Chapter Nine
Jareth's "idea" was more like an elaborate plan than a concept. What he had proposed was virtually impossible for Sarah, but if she had learned anything from her trip Underground, it was that nothing was ever what it seemed. She listened intently as he laid out careful details and meticulously engineered steps. Though she was skeptical at first, the more she heard his voice, the more intrigued she became. She had a small voice at the back of her head telling her that this course of action had been the topic of thorough research and painstaking planning. It was far more than a snarky scheme from the Goblin King. It was a contingency plan.
What surprised her even more was how quickly she agreed to it. Her response seemed to shock Jareth as well, but he did not let her unexpected answer keep him from making preparations to proceed. His responsibilities were nearly as numerous as hers, but took place Underground. After promising her repeatedly that this was for the best, he kissed her. One long passionate, knee-weakening kiss and he disappeared, leaving her to follow through with her own responsibilities.
Sarah took advantage of the whole week between Ashlie's invite and the night of the masquerade ball. There were so many things to complete before she could even consider applying makeup and a fancy dress to herself. The first and most crucial item on the list was finishing her novel. Finding content to complete her series was the least of her problems. Sarah's fingers could barely keep up with the dialogue she was crafting for her characters. Editing the explosive amount of copy was where she needed the most time and the most attention.
Though it pained her, she turned Ashlie's offer down to go dress shopping. Jareth already had a gown selected for her and she couldn't afford to take the time when so many other things had precedence. When she needed a break from editing the final manuscript, she decided to move forward with the next piece of the puzzle.
Jason at the Lanier Law Firm on 126th Street had never been one of her favorite people to visit, but he was an extremely talented legal aid. She had lucked out discovering him. His fiancée was a huge fan of her novels. He normally did not take on small clients like Sarah. However, once his future wife learned Sarah had approached his firm for representation to protect her assets, copyrights, etc. he couldn't turn her away. To make sure he kept her as a priority, Sarah had sent first editions of each of her novels, signed and addressed to his fiancée. That ensured that Jason would review any and all agreements with a fine toothcomb before ever speaking with Sarah. Despite her lack of trust in professionals like lawyers, she had to admit, he had saved her a lot of money and done an excellent job with making sure Ralph stayed honest.
"Sarah Williams, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Jason greeted her.
He had the smile and charm of a politician. It made her slightly uneasy, but reminding herself why she was at his office strengthened her resolve. "Good morning, Jason. Thank you for meeting with me. I know it is last minute."
"Nonsense!" Jason waved, ushering her into his office. "Anything for our favorite author. Jessica can't wait for your next novel. She finished the latest one in under ten hours." Sarah smiled upon hearing the genuine compliment in his voice. "Thank you for our copy, by the way. I can't tell you how happy that makes her."
"It's no trouble at all," Sarah responded. "But I'm afraid she'll have to wait for the next installment until Ralph approves the final manuscript. I'm still editing the last chapters."
"Of course, of course," Jason nodded, shuffling through some papers to clear off his desk. His attention was already onto something else. "So what can I help you with?"
"I need to update my will and also my contract," Sarah began. "I already spoke with Ralph this morning on my way in. If you can draft me a proposal today, he will sign it tomorrow when I give him my final manuscript."
"Today?" Now Jason had his full attention on her. He peered over his desk at her, as if trying to determine whether or not she was joking. When he noted her serious expression, he cleared his throat. "Sarah, depending on the changes, I will not be able to draft new documents for you to share with Ralph until next week at the earliest. I can arrange to-,"
"No," she interrupted him. "That's not acceptable. Jason, I am not allowed to see my brother anymore. My father and stepmother will not let me see him or visit with him. I am not allowing them to determine whom I allow in my life. Their decision has altered my life. It was not a choice I was consulted on. It was handed to me with no buffer. They have removed my only sibling, my only real family from me. I need to have these papers changed immediately. If you are unable to make that happen, I will no longer be in need of your services. I'll find someone more competent. Do you understand?"
