Chapter 14

After Jareth was gone, Sarah returned her attention to Toby, who was being smothered by his mom as she hugged him tight. Pulling Karen off, Sarah suggested that she take Toby back to the cabin for a warm shower. She also insisted that Toby explain to his mother what happened. Sarah knew Karen would want to know what Irene's kids did.

Karen agreed and took Toby with her. Sarah made sure everyone was informed that Toby had been found. The entire family was relieved to hear he was safe. Once everyone had been told, Sarah hurried back to her own cabin. She wanted to talk to Jareth before dinner.

When she reached the cabin she could hear the shower running. She blushed and scolded herself when the thought of joining him popped in her head. Instead she made a pot of coffee and sat on the couch to wait for him.

When Jareth exited the shower he could smell the freshly brewed coffee. He knew Sarah must be there.

After quickly drying off, he dressed in black slacks and a dark green turtleneck sweater. A quick flick of his wrist had his human glamour in place and his hair dried and styled.

He didn't know if anyone else was in the other room with Sarah, so he figured better safe than sorry.

Stepping out of the bedroom, he found Sarah sitting alone, sipping her mug of hot coffee. "Everything alright, Sarah?"

Turning, she nodded and smiled. "Yea, just warming up, and I wanted to talk with you before dinner."

"I see." Jareth tried to remain calm. Truth was he was a little hurt by the fact she instantly thought he had taken Toby. Obviously she still saw him as a villain. Sitting beside her, but not too close, he made himself comfortable. "What was it you wished to talk about?"

Sarah placed her coffee on the table and turned to Jareth, scooting a little closer, she reached for his hand, but he pulled away. Sighing, she placed her hand on his arm. "I owe you an apology."

Hearing her words, he looked her in the eyes. "I'm listening."

"I shouldn't have accused you of taking Toby. I was scared and I panicked. The fact that you weren't here either didn't help. I let my mind jump to conclusions."

"I was called away for a while, " Jareth stated calmly. "A wisher."

"Someone wished a child away?" Sarah's eyes widened.

"Yes, an older sibling. She wanted her brother safe from their abusive father. I saved both children. They are safe with a family in my Kingdom."

Sarah smiled. "That's wonderful. I didn't know you could take the wisher too."

"It's rare that I do so, but I have done it under special circumstances." Jareth explained. "I'm sorry I wasn't here to find Toby sooner."

"It's alright. We found him and he's safe. Can't believe Stewart, Phillip, and Ellenor went after Toby again." She shook her head. "They're miserable little shits, just like their mother. Irene sends them off to boarding school instead of raising them and when she does see them they get anything they want."

"Shall I let the goblins play with them?" Jareth smirked.

Sarah grinned as she thought about it. "That might not be a bad idea." She grabbed her mug and sat back. "What can you have them do to those miscreants?"

Jareth summoned a crystal and called for his goblins. A dozen or so answered his call and stood before them, including Chad. "Our Champion has a request of you."

"We helps!" One cried.

"Lady just has to ask!" Exclaimed another.

Sarah leaned forward to talk to the little goblins. "Now this needs to be done before dinner, while they're in their cabin." Sarah proceeded to tell the goblins her plan for her younger cousins and which cabin was theirs. The kids slept in the one designated for them and the rest of the older children, but during the day were to be found in their mother's.

Jareth listened intently as Sarah told the plan. He couldn't wait to see the faces of the three when his goblins were done. "Now you all understand the plan?"

"Yes, Kingy." They replied in unison.

"Good, now off with you." Jareth commanded. The goblins vanished and made their way to the cabin.

"Well I guess I should shower again and start getting ready for dinner." Sarah stated as she stood.

Jareth stood and stepped closer to her. Taking her hands in his and held the against his chest. "About your apology," he paused as Sarah raised her head to look him in the eyes. "I shall only accept it and forgive you on one condition."

"And what is that condition?" She asked defensively.

"That you accept my apology and forgive me." He brought her hands to his lips and kissed each in turn. "I'm sorry for sending you on dates with my goblins and deceiving you. I truly just wanted to help you."

