Disclaimer: Sarah & Jareth belong to Jim Henson. Everyone else to come is mine.
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"There are moments in life, when the heart is so full of emotion That if by chance it be shaken, or into its depths like a pebble Drops some careless word, it overflows, and its secret, Spilt on the ground like water, can never be gathered together"
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
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Rain clashed lightly upon Sarah's window. The smell of the soaking earth filled her nostrils, enticing her senses. It was late afternoon in Salem, Massachusetts. Brilliant light shone through shades of red and gold. With marvelous depths, as leaves danced along the sky. Whirling to the extent of taking Sarah's breath away. It was autumn, Sarah's favorite season. Also, the best place on earth to experience the full effect of fall. She smiled to herself, holding close the mug in her hands.It was also, the reason she moved here after college. At least, that is what she told herself. A closer glance at the young girl, nearly 21. The truth would become painfully apparent. It was the environment that entranced the dreamy brunette. Magic thick as oxygen in the air, and just as undeniable. A place of legend and lore, but more so facts. Tragic history, which Sarah found herself drawn to. In a world that was lost to magic, and the possibility of fairytales. Here no one dare question their existence. So when a stranger saw a young girl talking to herself in the park. Or looking out her window in amazement at an old oak tree, they would simply pass it off as beautiful innocence. Yet, they could never wrap their minds around the man that seemed to follow the young girl. A tall blonde man to be exact, a gentleman that the girl never spoke to. As if, she didn't even know he was there.
Sarah let her hair down; slightly curly locks flowed over her back. Tension slowly fading away, as she began to massage her neck through an ivory knit sweater. Work was hard on her, and tried her emotions constantly. Being a social worker, and dealing with unwanted and abused children was never an easy task. No matter what she did to take them out of that environment. Sarah always felt a mild bit of guilt that they were in it in the first place. She knew it wasn't logical, that she couldn't have kept them from suffering. But, none the less she grew distant at work. She did everything possible to become numb. Knowing that if not, there was a possibility of becoming cold.
The wind began to reanimate outside, and Sarah closed her eyes against the breeze. Allowing herself to get lost in the aroma of decaying nature. Then something strange was in the air, but dangerously familiar. The smell of an on coming winter storm mixed with mint, but a touch with all the promise of warmth. Her breathing began to intensify, as the source began to register. Sarah's eyes flung open rapidly, relief evident on her features when she found nothing. Peering out her window she saw an old Oak, engrossed in Ivy and moss no more. Contentment was short lived.
"You felt him too, didn't you?"
Sarah turned around to catch the inquisitive stare of a young girl. The child's hair was fair, as well her large blue eyes. Mounds of curls pulled into small pigtails, framed her face. She had always been amazed at how much she looked like Lauren. Sarah's eyes began to narrow, but she forced a fake smile.
"Who ever do you mean Tiffy?" Regarding her friend's daughter coolly, almost forgetting that she'd come for a visit.
Tiffany gestured for Sarah to come closer, and leaned in with great secrecy.
"The Goblin king."
Tiffy smiled, and gave a slight giggle. However, Sarah's reaction wasn't as pleasant. Her mouth, she swore must have hit the floor. She was infuriated, but more than anything terrified. How did she know about him? Was she once wished away? Lauren never mentioned… Well, then again Sarah never did so either. No matter how hard she tried, Sarah couldn't answer herself.
"And who may I ask, is the Goblin King?"
Having to know, she thought it better not to leak any knowledge.
"I read about him in your book." The young girl said proudly pointing at a box tucked away under her bed.
For the first time in two minutes Sarah took an honest breath. Okay, so she didn't know exactly who he was. To Tiffy he was just another made up character in a novel. Although, she thought... For a girl of only five she was awfully clever. Perhaps it would be best to convince Tiffany that he was just the figment of an author's imagination.
"Oh Tiffany darling, the Goblin King isn't real. Remember dear, big girls don't believe in such things."
Sarah felt extremely guilty for tampering with the girl's imagination, but it was better to be safe than sorry.
Tiffany gave a little pout, and put her small finger to her chin. As if considering what this lady had just told her.
"I don't believe..."
With those last words she saw the sparkle fade from Tiffany's large orbs. At that moment Sarah was pleased to hear Lauren's voice at the door. She would scorn herself later, but right now she needed to clear her mind desperately. After gathering all of Tiffany's things, and helping Lauren pack them in the trunk. Sarah hugged her friend kindly, and wished them a safe trip home.
"Who ever he is Sarah, he must be amazing." Lauren said buckling Tiffy in.
Sarah's eyes were blazing with curiosity, but her face remained un-readable.
"Who and what are you talking about?"
"Don't play games with me Hun. We both know, just as we know that the sky is blue. That there is someone that you're holding out for." Lauren said as she winked in Sarah's general direction.
"Clearly, you haven't been getting enough sleep. Either that or working too hard, because you're obviously going mad."
"Yeah, and you need to get laid. Maybe even marry, settle down, and have 2.5 children like the rest of us."
Sarah's eyes grew wider, and Lauren laughed under her breath.
"First off, no I am not holding out for someone. Secondly, I don't need to get laid. Even though, if I did I don't know where and how that would concern you. Not even the point, the last time I checked you've only one child. So thank you for being a hypocrite."
Lauren could hardly contain herself as she began to laugh hysterically. Between giggles, she some how managed to tell Sarah goodbye and that she'd call her later on tonight.
Sarah found herself in her home questioning her sanity. That's twice today that the Goblin King had interfered with her life. Sighing, she turned around to lock her door. When she heard a slow applause, banging through the air like gun shots. She dare not turn around; the scent hit her before the sound. She knew all too well who she would find behind her. Eyes shut she began to trace the mahogany door with her index finger. Memorizing every detail, until his voice cut through the slowing claps.
"I would never wager you to be one to take away a girl's dreams. You, however, Dearest Sarah, are always full of surprises."
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Ouch! That one must have left a sting. This is my first Fan Fiction, so if you will please go easy on it. Also reviews are always welcome; I wish to know what you think thus far. Trust me, this isn't going to be boring at all. However, don't worry your pretty little heads too much. I just need cruel Jareth to get the ball rolling.
Now I'm off to beat Lauren for suggesting that Sarah needs to get laid.