She felt strange using such authority. It was pushy and more forward than she was used to acting, but she was pleasantly surprised by her conduct, when several hours later, she had all the paperwork she had requested from Jason's firm. She had them fax it over to Ralph's office, so she could return to her apartment to finish her manuscript. Jareth had coached her before he had returned Underground. He had far more experience voicing his demands. Awkward as it was at first, Sarah felt a slight thrill from asserting herself and was pleasantly surprised when Jason nodded.
"I understand," he stated calmly. "I'll have Chloe, my assistant get everything together. A courier will be by later this afternoon to deliver a copy to your apartment and send another set of the paperwork to Ralph. Is that acceptable?"
"Yes," Sarah extended her hand across the desk that separated them. Jason stood up, to shake it. Sarah gave him a curt nod and exited the office.
She was surprised that he had agreed to her demanding deadline. It was an abnormal request, but she had agreed to a rather abnormal solution. As she collected herself, she considered her decision. She was about to sacrifice a great deal. She left the legal office, stepping out onto the sidewalk. The sun was barely peeking out from behind the clouds today. There was a slight breeze and it smelled like rain. Though it was weird, Sarah had always loved the smell of rain on the hot asphalt. It reminded her of her childhood in a way.
Linda had often taken her around. They were always in town or nearby cities as she tried to pursue her acting career. One day in particular, it had been raining rather hard. The casting call had been cancelled at the last minute due to certain roads into town flooding. When Linda had arrived at the theater, the doors were locked. Sarah and her had been stuck out in the rain for several minutes until she realized the call had been rescheduled.
Sarah had not minded the weather. It was early summer and the weather had been warm. Her mother however had been frustrated by the sudden change. While she paced in front of the theater, Sarah had sat down on the sidewalk, watching the rain rush up against the curb and spill into a nearby gutter. Small leaves and twigs floated downstream. While she had watched them, she had imagined fairies riding them, escaping the town on the miniature river. When Linda had asked her what she was doing, she had told her she was watching the fairies float away. It had made her mother smile and the frustration was gone from her face.
Now, as Sarah crossed the street along with dozens of fellow New Yorkers, she was reminded of her mother's desire for her to continue to imagine different worlds and embrace fantasy. Sarah wasn't sure how her mother would take her decision, if she was still alive, but she liked to believe Linda would be proud of her.
Once she was back at her apartment, she put all her focus into her manuscript. Her final piece to the series was actually becoming much longer than she had originally intended. She decided to break the manuscript out into two novels. Selecting the titles was one of the hardest parts. She put a lot of effort into the naming of her works, because typically she found it the most revealing and interesting part. While she typed, she pondered over how to establish these final works. She knew Ralph would be overjoyed at two novels for the work he put into just one, especially with the movie deal looming in the near future. He wanted to give some other franchises a run for their money. Sarah just wanted to make sure her books lived up to her fans' expectations.
As the sunlight faded in her apartment, she finished another chapter. Her eyes skimmed over the last several paragraphs, as she determined a proper ending for her characters who were finally together and happy. She wanted a well-written novel with a detailed and intriguing plot but she still believed in happy endings and romance. She had never seen her novels ending any other way, even if her life was not a happy ending. Her characters deserved more.
"How is it coming?" Jareth's voice broke her out of her reverie.
"Hey stranger," she smiled, putting her laptop on the coffee table. He came over and leaned down to kiss her as he took a seat.
"This arrived for you." He produced a large envelope.
Sarah noted the address on the upper left-hand corner. "It's from Jason, my lawyer." She ripped open the package, pulling the papers out and noting that everyone had signed accordingly. "Everything is ready from a legal aspect," she sighed.
"How did it feel," Jareth asked, "To get the results you asked for?"
"Surprisingly good," she admitted. "Thanks for the advice."
"It will prove valuable in the future," he nodded. Then, without any hesitation, he added, "I have brought your attire for Saturday night." Sarah raised her eyebrow. "I took the liberty of hanging it in your room."
Sarah jumped off the couch, racing up the steps. When she rounded the doorway to her room, her eyes immediately went to her closet, where a gown was hanging. The moment she saw it, her heart fell. It wasn't her gown. It wasn't the gorgeous ball gown she had worn in the Labyrinth.
"You're displeased," Jareth observed.
"It's not my dress," Sarah said, softly.
