The Art - cash au -

Chasing the Wind

Cameron POV

I'm nervous. I have butterflies in my stomach as I take my mark, winning this world championship means everything to me. I have to do it if I want to guarantee my spot on the U.S Olympic swimming team. It's always been my dream to compete there and I'm so close I can taste it, all the years of hard work will finally have paid off. The Olympics is every athlete's holy grail, it's the culmination of everything. I close my eyes and listen for the signal, some people look down at the water but I don't. I fly off the edge as soon as I hear it and my body pierces the water smoothly. As I swim I'm picturing myself on the podium at the Olympic Games being handed my gold medal; that is my motivation. It's everything I ever wanted.

I'm lost in my mind as I swim, I don't feel the strain of my muscles as I push myself, I can see I'm almost at the wall so I flip and push myself off the wall with precision that comes from years of practice. I push myself harder, I have no idea where my competitors are in relation and I honestly don't care. It's strange, I know but I find that this works best for me.

I finally see the wall, I push myself harder and I can feel it now. I reach out and my fingertips touch the wall. A loud roar swells in the crowd and when I take off the goggles I grin. Not only did I get first place, I beat the world record. I pull myself out of the water and my coach Mahogany runs up to me and hugs me tightly.

"I knew you could do it, babe." She whispers in my ear and kisses my cheek as we continue to hug. When we part I'm congratulated by the other swimmers, it's always good sportsmanship to shake hands, even if you hate the other person's guts.

Later that evening as I'm leaving the stadium, I'm stopped by a guy, he looks a few years younger than me, probably 13 or 14.

"Hi... is it okay if I get a picture with you? You're my idol, I was so happy when you won. I swim too, I want to be just like you." He rushes out, his voice is a little shaky and he seems nervous.

"Sure," I agree with a smile on my face. I always love meeting supporters. His mother steps up to us and I wrap my arm around his shoulder and smile at the camera. When the camera flashes, I turn to him.

"What's your name?" I ask him as I reach into my bag for a postcard with my picture on it, I carry them sometimes for occasions like this.

His face flushes. "Nash..."

I smile at his shy nature.

Nash, thanks for the support. Never give up achieving your dream, I know I'll see you at the Olympics one day.
xx Cameron Dallas

I write out the sentence and sign it for him. His eyes widen when I give him the postcard and he grips it tightly.

"Thanks for all of your support Nash," I tell him and he nods at me.

"You're going to do amazing at the Olympics, I know it." He says confidently.

"Thanks, Nash." I glance at my watch, I'm late to my date with my boyfriend Shawn, he wasn't able to attend the competition because he had a show to do, but we agreed to meet at our favorite diner afterwards. I finally got my own car after begging my mom for it, I like being a little more independent. The struggle is real being 16 and living in my mom's house.

"I have to go now, thanks again." I tell him with a smile.

"Thank you, Cameron." He says, his eyes sparkle and with a wave I turn and head to my car. I shove my bag into the trunk before I get into the car and drive off to meet Shawn. I send him a text while I'm stopped at a light letting him know in running a little late but I'll be there soon. We're going to our favorite diner, it's 24 hours and has the best food imaginable. I only indulge every once in a while and tonight is one of those times.