Peach Soda

Spring Sun

-quick note it's Jasper's pov-

The sun beat down on the back of my neck. Despite my choice of wearing a simple white tank top and shorts, the mid-april weather obviously had it out for me.

I had set out on this pleasant spring day with no real intentions other than the fact that Amethyst convinced me that I needed to get some air. Throughout my two years living here, this was the first time I really saw the city.

It was a small, quaint seaside town, full of homey cafes and comic-book stores. Since it was springtime, many of the shops and houses had set out brightly colored flowers- lavender, peonies, even a few roses. The sight of the roses brought back memories of her. Of the accident.

I shook my head and kept on walking through the streets. A soft breeze carried the scent of the ocean through the street, reminding me that I do, in fact, live close to the ocean. The breath of wind sent flower petals through the air and rang wind chimes, making the small backstreet I was walking through even more calming.

The sides of the street were lined with small shops, with small alleyways between them. One shop in particular caught my eye- a small, quaint tea shop. The chalkboard sign outside the door read 'Crystal Gem Teahouse' and listed off a variety of specials in colorful chalk. A pink wind chime hung from the terrace, and the entire area was decorated with a multitude of potted plants. It seemed like a place that Peridot would recommend to me.

Intrigued, I opened the door. The inside of the shop was every bit as charming as the outside. A soft breeze drifted through the windows, and the entire shop smelled like herbs and fruit.

"Welcome to the Crystal Gem Teahouse, how can I help you?" Greeted a pleasant voice from behind me. I turned around to face the counter, and the almost-ethereal being behind it.

She was slim and fairly tall, with pale skin and coppery hair. Her eyes were a pastel blue and seemed both piercing and calm. She looked like some sort of fae that you aren't supposed to make deals with.

I caught my stare and quickly looked up at the menus. "Uh.... I've never been here before... I'll have a peach tea."

The barista smiled. "Great! I'll have that for you in just a moment."

As the barista prepared the tea I had ordered, I sat down at a nearby table.

"So, are you new around here?" She asked.

"No, I've lived here for a couple years now" I responded. "I just never really explored the place, ya know?"

"Mmh." The barista nodded as she poured tea into a cup. "By the way, my name's Pearl."

"Pearl.." I repeated. "My name's Jasper."

"That's a nice name." Pearl said, placing the cup down on the counter.

I stepped up to the counter. "How much will that be?" I asked, fumbling through my pockets for my wallet.

"Oh, it's on the house." Pearl chuckled. "My gift to you."

"Thanks." I said as I took the cup of tea.

"Will you be coming back soon?" Pearl called after me as I left the shop.

"Sure, I'll probably be back tomorrow!" I said as I closed the door behind me. As I walked back to my apartment, I drank the tea I had been gifted. It tasted sweet, kind of like springtime.