Operation: Threads of Connection

I Dare You

Italicized= (Mind reading) 

Anya's POV:

I woke up gasping for air, my forehead covered in sweat. I haven't dreamt about the lab in so long...

"Anya! Wake up, its time for school!" I heard papa yell out from the kitchen.

I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the remnants of the nightmare. "Coming, Papa!" I called back, forcing myself to sound cheerful. I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stretched. Today was another day, and I had to keep moving forward. After getting dressed, I headed to the kitchen, where Papa was busy preparing breakfast.

"Good morning, Anya," he said with a warm smile. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yeah, just a weird dream," I replied, trying to brush it off. "What's for breakfast?"

"Your favorite—pancakes," he said, setting a plate in front of me. "Eat up, Yor went to work early today so it's just you and me, like old times" He said giving me a grin.

As I ate, I couldn't help but think about the dream and the memories it brought back. It had been years since I escaped the lab, but the scars it left behind were still there, hidden beneath the surface. I shook my head, trying to focus on the present. Today was the first day of my senior year. Perhaps it was my nerves that got ahead of me.

I looked at the time on the wall and noticed it was getting late! I quickly stuffed my mouth with pancakes

"Thfank yojurd Papsfa," I tried to say as I grabbed my school bag.

"Anya, don't talk with your mouth full of food..." Papa said shaking his head.I swallowed my pancakes and chugged my milk, giving him a quick hug in the process. "I'll see you after school!"

"Have a great day, Anya," he called after me as I rushed out the door.

The cool morning air helped clear my mind as I made my way to school. Today was the first day of my senior year, and I was determined to make it a good one. As I walked, I thought about the friends I had made and the progress I had achieved since leaving the lab.

When I arrived at school, the hallways were bustling with excitement. Students were catching up after the summer break, and the energy was contagious. I spotted Becky talking with a group of our classmates and headed over to join them.

"Anya! I missed you so much! I have to catch you up with the latest season of Berlint in Love! Come Anya let's go choose our seats," Becky grabbed my arm and dragged me to the end of row. There was a row behind us still empty, but Becky said she couldn't quite see that far.

"Welcome back Damian-san! You look like you've grew 10 inches!" I turned my head over to see a flock of girls going towards the door where Damian had just walked in. He looked slightly flustered by all the attention but managed to give the girls a polite smile.

"Ugh, they're at it again," Becky muttered, rolling her eyes. "You'd think they'd get tired of fawning over him."

I chuckled. "Well, he is the son of the great Desmond family. It comes with the territory."

Becky sighed dramatically. "Whatever. Let's focus on more important things—like Berlint in Love!"

As Becky filled me in on the latest episodes, I couldn't help but glance over at Damian. He caught my eye and gave me a small smile, which I returned. Despite the initial rough start in our friendship, we had grown close over the years, understanding each other in ways no one else could.

"Okay! Students find your seats, this abundance of noise is not elegant at all!" Mr. Henderson yelled out as he moved towards his podium. The students began scattering around trying to make space for Damian to sit. His friends were next to him at this point looking around the classroom before pointing towards my direction.