Sweet Dreams

Chapter 7 -- Hugs

(Allison's POV)

Tears streamed silently down my face, tracing my cheeks. My top lip tasted salty from crying. My hands shook uncontrollably, and my thoughts raced into one tangled mess.

I didn't know what to do or say. Fear took over my body when I saw the blood in the ocean. Keeley, keeley, keeley... her name beat in my head like a drum. Sonny had gone to find the medical team with Brian and Chris. I could tell how terrified Sonny was, but he tried to be calm.

What if Keeley was hurt? What if she... I couldn't bear the thought. My thoughts were tainted and swirled.

All of a sudden, Cameron came to my side, running, panting heavily. He looked scared, too. I opened my mouth, trying to force words out, but I choked. The tears came faster down. Cameron tugged me into a tight hug. His muscular arms wrapped around me, and I threw my arms around his lower back. The warm, firm embrace calmed me slightly.

"Hey, hey, it's going to be alright," he whispered. I started to shake, really crying now. He pulled me tighter. I couldn't move, but I didn't want to. "It's going to be fine, shhh...." his husky whisper washed over me. "Shhh... don't worry.... shhh...."

A gruff, older man's voice suddenly bellowed, "Hey! Look!"

Instantly, Cameron and I pulled out of the hug. When I looked out at the crashing waves, I gasped, shocked. Relief filled my heart and lifted my worrying.

(Cameron's POV)

Out in the waves, a rescue motor boat held all six of the surfing competitors. Keeley was one of them, but I didn't know which. I realized I was holding Allison's hand. I squeezed it reassuringly. The surfers were fine. The boat pulled into the closest dock.

I exhaled a long, heavy breath of relief. They were okay. They were okay. Keeley was okay.

ONE HOUR LATER ...

(still Cameron's POV)

It had been an hour since the shark appearance. Keeley was still trembling in her towel. When we met, I immediately gave her a huge hug lifting her off her feet. She was tiny, but strong.

"I'm Cameron," I had told her. "We haven't met, but I am so glad you are safe,"

"I know who you are, stupid," she had laughed. "I am a huge fan."

It turns out the shark was a thresher shark. It had attacked some sort of seal that had wandered into the area. Threshers were sort of common in southern California, but it was still an alarming experience.

I saw Allison a little ways down the beach, sitting in the sand, alone. A little concerned, I walked over to her. When I sat down next to her, I saw she was crying.

"Hey," I said slowly. I looked into her sea green eyes, and it broke me. "Are you okay?"

"No," she whispered. A tear trickled down her freckled cheek.

I put my arm around her tentatively, unsure of myself. She leaned into my chest. Her body leaning into mine felt so right. "What happened was really scary. I know I was terrified. It must have been much harder for you, especially, because you are so close to Keeley."

She was silent, so I continued. "You were so strong."

She tilted her head around to face me. Her face was full of pain, and guilt. Her nose crinkled. She said, "No, Cameron, no I wasn't. I wasn't strong."

I said, "Yes you were--"

"No!" she interrupted. She was irritated now, and her voice was forceful. "I wasn't. I was so helpless, I couldn't move, there was nothing, NOTHING, I could do to help."

"Allison..." I knew exactly how she felt. We sat there for a while in the sand. I held her, and she let me. I broke the silence after a few minutes.

"You are strong. You know why?" She gazed up me. She needed to hear this.

"Because you are still here. You are still going. That is strength." I told her.

I meant every single word. And a tiny, tiny smile flickered on her lips.