Chereads / Ocean of Dreams / Chapter 10 - Courage

Chapter 10 - Courage

Eleanor was freaking out again, why did she run away from Cameron? Didn't she say she wanted to win his heart? Why was she so afraid all of a sudden?

She thought about what happened and she stood at the side of the stage like a statue. Her hands were trembling and her breathing was getting faster. Calm down, she told herself. She closed her eyes and took three deep breath. After calming down, audience started to gather and many people came. Luna was reciting her part in quiet sound while Eleanor already memorized her parts. She wasn't worried about her parts since she reviewed it like there's no tomorrow few nights ago.

Lan Tian came to the side of the stage and tapped on Eleanor's shoulder. He smiled at her and gave his encouragement to her.

"Thank you, Lan Tian. I really needed that." Eleanor relaxed a bit and deep breathing helped a lot.

The lights turned off as the special presentation was starting, the emcee made a brief introduction on Eleanor's group topic, their topic was marine ecology in the Bali Sea. Luna was the first one to do the talking and she talked about how marine ecology can be affected by various factors such as pollution or oil spill or weather change patterns. She was doing very well on the stage and many people paid close attention to her especially Mai Ke. He was astounded by her confidence level. After Luna finished her part, she made a brief introduction on Eleanor's topic.

Now, it was finally Eleanor's turn, thankfully Luna was still on the stage since they were working in groups. The other guys in their group waited for their turn. Eleanor walked on the stage confidently and greeted the audience with a smile. She introduced herself and started to talk about diseases that can occur in the aquatic environment. She described and explained everything in details with confidence she never knew she had.

Cameron was locked to Eleanor's eyes. He was ninety-nine percent sure Eleanor is Melissa. Eleanor's smile and the way she talks were very similar to Melissa. It's as if she's the same person. Mai Ke saw Cameron looking at Eleanor with a longing look. He didn't say anything but continued on paying attention to the presentations. After Eleanor's presentation, many guys clapped for her and cheered. Then, she also made a brief introduction for Sam and Simon, the other two guys who were in their group.

After two hours of presentation, it was time for them to watch a special video. Eleanor's seat was on the same line as Cameron, practically at eye level. Cameron looked at Eleanor from time to time, he couldn't get her out of his head.

Eleanor looked Cameron from time to time, she didn't know why. She thought, does Cameron even have a girlfriend? I don't see her. While they watched the video, dinner was also served to them by staff. The food and dessert looked so delicious. Luna and Eleanor both took out their phone and took a picture of the food.

While they enjoyed their food, lights turned back on and few photographer went around taking group photos. Luna and Eleanor took pictures together and smiled beautifully. After a while, Mai Ke asked Eleanor to go out for a second.

"Sorry for asking you, it's just my boss wants to speak to you." Eleanor happened to have a question for Mai Ke too but she decided to ask later. She nodded and followed him. As they head to a private lounge area, Cameron stood up as he saw Eleanor walking towards him.

"I'm sorry for my rudeness earlier on, my name is Cameron. You're Eleanor, correct?" Cameron shook her hand. Eleanor nodded and said yes. They sat down and they began to talk.

"Don't be afraid. I'm not here to punish you. I have to say thanks. Thank you for saving me that night. You're really good at swimming." Cameron smiled and Eleanor and she replied, "I'm glad you're doing well. But, why were you in the water? Didn't you know it was suppose to rain that day?" Mai Ke shook his head because this was the question he was afraid she will ask.

"I... guess i went in there by accident." Cameron went quiet for a while. Eleanor was waiting for him to elaborate but she felt something was off. She gathered the courage and stood up. Since she really didn't want to say she is Melissa but she will only show it off this once to help Cameron.

"Cameron, everything will be fine. You don't have to be afraid, tell me what's wrong?" Eleanor went to Cameron's side and smiled at him. Cameron couldn't handle his emotions and broke down. She rubbed his back and tried to calm him down, she couldn't bear to watch him cry, "It will be alright. Tell me, okay?"

Mai Ke stood on the side to give them space. Eleanor waited for a while but instead of a reply, Cameron hugged her, "Are you really Melissa?" Eleanor hugged him but she didn't reply. Instead, she told him in another way, "Don't be afraid, if you believe she is still alive, she will be. She will be by your side if you need her."