"Whatever do you mean?"
"It's not the dress I wore when we danced in the Labyrinth." She ran her fingers over the fabric of the new garment. It was soft to the touch, not chiffon or any other material she had ever felt, but comfortable. "I loved that dress."
"Sarah," Jareth put his arm around her waist, coming to stand beside her. "That gown was appropriate when you were a girl of fifteen, but you are no longer a girl. You are a woman. You deserve to wear a garment worthy of your beauty." He kissed her temple. Then whispered in her ear, "Try it on."
She abided him, taking the deep sapphire gown into her arms. She removed her jeans and current attire, stepping into the full-bodied gown. The sleeves were made of lace and started off her shoulders, showing an expanse of skin. They came to a point as they lay on her wrist with the tip heading towards her middle finger. At the back, the lace dove down into a wide V-shape until it came to her waist, where it closed off at the start of the skirt. At the front, the lace was also positioned in a V-shape, dipping down towards her breasts with the ends of the lace pattern creating a jagged structure. The skirt was full and long. While the top hugged her every curve and was fitted perfectly against her, the skirt flowed out around her.
"Allow me," Jareth kissed her neck, fastening the small closures at the back of the dress. Sarah took a look at herself in the mirror. She could hardly believe the transformation. Jareth had been right. The gown was exquisite. Her gown before was beautiful, but this gown was other-worldly. It appeared to have been made for her. "Are you still disappointed in my selection?"
Sarah shook her head. "No, this is…perfect."
"I agree," Jareth kissed her neck again, his hands on her hips. "Shall I assist you with taking it off?"
"You shall."
XXXXXXXXX
When Friday rolled around, Sarah began to feel the pressure of her decision. She had completed her final manuscripts. She had an appointment to meet with Ralph that afternoon at three. While she scrambled around her apartment, brushing her teeth, picking the appropriate meeting outfit, and stuffing all of her notes into her bag, she was still working on the titles. Both novels were without names. As she rushed out the door, she nearly tripped down the stairs. And she thought of the Escher room at the castle. Her fingers wrapped around the banister as the titles hit her. Smiling to herself, she hurried down to hail a taxi.
Ralph greeted her warmly. "Sarah, I'm excited to see what you've come up with," he continued, as they walked back to his office. "We've been getting great feedback on 'Crystallized' and the talks with the studio are very positive. They even sent over some contracts this week. They would like the rights to make the series into a film franchise. Isn't that wonderful?"
"Yes," Sarah agreed, not really caring about the films.
"And to think, you were just a freshman at Hamilton with some ideas," Ralph chuckled, shaking his head. "It's amazing with a few years and some hard work can produce."
"It is," she smiled, pulling the manuscripts out and their corresponding flash drives. "Here are the final books," she stated, watching how his eyes widened when she mentioned there was two. This one is called 'You Turn My World' and the final installment is titled 'The Power Over Me'"
"Sarah," Ralph pushed the glasses on his face back, as he picked up the first manuscript, "this is unexpected, to say the least. How did you have the time to complete two full works?" He flipped through, noted the numerous pages of copy. "They are even longer than the others."
"I've had a wealth of inspiration lately," Sarah commented, grinning to herself as she thought of everything that had transpired over the last couple of weeks.
"This is amazing," Ralph said, still gushing over the content. "If I had known you were bringing me all of this today, I would have gotten you a gift or something,"
Sarah made a face. "No gifts required, Ralph. Thank you for signing the new contracts that I had Jason send over."
Ralph put the papers down, his face losing the smile. "Right," he sat back in his chair, "Chloe told me about your brother. I'm sorry to hear about that Sarah. I'm sure he will appreciate your efforts when he is older and you can connect with him again." Sarah nodded, not believing it would take that long for Toby to understand what she had done. "I can imagine a large number of people who would enjoy being made head of your empire."
"Well one lucky boy gets that honor all to himself," she commented, not wanting to waste any time. "When do you think these will be ready to be published?"
"Probably another six to nine months or so, but we'll have to space them out. We don't want to lose momentum before the films are released."
"Of course," Sarah agreed. "Well, if that is all you need from me for now, I'll be off. I have a lot to prepare for."