Pulling one hand away, Sarah caressed his cheek. "I forgive you, Jareth. You meant well and you've done a lot for me this weekend. And who knows what would have happened to Toby if you hadn't been here."

"And I forgive you, love. Given the panic you surely felt hearing your brother was missing I can't blame you for suspecting me." Jareth leaned foreward and kissed her forehead. "Now go take that hot shower and warm up, dearest. We'll be expected in the dinning hall soon." Sarah nodded and went to get ready.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Outside the kids' cabin, the dozen or so goblins gathered and peered into the window. "Lady says to make sures we gets the nasty three." The group leader reminded them.

"We knows." The others said in unison. One by one they disappeared.

Inside Stewart, Phillip, and Ellenor were sitting in front of the tv. The other children were with their parents, so the timing of the forthcoming goblin attack couldn't have been more perfect.

Suddenly the tv turned off. "What?" The three kids sat up.

When the lights went out, Ellenor screeched. "What's going on?"

The room was eerily silent for a moment and then there were loud bangs from the kitchen as if someone was using the pots as drums.

"Stewart!" Ellenor screamed as she started to cry.

"Who's making all that racket!" Stewart demanded as he stormed into the kitchen. But when he got there, there was no one in sight, and the pots appeared to be untouched.

"This isn't funny." Phillip said firmly as he comforted his sister.

The cabin filled with laughter. "Wh...who's there?" Stewart asked as he looked around but saw nothing.

Without warning, pillows flew from all over, pelting the two boys. Ellenor was safe for a brief time as her brother shielded her, but soon he moved to protect himself.

Stewart grabbed a pillow and tried to fight back against the unseen foe, but all that he managed to do was rip the pillows, sending feathers everywhere.

Soon other pillows ripped and were tossed in the air. It looked like it was snowing inside. While the three bullies were busy trying to avoid getting feathers in the mouths, the goblins investigated the kitchen and found syrup, peanut butter, and jelly. Giggling, they grabbed spoons and started to run around smacking the kids with spoonfuls of the sticky substances while a couple of the goblins kept throwing feathers into the air.

"Oww!" Phillip cried as a spoonful of jelly hit the back of his head.

"What is this stuff?" Stewart asked.

"Its sticky and gross!" Yelled Ellenor.

"Children its time to..." Irene stopped mid sentence as she opened the door.

She flipped the light switch and the children blinked at the brightness of the light. "What the devil is going on here?!" She demanded.

"Mother, we were..." Phillip stopped when he realized he was holding a syrup covered spoon. He looked to see a spoon in his siblings hands as well. One covered in peanut butter and the other covered in jelly.

"Really now..." Irene was tapping her foot with her hands on her hips.

As she continued to yell at them, the goblins were outside watching, and Chad took photos on Toby's camera.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sarah showered and redressed, a bit bothered by Jareth's detachment.

While he was so fervently pursuing her she was uncomfortable, true, but it wasn't a *bad* uncomfortable. It was more that his presence made her feel things she wasn't used to feeling about anyone and it was both exhilarating and terrifying.

This was different. It felt like he had stepped away. He was kind and polite but had removed himself somewhat.

She wasn't sure, now, that's what she wanted either.

She took extra care with her appearance, carefully applying a smokey eye look and bolder lipstick. The dress she had chosen was fanciest dress she brought with her. It was a deep sapphire sheath dress, elegant, form fitting, high necked , long sleeved but her back was entirely exposed to her waist, and a thigh high slit up the side. She put her hair up in purposely messy, but elegant bun, letting curls frame her face, and added sapphire earrings her mother had given her for her college graduation. It really didn't need any more jewelry than that.

Black pumps with a simple line of sapphire crystals across the toe completed the look.

When she stepped out of the bedroom Jareth eyes slightly dilated and his mouth dropped but he caught himself. "My, Sarah, you look breathtaking. I feel underdressed."

"You look perfect, Jareth. It's Christmas Eve, so I wanted to look nice." She smiled.

