Eleanor stretched out her arms after waking up, it's her first time sleeping this soundly. She looked around the room and noticed it wasn't her room. Then, she remembered last night she slept on Lan Tian's shoulders. She shook her head out of embarrassment, Ah... I must've fell asleep after reading those papers, she thought. She quickly got up and washed her face in the washroom and rinsed her mouth. Afterward, she left a note to Lan Tian and to thank him.
After she went back to her room to get ready, she met up with Luna and the rest in the dining room for breakfast. Everyone in her research department were excited to visit the beaches in the afternoon since they will be taking turn to scuba dive into the Bali Sea. Everyday, they take turn to check the condition underneath the sea and making sure no sea animals were harmed in the process.
Back at the Nusa Penida Island beach, Cameron and Mai Ke were discussing about he Christmas Gala. In the past, Cameron's father will always invite employees to a trip to Bali as a tradition during Christmas season. Cameron's father was very close to Melissa's father and every year, they will travel to Bali. To keep with the tradition, his father left a will saying his son, Cameron, will be the one to take over the business. He would like Cameron to keep the tradition of bringing everyone to Bali. Cameron promised his father that he will keep his business running. His father also mentioned in a letter saying he also sponsored a marine research facility for his best friend, Mark, Melissa's father's name. So that every year a Christmas gala will be held here. Every year, the marine researchers from Shanghai will present a unique topic. Even though it won't make any sense, it is something he wanted to do for his best friend before passing away.
"Cameron, I've been very curious about this lately, what would you do if Melissa was still alive? What if she didn't die? What if she just ran away?" Mai Ke asked him in hoping to hear his answer because Cameron never really talked about Melissa and the incident that occurred eight years ago. Cameron was in deep thought and few minutes later he answered, "I will never let her go again if she was still alive. If she ran away, I will wait for her answer. She won't leave me without any reasons." Cameron looked at Mai Ke and then slightly smiled while looking down. Mai Ke nodded and understood, "Could you tell me more about Melissa?" Cameron looked at the sky and replied, "She's very beautiful. When she smiles, it feels like she's the only who can heal the wound in your heart. She's a simple girl with a big heart. She had long brown hair, her birthmark is on her right forearm, and she loved dolphins." Mai Ke took in everything and he went speechless, "Wow, that is a lot of information. You must've really loved her." Cameron nodded, "I missed her, I just want to give her a big hug and never let her go again but it's been so long." Mai Ke patted on his shoulder, "Sometimes, it's not too bad in believing a miracle." After an hour or so, a group of guys waved and calling them to come for a swim. Cameron shook his head, "You go, I'll watch." Mai Ke begged Cameron like a little boy to go with him but Cameron shook his head again. Mai Ke sighed, "Fine, wait for me. Don't leave me behind, I'll be back." Cameron nodded and went silent.
Ever since eight years ago, he forced himself to do the things he didn't want but he lost interest in the things he enjoyed to do. Everyday he felt tired and wanted to sleep but whenever he sleeps, the incident kept on replaying making him stay wide awake at night. Thankfully, his condition improved little by little each day but the change wasn't too drastic.
That afternoon, Eleanor and her colleagues arrived at Nusa Penida Island beach. The guys went to rent a boat while Eleanor's group got their scuba diving equipment ready. When the boat was ready, her group went in first. The scenery was beautiful as they rode on their boat. The blue water was calm and the weather was still sunny which was a good sign.
Cameron saw the storm cloud in the distance and he became alert. Few minutes later, his headache came back. Then, he experienced hallucinations due to lack of sleep and high stress. He saw Melissa waving at him in the distance. Cameron walked to the edge of the water and he kept on walking while following Melissa.
"Melissa, wait for me... I'm coming." Cameron kept on seeing Melissa's smiling face while he walked deeper and deeper into the water.
The storm cloud was already forming quickly in the distance, Eleanor finished with her data-recording just in time. One of the guy, Sam, who was in her group noticed the waves are getting stronger. They were still quite far from the shore so Sam diverted boat and they were headed to shore. Eleanor was in charge of the binoculars so she stood up and held on to the pole while holding the binocular in her hand. She looked around, checked for safety and making sure no one was in the water.
The waves are getting stronger by the minute, the wind also increased. Mai Ke and the rest of the people went back to shore safely. Someone told Mai Ke that Cameron went into the water acting strangely. Mai Ke was in rage, "Why didn't you stop him? What if something happens to him? Never mind, send lifeguard to help him. He's in danger!" The person was in shock and quickly got on the phone but unfortunately the lifeguards are off duty.
"Shit." Mai Ke was panicky and he called the ambulance in case something happens. Mai Ke can only hope someone out there can help him. It was too dangerous for his colleagues to swim in the storm. They can only hope.
Not long after, Eleanor spotted someone struggling in the water. She took a closer look and that person was Cameron. The man whom she haven't seen in eight years. She didn't think too much since saving a life takes the priority.
Eleanor notified Sam and Luna that she's going to down the water. Sam and Luna looked at her in shock, "Is someone down there?" Eleanor nodded, "A friend of mine." Eleanor made sure her scuba diving equipment were placed on properly and she attached the floating device on herself. Eleanor also told them to go back first since the boat was pretty close to shore already. She signaled and told them she will be alright.
Eleanor jumped feet first then swam to Cameron from behind, the distance was a bit far but she can handle it. As she got closer to Cameron, she called out to him.
"Cameron! Hold on, don't panic. I'm here to help you." She went into the water and pushed Cameron up so he can breathe. She told him to grab the floatation device, "We're swimming back, don't worry, I won't leave you alone. " Cameron opened his eyes weakly and nodded.
After thirty minutes, Eleanor and Cameron swam back to shore. The rain got heavier and Eleanor supported Cameron as they walked back. She saw a group of people coming towards her. Phew. Eleanor was relieved, "Thank goodness." Eleanor told them he's alright, he just passed out. Before Eleanor was able to go back, Mai Ke thanked Eleanor.
"Miss, can I get your name and phone number? You saved our CEO." Eleanor nodded, "Name is Eleanor, here's my phone number."
Eleanor met up with Luna and Sam as they head back to the resort.
"Wow, Eleanor. I still can't believe you actually swam back." Sam was surprised. Eleanor smiled, "My practice paid off." After taking a hot shower, she made up her mind... to make it up for Cameron if she ever sees him again.