"Absolutely!" Ralph stood up to walk her out. "Script writing, casting calls, and eventually red-carpet premieres and TV interviews…," he trailed off, beyond pleased with himself.
"Right," she laughed. Then, pausing for a moment, she reached out and hugged him. "Thank you for everything, Ralph. You've been great to work with."
He seemed taken back by her gesture, but patted her back. "Likewise, Sarah. Go home and get some rest. I see big things in your future."
"Indeed," Sarah murmured to herself, as she left the office.
During her cab right back to her apartment building, Sarah took the time to notice all the details of the city from the glass and steel buildings to the concrete sidewalks littered with cracks, gum, and cigarette butts. After living here, it felt strange to know her time was swiftly coming to an end. There had been so many beautiful things within this fast-paced wonderland. She had never expected to enjoy a life in the city so much. It had been a place where she had grown her skills as an author and her relationship with Ashlie.
Thinking of her friend made tears come to Sarah's eyes. She was set to see her tonight. After backing out on their dress shopping date, Sarah had tried to make amends by promising to meet Ashlie for dinner tonight so they could have some girl time before the ball. It would be difficult not to tell Ashlie her plans for the future, but it was crucial to the plan that Sarah not reveal anything. She wasn't sure if Ashlie would believe her anyway.
The cab dropped her off outside of Ashlie's work. Sarah was early, so she took the stairs up to the fifth floor where Ashlie's office was. Each step felt harder than the last to take. Time had been flying by all week. The hours had melted together as Sarah had worked on finishing her books, getting her legal and financial affairs in order, and made arrangements for all of her belongings. She had spent very little time on the remaining relationship she had left to preserve. Subconsciously, she was trying to keep herself from the inevitable pain.
She hadn't spoken to Jareth about it. She didn't want him to think she was regretting her decision. He had been busy all week as well. She had only seen him when he came by to drop off her gown. They had shared some extra-curricular fun, as well, but after that it was right back to work. She hoped he would have time to see her again before tomorrow night, but she understood he had many responsibilities to complete between now and then. She would be a distraction.
Sarah sighed, entering the office. Normally she barely left her apartment unless it was to take a walk or go to the park. Visiting so many businesses this week felt overwhelming. The atmosphere was far more structured than she was used to. "Hello, I'm here to see Ashlie," she informed the receptionist.
"She is in a meeting. They should be out in about ten minutes or so," the young girl informed Sarah.
"Thank you. I'll wait here," she took a seat and pulled out her cell phone.
She had called her father numerous times this week and had even tried contacting Karen once or twice. Neither one of them had returned any of her messages. It had been a last-ditch effort. Sarah wasn't surprised that they were not communicating with her. She had never seen her father as angry as she had seen him when he met Jareth. It was uncharacteristic for him, but Karen seemed to be thriving on his bad mood. For once, she had something over Sarah and it appeared that she intended to use it to her full advantage.
"Hey!" Ashlie's voice broke through Sarah's thoughts. "I just need two secs to grab my coat and stuff, ok? Be right back!"
The two girls took a cab to their favorite restaurant in China Town. They were seated by a window and placed their standard order. "It's been too long since we were here," Ashlie commented, taking a sip of her hot tea.
"We're busy," Sarah replied, feeling a sadness creep in. Leaving her best friend was going to be hard, almost as hard as leaving Toby.
"Are you ok?" Ashlied reached across the table, taking Sarah's hand in her own. "Is everything ok with you and Jareth? Is Ralph giving you a hard time on your novel?"
"Novels," Sarah corrected. "I handed both manuscripts in this afternoon. Ralph was thrilled."
"Sarah Williams!" Ashlie cried. "I can't believe you! From no chapters and writer's block to two full novels. What has gotten into you?" Sarah grinned over her own cup of tea. Ashlie smiled, knowingly. "Or should I say who has gotten into you. Way to go, Jareth!" Sarah rolled her eyes. "What? It's girl's night. I have to say it now. I can't say it tomorrow night. Oh, by the way did you get a dress?"
"Yes, and you'll hate me when you see it," Sarah teased. "It's not what I promised."
