A Promise to Keep part 2
By Jade
Back at the castle, Boona stood before the Goblin King. Her golden green eyes were sparkling in
anticipation.
"Why does she not come Boona? It was your job to get her here," he stated sternly.
"Soon my master. We must not rush her. It did not help your showing up at her house. She is in
a fragile state of mind and when she figures out where she belongs, I will be there to bring her
home." Boona replied with a slight mischievous smile.
"You had better be there," he said producing a crystal. Looking into it, he saw Josie sitting on
the window seal of her bedroom window. A gentle breeze blowing in, wafted her hair and moved
the smooth fabric of the curtain in front of her face. "My how she has grown." he said, staring at
her entrancing image. He would not admit his feelings for her of course. Oh no, far be it from the
Goblin King to show his feelings. To him, that would be showing weakness.
"Master, why is it you wish her to come to the Labyrinth?" Boona asked, looking to her king for
answers. Answers he was not willing to give.
"That is none of your concern. Just do as you are told Boona, and I shall see to the rest," he
replied motioning for her to leave.
"Yes master," she replied and took to her light form and flew out the window.
"Why indeed?" he breathed softly, still staring at the captivating image of Josie.
*****************
Josie sat looking out her window and wanted to escape this life. "Why didn't she tell me of him?"
she asked aloud, fingering the crystal on her necklace. "Because I would have thought she was
crazy, that's why." she said pulling the window closed. She could hear the faint rumble of
thunder as it grew closer. She always loved rainstorms.
Picking up the book she was certain he gave her when she was twelve, she flipped through the
pages but found no comfort in the written word. She still felt the emptiness that seemed to grow
with each passing moment. Sometimes she felt as though it might swallow her whole and then
there would be nothing left. But now she knew she was not alone. He was there and it was quite
obvious that he was not going to leave her to wallow in self pity for the rest of her life. A smile
touched her lips at that thought.
"Oh why was I so rude to him?" she stated to no one in particular. "I know better than that," she
said exasperated. She had noticed how handsome he was. Did he know she found him attractive?
Was it too obvious? Or perhaps he found her obnoxious.
Looking at the book in her hands, she remembered him now. He had brought her a gift for her
birthday to the house. *Was he still watching her?* The red leather binding was old and worn,
and one could barely make out the gold lettering on the front. She had read this book a thousand
times and wished such a place existed. Now she finds out that her greatest wish as a child has
come true, and that she has the opportunity to live it. Now if only she wasn't so scared.
********************
Days passed and Josie found nothing to comfort her. At her age, she didn't need a babysitter and
talked Joanne into returning home to her family. Alone once again, she tried to read but found
nothing to keep her attention. Music perhaps, but still nothing gave her comfort from the reality
that she was reminded of every day. She had nobody now. The only thing left for her was Jareth
and his Labyrinth. Josie pushed that idea away afraid it would be no different there as it was here.
Everyday was the same. She would get up and go to work for her eight hours and return home to
an empty house. Was she that hard for someone to want to love? She had never had a serious
relationship. Everyone she came across was scared away for one reason or another, almost as
though they may have seen a ghost. Never knowing her father, she could only hope that she
would one day make her parents proud of her. This grieving over the loss of her mother was the
one thing she couldn't get passed. What was she to do?
*******************
Jareth sat on his throne and wondered why it was taking her so long to decide to come. For days,
he had waited as patiently as he could for something, some small sign. He would have gone to
her again, but any initiative he would take, Boona would surely turn against him. That willful
sprite had a thing or two coming.
"She should have been here by now," he mumbled as he stared at the goblins surrounding him. All
he had to do was stick to his promise of looking after the child. Why did he feel enraged when
she had yet to decide to come home? To come to him. Shaking his head at that last thought, he
wondered why he even considered that. *For her to come to him, how absurd.*
"Fine, if she doesn't want to come, then so be it. I do not need another useless subject around
here," he growled. He let out a sigh. "Oh why did I make such an idiotic promise?" he said,
standing up and looking around. Bound by his word, he would live up to his promise even if the
child was now a full grown woman. The castle seemed to be missing something. He could not
place it, but he knew it was not there.
