Hallo thar everyone! XD Anyways, sorry this took so long (damned writer's block and my pressing wrong buttons on the damned tool bar above my tabs! DX) Anyways, this here is the Talent Show! Yaay! Haha. Hope y'all enjoy it!

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Chapter Twenty Five: What About Love?

I was shaking. It was Saturday evening, and I was standing in my bathroom as Sarah worked on my hair, putting it into thick curls. I was dressed in a light green, spaghetti strapped dress that flowed away from my hips and reached my ankles. There was dark green stitching of swirls and twists, much resembling a labyrinth as the gold dress did that Caitlyn had worn on Halloween. My ears were adorned with dark blue studs, a pair of white heels strapped to my feet. It was close to six fifteen, and though the show started at seven, I had to be there by six thirty. Damned regulations. My heart pounded in my chest.

I knew that I was screwed, and that I'd have to do the entire song by myself. I was meant to do a duet of What About Love by Meat Loaf with Derek… but as it was, I wasn't speaking to him. And it would be awkward singing such a song with someone like him. I would ask Heath to do it with me, but as it was, he and Helena were singing something else that I couldn't remember. Christa, if I remembered correctly, would be singing Roses Are Red by Aqua. I inhaled slowly, running through the song in my head again, trying to make sure that I had every correct lyric. The talent show was important to me. Screwing up would be a cause of humiliation that I didn't want to worry about.

"There." Sarah said. I looked at my reflection, astonished. I was beautiful. The thick, brown curls framed my face angelically, accenting my mismatched eyes. Blush lightly coated my cheeks, and a soft shade of rouge graced my lips. I smiled slightly at my mother's reflection, and I turned, hugging her tightly. She laughed, and hugged me back, before dropping her arms to exit the bathroom. I sighed, and trailed my fingers over where Jareth's pendant once was. I feared wearing it in my mother's presence. I felt… empty without it on. Like there was something missing. In a sense, that was correct… But… It was hard to explain.

"Honey, we've gotta so soon." Sarah said. I sighed softly, and shut the bathroom light out, before leaving as well. My heels clacked against the wood flooring, but I paid no mind to it. I was simply glad that they weren't incredibly tall heels. Otherwise my feet would be killing me. I was more of a tennis shoe and boot kind of person… not heels. Heels were bad for me. They left me off balance and clumsy. But these short ones were fine, and I had no problem in them. Well… at least not yet. I wouldn't be able to say the same a few hours from now, but I didn't want to think about it. I had to figure out exactly what I was going to do. I sighed again. Lovely. Just lovely.

"Alright." I said. Sarah, with her hair pulled up into a loose braid, wearing a green sweater with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows and a pair of dark blue jeans, grabbed her purse, and began walking to the door. I considered rushing up to the get the pendant, but decided against it. I felt that I didn't need it for tonight. I followed my mother out of the house and down to the car. The November air was slightly chilly, but still holding the summer warmth— even though it had long since become fall.

I climbed into the car slowly as Sarah started the engine. I closed my eyes to relax. Perhaps if I just let myself wander, I'd be okay for the show. Hell, I could probably get away with a last moment change in song. I frowned. 'No… No, I can't do that.' I had already given the music to Sam, the main sound guy at school. As it was, he was kind of an ass; telling him to change songs at the last minute would not do well with anything at the moment. It was opening night, and everyone's nerves were fried.

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I think being backstage, waiting, is even worse.

It wasn't so much nervousness, it was the fact that the song I was to sing was meant to be sung with another person. It was a duet— most every Meat Loaf fan knew that. But as I stood near the stage left, watching a couple of class mates doing an evolution of dance— or basically doing multiple dances of famous songs like "Thriller" and "Cotton Eye Joe"— I was beginning to shake again, as I had done back home. I was up after these dancing class mates, and their routine was halfway over, if my memory served correctly. They were dancing to Caramelldansen by Caramell when I turned away to get some peace and quiet as best as I could.

