Operation: Threads of Connection

Brave

"This was definitely something I wasn't expecting from you, Desmond!" Rowan yelled as he was next to me now, "No wonder you like that feisty pink haired girl, she's very compliant."

"What are you talking about?" I replied as I continued to swim, we were nearing the shore, a couple more feet.

"Oh, she didn't tell you? Well we had an awful fun time in the hallway, I especially liked the part where I got to hold her tightly," He said with a mischievous grin.

Anger surged through me, hotter than the sun beating down on our backs. The thought of Rowan touching Anya, of him hurting her, made my blood boil. I had to focus, to keep my composure, but it was nearly impossible with his words echoing in my mind.

"You're lying," I growled, putting every ounce of strength into my strokes. We were neck and neck now, the shore just a few feet away.

"Believe what you want," he sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "But you should know, she didn't resist too much. Maybe she even liked it."

That was it. I couldn't hold back anymore. With a final burst of speed, I surged ahead of Rowan, my muscles screaming in protest. The beach was within reach, the finish line just a few strides away. I touched the sand and stumbled to my feet, sprinting the last few meters.

The beach erupted in cheers as I crossed the finish line, but all I could see was Anya, her eyes filled with worry and something else—relief, perhaps. I collapsed onto the sand, gasping for breath, my heart pounding in my chest.

Anya ran up to me, her face a mix of concern and happiness. "Damian, are you okay?"

I nodded, too winded to speak. She knelt beside me, her hand on my shoulder. "You did it. You won."

I looked up at her, my anger still simmering beneath the surface. "Anya, did Rowan... Did he do anything to you?"

Her eyes widened in surprise, she looked down at her hands and nodded slowly, "Can we talk about this later... Please... I'll tell you everything, let's just not worry the others." She said softly. As much as I wanted to hear this now, I reluctantly agreed.

"I love you," she said looking at me, her eyes filled with worry. I gently kissed her cheek and proceeded to put on my shirt, joining the others. Anya followed silently behind me.

"Leave Alina, this was your idea," Becky said, placing her hands on her hips. Alina scoffed as she turned around making her way towards me.

"Damian, might I say, you look even better shirtless," she murmured as she proceeded to walk away towards her group. I rolled my eyes at her ridiculous comment.

"Man, I'm beat!" Sebastian announced, as he fell towards Becky's laid out towel. Ewen and Emilie also laid on the sand.

"Why don't we get a bonfire started," Georgie said suddenly, "Millie and I can get the stuff, you guys relax," Anya and Becky had gotten up to help set up the bonfire. As we watched the group get the preparation ready, I couldn't help but stare at Anya. Why would she keep this a secret?

"She did it to protect you Desmond," Bash said suddenly. Did he know about this? "Your face says it all, plus I figured Rowan was telling you stuff to get under your skin,"

"Why didn't she tell me?" I ask.

"It's not my place to say, but you shouldn't be mad at her. Instead, you should listen to her, there's always a reason for why Anya doesn't say anything. Make her believe that you're on her side, don't throw a fist right away, that will only make her more worried about you," Sebastian replied sitting up. "It'll make us all worried." I sat there listening to his words, I wondered, what would it take for her to trust me.