A New Story: Inwardly, She Smiled

Once off the trail, John and Bethany, Marcus and Julie walked toward the jeep.  John pulled out the cooler that was filled with Gatorade, sandwiches and cut fruit.  Back packs were removed and placed in the back.  Julie stretched as she looked up at the clouds.  She held her breath and made a low growling noise.  Then she exclaimed, “That was fun but I’m hungry.”

“Here, here!”  “I’m starving!”  ”Me too!”  were the replies. 

They picked a picnic table close to an open area.  As they reached the picnic table, John announced each would receive a Gatorade and a sandwich.  There were 4 small cups for the cut fruit.  When Julie received her ham and cheese sandwich, she noticed it was cut into four sections.  She thought this a bit odd but said nothing.  When Marcus saw this, he chided John, “Dude! Did your mommy make these for you?” 

Bethany jumped in with mock rage.  “I made the sandwiches, you idiot!  When I’m tired I like to make small bites of my food.  I can just nibble and it feels easy.  I can focus on other things.  In this case, I’m going to spread out the blanket and enjoy the sun and trees and clouds.  Then I can relax and munch my lunch.  Try it sometime.” 

With that, Bethany spread out a large blanket, grabbed her food and sat down.  Then she took off her shoes and wiggled her toes.  Finally, she took a long drink of Gatorade and began eating.  John winked and Marcus as her companions joined her.  Julie liked Bethany’s confidence.  She sat down next to Bethany and also removed her shoes.  The guys joined them on the blanket and savored the meal. 

Once the sandwich and Gatorade were gone, Julie leaned back and viewed the sky above.  The deep blue sky was filled with fluffy cumulus clouds.  She loved how light played with the texture of clouds.  Only a sunset could make the scene more alive. 

Far off to the west, convection was building an awesome cumulonimbus cloud.  It was flattening on the top as the top reached the tropopause.  A thunderstorm would be approaching but the group had plenty of time before that would happen.  Meanwhile, all four were in silence gazing toward the heavens.  The only noise was a soft breeze rustling the leaves on the trees and the sound of a few children playing.  In the far distance, the sound of a volleyball game could be heard. 

Marcus was next to Julie.  His head was close to hers and he set his arm so his hand was very close to hers.  Julie was entranced with the canvas above her until his proximity eclipsed her mind.  Even she could not see his hand, she could feel the closeness.  A magnetism was felt between them pulling at them.  Now, rather than seeing the clouds and sky, they highlighted the music suddenly playing in her mind.  She felt a warmth, a glow within her. 

Marcus felt it too.  He wanted to be close to Julie.  He wanted to hold her hand.  He wanted to kiss her.  For now, he was happy just to be next to her.  Shortly, he planned to move his hand and take hold of hers but harbored a tinge of fear she would reject him.  He hoped she felt the same as he.  His hand moved and brushed against hers.  Both felt and jolt.  Then he lifted his hand and sweetly clasped hers.  Julie curled her fingers around his hand and the couple thrilled in the moment.  The world seemed perfect in that moment.  Man and women enjoying each other and taking in the awesome beauty of nature before them.

The group stayed for about an hour.  Bethany sensed something between Marcus and Julie.  When she got up to finish her Gatorade, she spied their hands together.  Inwardly, she smiled but revealed nothing on the outside. 

Ominous clouds loomed during the ride home.  Rain began to spatter loudly on the cover on the back of the jeep.  Lightening began to flash and thunder boomed in reply.  Marcus and Julie had to amplify their voices to be heard over the din.  Their hands were clasped and they looked into the other’s eyes as they spoke.  Soon, Marcus laughed. 

“Julie asked, “What’s so funny?”

He smiled, “Nothing.  I’m just happy.”

She squeezed his hand and smiled in return.  Rain had slowed to a drizzle when the jeep arrived at Julie’s apartment.  Bethany hopped out as Julie pushed the seat forward to exit.  Marcus didn’t want to release her and Julie felt the resistance.  She turned to him and leaned forward and softly kissed him.  Marcus was pleasantly surprised but closed his eyes and kissed back hoping she would feel his passion.  Their lips parted and Julie stepped out of the vehicle.  Her legs started to give out and she instantly felt soreness from the hike.  She groaned as she looked at Bethany, “Oh, I’m feeling it now.”  Bethany chuckled, “I am too, girl.  I’m taking a nice, hot Epsom salt bath when I get home.”

“Good idea.”