I couldn't stop shaking. I'd never been so nervous before, and this sudden wave of shakes was making my nerves even more frazzled. People brushed passed and were sending whispered orders. I pinched the bridge of my nose, resting my elbow on my knee as I sat down on a stool. Sam, with his headset covered by his thick black hair, brushed passed me at first, whispering into the mike. He stopped, and turned, his eyes fixing on my as I looked up at him. He frowned, and glanced around.

"Where's Derek?" He whispered to me. I froze, my heart pounding again. Shit, how was I to explain that Derek wasn't going to join me in the performance? I closed my eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. As it was, Sam and I weren't the greatest of friends. He was kind of an ass, and would jump at some opportunities to laugh at people. He was a smart guy— but kind of an ass…

"Uh… Derek, he…" I began to say, looking up. But someone else's voice interrupted.

"Derek's not feeling up to singing today." I turned my head, and internally screamed in joy. Jareth briskly came to my said, adorned in a soft, cream colored flannel shirt, black slacks, and a dark blue blazer. His hair was shoulder length, streaked with dark blue here and there. His eyes were the same green and silver color. I smiled slightly at him, taking his hand in mine. Sam eyed Jareth cautiously as applause roared from the auditorium. Sam sighed, and brushed passed us again. When he was out of sight and earshot, I flung my arms around Jareth's neck, and hugged him as tightly as I could.

"Thank God you came." I said softly. Jareth chuckled, stroking my hair gently. He smelled fantastic with peaches. I inhaled deeply, and pulled away. He smiled at me with his soft, warming smile. But something worried me. Jareth had come at the last possible minute. There was no way that he could sing the song if he didn't know it.

"Jareth— the song… you don't…" I began to say, but he placed two fingers against my lips. I gazed up at him, seeing knowledge and childish play in his eyes. He leaned forward, and kissed my forehead gently, his lips nothing more than a feather against my skin. I remembered when Derek did such similar things, how it would tingle. But even the slightest touch from Jareth… and I was burning. I closed my eyes again. I wanted to be lost in this moment with him. But there was something I needed to do first…

"Up next is one of my favorite students performing What About Love by Meat Loaf. Please welcome— Aerynn Williams!" My heart skipped at the sound of the applause. Jareth smiled as the curtains opened. I turned my head away slightly to see the light coming up as the music started. I turned back to see Jareth had suddenly vanished. I frowned, but remembered that the male role started first.

The intro was a guitar fading in, followed by drums, even a slight keyboard. The chorus of angelic voices was marveling and I smiled. It was a quick intro, and seeing Jareth step on stage in the quietness of the building was both nerve-wracking and amazing. He glowed in the artificial lighting. He held a microphone in his hand as he stared up towards the ceiling, as if he was staring to the heavens. A different stage crew member came up and slipped a mike into my hand as well, before rushing off. But I didn't really notice them. My focus was forward.

"There's a hole in the sky tonight. Did the moon drift to far from sight? I would search through this empty darkness to see your face in the morning light. We've been lost in a sea of confusion. Got caught up in a selfish illusion. But make no mistake: I will bend till I break, don't let fate make the choice for us… What about love that lasts forever? What about time to see it through? If you don't give you just don't get it What about me? What about you? What about love?" I stepped onto the stage as he sang the last line. There was some cheering from the audience, and I could only assume it was family and friends. I stared at Jareth for the first line, before looking out across the see of blackened shapes.

"Once in a lifetime you'll find, someone heaven sent for you. For a lifetime you'll feel— there's a reason to believe, in a love that's meant to be."

"It feels like we've fallen from grace— given up on the higher things. 'Cause I know deep inside, if we search we will find something to give us wings!"

"What about love that lasts forever? What about time to see it through? If you don't give you just don't get it What about me? What about you? What about love?" Our voices were in perfect melody and washed across the auditorium. I couldn't even see people anymore, only the darkness. The stage seemed to have melted away from us, and we were alone.