Ashlie waved with her hands. "I don't care. I'm just glad I convinced you to come. Tomorrow night is going to be unforgettable."
"Yes," Sarah sighed, "yes, it is."
XXXXX
The following day, Sarah slept in until around 10am. She spent the morning padding around her apartment and packing up all her books. After lunch, she took a long hot shower before toweling off and heading to the spa. She had appointments for a massage, as well as a manicure and a pedicure before they did her hair and makeup. She figured if she was going to go out, she was going to go out with a bang. When she arrived back at her apartment, it was time to get ready for the ball. She worked herself into her gown and added some fitting jewelry. As a thank you, Ralph had ordered her a car to take her to the event, so she didn't need to call a taxi. Sarah was grateful because she didn't want to damage her dress.
Sarah was stunned when she arrived. The evening was being held at Hammerstein Ballroom on West 34th Street. A venue typically used for concerts and award shows, it had been converted for the charity event. She could hardly believe her eyes as she took in the vast number of people and décor on the exterior. The entrance had large posters and banners to declare the masquerade ball. Young men dressed as old-world doorman where stationed around the entrance to direct the attendees and advise them where to go. Sarah passed them wordlessly, wondering what awaited her inside.
As she passed through the doors, she followed the flow of people traffic into the main ballroom. The moment she entered, she lost her breath. The entire room had been decorated per her every detail in her novel. It was as if the event coordinators had picked her brain from start to finish. There was not a single crystal or fan out of place. From the ceiling were large chandeliers that were draped with ropes of crystals. The walls were covered with large tapestries and from the overhanging balconies there were giant gold-plated mirrors. Near the door, where she came in there was a golden clock.
"May I?" She turned to find Jareth waiting for her, his hand outstretched. When she gave him her hand, he pulled her to him, wrapping his other arm around her waist. "You, darling, look spellbinding." She felt herself blush, as he tilted her head up to kiss her. A familiar rush ran through her body. She felt his grip on her tighten, causing her body to come flush up against his. There was a heat spreading through her limbs and her knees were starting to go.
"Sarah! There you are," Ashlie's voice came from off to the side. Jareth broke off the exchange, allowing Sarah a moment to gather herself as Ashlie rushed over. "Oh my God!" her friend cried. "Where did you get that? It's amazing!"
Since Sarah honestly didn't know, she shrugged, "Jareth picked it up for me."
Ashlie stared at the dress, then up at Jareth. "You are straight, right? I don't have to worry about you stealing Ben tonight or anything?"
"I'll only be stealing Sarah this evening, I can assure you," Jareth responded.
Sarah felt a twinge of guilt as Ashlie laughed, not understanding how true his words were. "Where is Ben?"
"He got stuck at work," Ashlie rolled her eyes, "But he's on his way. I just hope he doesn't get stuck in traffic."
"Well let's find our table," Sarah suggested.
The three located their table in the front of the ballroom, off of the dance floor. There was a DJ on stage setting up, but as guests were arriving, a small orchestra was playing classical music at one corner of the dance floor to keep people entertained. There were several open bars stationed around the room and the wait staff were taking dinner orders while dishing out appetizers.
"This is quite a tasteful evening," Jareth remarked, keeping his arm around Sarah's waist.
"Yes, they spared no expense," Ashlie agreed.
"Shall I retrieve you ladies a drink?" Jareth left them to get beverages, while Sarah stood waiting for Ben with Ashlie at their table.
"Is this how you imagined the scene between Jared and Sonia?" Ashlie asked, her eyes dancing around the room. She was in love with all the details. "It's so beautiful."
"I couldn't have created a better ball myself," Sarah agreed.
"It's romantic, isn't it?" Ashlie continued. "You should theme your wedding like this when Jareth proposes. It would be so romantic to have a wedding based around your famous characters. Your readers will be thrilled."
"Who said Jareth is going to propose?" Sarah asked, making a face.
"Please!" Ashlie nudged her. "Have you noticed the way he looks at you? Sarah, the man has obviously been waiting for you to unbreak his heart for years. And you have been waiting a long time too. Seeing you with him now, I think you've been waiting all this time for him. I mean, no one else was ever good enough, but he's been here for 2 seconds and you're in love. That doesn't just happen, you know?"