"Boona!" Jareth shouted. The goblins scattered, leaving Jareth alone in his throne room.
A small light appeared outside the window to the throne room. Making its way closer to the
castle as Jareth watched it. Once inside, Boona appeared and stared at Jareth. "You bellowed
master?" she said with a smile, bowing slightly.
Jareth stared her down. "Why is she not here?" he asked angrily, crossing his arms.
"But sire, we have already discussed this. Is anything wrong?" she asked with a look of concern,
her green eyes full of curiosity.
"Of course not!" he bit back. "Of all the insolence!" he yelled. Jareth paced back and forth out of
anger and frustration.
"Master, if you wish, I shall go to her one last time." Boona said, uneasily watching his strides
back and forth.
Jareth stopped pacing, his anger subsiding. "No. She must come of her own choice."
"Yes she must. It will be soon I am sure," Boona stated eagerly.
"Really?" he asked, raising a stern brow. "And how, precisely, would you know that Boona my
pet?" he inquired, sarcasm dripping from his every word.
"I have been watching her as you commanded. I have seen the signs. She will come, I am sure of
it." Boona said softly, diverting her gaze from Jareth.
Jareth took a step closer. Grabbing her chin, he stared into her eyes. "She had better. If she does
not come, Boona, consider your wings clipped." he threatened in a menacing tone.
Boona pulled away. "Clipped?" she asked worriedly.
Jareth snickered. "If you can not handle a simple task such as this, then you will not be fit to
handle anything. Do I make myself clear?" he said viciously.
"Yes master," Boona uttered. She could hear the fear in her own voice.
"Leave me and do your job," he remarked nonchalantly, waving a hand in the air. Boona took to
her smaller form and flew out the window, Jareth watching her leave. Jareth sighed. "Perhaps I
was too rash with her," he spoke softly, watching Boona flying across the Labyrinth. He knew
she would do anything he asked.
**************
Josie woke up quickly and looked around. She could hear rain beating against the window and
the thunder crackling through the sky. It was usually a sound she relished, but now it was
foreboding. She began to cry. Another thunderclap followed by lightning illuminated her room
with an eerie glow. Glancing around, she tried to blink back the tears that filled her eyes. Pulling
a kleenex from the box on her bedside table, Josie wiped at the tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Why did you leave me mother? I don't want to be alone," she whispered. Her thoughts drifted
to Boona. She said she would take her away from this pain. She said she would help. She even
called her a friend.
Josie got up and quickly dressed. This was it. She was certain of where she belonged now. She
grabbed only a few of her things and rushed out the door into the pouring rain. The large drops
soaked her in just a matter of seconds but she didn't care. Running blindly through the woods
with only her heart leading the way, she found the clearing. Falling to her knees, her sobs echoed
around her. Peering around through the rain at all the trees, she summoned all the courage she
could muster. She called out to Boona hoping she would hear her.
"Boona!" she shouted. "Boona I am here! Please help me!" she called out in anxiety. "You said
you would be here when I was ready. Please Boona, come and take me home!" she called into the
night air, dropping her head into her hands.
Boona flew out of the undergrowth and came to stand in front of Josie. "Shh. There now, I am
here," she said, softly, touching Josie's shoulder. Josie looked up to see the rain had stopped and
Boona was standing there smiling back at her. "I told you I would be here." Boona stated with a
sympathetic smile.
Josie got to her feet. "I am ready now," Josie replied, wiping her eyes.
"Are you sure about this Josie?" Boona asked. "You must not rush into anything," she said
calmly.
"Yes, I am sure. There is nothing here for me now," Josie responded, looking to Boona for help.
"Very well," Boona replied, extending her hand to Josie.
"How do we get there?" Josie asked, reaching out to take Boona's hand.
