Operation: Threads of Connection

Brave

Damian's POV:

There was no way I could let Millie participate in this stupid competition. I had the full capability to swim; I practiced it mostly alone when no one was there to see my scars. However, seeing Anya and the others having a blast, I couldn't let that all go to waste.

"Looks like we have our contestants," Rowan announced smugly. In his team, it consisted of Matthew, Arthur, Samuel, and of course Rowan. All these guys were pretty athletic, but regardless, it wasn't going to stop us. One by one, we began lining up by the line Alina had created on the sand. Anya stood on the right side, her hands folded towards her heart, looking worried.

I caught her eye and gave a small nod. She smiled back "I love you," she whispered.

I quickly made my way towards her and kissed her forehead, "Wish me luck, Peanut"

I made my way back towards the back of the line. Rowan snickered as he taunted me with a kiss face. I rolled my eyes as I proceeded to look forward.

"Remember, it's a relay race. Swim out to the buoy and back, then tag the next person," Alina explained, her whistle dangling around her neck.

Rowan's team took their positions, taunting us with cocky grins. I felt a surge of determination. This wasn't just about winning a race. It was about proving something—to them, to my team, and maybe even myself.

The whistle blew, and the first swimmers dove into the water. The splash of bodies hitting the waves was deafening. I watched as Ewen swam with all his might, his strokes strong and steady. Rowan's team was ahead, but not by much.

I kept my eyes on Ewen, shouting encouragement. He reached the buoy, touched it, and started back. He was slower on the return, but he didn't give up. When he tagged Emilie, he submerged himself into the water completely, within seconds he had caught up with Samuel. Both were swimming back to us. It was Sebastian's turn next.

"Are you going to swim with your shirt on?" He asked, as he was preparing himself to go.

"No, but I don't want to scare my girlfriend just yet. Make sure to get here fast; I plan to dive right in," I said, smiling. Sebastian gave me a small smile and nodded. Just then, Emilie emerged from the water, his face a mix of determination and exhaustion. He reached out and tagged Sebastian, who dove in with a powerful leap.

Sebastian was fast, his strokes smooth and efficient. He quickly closed the gap, and I felt a surge of hope. We could do this. We had to. I started to peel off my shirt, feeling the cool breeze on my skin. My scars were visible now, a reminder of past battles, but they didn't define me. Not today.

As Sebastian neared the buoy, I positioned myself at the edge of the water, ready to dive in. He touched the buoy and started back, his speed unwavering.I turned around to face Anya and the rest of the crowd. Her eyes widened at the sight before her. She put a hand to her mouth, as her eyes began to water.

"I love you too," I whispered back. I took a deep breath, focusing on the task ahead.

Sebastian tagged me, and I dove in, the cold water a shock to my system. Every stroke, every kick, I pushed myself harder. My muscles burned, but I welcomed the pain. It was a reminder that I was alive, that I could overcome anything. I reached the buoy and turned, glancing back. Rowan was ahead, but I was gaining on him.Rowan's taunts echoed in my mind, fueling my determination. I couldn't let him win. Not now. Not ever. As I swam, I thought of Anya, her smile, her whispered words of love. She believed in me. I had to believe in myself too.

I pushed harder, my strokes becoming more powerful. The distance between Rowan and me shrank with each passing second. The cheers from the beach grew louder, and I could see the finish line. My team was counting on me. Anya was counting on me.