. Yeah? And I mean what a great thing to look forward to during the week. It can be a great way to wind down too. That must be such a wonderful perk though! Oh that would be so greatly appreciated because I am having such a hard time narrowing down. 

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Having something to look forward to makes having to work all week not as hard as it sometimes can be. Oh yeah, absolutely one of the best perks of being your own boss. Alright, I’ll see what I can do. 

[vanharte-alex]

bethanygracepeters​:

That is so adorable, I bet she just loves having that little space for herself and friends. Maybe she can have all of the above too. My mind is already running with ideas, I even have ideas of books that I can add to that little book for her. My lovely self? You are far too kind. I would love that though, would some time this week or weekend work? 

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It’s hidden behind the doors of what on the outside looks like a small cupboard that you can only reach after climbing a ladder. Wonderful, I can not wait to see and hear your ideas. I think Sunday would work best, since the shop is closed I’m home all day. 

[vanharte-alex]

becksdonovan​:

It’s always a bit of a surprise, that’s for sure. It took me a while to get up to speed on songs that are more traditionally Dutch, honestly – my earliest hiring decisions were mostly covering that particular blind spot of mine, and I had to rely on my staff to help me get up to speed. I’m still more comfortable with English lyrics, but my pronunciations are getting better, I hope!

I can understand that. Dutch isn’t all that easy to learn but I’ve heard from a lot of folks that singing songs from the likes of Frans Bauer, Andre Hazes and a lot of other’s that sing what the Dutch call ‘het levenslied’  helps them to learn the language a lot faster. 

[vanharte-alex]

graciesnaps​:

Like I said – no shame, 😁 And turn about is totally fair play – I won’t ask you to do a single thing I wouldn’t do my own self, so watch me rock a pink feather boa in solidarity with you both!

Do you want me to bring a matching tiara for that pink boa? I’m sure we can find you a matching one in Faith’s collection.