Against All Odds

CHAPTER - 5

CAMERON

It was more than just a game now, my interest in Elle has woven itself in every corner of my mind. I couldn't figure her out. The more elusive she became, the more I found myself drawn towards her, a curious ache to know her better. So, I did what any other guy wouldn't. I pulled a few strings, got her locker number from the admin office, and waited for the perfect moment.

As she approached her locker, her gaze softened in surprise as she found me waiting there. "Hi." I greeted her, leaning against the locker behind hers with a grin.

"How'd you know where to find me?" She asked, skeptical yet curious look on her face.

"What can I say, I have friends everywhere." I shrugged, nonchalantly, with a smirk playing on my lips.

Her response was a raised eyebrow, accompanied by a sarcastic grin. "Impressive detective work. But what makes you think I care about that?"

I replied with a grin. "Or maybe I just want to get to know you better."

"Save your efforts for someone who is interested, Cameron."

Sharp. And I liked it. But before I could respond, a sudden dizziness swept over me. I braced myself against a locker, forcing a casual smile, hoping she hadn't noticed. But I wasn't that lucky.

"You okay, Cameron?" Her voice was soft, concern flickering in her eyes.

"Just tired. Late-night practice." I lied, trying to brush it off. But the dizziness wouldn't let go. I could feel my legs giving way, the ground tilting beneath me.

"Cameron, you don't seem fine to me." Her voice was closer now, and I felt her hands on my shoulder, steadying me. I couldn't bring myself to look into her eyes. My pride screamed for me to pull myself together, to shake off the fog and stand up straight. But my body wasn't listening.

"Let me help you." She said, more of a statement than an offer.

"Elle, I don't..." My words faltered, a wave of nausea hitting me. The hallway around me spinning, voices echoing in my ears, footsteps blurring past. Without waiting for my response, she wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me upright. I felt my weight shifting onto her, my legs barely cooperating as she guided me down the hall.

"Lean on me." She murmured, her voice steady. I could feel the warmth of her body pressed against mine, her shoulders supporting me. I hadn't realised how small she was compared to me, but right then, it didn't seem to matter. She held me with surprising strength, her arms firm around me as she steered me down the hall.

"You're heavier than you look, Smith." She muttered.

"Must be the weight of my irresistible charm." I mumbled, my words slurring. I tried to chuckle, but it came out as more of a breathless gasp. Her grip tightened, her fingers digging into my waist as we moved towards the nurse's office.

With each step, my legs threatened to give out, my body swaying against hers. It was humiliating, this feeling of helplessness. But Elle's presence, her steady steps beside me, kept me grounded. I focused on her voice, her quiet, determined reassurances that we were almost there.

Finally, the nurse's office came into view. She eased me into a chair, her hand lingering on my shoulder before she stepped back. The nurse quickly took over, guiding me to a bed and hooking me up to an IV drip. I avoided looking at Elle, the embarrassment settling heavy in my chest.

But when I finally glanced her way, she was still there, standing by the door, her arms folded, her face unreadable. As the nurse checked my vitals, Elle moved to the chair beside the bed, her gaze never leaving me.