"You will see," Boona said, a smile crossing her face. The instant Josie's hand met hers, they
appeared in the throne room of Jareth's castle.
"Where are we?" Josie asked, her voice barely a whisper. She felt her wet clothes cling to her but
noticed Boona was dry. Pushing her wet hair out of her face, she looked around with wide eyes.
"You are home now Josie. You are home," Boona said, glancing up at Jareth on his throne.
Boona watched him stand up and look at them. "She is here my master," Boona said, with a slight
bow.
"Welcome Josie," Jareth said, letting his gaze fall on her. He seemed to take in her entire form,
making Josie nervous. Jareth smiled at seeing her flush. "Perhaps you would like to freshen up,"
he said smoothly, his eyes sparkling with a secret knowledge.
"Thank you," she replied, staring back at him, self-conscious of her appearance.
"Boona, show her to her room," he said, gesturing to the door.
"Yes master," came the reply as Boona led Josie away quietly.
Josie followed Boona through the halls of the castle until she opened a door. Walking inside the
room, Josie was taken aback by the spaciousness and beauty of it. She had everything she would
ever need and then some. Looking back at Boona, she smiled.
"Is this alright?" Boona questioned, curiously glancing around.
"Yes, it's fine," Josie replied, looking around and noticing a bathroom off to the side. Grabbing a
towel, Josie sat down in a chair by the window and tried to dry her hair. "You know Boona, I
have had dreams of this place and of him." Josie said softly.
"You have?" Boona queried curiously, walking to stand by the window.
"Yes I have. Perhaps I am in a dream. If so, I don't ever want to wake up," she answered,
looking out the window across the Labyrinth.
"It is no dream my friend," Boona replied. "Some say dreams are warnings, or perhaps blessings
in disguise. Places you have been or places you are going to be. Perhaps you were dreaming of
home all along and just did not realize it."
Josie nodded. She understood what Boona was telling her. She had often thought the same
things but said nothing to her mother for fear of scaring her. "Are we the only ones in the castle?"
Josie asked, questioningly.
"Except for a few goblins, yes. Most of them stay in Goblin City. I will be going home soon as
well. Is there anything I can do to help make you more comfortable?" Boona asked, her eyes
flashing.
"Home? You mean you don't stay here?" Josie asked a hint of sadness lacing her words.
"No of course not Josie. I am a wood sprite. I live in the Fiery Forest. But I will come back and
visit you anytime you wish. All you have to do is call and I will be here," Boona replied, her
voice soft and soothing.
"He must have been lonely all those years with nobody else around," she said softly, her thoughts
drifting to Jareth.
"He manages. He always does," Boona said.
"Do you think he will like me Boona?' she asked, looking at her newest friend and wondering
what to do about Jareth.
Boona giggled. "He already does Josie."
Josie smiled. He was unlike anyone she had ever met before. Although she didn't know him very
long, she felt as though he had been there her entire life. "He does?" she queried, giving Boona a
inquisitive look. "How do you know that?"
"Because he has watched over you since you were but a babe. You are all he has talked about for
simply days on end," Boona stated, looking past her to the doorway.
Josie turned slightly to see Jareth standing there. She felt her heart flutter at the mere thought of
his being here and couldn't understand why. She watched Boona walk softly toward the door,
bow to her king, and wave goodbye. Josie waved back with a smile and then Boona was gone.
"Is everything to your liking?' he asked coolly, taking in the sight of her. She was sitting beside
the window just as he imagined she would be.
"Yes thank you..." she started but stopped. *What was she to call him?*
"Jareth," he said, as if reading her thoughts. Walking closer, he cautiously placed a hand gingerly
on her shoulder in comfort. *Should he be pushing her right now?* he wondered. Pulling his
hand away, he saw Josie turn and look at him with a smile. Surprised, he took a step back. "I am
sorry, perhaps you would like to rest." he said, turning from her.
Josie got to her feet and caught his arm. "Please don't leave me Jareth. I don't want to be
alone," she pleaded softly, turning him back around to face her.
