Disclaimer: I don't own it, I wish I did, but I don't.
A/N: First of all I want to thank my beta BowieQueen without you this would have been a mess, thank you for all your help.
Thank you to everyone who has followed and favorited my story. I also love the comments. Keep them coming.
For this chapter, I tried to research Point Pleasant on the Jersey Shore (I have never been there) for the time period of this fic (mid to late 1990s). If I totally screwed something up I am sorry it was unintentional.
The trip was half over and Sarah woke up surprised that she did not have a goblin or two staring at her. Thinking over the trip so far she was surprised that things were going so well. The goblins were a fun addition to the trip, and even spending time with Jareth the day and evening before was surprisingly enjoyable. He wasn't as much of a glittery jerk as usual, and she had to admit, wasn't bad to look at on the beach.
She rolled over and stretched her arms above her head. Sitting up, she twisted her waist from side to side feeling her back crack satisfyingly. Getting out of bed, she put on her robe and headed out to the bathroom. She showered and after putting her robe back on she headed back to her room to change.
She put on a pair of white shorts and a purple t-shirt. She threaded a large purple scarf through the loops of her shorts as a belt. After brushing out her long brown hair she put it into a ponytail using a scrunchie. Looking at herself in the mirror, she felt that she looked good enough, and would be good for what her family had in mind. What she would do with the goblins remained to be seen.
Leaving her room Sarah glanced at the room down the hall that belonged to her brother. The door was closed and there wasn't any noise. For a second she considered checking to see what was happening inside. The thought was fleeting as her stomach growled demanding food. She did not want to get involved with goblin mischief and miss breakfast. She made her way down to the kitchen.
She found Toby at the table, already dressed, stuffing cereal into his mouth at a breakneck speed. "Where's the fire, Tobes? You know the bowl won't run away from you right?" Sarah laughed while she got a bagel to toast.
"Ha Ha. You're so funny," said Toby dryly. He looked over at the breakfast Sarah was laying out for herself of a bagel with cream cheese and some strawberries. "I will leave you to your sad little breakfast, and your sad little life." He brushed past her, putting his bowl and spoon in the sink.
Sarah ate and looked at the paper that was leftover from when her dad ate breakfast. She relished the quiet and alone time, even though she knew it was fleeting. As she finished, she wondered where her dad and Karen were as she cleared her own dishes and wiped down the table.
She walked through the small house and verified that the older Williams were nowhere to be seen. That was unusual. Karen always made sure everyone knew where she was and what she expected of them while she was gone. Sarah decided now was as good a time as ever to check in with the goblins. She knocked on the door and stuck her head in.
"Everything good in here?" she asked, looking around Toby's room.
"Shhh," came the reply. Toby quickly came over and slipped through the door, closing it softly. He ran down the hall to her own room and went in.
Sarah looked at him stunned for a minute. Then she moved down the hall to follow her brother. Once inside her room, she saw Toby sitting on her unmade bed. She pulled him off and quickly threw it together. Toby returned to his perch and lounged.
"Ok, what's going on?" she asked. , The look on Toby's face worried her. It was a cross between smug and worried. That was not a good combination, especially for her brother.
"First of all let the record show…" Toby began
"Oh, God. This must be bad if you are trying to use dad's lawyer voice…Let the record show," Sarah interrupted him. This earned her a dirty look from Toby.
"As I was saying," Toby continued. "Let the record show that I was in my room and thought that they were all in there with me." Sarah was getting upset now, Toby was evading and that was not good when goblins were involved.
"Cut the crap and spill it, Toby. I need to know how bad this is." Sarah couldn't take it anymore.
"Ok theysomehowgotintosomealcoholandareallpassedoutinmyroomagain," Toby got it all out in a rush in one breath. It took Sarah a few seconds to translate it in her brain. When it clicked, she walked over to the door and banged her head on it a few times.
"You OK, Sar?" Toby asked hesitantly. "Have you finally cracked? Are we going to have to ship you off the men in the white coats?"
"Toby, are you telling me they got into dad's liquor cabinet again? What the hell? What did they take? How much did they take?" Sarah could feel the panic rising. "They are going to blame me. Like your mom needs excuses to think I am a failure."
"Chill, Sarah." Toby tried to calm her down. "I don't think it came from dad's cabinet. They weren't regular bottles, at least none that I recognized."
Sarah narrowed her eyes at him. "And just how do you know what the bottles dad has look like? Please don't do anything that will make your mom call me a bad influence on you."
