Cam Cameron // The Oceans in our Hearts

14

The next day is the first day of our dance rehearsal for the Ball. I do not have a partner and neither does Belly. Why isn't she with Cam? I see Shayla is there with Steven though which makes me smile. Belly is dancing with her big sister Nicole while I dance with Olivia.

I hear Paige announce that we all need an escort soon knowing it's targeted at me and Belly. I spend the time just looking down and trying to memorize the steps while pushing down my embarrassment.

I see Jeremiah pass the doorway and backtrack. He spots me and I nod my head to Belly and raise my brows. He gets it. He walks over to her. "May I have this dance?" Jeremiah smirks. He's in his life guarding shorts, tank top, and flip flops. She nods and takes his hand.

I'm glad we're back to normal. 

They dance together and Paige looks over and scoffs. Jeremiah looks around and finds Steven. He signals to him and Steven tosses him his suit coat. Jeremiah puts it on and gives her a twirl.

After a while, Jeremiah starts running to the music player. He changes it to a pop song and starts dancing. The other debs and escorts start dancing too before Paige runs over to turn it off. She scolds Jeremiah and he tosses Steven his coat back, and ruffles Belly's hair before running away.

"I have a surprise for you," Olivia says excitedly.

"Oh, thank you, you didn't have to—"

"No, no, I insist. My big sister got me a gift last year and I wanted to get you something too," she smiles. She really is very sweet. I thank her and after the practice we walk out together. She pulls out a simple gold bracelet with a shell that has a pearl in the middle of it.

"I love it!" I exclaim. She puts it on and it fits almost perfectly. I thank her again and she hugs me before she leaves.

"We'll get lunch soon!" she yells before running to her car. I laugh and turn to start finding Belly but I immediately bump into something and fall back onto my ass. Ow. There are towels everywhere.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry, here let me help— Gracie?" the sweet voice asks. I look up.

"Cam?" I laugh.

"Sorry about that," he says offering me his hands. I take them and he picks me up with ease. Our hands don't let go.

"Big reveal," he says. I smile. He spins me around and looks me up and down. "No cracks," he smiles. "Lucky yet again." We stare at each other because I don't know what to say. He's just so cute that I'm dumbfounded. Is it normal to notice how pink someone's lips are? Or how they would feel pressed against yours? He looks down and remembers the towels he dropped. He immediately bends down to pick them up. I start to help and he notices my bracelet.

"That's uh— that's a cool bracelet," he says smiling.

"Thanks, I just got it."

"It suits you," he says picking up the last towel. I hand him the ones in my hands. "Thanks," he nods. "How is debbing going?" he says referring to my outfit.

"It's going..." I laugh. "It's just hard not having an escort and learning the dances myself." I frown a little.

"Oh, uh, well, I don't know if this is too forward but... I could dance with you." he offers. I stare at him in awe. I'm conflicted. I don't know what Belly wants and above all she's been my best friend for years.

"Sorry, if that was too forward," he panics. "I just don't want you to dance alone and I figured if anything it's just for the dances until you find your real escort— just forget I—" he rambles until I cut him off.

"Sure!" He stares at me. "I would love that," I laugh. It's only for the dances. It won't hurt anyone.

"Cool," he replies. "Let me know when you need me," he nods.

"See you then," I salute. He does the same almost dropping his towels again. I leave to see Belly is already in the car with her mom.

"Where were you?" she asks me as I get in.

"Sorry my big sister gave me this," I show her the bracelet.

"Aw, that's so cute Gracie," she admires it