Sometimes Jasper would rather ride a boy than his faithful steed...
This week’s story is Maelström by shalu.
mael·strom
noun
1. A violent or turbulent situation: caught in the maelstrom of war.
2. A whirlpool of extraordinary size or violence.
3. Any turbulent confusion
Jasper finds himself on a deserted road one evening in the pouring rain after his motorcycle breaks down. Seeing a house in the distance, Jasper figures he’ll be able to use the inhabitant’s phone to call for help. When he knocks on the door, his entire life is turned upside down. On the other side is the person he loved fiercely as a teenager, Edward, who disappeared suddenly without a trace. Jasper has so many questions, but the biggest being what in the world happened to Edward so many years ago? Why did he disappear and why does he look as though he hasn’t aged at all? We quickly find out that Edward is hiding a monumental secret.
Eager to have his questions answered, Jasper and Edward spend countless hours talking and arguing. Edward hates himself for what he’s become and Jasper still harbors the pain and resentment of the abrupt demise of their relationship so long ago.
I think the part I love most about this story is the way a very human Jasper is literally assaulted with the emotions and feelings filling the room at any given moment. He feels every moment of joy, pain, desperation and despair. shalu describes the emotions in such detail that they seem almost tangible. I felt Jasper’s determination, frustration and fatigue, a side effect of constantly being inundated with the strong emotional charges shared between the two men. Jasper and Edward are in a seemingly never-ending push and pull, wanting to succumb to their long-standing feelings of love, but fighting and hurting the other in an effort to protect themselves. The fact that Jasper calls Edward out on his self-hatred and perceived martyrdom is enough to make me want to do cartwheels down the hallway. LOL
mael·strom
noun
1. A violent or turbulent situation: caught in the maelstrom of war.
2. A whirlpool of extraordinary size or violence.
3. Any turbulent confusion
Jasper finds himself on a deserted road one evening in the pouring rain after his motorcycle breaks down. Seeing a house in the distance, Jasper figures he’ll be able to use the inhabitant’s phone to call for help. When he knocks on the door, his entire life is turned upside down. On the other side is the person he loved fiercely as a teenager, Edward, who disappeared suddenly without a trace. Jasper has so many questions, but the biggest being what in the world happened to Edward so many years ago? Why did he disappear and why does he look as though he hasn’t aged at all? We quickly find out that Edward is hiding a monumental secret.
Eager to have his questions answered, Jasper and Edward spend countless hours talking and arguing. Edward hates himself for what he’s become and Jasper still harbors the pain and resentment of the abrupt demise of their relationship so long ago.
I think the part I love most about this story is the way a very human Jasper is literally assaulted with the emotions and feelings filling the room at any given moment. He feels every moment of joy, pain, desperation and despair. shalu describes the emotions in such detail that they seem almost tangible. I felt Jasper’s determination, frustration and fatigue, a side effect of constantly being inundated with the strong emotional charges shared between the two men. Jasper and Edward are in a seemingly never-ending push and pull, wanting to succumb to their long-standing feelings of love, but fighting and hurting the other in an effort to protect themselves. The fact that Jasper calls Edward out on his self-hatred and perceived martyrdom is enough to make me want to do cartwheels down the hallway. LOL
I love it when I become emotionally invested in characters and this story does a wonderful job of accomplishing that. I want Jasper to get the answers he needs and Edward to realize that his new identity and lifestyle does not mean he’s a malevolent monster.
I highly recommend this incredible story! It’s definitely one to watch! :)
Follow shalu on twitter and visit her blog!
I highly recommend this incredible story! It’s definitely one to watch! :)
Follow shalu on twitter and visit her blog!
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