"Check the cabinet, Sar," urged Toby. "Mom and dad are taking a walk on the beach. "You saw it after that first night. If you hurry you can check it out before you get back and see if it looks like anything is missing." He looked hopefully at her, purposely not answering her previous question.
Sarah rushed to the living room. She breathed a sigh of relief that it looked like her dad and Karen were nowhere in sight. She crossed to the cabinet in the corner and opened it. She did a quick check of the bottles that were inside. When she was assured that it looked the same as the last time she checked, she closed the cabinet and walked back to her bedroom.
"OK," she said to Toby as she closed her door. "So somehow the goblins, while you were supposed to be watching them, got some unknown alcohol, from God knows where. Jesus Toby, what is wrong with you?" Sarah felt her voice rising.
"Chillax, Sarah," Toby said with a wave of his hand. "If they didn't come from dad, what do we care? It's all good and we are free from goblin-sitting today. They are out for the count. Let's go to the boardwalk." Toby hopped off the bed unconcerned.
"What happens if they wake up?" Sarah asked. "Goblins on the Jersey Shore unsupervised? Grow a brain, Toby."
"From the look of them, they are not getting up anytime soon. But I can barricade the door, and yes, from the outside. I do have some skills." He waved away her concerns.
"This becomes a thing you are telling you-know-who." Sarah raised her eyebrows.
"Fine…fine." Toby was out the door. Leaving Sarah to do nothing but follow.
Sarah and Toby hung out on the back porch watching the morning activity on the beach. It wasn't much later that they saw their parents walking up to the back of the house. They greeted each other and their dad and Karen dropped into chairs next to their children.
"So what are your plans for the day?" Karen asked.
"I'm heading down to the boardwalk again," Toby answered. "I figured Sarah would go with me, she hasn't been there yet. You all are welcome to come with me." He offered, knowing what would happen.
"And watch you ride those dangerous rides, and eat pure sugar. No thanks," Karen answered. "I would feel better if Sarah were there with you. You aren't planning to ride that awful skateboard are you?"
"Oh mom, come on," Toby complained. "I rode it down there yesterday and nothing happened. And I am sure there is something I will eat that is made of something besides sugar. I don't know what it would be but it is bound to happen."
Karen laughed at this which surprised Sarah. "I would feel better if Sarah were there with you. Would you mind Sarah?" Karen turned her eyes on her stepdaughter. Sarah was sure that if she were not sitting she would have fallen down. Was Karen actually asking her? Wow.
"No, I don't mind, Karen." Sarah finally found her voice. "What are you guys planning to do? More shopping?" she asked.
"I think we may just stick around here. Maybe go visit the Thomases." Karen mused mentioning friends that lived down the street that stayed year-round.
Sarah looked at Toby. What would happen if their little friends got out with her dad and Karen home? Oh well, she already agreed to go with Toby, it would look weird if she begged off now just to spend time at home with them. That would never happen, and Karen knew it.
She and Toby went back into the house to get ready. Toby grabbed his backpack that was big enough to store his skateboard if necessary, and whatever else he felt he needed. Sarah grabbed her wallet, and a few other things and threw them into a mini backpack. They met up in the living room and took off.
The boardwalk was less than a mile away so they chose to walk. Or rather Sarah chose to walk and Toby rode his skateboard slowly. They talked as they traveled, Toby, complaining about Karen hating everything important to him. From his friends to his clothes, to his love of all things boarding, Sarah just listened, letting him get it all out.
"You know Karen just wants what she thinks is best for you. I'll try talking to her, but don't expect her to change. Just try to accommodate her without losing who you are. You may just need to tone things down a bit." Sarah tried to be sympathetic. "You know if she ever drives you too crazy you can always hang out at my place, as long as dad and Karen are ok with it," she offered and quickly amended.
Once they got to the boardwalk they had to weave their way around the other tourists. Even at the early hour, there were enough teens and families there to have Toby putting his skateboard in his pack so he could walk with his sister.
"What do you want to do first?" she asked her brother.
"Rides," he said immediately. They headed to the southern end where there were several rides.
While many of the rides were geared to smaller, younger children there were still enough there that kept older kids and teens entertained. Sarah bought tickets for the rides and handed some to Toby. They walked around as Toby looked around deciding on what he wanted to go on first. Suddenly, Sarah felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She looked around, but saw nothing amiss.
