Operation: Threads of Connection

Talk

Anya's POV:

"I love you more," I whispered. Holding his injured hand. The gravity of the situation hit me. He always takes care of me. Why can't I do the same for him? Without thinking, I blurted out the first thing that came to mind "Can I stay with you tonight?"

Damian stiffened as he looked at me with a shocked expression. How could I invite myself over to my boyfriends house?! What has gotten into me. I began thinking ways to deescalate the awkwardness.

"I mean- I want to make sure your hand is okay!" I spat out. With much embarrassment I look to see his face. His eyes softened as he planted a small kiss on my forehead.

"Thank you for worrying, but I've dealt with far worse. You have work today too. Your parents will be worried about you," He replied. He was right, Papa has been telling me to go straight home right away.

Becky and Bash came back, their arms filled with various drinks. Bash handed Damian a water, while Becky gave me my favorite strawberry flavored juice.

"Thank you, Becky!" I said, drinking the familiar sweet liquid. With a couple extra minutes to spare, we spend our time talking about the trip on Saturday. Becky had mentioned it to Georgie and Millie. Bash had told Ewen and Emilie. They were all for it.

"Alright, I have to start heading to work," Bash announced, packing up his stuff. "Let's go shortcake, I'll walk with you," I nodded getting my stuff together.

"Oh shoot! I forgot my computer charger in Mr. Henderson's class!" Becky announced. Suddenly Damian got up.

"I'll go with you, my tutoring session is near Mr. Henderson's classroom anyway," he replied nonchalantly.

"I'll wait for you outside, Anya" Bash announced as he proceeded to walk towards the exit. I gave him a small nod as I stayed behind.

"I'm going to the bathroom really quick! Wait here Desmond," Becky announced making her way towards the girls bathroom. Damian couldn't help but chuckle as he turned to face me. He looked down, grabbing my face with his uninjured hand.

"Have a good day at work and get home safe, call me if you need me to pick you up," He said. I nodded as I leaned in to give him a kiss. After a few seconds, I pulled away.

"Good luck with tutoring, text me when you get to your dorm. And be careful with that hand!" I said giving him a glare. I know how careless he can be, he's the type to ignore the pain just to get things done. Damian smiled sheepishly, pulling his hand away from my face.

"I promise, I'll be careful," he said with a chuckle. "Now go on, I'll see you later."

With a final wave, Damian and Becky headed off in the direction of Mr. Henderson's classroom, and I turned to make my way towards the exit where Bash was waiting for me. As I walked through the empty hallway, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, just as I reached to open the exit door a pair of strong hands pulled me towards the lockers.

"Well well, what do we have here? Anya Forger? All alone?" The voice whispered leaning closer towards my ear. I recognized it immediately. It was Rowan. I thought he had left. My heart raced as Rowan's grip tightened around my arm, his breath hot against my ear. His presence filled me with dread.

"What do you want, Rowan?" I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady.

He chuckled, a low, menacing sound. "I've got some unfinished business with you," he said, his eyes glinting with malice. "You didn't think you could just get rid of me that easily, did you? Now I'm even more agitated."

I tried to pull away, but he was too strong. "Let go of me!" I shouted, hoping someone would hear.

But the hallway remained eerily silent, echoing with nothing but my own voice. I had to think fast. "If you hurt me, you'll regret it," I warned. "Bash is right outside. He'll come looking for me."