"I can't go another day, coming home and seeing you crying!" Jareth sang, his eyes locked in mine. I could feel the truth behind the lyric. Someone else's lyric… and it was perfect…

"I can't stand another night of telling you I'm fine when I'm dying!" I replied with equal emotion. We took a step toward each other, slowly. As before in the chorus, our voices matched, ringing.

"Forever means nothing to live without you. It's reaching for something that never comes through. Together is heaven, apart we're in hell. The time for forgiveness is now! Oh— Once, in a lifetime you'll find, someone to share your dreams. For a lifetime our love will always set us free— forever we'll believe…" There was an interlude for a few moments in time, allowing us to close the space between us. His free hand cupped my cheek gently, his thumb stroking near my left eye. I leaned slightly into his touch, moaning softly. I had to make sure the mike wasn't near my mouth so that the sound didn't go flying through the building.

"I can't forget the feeling of your sweat upon my skin. And the trembling of your body, on the day you let me in— that happens once, only once, in a lifetime…" I smiled up at him. It was almost true… but it was a moment for the future to hold on to. Right then… I was happy being where I was, and wanted nothing more.

"On a summer night's surrender, with nothing to lose. You were scared and so was I, when I gave myself to you— it happens once, only once, in a lifetime…"

"What about love that lasts forever? What about time to see it through? If you don't give you just don't get it. What about me? What about you? What about love that won't say never? When you don't know what you can do. If you don't live you'll just regret it. What about me? What about you? What about love?" The music faded slowly, and if I hadn't been zoned out and lost, I would have gone deaf, I'm sure. Jareth pulled me close, and pressed his lips against mine. My senses shot through the roof, and I this time I heard the applause. I made no visible note that the sound had hurt, but I was curling into a ball to block the roar inside.

We pulled away, and I grinned ear to ear, taking Jareth's hand in mine again. We walked center stage and up as close as we could without stepping on the floor mikes. We raised our arms above our heads, and took a deep bow. Jareth turned me to face him, and I hugged him as tight as I could. He had no idea how thankful I was that he was here with me. How overjoyed I was… Well… he may have had some idea… but not in full.

Tears would have fallen if the curtain hadn't closed, putting us in darkness. I looked up at him, and even in the lack of light, I could see that he was smiling down at me. My hand still firmly grasped in his, he led me off stage as stage crew began working on setting up for the next act. The show was almost over in itself, but that wasn't on my mind. I was happy that Jareth was at my side, and that he was the one who sang with me. By myself or with Derek… it wouldn't have been the same. It held more meaning in my heart…

"Aerynn?" Jareth said. I briefly noticed that we were alone backstage. I had zoned out… Damn.

"Yeah?" I replied. His thumb stroked my cheek.

"I have to go, love." I frowned, and leaned against him.

"Really?" I asked.

"Yes."

"Can't you stay a little while longer?" I pleaded.

"I wish I could love. I really do. But as it is, I left Hoggle in charge while I was away. I can only imagine what he must be doing in my kingdom right now…" Jareth trailed off and I just chuckled to myself. I wrapped my arms around his waist, and sighed heavily. I didn't want him to leave. I hadn't seen him much this past week, and that made me sad inside. I loved him, and I wanted to spend every minute I could with him. But all the same… I understood his duties and his priorities. He had to go.

"Okay…" I said softly.

"You'll be fine. Besides, I believe Sarah was planning—" He stopped. "Forget I said anything." He laughed when I stared wide-eyed up at him.

"What? What is she planning?! Damnit Jareth, tell me!" He placed a finger over my lips.

"Ah, ah. That would be spoiling a surprise. And as it is, I've said too much." I glared.

"And how do you know that she is planning some surprise?" He laughed.