"What's with you?" he asked, looking quizzically at his sister.
"Nothing, I guess. I just got the weird feeling that I was being watched. But I guess not." Sarah could not shake the feeling that eyes were on her.
"Paranoid much?" Toby eyed her as he continued walking through the section of the boardwalk.
"I'm sure it is nothing." Sarah didn't think she sounded convincing though. "C'mon, let's go on some rides."
Wherever they went Sarah continued to feel unseen eyes on her. Once, while Toby was on some spinning ride that she refused to go on, she even looked up and said to the air, "You better not be spying on us, Your Majesty." This caused a few looks from those standing near her but she ignored them and focused back on Toby.
Toby dragged Sarah on the Ferris Wheel after promising not to rock the seat too much. The ride moved up slowly as passengers got on and off. After a few minutes, the ride started speeding up. Sarah was enjoying the breeze from the ride and the good-natured teasing from her brother about her fear of flipping over when she heard it.
Sarah froze as she definitely heard the distinctive giggling of a goblin. She turned to her brother. "You heard that, right?"
Toby froze for a second, then shook his head. "Don't be a worrywart, Sar. Everything is fine. You're going to give yourself an ulcer. There are tons of kids here. If you panic every time you hear someone laugh, you will be ready for the men in the white coats in an hour."
Sarah tried to relax and enjoy the rest of the ride. When it slowed down to let people on and off again and they were stuck high at the top she and Toby remarked on the awesome view they were afforded. As they were slowly lowered to the ground for their turn to get off Toby was already talking about what he wanted to do next.
As Sarah followed him off of the ride and to the next ride he wanted to conquer there was suddenly a commotion behind them at the Ferris Wheel. Sarah grabbed Toby's hand and dragged him back to where a small crowd was gathering. A very confused-looking ride operator was looking around frantically. When Sarah looked up, she saw a car about twenty feet in the air, spinning, around in a way that it was definitely not designed to do.
"Three kids were in that car, but they just disappeared. They didn't fall out I swear. I don't know what happened." he kept saying over and over.
Sarah and Toby glanced at each other. "I think we need to go back and check on your roommates," Sarah told him.
"If we go back and everything is fine, we will feel stupid." He looked his sister up and down. "Well, I will feel stupid, you will just feel regular. If they are gone, what are we going to do about it? You want to call the king to see if he can retrieve them?" He smiled, knowing full well that that would be the last thing that Sarah would want to do.
"Toby, I just don't want anyone to get hurt." Sarah tried to reason.
"Who got hurt?" Toby countered. "The guy running the ride even said no one fell. Let's go, Sar. I'm getting hungry."
They grabbed corndogs, slices of pizza, and pop and sat down to eat. Sarah kept glancing around, but nothing seemed unusual. She was starting to relax as they finished their food. They got up, and Toby decided to go to the funhouse on the other side of the boardwalk. They wound their way through the crowd. After they both decided it was time to head back. Toby wanted one more treat, that he knew his mom wouldn't approve of, and convinced Sarah to get him some cotton candy for the walk back. They took turns pulling the sticky fluff off the cardboard stick.
When they arrived home, Sarah decided she needed a shower, but first, she went with Toby to his room to see what was happening with their guests. As soon as she walked in, four heads turned toward the door.
"Hi Lady Sarah, Hi Toby!" They chorused. Sarah could see them trying to look innocent. Well, as innocent as four goblins could look. When Sarah looked closer she was sure she saw bits of blue and pink cotton candy in Squib's hair. She shook her head, knowing that interrogating them would do no good. She just had to hope that they did not cause too much trouble, and left to shower.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sarah was sitting in the living room with her dad and Karen simply relaxing while reading a magazine. She was half-listening to them as they discussed dinner plans. It sounded like they were going to visit friends that were nearby. When she was asked about her plans Sarah said the first thing she could think of since she did not want to go for dinner with the Townsand's.
"I think I will head to The Ark," Sarah told them. "I might see someone I know, and it is karaoke night, I'll probably stick around for that afterward." She did not know if she would see anyone, but if there was a chance to find someone she had known from years past this was it.
Sarah dressed in a pair of jeans with a few rips in them that hugged her curves and a deep purple tank top. A pair of black leather ankle boots completed the outfit. She chose to simply brush her hair until it shone and let it cascade down her back. She used a bit more make-up than usual, but hey she was planning to be at the bar until late. She made sure her necessities were in the small purse she grabbed and deemed herself ready. Everyone had left, so after looking in at the goblins and giving them dinner of microwave mac and cheese, one of their favorites, and telling them to stay put until Toby got home. She locked up the house and left.