Jareth looked into her hazel eyes and felt as though he might drown within their depths. "I shall
never leave you. You will not have to be alone again," he stated, lightly touching her cheek. He
should not be here now. All those years of watching her grow and mature before his eyes had
never prepared him for this. He had to admit to himself that he had feelings for this woman. Yes,
she was definitely a woman. One that he would love is she gave him the opportunity.
Josie fell into his arms and he held her. He should leave before he did something rash, but she
clung tightly to him. "Don't worry Josie, I shall see you in the morning," he whispered, then
pulled himself away. "Get some rest now. You need it," he told her as he walked to the door.
Giving her one last glance, he pulled the door closed behind him.
"That was swift Josie," she muttered under her breath.
Josie walked to the mirror and studied her reflection. She never once thought of herself as
beautiful. Maybe she was too plain for a king. "Am I too plain and simple for him?" she
whispered softly to her reflection.
Jareth stared at her image in his crystal. "No. Of course not Josie," he spoke softly wanting to
tell her in person but knowing how wrong it would be to go to her now, like this. His promise
was to look after the child, not attempt to take advantage of it. Tossing the crystal into the air, it
disappeared and he was left with his thoughts.
******************************
The next morning, Josie woke up to a brand new day and a new life. She had an overwhelming
curiosity about Jareth and his Labyrinth and decided she would venture out and partake of the
Labyrinth's enchantment. Getting up she set her clothes out on her bed and went to take a
refreshing shower.
The steam filled her bathroom and she didn't notice that her bedroom door had opened and
closed. Jareth stood in her room, watching the steam roll out of the bathroom and questioned his
motives at being there. Assuring himself that his being there was perfectly innocent, he looked to
the source of the steam.
"Josie?" Jareth called hesitantly.
Josie was startled, then smiled. "Yeah?" she called back.
"When you are ready..." he broke off at the sound of the water being shut off. She was getting
out and here he was standing in her room.
Josie wrapped a towel around her hair and pulled a robe around herself, pulling the strings tightly
to accent her small waist. Smiling at herself in the mirror, she knew what she was doing. *It is
about time to test him.* she thought to herself. Sauntering out into the other room, she found
Jareth gazing at her almost speechless. A mischievous smile creased her lips. *Passed with flying
colors,* she thought wryly.
"Yes?" she said walking closer. Jareth regained his calm exterior as she walked by him and
examined the clothes she had set out.
"Breakfast," Jareth stated casually. "When you are ready, you should find your way to the dining
hall and have your breakfast."
"I don't eat breakfast." she replied, turning to face him. "I only have juice," she said with a smile.
"Juice then. I have things to attend to so I shall see you later Josie. If you need anything at all,
call Boona and she will assist you," Jareth said, pulling the door open and closed behind him.
Leaning against the door, he felt his control almost slip away from him. *She's toying with me,*
he thought and smiled. "She's going to be a handful," he murmured, walking down the hall.
Josie smiled to herself. She had his attention and she knew it. Getting dressed, she hurriedly
found the dining hall and then went out into the Labyrinth. The sun shining down on her face
gave her a warmth that she had been missing. Looking around for the easiest way out, she went
to her right and walked through the Goblin city. Goblins stopped and stared at her as she passed
them by. What she didn't see was the owl hovering overhead.
An hour later, she was getting nowhere. She had passed the same tree four times. Frustration
setting in, "Where am I going?" she muttered. Looking back the way she came and then again to
way she was heading, she had to admit she was lost. "Damn! And on my first day here!" she
yelled into the air.
Jareth stood a good distance away smirking at her. "Well now, what have we here? Could it be
she has went and gotten herself lost already?" he said softly, his eyes twinkling. "Lets see how
she gets out of this little mess."
"Boona!" Josie shouted at the top of her lungs. "Boona where are you?" she called. She saw a
small light off in the distance. "Yes!" she exclaimed happily.
Boona appeared and smiled sweetly at Josie. "Are you lost?" she queried.