"I have my ways." He said, tapping the side of his head with his index finger. I rolled my eyes, and stood on my toes as much as possible, kissing him gently. His tongue trailed over my bottom lip, before sliding into my mouth. I shuddered, sliding my hands up and around his neck slowly. My heart pounded against his in a rhythm only played by ourselves. The sensation and sound of it in my ears made me want to dance. Even so long after Jareth pulled away and brushed a strand of my hair out of my face.

"You look beautiful." He whispered, embracing me.

"You too." I said. He chuckled, running his fingers through my hair. I faintly could hear the song that was being sung back onstage. I smiled slightly, closing my eyes and swaying gently with Jareth.

"…We live and we learn to take one step at a time. There's no need to rush, it's like learning to fly, or falling in love. It's gonna happen and it's supposed to happen and we find the reasons why— one step at a time… You believe and you doubt. You're confused, you got it all figured out. Everything that you always wished for— could be yours, should be yours, would be yours, if they only knew… You wanna show the world, but no one knows your name yet. Wonder when and where and how you're gonna make it. You know you can if you get the chance. In your face as the door keeps slamming. Now you're feeling more and more frustrated and you're getting all kind of impatient waiting…" I wanted to stay here… like this…

"Aerynn, love…" I sighed sadly.

"I know…" I said. He slowly pulled away from me.

"I love you." He said, kissing my forehead.

"I love you too." He smiled warmly at me, before vanishing from sight.

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Songs used/mentioned:

One Step At A Time (C) Jordin Sparks

What About Love (C) Meat Loaf

Cotton Eye Joe (C) Rednex

Thriller (C) Michael Jackson

Caramelldansen (C) Caramell

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Jareth: Damn.
UndergroundValentine: Lol. You like?
Jareth: Like? LOVE, UV! I LOVE IT!
UndergroundValentine: Hahaha.
Jareth: So....just out of curiosity, hun... why don't you and Christa get along anymore?
UndergroundValentine: Do you really want me to answer that?!
Jareth: Well... yeah.
UndergroundValentine: Well, Jareth, I would love to tell you, but it's a long story, and one that I would rather not discuss.
Jareth: But UV--
UndergroundValentine: I DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT! OKAY?!
Jareth: Okay... sorry.

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Responses~

notwritten: Thanks hun! I'm glad you liked it!

CrystalusAurora: Yes, Crystalus, Aerynn did sing with Jareth. However, I didn't want to spoil it, so I didn't say anything until now. Anyways, I hope you liked it! :D

biggirlsmallworld: I can understand their frustration. They may or may not be incredibly angry, but it's common for readers to take pity or have empathy for the main characters. And so they target what they think the main source of the negative emotions-- in this case Derek and Christa. And while they have both been pretty cruel to Aerynn-- in some instances, it was rightly deserved. Not on all cases, but sometimes it was.

schmexykittykat: Yes, kitty, there is a "Derek" in real life. And yes, I am about 90% positive he likes "Christa" too. However, all of the characters-- Caitlyn, Charlotte, Heath, Derek, Helena, Chelsea-- they are all non-existent. But their personalities, their appearances, they are the attributes and the characteristics of real friends and people that I have in life.

"Christa": You know something, sweety, I am getting royally pissed off! I don't ask you to review. I don't ask you to read. It's your choice. It's a fucking free world out here, and I have every right to write what I wish to. It's called suspense, and drama, honey. And I am getting sick and tired of you constantly sending me messages and calling me asking what the hell is going on! I've tried to understand, but I'm not putting up with it anymore! If you don't like what I write or how I make your character act, then you don't have to fucking read it! I didn't ask for your opinion. And I didn't ask for you to write a spin off of this either! You can go ahead and continue it, but I want no affiliation with it! And I sure as hell don't want to see it here on this site because I for one, didn't give you permission to write a spin off, and two, didn't have to knowledge of it until you began writing it. So, I'm sorry, if I sound unreasonable and cruel, but I am getting sick and tired of your attitude towards me, my behavior, my style of writing, the content that I write, and how I choose to live my life.