The one good thing about the neighborhood where her family's house stood was its close proximity to several places the family enjoyed. The Ark was just over a mile away. Because of this Sarah decided to walk instead of driving her jeep. The weather was nice and it was hot but not oppressive as the evening progressed.
When she got to the bar it was half empty since it was still early. She settled on a small table. A glance around her confirmed that no one she knew was here. She ordered a burger and fries with a beer that was on tap and turned her attention to one of the visible TVs. She wasn't much of a sports fan, but she knew enough to follow the game that was on, and it was something to do.
She was just finishing her meal when a pair of hands obscured her vision. Sarah yelped and almost spilled her glass of beer when she jumped. A male's chuckle reached her ears, one that seemed familiar, but she could not place it. Sarah reached up and ripped the offending hands off of her eyes. She turned around in her seat and was faced with a red t-shirt. Looking up she saw an unkempt sandy mop of hair and laughing hazel eyes.
"Jon, I swear you almost gave me a heart attack." She playfully slapped his chest with an open hand. "You realize assault is a felony?"
"What assault? You smacked me. If anyone would get charged it would be you for beating up on this poor helpless man, that just came over to say hi." He smirked at her.
"It would be worth it," Sarah countered. "I guess you are here to hang out tonight for karaoke?" Sarah hated stating the obvious.
"Yep, a few of the crowd you know are supposed to show up. Lyndsey, Evan, and Molly, I think. Is it cool if we all hang?" Jon looked at her with raised eyebrows.
"Sure, I'm almost done. I can move to another table," Sarah offered but Jon shook his head.
"Just keep your pretty ass in your chair. I'll take care of it." Jon proceeded to grab the tables on either side of the one Sarah was at and pulled them up to her small one creating one long table.
"Isn't this a little more space than we need?" Sarah asked.
"We will see. Anyway, this gives us room to spread out, in case you want to, I don't know, get drunk and dance on the table." The twinkle was back.
"I still say that never happened. There was never any photographic proof." 'Thank god,' she muttered under her breath.
Jon was just settling into the seat next to her when Evan and Molly joined them. They had been dating forever, and finally were engaged. Jon was recently divorced. All of this reminded Sarah of what a disaster her love life was. She shook off the morose thoughts and decided she was going to have fun.
After the couple settled across from Sarah and Jon, a waitress cleared the remains of Sarah's dinner and took the others' drink orders. The group settled into a light conversation asking Sarah what was going on in her life since it had been a few years and letting her know about what was going on with them. Right before karaoke started Lyndsey joined the group, dropping into the seat next to Molly.
The boys got up to go to the bar to get drinks for the table, and the girls started talking about what songs they planned to sing. Molly as usual would sing with the group but would need some liquid courage to sing on her own. With decisions made the girls walked up to the stage and signed up for their songs. There was already a list, but they wouldn't have to wait too long. They got back to the table as the guys were handing out the drinks. After a little pressure from the girls, the guys went to sign up for their selections.
Sarah settled down in her seat to enjoy the show. The beginning was not too painful, but as the night went on, and the drinks lubricated the crowd, the songs would get louder, and more painful to listen to. Sarah and the other girls were called up after a few songs were done. They started with Girls Just Want to Have Fun. It was their standard group song and a tradition. Those who knew them in the crowd whooped and hollered, and the girls hammed it up. When they got back to their seats, Sarah dropped down in hers and took a pull off her beer. Jon had his arm around the back of her chair, and they were talking while enjoying the evening.
"Sarah Williams, funny running into you." A smooth cultured voice came directly above her head. Sarah looked up into two bright blue eyes, one with a very distinctive pupil.
"What are you doing here?" Sarah asked eyes narrowed.
"I heard that this would be the place to be this evening," Jareth smirked at her. "And it must be you are here."
"Who's your friend, Sar?" asked Lyndsey, not so subtly licking her lips "And why have you been keeping him to yourself?"
"I'm sure Sarah was not purposely being rude," Jareth answered for her. "I'm Jay. I've known Sarah for years, and we just happen to have picked the same vacation spot this week. May I join you?" he asked.
Lindsey nodded emphatically, gesturing to the seat next to her, but Jareth dropped into the one next to Sarah. He could not help but notice the look of surprise on Sarah's face, or the sour look on the man next to her.