Josie shifted uneasily. "Yes, I guess so." she replied, her voice sullen.
Boona giggled, shaking her head. "Come then. If it is the Labyrinth you wish to see, then I shall
show it to you," Boona stated, walking toward the trees. "This way Josie. We will start with the
Fiery Forest."
"Gladly," she responded, following Boona closely.
Jareth watched curiously. This was more fun than torturing his goblins. Changing back into his
owl form, he flew off through the trees.
Josie spent the day in the forest with Boona. The days that followed, Boona showed her another
piece of the Labyrinth until finally she had covered it all. Jareth had been following her every day,
watching in wonder as she experienced the marvels of his Labyrinth with wide eyes.
She would spend countless hours in the Labyrinth with Boona and all her new friends, returning
to the castle to spend some time with Jareth before retiring to her chambers. The subtle glances
from Jareth in her direction made her stop and wonder just how long he had been watching over
her. Smiling, she again felt self-conscious in his presence.
"Jareth?" she asked quietly.
"What?" he responded, looking at her with those mesmerizing eyes. Josie just wanted to melt.
"Have you ever..." she broke off, diverting her eyes from his.
"Of course," he answered her unspoken question.
"The book, right?" she questioned, knowing she was right.
*Among other times* he thought but spoke evenly. "I believe you were twelve then. When I
handed it to you and you unwrapped it, your face lit up with such interest that not many children
your age ever show." he said, a smile playing on his lips.
"I'm not a child Jareth," she stated deliberately, staring back at him.
"I am quite aware of that Josie," Jareth retorted, a sly grin crossing his handsome features. His
continual gaze at her made her face grow hot. Jareth's smile grew at the sight of her blushing.
Josie looked down at her plate and toyed with her food. She was about to say something else
when, looking up, she noticed that he had left. Looking in both directions, she saw no sign of
Jareth and decided it would be wise for her to retire now, before she could make a larger fool of
herself.
Getting to her feet, she walked out the door and up the many steps to her chambers, all the while
Jareth watched from the shadows, a grin on his face. He was fully aware that she was no longer a
child and that didn't make it any easier on him to have her there. He was use to getting what he
wanted but in Josie's case, he had a promise to uphold and he would live up to it.
*******************
By Jade
Back at the castle, Boona stood before the Goblin King. Her golden green eyes were sparkling in
anticipation.
"Why does she not come Boona? It was your job to get her here," he stated sternly.
"Soon my master. We must not rush her. It did not help your showing up at her house. She is in
a fragile state of mind and when she figures out where she belongs, I will be there to bring her
home." Boona replied with a slight mischievous smile.
"You had better be there," he said producing a crystal. Looking into it, he saw Josie sitting on
the window seal of her bedroom window. A gentle breeze blowing in, wafted her hair and moved
the smooth fabric of the curtain in front of her face. "My how she has grown." he said, staring at
her entrancing image. He would not admit his feelings for her of course. Oh no, far be it from the
Goblin King to show his feelings. To him, that would be showing weakness.
"Master, why is it you wish her to come to the Labyrinth?" Boona asked, looking to her king for
answers. Answers he was not willing to give.
"That is none of your concern. Just do as you are told Boona, and I shall see to the rest," he
replied motioning for her to leave.
"Yes master," she replied and took to her light form and flew out the window.
"Why indeed?" he breathed softly, still staring at the captivating image of Josie.
*****************
Josie sat looking out her window and wanted to escape this life. "Why didn't she tell me of him?"
she asked aloud, fingering the crystal on her necklace. "Because I would have thought she was
crazy, that's why." she said pulling the window closed. She could hear the faint rumble of
thunder as it grew closer. She always loved rainstorms.
Picking up the book she was certain he gave her when she was twelve, she flipped through the
pages but found no comfort in the written word. She still felt the emptiness that seemed to grow
with each passing moment. Sometimes she felt as though it might swallow her whole and then
there would be nothing left. But now she knew she was not alone. He was there and it was quite
obvious that he was not going to leave her to wallow in self pity for the rest of her life. A smile
touched her lips at that thought.