Sarah shook her head, laughing. "You aren't the first one to say he's going to propose."
"Because I'm right!"
"Right about what?" Jareth asked, handing both of them a glass of champagne.
"That my dress is beyond gorgeous," Sarah quickly said, hiding her blush.
"Yeah," Ashlie giggled, "Her dress."
Jareth shot Sarah a knowing glance, causing her to blush even further.
"Hey, sorry I'm late," Ben appeared through the crowd, coming over to them, and giving Ashlie a quick kiss. "How are you?" he asked, shaking Jareth's hand.
"Nice to see you, Ben."
"I want to introduce you to some people," Ashlie said, grabbing him by the arm. "Catch up with you two later?"
"Sure," Sarah waved, as her friends began making their rounds.
"Two suggestions that I marry you in one week," Jareth smirked, once Ashlie and Ben were gone. "That must be a sign."
"Who said I wanted to marry you?" Sarah shot back, crossing her arms over her chest.
"I can not fathom why you would not marry me," Jareth mused.
"I have a few reasons."
"Do tell, darling."
"First, you stole my baby brother."
"You asked me to."
"You tried to run me over with the cleaners in the Labyrinth."
"You are alive and well, are you not?"
"You threw me and my friends into the Bog of Eternal Stench."
"That was Hogwart's fault."
"Hoggle."
"What?"
"Nevermind. You drugged me with a piece of fruit."
"Some women find that alluring," Jareth shrugged. "Anything else?"
"You haven't asked me to dance yet tonight."
"By all means, darling, let's dance." Jareth let her out onto the empty dance floor. People were still coming in and no one seemed to notice them. As a new song started up, the Goblin King led her across the floor. He had impeccable rhythm. They moved together seamlessly, as if they had been doing this for years. Sarah remembered how safe it felt to be in his arms this way, to feel his body brush against her, the slight pressure from his guidance as he led her through the steps. It was comforting. She barely noticed where one song ended and the next began.
Her feet seemed to move all on their own. She stared up into Jareth's eyes, loving the contrast between the icy blue and the warm brown she found there. It was like his personality. When she was younger, she had found him to be cold and cruel. Now she knew the man. She knew the compassion and the care he took. He was as complex as his maze. It had taken her much longer to solve the riddle of him than it had taken her to win back her brother, but the prize was all the more satisfying.
When the MC got on stage to welcome everyone to the event and tell them dinner would shortly be served, Sarah and Jareth stopped. A few other couples had joined them out on the floor, but Sarah had not taken notice. Everyone returned to their seats. As she sat down, she knew she was making the right choice. She would miss Ashlie and Ben and all her friends, but Ashlie was right. She had been waiting for Jareth. She was meant to be with him.
Dinner went by quickly. The other attendees at the table were fairly friendly, but Sarah spent the majority of her time speaking with her best friend. Ben and Jareth joined in the conversation as well. Once the plates had been removed, the wait staff and footmen from outside came to remove some of the dinner tables to make more room for dancing.
Jareth led Sarah back out to the dance floor. Ben, taking note, followed Jareth's lead with Ashlie. Sarah noticed Jareth's surprise when the DJ began playing music. It was a drastic change from what the orchestra had been playing. She took the lead this time, showing him how to move to the modern beats. He caught on quick, taking advantage of any motion that brought her closer to him. Sarah didn't notice the time ticking away. It wasn't until the clock began to chime midnight, that she felt her heart stop. She looked at Jareth, who had also stopped moving.
"It's time," he said, softly. Sarah glanced over her shoulder at her friends, who were across the ballroom laughing and dancing. "Are you ready?" Turning back to Jareth, she nodded. They headed up the stairs toward the exit. When they reached the top step, Sarah looked up at him. "There is no turning back," he reminded her. Instead of answering him, she pulled his face down for a kiss. The last chime rang through the hall.
And then they were gone.
XXXXXXX
Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who has been supporting this story. I appreciate all the reviews and those who have provided constructive criticism. I apologize for the delay. I've been really busy with my job lately and hosting the holidays took a lot out of me. I didn't want to force this chapter. I wanted to make sure it was well-written.