Molly and Evan went up to sing together. They unsurprisingly picked You're the One That I Want from Grease. It was one that they sang regularly but was a solid pick. As they were making their way back Jareth leaned over to Sarah and whispered, "And what song are you planning to sing Sarah?" She shivered when she felt his breath on her ear. It made her even happier with her choice.
"You'll see. I'm up next." Sarah got up and strutted to the front. She smiled at the group at her table and the music started. She belted out Bitch by Meredith Brooks. When she finished she walked back and dropped down in her seat.
"Ok, I was not expecting that one, Sar. Needed to get something out?" Jon wasn't sure what that was all about but admired her for it.
"Interesting choice, Sarah." The lyrics weren't lost on the Goblin King, and again he was wondering what he was doing here. And why did he care so much that this mortal had his hand around her chair, or seemed so familiar with her? It must be seeing her in person and not just through a crystal.
The night wore on and Sarah found herself having a good time. Jon and she had been friends for years, but he seemed almost possessive in Jareth's company. And Jareth? Well, she really didn't know what to think about Jareth. Why was he here hanging out with her, and why was she enjoying it so much? She had to keep reminding herself how absolutely annoying he was.
Everyone took their turn either alone or in a group but Jareth. When Jon mentioned this he simply stated that he didn't feel it was something he needed to do at this time. Sarah just rolled her eyes and downed her tequila when Molly ordered shots for the table.
A little after midnight the table started breaking up. Lindsey begged off first claiming work the next day, but giving Jareth another look up and down as she left. Molly and Evan left next. After they were gone Sarah decided that sitting alone between these two males was not going to make for a fun evening. Especially since Jon had drunk more than she had seen him drink ever.
"You got a ride, Jon?" Sarah asked worriedly if he decided to try to drive.
"Yeah, I'll wait until Dawn gets off." He nodded at one of the bartenders. "She will give me a lift. See ya, Sar. How about a group meeting on the beach by your house tomorrow night? It will be like old times."
"Sure, sounds good. See you then. Call the house you know the number." She hugged him and walked toward the door while he walked toward the bar after saying goodbye to Jareth.
Sarah was out the door before she realized that Jareth was following her. She turned to face him once they were both free from the exit.
"Do you have a ride, Sarah? I would hate for you to have an accident." He asked softly.
"The house isn't far. I'll walk. I figure you will just poof to wherever you are staying," Sarah answered, turning in the direction of the beach.
"I never poof, Precious," Jareth answered scornfully. "Well, then I will walk you back. I can't have anything happen to the Champion."
"I'll be fine, Jareth. Remember I got through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered without your help. In fact, you were one of the hardships." She looked over at him.
"Be that as it may, Champion, but I will be escorting you," Jareth insisted.
"Ok, but I am not taking your arm. That would just be weird." Sarah started walking and Jareth fell in step beside her. "You never did tell me how you knew where I was. And I don't believe it was a coincidence." She glared at him.
"Let's just say a goblin told me," he said with a smirk.
"Would I be related to this particular goblin?" Sarah asked.
"In a way," he hedged. Then relented. "I walked past your house and your parents were outside, I asked about you, and your lovely stepmother mentioned where you would be spending the evening."
"Crap! You talked to dad and Karen? That's one more thing I'm going to have to explain," Sarah said aloud, but more to herself. "Well, it's not the worst that could happen I guess."
The pair walked down the beach together listening to the sound of the surf. They were simply making small talk. How were the goblins doing? Did he enjoy the Jersey Shore? Finally, she found that they were at their house.
"Thanks for walking me, Jareth," Sarah said, turning toward him. Listen if you show up tomorrow around nine, a group of people are coming over to hang on the beach. Don't know if you will enjoy it, but I thought I'd ask." Her words came out in a rush.
"If nothing pressing demands my attention I would be obliged to make an appearance." He took her hand and brought it to his lips and lightly kissed the back of it. "Goodnight Sarah."
Caught off guard by the gesture Sarah simply stammered good night and darted for the back door of the house. When she got inside everyone else seemed to be asleep, at least the house was dark and silent. She went to the bathroom, showered quickly, changed into her nightshirt, and fell into bed.
What was that all about? She asked herself. "And the better question, how do I feel about it? The questions unnerved her, so Sarah shook herself and refused to think about it. She rolled over and was asleep before long.
A/N: Please review. I love to hear your thoughts on what I write.