"Oh why was I so rude to him?" she stated to no one in particular. "I know better than that," she
said exasperated. She had noticed how handsome he was. Did he know she found him attractive?
Was it too obvious? Or perhaps he found her obnoxious.
Looking at the book in her hands, she remembered him now. He had brought her a gift for her
birthday to the house. *Was he still watching her?* The red leather binding was old and worn,
and one could barely make out the gold lettering on the front. She had read this book a thousand
times and wished such a place existed. Now she finds out that her greatest wish as a child has
come true, and that she has the opportunity to live it. Now if only she wasn't so scared.
********************
Days passed and Josie found nothing to comfort her. At her age, she didn't need a babysitter and
talked Joanne into returning home to her family. Alone once again, she tried to read but found
nothing to keep her attention. Music perhaps, but still nothing gave her comfort from the reality
that she was reminded of every day. She had nobody now. The only thing left for her was Jareth
and his Labyrinth. Josie pushed that idea away afraid it would be no different there as it was here.
Everyday was the same. She would get up and go to work for her eight hours and return home to
an empty house. Was she that hard for someone to want to love? She had never had a serious
relationship. Everyone she came across was scared away for one reason or another, almost as
though they may have seen a ghost. Never knowing her father, she could only hope that she
would one day make her parents proud of her. This grieving over the loss of her mother was the
one thing she couldn't get passed. What was she to do?
*******************
Jareth sat on his throne and wondered why it was taking her so long to decide to come. For days,
he had waited as patiently as he could for something, some small sign. He would have gone to
her again, but any initiative he would take, Boona would surely turn against him. That willful
sprite had a thing or two coming.
"She should have been here by now," he mumbled as he stared at the goblins surrounding him. All
he had to do was stick to his promise of looking after the child. Why did he feel enraged when
she had yet to decide to come home? To come to him. Shaking his head at that last thought, he
wondered why he even considered that. *For her to come to him, how absurd.*
"Fine, if she doesn't want to come, then so be it. I do not need another useless subject around
here," he growled. He let out a sigh. "Oh why did I make such an idiotic promise?" he said,
standing up and looking around. Bound by his word, he would live up to his promise even if the
child was now a full grown woman. The castle seemed to be missing something. He could not
place it, but he knew it was not there.
"Boona!" Jareth shouted. The goblins scattered, leaving Jareth alone in his throne room.
A small light appeared outside the window to the throne room. Making its way closer to the
castle as Jareth watched it. Once inside, Boona appeared and stared at Jareth. "You bellowed
master?" she said with a smile, bowing slightly.
Jareth stared her down. "Why is she not here?" he asked angrily, crossing his arms.
"But sire, we have already discussed this. Is anything wrong?" she asked with a look of concern,
her green eyes full of curiosity.
"Of course not!" he bit back. "Of all the insolence!" he yelled. Jareth paced back and forth out of
anger and frustration.
"Master, if you wish, I shall go to her one last time." Boona said, uneasily watching his strides
back and forth.
Jareth stopped pacing, his anger subsiding. "No. She must come of her own choice."
"Yes she must. It will be soon I am sure," Boona stated eagerly.
"Really?" he asked, raising a stern brow. "And how, precisely, would you know that Boona my
pet?" he inquired, sarcasm dripping from his every word.
"I have been watching her as you commanded. I have seen the signs. She will come, I am sure of
it." Boona said softly, diverting her gaze from Jareth.
Jareth took a step closer. Grabbing her chin, he stared into her eyes. "She had better. If she does
not come, Boona, consider your wings clipped." he threatened in a menacing tone.
Boona pulled away. "Clipped?" she asked worriedly.
Jareth snickered. "If you can not handle a simple task such as this, then you will not be fit to
handle anything. Do I make myself clear?" he said viciously.
"Yes master," Boona uttered. She could hear the fear in her own voice.