Sarah couldn't quite admit it was for him, above everything.

He cleared his throat. "Well, I suppose we should go then."

He helped her on with her heavy coat. As his hand laid on her shoulder, she turned her head to look up at him and squeezed his hand. "Thank you...Jareth."

He swallowed hard, unsure of what was going on in her head. "You're welcome."

He moved away and grabbed his coat, and they set out for the formal dining hall next to the more casual lodge area, where the Christmas Eve gathering was to take place.

When they arrived, there were two large ornate tables set with beautiful crystal, silver and glass tableware. To the side was a smaller, yet no less fancy children's table set up. There were formally dressed waiters guiding guests to their assigned seats. Sarah was of course sitting next to Jareth, who was seated at one end, while her father and stepmother were seated at the other end.

Over the next 20 minutes to a half hour Sarah's family filed in, most dressed extra nice, but few, Jareth observed silently, as finely as the woman at his side. She was every inch a queen. Elegant, classy, her glowing skin, sparkling eyes, full lips and shiny hair, making his heart beat faster just looking at her.

But she was still keeping her heart shielded from him. She had warmed up to his presence again, but he was worried it was just because he had found Toby. It was all confusing and he would be wary to let his guard down too soon.

"HI guys!" Toby took the chair to Jareth's left. "Mom arranged it so I didn't have to sit with Stewart and those guys. She was mad I punched him, kind of, but she understood. I heard her tell dad it was really all Irene's fault anyway for being a b-i-t-c-h in front of her kids so they think it's okay."

"Toby, don't call people that." Sarah admonished. "It's not nice."

"I didn't, mom did. I'm just saying what she said." Toby answered matter of factly as he took a sip from his water glass. His nose crinkled. "Can't we get soda or something?"

Jareth and Sarah exchanged smiles. Here less than 2 hours ago Toby was lost, now he was a typical 11 year old boy, chatty and wanting attention, and junk food.

After everyone was seated, they said grace and dinner was served.

It was a traditional meal, with roast turkey, baked ham, potatoes, stuffing, oven roasted vegetables, and all the fixings.

It was absolutely delicious, Sarah thought, and there wasn't much in the way of conversation once everyone started eating.

The chefs at the resort had went above and beyond to create a fantastic holiday meal.

It was snowing, the fireplaces were lit, and Sarah was impressed.

Her stepmother had made a good call. At this moment surrounded by family and having Jareth there, it felt special.

Once everyone was finished, there were several dessert options. Pumpkin pie of course, and also traditional mince pie and peach, along with cheesecake.

Sarah chose the peach which got a look from Jareth who had done the same.

"What, you don't like peach?" She asked innocently.

He smirked. "It's my favorite, but I'm surprised you don't have an aversion to it."

They spoke in hushed tones.

"Nope, your poisoned fruit didn't ruin peaches for me, Your Majesty."

"I prefer enchanted." Jareth answered dryly.

"Ha. Well as I was in the receiving end, it didn't seem that way to me."

"Ahh memories." Jareth gave her a wistful grin, for which he got a tap on his arm as he went to take a bite of pie. "Careful, dear, if I end up with pie in my lap, you will end up with the same."

Sarah rolled her eyes at him and went back to her dessert.

After pie and coffee, or milk for the kids, people began to mill about and socialize.

Looking around, Sarah noticed the three little jerks that had tormented Toby, nor their mother, were present.

She went to Karen." Where's Irene and the kids? "

Karen looked around. "I knew something was off, no one was complaining, and everyone was having a good time. I don't know."

Not 5 minutes later Irene came storming in.

"That's it! She yelled at Karen." I'm done with this! First you give me some freaky haunted cabin! Then your little thug son hits *my* Stewart and runs off causing everyone to have to tromp around in the woods looking for the little brat, *now* my son tells me*you*" She pointed at Toby "came into *our* cabin, started a fight, breaking things and throwing food, then ran off, leaving them to take the blame! "

She got into Karen's face. "You need to do something about your juvenile delinquent child! He's a weirdo who acts like his freak stepsister and a bully!"

