Years had passed but Sarah never forgot Jareth or her run through the labyrinth. She tried but he was unforgettable with his pale blue mismatched eyes, pale porcelain skin and wild golden hair. It was indeed, a near impossibility to forget such a man.
She grew up much like all teenagers do but her experience through the underground gave her allowed her to hold on the fantasy and magic most lose as adults. She thought she was alone in her unwavering beliefs, of course being able to still see the goblins wreaking havoc on the human world did help a bit. Sarah never really knew why she could still see them. Whether it was from defeating Jareth or a gift, he had given her despite the outcome.
She saw goblins everywhere, including her own home. Occasionally she saw a few of the fae but never did Jareth appear to her again. She wasn't really sure how she felt about his staying away, sometimes she felt hurt sometimes relief. There was always a small piece of her heart that did indeed wish that the outcome had been different, had Toby not been at risk, perhaps she might have stayed with him.
Sarah kept her secret from all. It was the most difficult and tiring thing she had done. Pretending like she didn't see the goblin push the book off the shelf or the fae blow kisses in some young girl's ear. Daily reminders of the other world that existed alongside the mundane world she knew. Life went on like this until the day she met a woman who eventually became her closest friend, almost like a sister.
Jennifer was not like anyone Sarah had ever met. She had the imagination of a child but was mature and strong willed. She was an artist who was extremely talented, painting what her imagination would dream and sharing her joy in the world with all. Sarah knew one that day she could share her secret with her.
The two women were hanging out at Sarah's as usual one afternoon, Sarah had decided after their five year friendship, that it was time to tell her about him.
"You know Jen, you need to read this book," she handed Jennifer a small red leather bound book with gold letters, its cover worn from constant use.
"Oh… What's it about?" Jennifer asked, curiosity piquing her interest
"You remember those stories about goblins and such I always told you?" she said hesitantly.
"Yeah….." Leaning forward waiting for Sarah to continue.
"Well they are not just stories. They are real. I see them all the time." The words rushed out of her mouth in a flood of utter relief to finally share this secret.
"Really?!"
"Yeah… see this book. It tells my story. Well, its not just my story. I think this happened to others but this is almost to the letter what I went though. It happened to me once a long time ago. Just read it. You'll understand. And Jen…" she paused.
"Yeah?"
"You're the first person I have ever told…"
"Wow"
Jennifer took the book back home after the girls departed company. Of course being the kind of reader she was, Jennifer couldn't put it down until she finished it. It only took a few hours to read the entire book.
It was amazing, to have that kind of adventure and a king pinning for you. It was the stuff all girls dreamed of. To think Sarah turned it down.
Jennifer sat back into her plush couch and let the story run through her head again, mostly the descriptions of the haunting king of the goblins. His description was vague but enough to make any woman yearn to gaze into the pale blue mismatch eyes, its not a wonder that Sarah struggle to win. His gaze could probably put you under his spell without much effort.
"I don't think I could have turned it down," she mused aloud.
She dialed Sarah's number, "Sarah its Jen. Yeah I read it. It was amazing. We really need to talk about this. Yes I believe you. Not sure but I know your telling the truth. You have to tell me everything…. Ok… tomorrow then….. Night…"
'Be careful what you wish… Don't say his name…' Those were her warnings before she hung up. Wishes. They could be tricky. However, what harm could come of a simple wish? Was it really that dangerous. Would he even be listening. Jennifer was never one to back down from a challenge and making a wish like this seemed harmless enough.
"I wish I could meet this king of Goblins…in my dreams...," she whispered and she slowly drifted off to sleep book still in her hand.