Beyond The Classroom

One Last Time.

Victoria stood outside Alec's apartment, her heart pounding. She had promised herself that she would keep things professional from now on, but she needed closure. Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door. After a few moments, Alec opened it, looking surprised but not unhappy to see her.

'Victoria.' he said, stepping aside to let her in. 'I wasn't expecting you.'

She entered, the familiar scent of his apartment bringing back a flood of memories. 'I know. I just... I needed to talk to you.'

Alec closed the door and gestured towards the living room. 'Of course. Sit.'

They sat down on the couch, a palpable tension in the air. Victoria clasped her hands together, trying to find the right words. 'I wanted to say I'm sorry.' she began, her voice trembling. 'Even though things went well with the board, I'm sorry for everything I put you through.'

Alec shook his head, his expression filled with remorse. 'No, Victoria. I'm the one who should be apologising. I put you in an impossible situation. I should have known better.'

Victoria looked at him, tears welling up in her eyes. 'But I was part of it too. We both made mistakes. And now... everything has changed.'

Alec reached out, taking her hands in his. 'I did care about you, Victoria. I still do. That's why this is so hard.'

She nodded, a sad smile playing on her lips. 'I know, Alec. I know you cared. And I cared about you too. But now we have to move on.'

Alec's eyes softened, filled with a mixture of sorrow and affection. 'I wish things could have been different. I wish I could have handled everything better.'

Victoria squeezed his hands, feeling a deep ache in her chest. 'Me too. But we can't change the past. We can only try to make things right from now on.'

For a moment, they sat in silence, the weight of their shared experiences hanging heavy in the air. Victoria could feel the pull of her emotions, the longing for one last connection. She knew it was wrong, but she also knew that she couldn't leave without saying goodbye properly.

'Alec.' she whispered, her voice barely audible. 'One last time.'

Alec's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and desire flashing across his face. 'Victoria, are you sure?'

She nodded, her heart pounding. 'I need this. We both do.'

Alec hesitated for a moment before leaning in, his lips meeting hers in a gentle, tender kiss. The kiss quickly deepened, fuelled by the intensity of their emotions. Victoria wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer as their bodies pressed together.

They moved to the bedroom, shedding their clothes and inhibitions, losing themselves in the heat of the moment. Their passion was raw and intense, a desperate need to hold onto the connection they had shared. Every touch, every kiss was a goodbye and a promise wrapped into one.

As they lay together afterward, their breathing heavy, Victoria felt a mixture of satisfaction and sadness. She turned to Alec, her fingers tracing the contours of his face. 'Thank you.' she whispered. 'For everything.'

Alec looked at her, his eyes filled with a deep, unspoken emotion. 'No, thank you, Victoria. For everything. I'll never forget this.'

She nodded, tears slipping down her cheeks. 'Neither will I.'

They held each other for a while longer, savouring the last moments of their time together. Finally, Victoria knew it was time to go. She got dressed slowly, feeling the weight of their farewell with every movement.

Alec walked her to the door, their hands lingering together one last time. 'Take care of yourself, Victoria.' he said softly.

'You too.' she replied, her voice thick with emotion.

With a final, lingering look, Victoria stepped out of the apartment and into the cool night air. As she walked away, she felt a mixture of relief and sadness. It was the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. And though it hurt, she knew it was the right thing to do.