The Peach Grove: The Storyteller

A few weeks ago, I came across this interesting picture and it's romantic love story.

What does this picture have to do with romance? Oh, dear readers, so much! Because this statue was part of the inspiration for a lovely, romantic one-shot, The Storyteller, by Greta more commonly referred to as erikasbuddy.

This charming story is an interesting blend of Twilight, Alice In Wonderland and something entirely of the author's own creation. I find that it is this last bit which is crucial to making a story sing, which this one does, quite literally if you plug in the youtube links provided throughout (a signature Greta move).

Alice is a hopeful romantic, living and working in Birmingham, who one day meets an itinerant street performer named Jasper. From the moment their eyes meet, there are sparks. But it wouldn't be an interesting story, let alone something Greta would pen, if there weren't some obstacles. And this is definitely an interesting story.

Jasper led her over to a wooden park bench near a rusty lamppost. Setting his case down on one side of the bench, he sat down and patted the space next to him. "This is home," he laughed while motioning with his hands.

"I love what you've done to the place," Alice said light-heartedly.

Jasper looked up at the sky. The twinkling bulbs of gas shined back at him. "I know it's not much, but, you have to admit, this is the best seat in the house."

Alice drew herself closer to Jasper and looked up. "It's gorgeous," she sighed. "I never get to see this many stars out where I live."

"Where's that at, Darlin'?" Jasper asked, drawing his attention to her green eyes.

Embarrassed, Alice looked away. She wanted Jasper to feel as though she was an equal and not just some girl with money looking for a cheap thrill. "South Homewood," she said quietly.

"SoHo, huh? That's a mighty fine place. They don't take too kindly to strangers of my kind, but, still, I bet that it is a very nice place to live."

"I'll have to take you there someday," Alice offered.

"That's kind of you, Alice, but I don't think you'd wanna be seen out in public with the likes of me."

"Don't say that," Alice insisted.

Noticing he had hurt her feelings, Jasper attempted to change the subject. Reaching for his guitar case, he slid it in front of himself and Alice. "Do you know how to play?" he asked.

"No," she laughed. "The only thing I know how to play is one of those plastic recorders we used to play back in grade school."

Jasper chuckled and unbuckled the case's faded clasps. "You'll have to bring one with you next time. I'd like to hear it."

"Only if you are wanting me to frighten woodlan' creatures away." she warned.

"Oh, I might have a use for that."

Jasper drew out his guitar and set it on his knee. He took off his hat and placed it inside the case. His wild honey hair stuck out in every direction with the slightest curl at the ends.

"I like your hat." Alice peered down at its worn leather. "What kind is it?"

"A very old one," Jasper smirked and winked at her. "Alice," he started, "I've been thinking about you for months."

"Months?" Alice asked in shock.

"I see you plum near every day goin' into that fancy tea shop."

"Why didn't you say something to me earlier?"

"You never stopped. I was just waiting for a sign to tell me you were ready to be part of the story I was tellin'."

"You believe in signs?" Alice asked with wide eyes.

"Of course. Don't you?"

"I believe in dreams."

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."

"Who said that?" Alice asked.

"Walt Disney," Jasper replied. "Would you like to hear my favorite?"

Alice silently shook her head. She was willing to listen forever if that meant that this man would stay by her side.

Jasper cleared his throat and stroked the side of her cheek with the back of his hand. "Better never to have met you in my dream than to wake and reach for hands that are not there."

Alice sighed into the scratchy wool upon her cheek. "That's beautiful. Is that also Walt Disney?"

"No, Darlin'," Jasper said thoughtfully and looked up into the sky. "Otomo No Yakamochi said that one." He released her cheek and began to strum the stings with his worn out fingers. "Do you know any songs about yourself, Darlin'?"

Alice thought for a moment and shook her head.

"Would you like to hear one that reminds me of you?"

"Is it another Juliet song?" she smiled.

"No, not another one of those. This one is the story that I've been lookin' for. This one is your song."

"Will you play it for me?"

"For you, anything."

So goodbye Alice in Wonderland
Goodbye yellow brick road
There is a difference between dreaming and pretending
I did not find paradise
It was only a reflection of my lonely mind wanting
What's been missing in my life

Oh swoon!!! And that's not even the best of it. Believe me! This is Greta at her finest!!! The humor is laugh-out-loud wonderful! The romance so lightly layered, it puts baklava to shame yet so compelling you will become a puddle (YOU WILL!)! The songs give texture to the story without detracting from it. It is, in a word, exceptional!

So please, go check out this wonderful, T-rated fic and show Greta some love!!!!

And, if you're looking for something a little on the darker side, but still T rated, check out Broken and maybe if we all beg in the reviews she'll consider expanding it!