For a week after the…incident, you see or hear nothing of Sister Barnes.

It’s almost long enough to make you think that hooking up with her scared her away for good. Somehow, that prospect isn’t as satisfying as your past self, the one before said incident, might’ve found it.

Then she returns, as if she’d never been gone, accompanying your brother to family dinner. She’s perfectly composed, exchanging the same rehearsed pleasantries as always when she greets your parents at the door. You hang back, pretending to scroll through your phone, but can’t help noticing how Sister Barnes’ gaze lingers on you momentarily, before she takes her place at the table.

Dinner is the usual small-talk performance: your parents are thrilled to have her, your brother hangs on her every word & you’re trying very hard not to look at her for too long.

All through the meal, your eyes keep drifting over to the couch, remembering what happened there just a week ago, how she’d kissed you (or you’d kissed her. You’re still not entirely sure who started it) and how it had spiraled into more than either of you meant for it to (Sister Barnes riding your thigh on those exact cushions).

When dinner winds down, she folds her napkin neatly and glances your way. “Would it be all right,” Sister Barnes asks your brother, “if I spoke to your sibling for a moment? In private?”

He blinks, caught off guard, but nods. As far as he’s concerned, the two of you still don’t get along. “Uh…yeah, sure.”

Your mom waves her off cheerfully as well. “Of course, dear!”

Sister Barnes stands first, and you follow her down the hallway, your pulse hammering in your throat. For the second time, you’re alone with her, and you both remember how that ended last time. When the door to your room shuts behind her, she just stands there, letting a few seconds pass with her back to you, unsure where to begin.

Finally, Sister Barnes sighs and turns toward you.

“This…” she starts, eyes darting up to meet yours. “What happened the other night was…a mistake.” She swallows. “I shouldn’t have been alone with you, and I shouldn’t have…” She stops herself. “I hope you know it can’t happen again. It won’t happen again!”