Jareth was in the middle of Goblin Court when he heard the fearful wish of a small girl.
"I wish the Goblin King would come and talk to me right now…"
The voice was but a mere whimper, Jareth noticed. He quirked an eyebrow upwards, raising his hand to stop the court.
"I'm sorry, gents, but I must leave. My presence has been wished for." Jareth regarded solemnly, giving a slight bow of his head.
The goblins decided that it was time to leave anyway. They were out of there faster than water out of a cup. Jareth blinked a couple of times; making a mental note to make sure Goblin Court lasted 2 hours instead of 5. Nobody seemed to like it.
Jareth created a crystal and threw it down, causing him to disappear in a shower of glitter.
XXXXX
Sophie Anderson was scared.
Her mommy wasn't home yet, and she knew something bad was happening. The babysitter had already left.
Her mommy had told her that she'd be right back, and not to worry about her. She was crying when she left.
Now, Sophie was alone and scared. What if daddy had taken mommy again?
She cried on the balcony of her and mommy's apartment. Ever since daddy left, mommy had been sadder than usual. She usually had less bruises on her skin, and that made Sophie happy. But mommy had been sad because she was helpless and she was without the Goblin King.
Her mommy had told her all about him. How he could be cold and arrogant, (whatever that means) but generous and sweet. When mommy talked about him, she had a loving look in her eyes. She never had that look with daddy.
Sophie didn't really like her daddy. He was always mean and snappy and he liked to hit mommy. Then mommy found him with another woman and he left.
She had enough. She wanted her mommy back.
"I wish the Goblin King would come and talk to me right now…"
Sophie buried her face into her hands, crouching in the fetal position because when he didn't immediately come, she knew that she was truly alone.
She stayed a few minutes like that, until she heard the clipped British accent of a man.
"What could possibly wrong, sweet child?" Jareth cooed.
He found a little golden blonde, sapphire blue eyed girl in the fetal position crying her little heart out. She looked at Jareth with pleading puppy dog eyes. She couldn't have been a day over four.
Sophie ran to the Goblin King and hugged his legs, bawling into his knees.
Jareth cooed gently, picking up the girl and rocking her softly. "It's alright, darling… It's alright… tell me what's wrong, darling." He asked gently, rubbing the child's back. "What's your name, darling?"
Sophie looked at the Goblin King with sad eyes. "Sophia Marie Anderson." She replied, sniffing.
"May I call you Sophie, darling?" she nodded. "My name is Jareth. Call me Jareth, alright?" she nodded again. "Alright, Sophie. Tell me what is making you cry?" he said gently, smiling sweetly at the little girl and taking a gloved thumb, wiping away her tears.
Sophie went to face Jareth. "Well, you already know my name. My mommy talked about you a lot, and that's why I know who you are. My mommy needs help; I think she might be hurt right now. She told me at my bed time yesterday she'd be back soon, but she isn't back and the babysitter left me here all alone. I didn't know what to do so I called for you, because mommy said if I ever needed help with anything then I should call you because you can help me…"
Jareth looked interested. Sophie seemed to be smarter than most of the kids her age. "I can… what is your mother's name, darling?"
"Sarah. I think daddy might be hurting her. She was crying when she left and daddy picked her up and he was mad. I don't think I like daddy very much."
Jareth paled.
Sarah….
"What is her last name, darling?" He asked quickly, flushed.
"Umm… Williams. Sarah Williams is mommy's name."
