Operation: Threads of Connection

Truth

Anya's POV:

Mama's word continuously lingered in my head, there had to be an explanation to that photo, and the only way I was going to get it was by talking to Damian.

Monday morning rolled over, Papa didn't even have to yell at me to wake up. I haven't slept a peep all night. I changed into my uniform and made my way to the bathroom. As I brushed my hair, I looked at my reflection in the mirror, dark circles began forming under my eyes. Great, just what I needed. I finished getting ready and exited the bathroom. Mama and Papa were drinking their coffee talking about their latest mission.I noticed the orange juice placed by my seat, but I needed something stronger today.

I made my way towards the kitchen and grabbed a cup of coffee. The bitter taste barely registered as I took a sip, my mind racing with thoughts of the photo and what Damian might say. I could feel Mama's eyes on me, but she didn't say anything. She and Papa were both used to my occasional bouts of anxiety, though they never pried too much.

"Leaving early?" Papa asked, glancing up from his newspaper. His sharp eyes seemed to miss nothing.

"Yeah," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "I have some stuff to take care of before class."

He nodded, seemingly satisfied with my answer. "Be careful, okay?"

"Always," I said, forcing a smile. I grabbed my bag and headed out the door, the photo burning a hole in my thoughts.

The walk to school was a blur, my mind preoccupied with the upcoming conversation. Damian and I had been friends for years, but recently, there had been a change between us. He was more open. It took years to even get him to have a normal conversation without bickering, once in a while we have our arguments, but he always ended up apologizing. Lately it seems we have just progressed into something deeper.

I arrived at school earlier than usual, the hallways eerily quiet. I found a spot by Damian's locker and waited, the seconds stretching into what felt like hours. I saw a figure make their way towards me, I looked up hoping to see the dark haired boy, but instead I see blonde.

"Well, what do we have here? A stalker? " Alina smirked ominously.

"What do you want, Alina?" I ask rolling my eye at her dumb comment.

"Oh nothing, just waiting on Damian, I don't know if you've heard, but we've gotten pretty close recently," she said grinning. I couldn't help but scoff.

The whole school basically knows what they did.

"So it seems, but what I find strange is if you two were so close, why isn't he here with you right now?" I ask. Alina's eyes widened as she puffed out her cheeks in annoyance.

"Shut up, Forger, I don't see him here with you either. You think you're better than me just because you've known him longer. But guess what, I get what I want, and I. want. Damian," she said as she pointed her finger towards my chest.

I quickly removed her hand from me and stood my ground. I cranked my neck to look up to her. "Damian isn't a toy you can just have. He's a human being with feelings that should be taken seriously, Alina. I'm going to get to the bottom of this and there's nothing you can do that will stop me." I said, beginning to walk away from her. She suddenly began laughing as I heard her backup zipper open.

"Oh Anya, always trying to be the hero," She began rolling her eyes. She pulled out a black CD case. "Do you know what this is? This is Damian Desmond's last performance," She said smirking. I looked at her slightly confused.

"Um okay? Is this supposed to be threatening? He probably did amazing." I replied.

"Sorry, I forgot to mention, I have the exclusive cut! You know the one with Damian's father," She replied. Does she know what Damian's father did to him? Is that what's in video?