Between the Pages and Lines

Chapter 12: Cloud Stories

 "I haven't had that much fun in a long time," Evelyn sighed, still gasping for breath. "That was a blast."

"I wouldn't have been able to achieve that kind of fun with anybody else," Travis confessed turning to his side so that he could look at her face. "I wouldn't want to have that kind of fun with anybody else that is."

Evelyn looked up at his face noticing how close he was. If she leaned her head up a few inches their lips would meet. She smiled at him; it was a strange feeling. Looking at him it didn't feel like they had just met only last night. It felt like he was a long lost companion. A friend she had known for years who was quickly becoming something more.

It was the time period right? People in this age seemed to become engaged really quickly in her novels. Though, Evelyn had never imagined herself to catch such strong feelings for anybody after so little time had passed. Here surrounded by the hedges staring into a near perfect looking man she felt like maybe she could.

"I feel like I've known you for years," Travis reached out and brushed a water droplet off her cheek before laying back down next to her.

"Well we are cousins after all," Evelyn joked, swallowing hard. Urging her hand not to be tempted to grab his. His hand brushed her fingers and she nearly gasped aloud.

"Right," Traivs sighed. "Cousins."

"Have you ever told cloud stories before," Evelyn asked, quickly changing the subject.

"What absurdity is this now?" Travis chuckled, shaking his head no.

"You look at the clouds, decide what they look like. Then tell a story with whatever the clouds made up to be. It's really fun. I played it when I was little at camp. I'll start." Evelyn looked at the clouds trying to find the perfect one to demonstrate.

Thankfully it was an overcast day and there were a few good ones to choose from. Evelyn rubbed her chin trying to appear in deep thought as she studied the clouds above her. She noticed Travis trying to contain his laughter as he watched her. She rolled her eyes at herself and swung her arm to hit his chest. He coughed loudly at the impact.

"I have found one," Evelyn shouted, taking her hand back dramatically and letting it fall to her side again. She pointed at a large thin cloud. "That one there. Now look at it really close. See how it resembles a great crocodile? The curve of it's tail, the open mouth with teeth that look like they are sharpening themselves on the sun itself? Do you see it?"

"Yeah I see it," Travis laughed, rubbing his chest from the earlier assault. "Now what?"

"Now I spin you a tale featuring this great monster." Evelyn stated her eyes still watching the sky. She lifted her hands dramatically emphasizing her words as she continued. "Once there was a great crocodile."

"I'm enthralled already," Travis gasped, overly dramatic.

Evelyn gave him a side look and he shut his mouth with a smirk. Rolling his lips in his mouth before motioning for her to continue. He put his hands under his head and looked up at the cloud. Evelyn shook her head a tight lipped smile gracing her face as she tried to appear serious.

"He was sorely wounded and in search of revenge. Great hunters had come and captured his family taking all that he held dear. He was on the hunt stealthy and sure of himself he swam along the river.

"His beady eyes were the only thing that seemed to break the surface of the water as he travelled further and further down. The river curved this way and that. Sharp turns seemed to try to throw him off his course. Swerving his body this way and that to follow the river. Giving the curves no mind as he casually passed through each offending obstacle like it was nothing."