Sarah couldn't believe even Irene would even believe such an obvious lie to place the blame on Toby.

"Seriously? You believe that crap? Toby wasn't anywhere near your cabin!" She blurted out.

Sarah took a step forward but Karen held up her hand. "No, Sarah. I'll take care of my sister."

She faced her twin. "Now you listen here, I've been trying to be a gracious hostess, ignoring the fact what a complete and utter jerk you have been since you got here, attempting to keep the peace," she took a deep breath, and her usually serene blue eyes flared to life.

"Who the hell do you think you are? How dare you accuse my son!? He was with myself and Robert at *our* cabin, and no way did he do any such thing! And yes Toby punched Stewart but only because your kids are miserable little buttholes, and bullies, and attacked him! Now as far as I'm concerned you can go back to your cabin and stay there *with* your bratty spoiled kids for the rest of this holiday! No one wants anything to do with any of you, you bitter bitch! "

Irene was silent, shocked that her sister had stood up to her. Karen had always been the peace maker. She looked around to see everyone watching silently.

She cleared her throat, straightened her sweater and stepped back. "Fine. As soon as the snow lets up and we can get off this Godforsaken mountain, we'll be leaving. And you can guarantee we won't be attending any further family events."

"Oh now that would be a shame."Jareth drawled sarcastically from beside Sarah.

Irene gave him a dirty look. "Piss off. Like you'll be around long enough to attend another one either." she said sarcastically.

She stomped out of the dining room and slammed the door.

For a second everyone was quiet, then Jareth started a slow clap. "Well done, Lady Karen. She deserved no less."

Everyone joined in and soon there was much laughing and cheering as Karen blushed and covered her face with her hands. Her husband came to her side and embraced her, whispering in her ear and laughing.

It was a lively evening after that, with the family playing games and singing carols. The children were hustled off to bed to await Santa and present opening in the morning, and the alcohol flowed freely again.

Aunt Minnie kept scolding people for drinking too much, but had a few celebratory drinks herself.

Someone started playing music and people were dancing and having a great time.

Jareth even managed to sweep Sarah into a few slow dances, making her laugh as he twirled her around. He also took Minnie for a gentle waltz around the dance floor, the older lady lamenting her lost youth and health as he did, assuring him if she was younger she'd give him a run for his money, but giggling like a teenager, smiling the whole time.

Near midnight, Jareth and Sarah walked back to their cabin.

"I brought you a gift." He said as they walked.

"Should I be worried?" She joked, more than a little tipsy as he guided her.

"Not at all, let's go inside."

They went in and got comfortable on the sofa.

He turned to her and handed her a box. "Here you are, love. Merry Christmas."

She opened it, and inside lay a crystal.

"What is this? It's not going to suck me into the underground or give me warts is it?"

Jareth laughed. "No no no. Of course not. It's a dream crystal. As it's Christmas Eve, I thought something special was in order. It will show you your dreams, the ones deep in your heart that you tell no one. Tonight, all you have to say is" show me my dream" before you go to bed, and it will come to you in your sleep. When you wake, that dream will always be there within the crystal to keep forever."

Sarah lifted it out. It was much heavier than she expected. It vibrated in her hand and made he skin tingle.

"But what if I have a nightmare?"

"The magic won't allow for that. It purposely only draws out your deepest held desires and manifests them as a wonderful dream. I could have given you some trifle or bauble, but this was more...you. You've always been a dreamer."

"I didn't get you anything like this. I just bought you a robe, for appearances. Nothing special." Sarah answered. "Thank you."

She felt the moment becoming too heated. "I um...I need to go to bed." She got up and went into the bedroom. Before she closed the door she heard a sigh and a soft "Sweet dreams, Sarah." called to her.

"Night." She closed the door, changed her clothes and crawled into bed. Lying there with the moonlight shining through the window, she picked up the crystal and stared at it. Bracing herself she whispered. "Show me my dream."

Nothing happened at first. She sat it back on the nightstand and let sleep overtake her.

On the stand, the crystal began to glow.