The days rushed by until graduation. Sarah had been walking around in an inward fog. She was sitting with her classmates when her name was called. She started to walk up to receive her diploma when she decided to scan the crowd for her family. Spotting Toby was easy. He was waving at her full force. He was sitting in-between Karen and her dad who were both giving her a thumbs-up. At least someone was proud of her. Her real mother, Linda, hadn't even sent a reply when Sarah mailed her the invitation. She was probably off somewhere working on some famous Broadway play. Sarah had learned over the years that her mom was slowly fading out of her life. It hurt, but that was life. She accepted her diploma and walked off stage. There were only a few more people after her. Then she would officially be out of college and scrambling along with the everyday masses to find work and a life. That's too much to focus on right now, Sarah mentally told herself.

"Hey, babe, a whole bunch of us are heading over to that new bar The Underground after graduation. Want to come with me?" Jessie asked while winking at her.

"Sure. Might as well since it's probably the last time we'll see each other," she replied.

"Ouch. Dash my hopes and dreams, Ice Queen," Jessie mocked.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I just meant that we'll all be going to God knows where, doing God knows what. Our paths might have a harder time crossing," Sarah said trying to do damage control.

"It's okay, babe. I knew what you meant," he replied.

"Okay! Class of 2014, Time to turn those tassels!" the class valedictorian announced.


Jareth watched the human custom of graduation through a crystal from his throne room. He never did quite understand the idea of college. Then again, as a fae in the underground, he had to accept the fact that they were behind a bit technology wise. We are basically living in the equivalent of the medieval era, he mused. Yet, what they lacked in technology they made up for in magic. He couldn't contain his mirth, yet he didn't know why he was happy. His kingdom had changed dramatically since the last time Sarah was here. He wanted everything she had touched to stay the same, but the Labyrinth was more understanding of how a woman's mind works and had been sprouting flowers here and there. A flower even sprouted on a goblin's head, much to his dismay. Everything she touched turned from grey, dismal, and foreboding to something beautiful. Even the castle seemed brighter these days. The goblins tried to pick up after themselves, sensing the change. However, the chickens still graced the throne room with their presence.

The Labyrinth is readying itself for her. Interesting, Jareth thought. Maybe that was why he was feeling so happy. The Labyrinth was never wrong about arrivals. Maybe he should get things ready too.

"Listen up! Your future queen will be arriving here soon. I want this castle spotless by the time I come back. And make up a room for her while you're at it too," Jareth ordered. He swirled his cloak around him and transformed into an owl leaving behind a cloud of glitter. He flew off. Tonight was the night he had been waiting for.