Forbidden Attractions

Homecoming

The summer sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden hue over the quaint suburban neighbourhood. Christopher Strong stood at the window of his family's living room, tapping his fingers anxiously against the wooden frame. It felt like an eternity since his sister, Amelia, had left for college. Now, she was finally returning home for the summer, and he couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and protectiveness.

"Are you sure you're ready for this?" Josh Hunter, Christopher's best friend, lounged on the couch, a smirk on his face. He had thrown a casual arm over the backrest, his relaxed demeanour contrasting sharply with Christopher's tension.

"Of course, I'm ready! I've missed her," Christopher replied, turning to Josh with a scowl. "But you know the rule, right?"

Josh shrugged, feigning ignorance. "What rule?"

"Stay away from my sister," Christopher said, his tone serious, though he couldn't help the hint of a smile creeping onto his lips.

Josh chuckled, rolling his eyes. "Come on, Christopher. We're just friends. What could possibly go wrong?"

Christopher shot him a pointed look, the weight of the unspoken words hanging in the air. He knew Josh well; his charm and easy-going attitude could easily lead to trouble. "I'm serious, Josh. She's my sister, and you know how I feel about this."

"Relax. I promise I'll be on my best behavior," Josh replied, though the playful glint in his eyes suggested otherwise. He was already planning how he could tease Amelia as soon as she walked through the door.

Just then, the sound of tires crunching on the gravel driveway broke through their banter. Christopher's heart raced as he rushed to the door, throwing it open just as Amelia stepped out of the car. She looked different—older, more confident. The girl he had sent off to college was gone; in her place stood a young woman who carried herself with grace, her head held high as she took in her surroundings.

"Amelia!" Christopher shouted, enveloping her in a tight embrace.

"Hey, Christopher!" she exclaimed, laughing as she hugged him back. "I missed you!"

"I missed you too! How was college?"

"Life-changing," Amelia said, stepping back to look at him, her smile radiant. "I can't wait to tell you all about it!"

As they chatted, Josh stepped out of the house, his usual teasing grin plastered on his face. "Well, well, if it isn't the prodigal sister! Back to grace us with your presence?"

Amelia laughed, shaking her head at Josh's antics. "Nice to see you too, Josh."

He approached her, hands in his pockets, his teasing manner never far away. "I hope you're prepared for a summer full of fun. I've missed my favorite punching bag!"

Amelia raised an eyebrow, a smirk on her lips. "You mean your favorite target for pranks?"

Josh feigned shock. "Pranks? Me? Never! You just have to watch your back around me."

As they bantered, Christopher watched the exchange with mixed feelings. He had always appreciated Josh's light-heartedness, but now he found himself unsettled by the ease between them. Something had changed.

"Hey, Josh," Christopher interjected, his tone turning serious. "Just remember what I said. No funny business."

"Of course, man," Josh replied, his tone light but with a hint of sincerity. "I'd never disrespect your sister."

Christopher felt a twinge of relief but couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered. As they all settled inside, he couldn't help but notice how Josh's gaze lingered on Amelia longer than usual. He watched her confidence as she moved around the living room, her laughter filling the space. She was no longer the shy girl he remembered; college had transformed her.