Operation: Threads of Connection

Away

Damian's POV:

I continued running as I turned the corner, bending over to catch my breath. I need to calm down. I almost kissed Anya Forger! I couldn't help but grab my hair in frustration, a couple people passing along starred as I was in deep thought. Stop it Damian, get ahold of yourself. There's no way Anya would feel the same way as you do...After much deliberation, I made my way back towards the dorms. There was no point in thinking about it now...

As I arrived at my dorm, I noticed Ewen and Emile standing in front of my door. They were both dressed in casual clothing. Smirking at one another.

"Hey Damian! Are you going to Alina's party?" Ewen asked enthusiastically. That's right it was Alina's 18th birthday party, she had invited all of our group members.

I hesitated, still reeling from the emotional whirlwind with Anya. "I don't know, guys. I've got a lot on my mind right now."

Emile smirked. "Let me guess, it's got something to do with Anya Forger?"

I stiffened, trying to play it cool. "What makes you say that?"

Ewen chuckled. "Come on, Damian. You've been hanging out with her all day everyday, even today!."

I felt my cheeks flush. "It's not like that," I protested, though even I wasn't convinced by my own words.

Emile rolled his eyes. "Whatever you say. But seriously, you should come to the party. It'll be a good distraction." I thought about it for a moment. Maybe they were right. A distraction might be exactly what I needed to get my mind off everything.

"Alright, fine. I'll go. But only for a little while." I mumbled.

"That's the spirit!" Ewen clapped me on the back. "Go get changed we'll wait for you out here,"

I sighed and headed into my dorm. I changed into something more casual and checked my reflection in the mirror. I couldn't help but think about Anya again. This was no use! I had to forget about the chipmunk at least for tonight. Shaking my head, I decided to push those thoughts aside for now. I needed a break from all the emotional turmoil.

Arriving at Alina's house, I was greeted by the sound of laughter and music. The place was packed with familiar faces, all celebrating Alina's milestone. I spotted her in the center of the room, laughing and chatting with friends.

"Damian! You made it!" she exclaimed, pulling me into a hug.

"Happy birthday, Alina," I said, trying to muster up some enthusiasm.

"Thank you! I'm so glad you're here, come meet my parents they've been dying to meet you!" She led me through the crowd, feeling a bit apprehensive. Meeting parents wasn't exactly what I had in mind when I agreed to come to this party. But there was no turning back now.

"Mom, Dad, this is Damian Desmond," Alina said, beaming. "Damian, these are my parents."

"Ah, Damian! We've heard so much about you," her mother said, extending a hand. "I'm Mrs. Carter, and this is my husband, Mr. Carter."

"It's a pleasure to meet you both," I replied, shaking their hands.

"We've heard you're quite the academic achiever," Mr. Carter said with a stern voice.. "Alina always speaks highly of you."

"Thank you, sir. Alina's a great friend and classmate," I said, trying to be polite.

"Well, please do continue taking care of her, she seems to have a liking to you, I wouldn't want my princess getting hurt now, " Mr. Carter said, shooting me daggers. Do all dads act like this? I couldn't help but gulp as I nodded.