"Leave me and do your job," he remarked nonchalantly, waving a hand in the air. Boona took to
her smaller form and flew out the window, Jareth watching her leave. Jareth sighed. "Perhaps I
was too rash with her," he spoke softly, watching Boona flying across the Labyrinth. He knew
she would do anything he asked.
**************
Josie woke up quickly and looked around. She could hear rain beating against the window and
the thunder crackling through the sky. It was usually a sound she relished, but now it was
foreboding. She began to cry. Another thunderclap followed by lightning illuminated her room
with an eerie glow. Glancing around, she tried to blink back the tears that filled her eyes. Pulling
a kleenex from the box on her bedside table, Josie wiped at the tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Why did you leave me mother? I don't want to be alone," she whispered. Her thoughts drifted
to Boona. She said she would take her away from this pain. She said she would help. She even
called her a friend.
Josie got up and quickly dressed. This was it. She was certain of where she belonged now. She
grabbed only a few of her things and rushed out the door into the pouring rain. The large drops
soaked her in just a matter of seconds but she didn't care. Running blindly through the woods
with only her heart leading the way, she found the clearing. Falling to her knees, her sobs echoed
around her. Peering around through the rain at all the trees, she summoned all the courage she
could muster. She called out to Boona hoping she would hear her.
"Boona!" she shouted. "Boona I am here! Please help me!" she called out in anxiety. "You said
you would be here when I was ready. Please Boona, come and take me home!" she called into the
night air, dropping her head into her hands.
Boona flew out of the undergrowth and came to stand in front of Josie. "Shh. There now, I am
here," she said, softly, touching Josie's shoulder. Josie looked up to see the rain had stopped and
Boona was standing there smiling back at her. "I told you I would be here." Boona stated with a
sympathetic smile.
Josie got to her feet. "I am ready now," Josie replied, wiping her eyes.
"Are you sure about this Josie?" Boona asked. "You must not rush into anything," she said
calmly.
"Yes, I am sure. There is nothing here for me now," Josie responded, looking to Boona for help.
"Very well," Boona replied, extending her hand to Josie.
"How do we get there?" Josie asked, reaching out to take Boona's hand.
"You will see," Boona said, a smile crossing her face. The instant Josie's hand met hers, they
appeared in the throne room of Jareth's castle.
"Where are we?" Josie asked, her voice barely a whisper. She felt her wet clothes cling to her but
noticed Boona was dry. Pushing her wet hair out of her face, she looked around with wide eyes.
"You are home now Josie. You are home," Boona said, glancing up at Jareth on his throne.
Boona watched him stand up and look at them. "She is here my master," Boona said, with a slight
bow.
"Welcome Josie," Jareth said, letting his gaze fall on her. He seemed to take in her entire form,
making Josie nervous. Jareth smiled at seeing her flush. "Perhaps you would like to freshen up,"
he said smoothly, his eyes sparkling with a secret knowledge.
"Thank you," she replied, staring back at him, self-conscious of her appearance.
"Boona, show her to her room," he said, gesturing to the door.
"Yes master," came the reply as Boona led Josie away quietly.
Josie followed Boona through the halls of the castle until she opened a door. Walking inside the
room, Josie was taken aback by the spaciousness and beauty of it. She had everything she would
ever need and then some. Looking back at Boona, she smiled.
"Is this alright?" Boona questioned, curiously glancing around.
"Yes, it's fine," Josie replied, looking around and noticing a bathroom off to the side. Grabbing a
towel, Josie sat down in a chair by the window and tried to dry her hair. "You know Boona, I
have had dreams of this place and of him." Josie said softly.
"You have?" Boona queried curiously, walking to stand by the window.
"Yes I have. Perhaps I am in a dream. If so, I don't ever want to wake up," she answered,
looking out the window across the Labyrinth.
"It is no dream my friend," Boona replied. "Some say dreams are warnings, or perhaps blessings
in disguise. Places you have been or places you are going to be. Perhaps you were dreaming of
home all along and just did not realize it."
Josie nodded. She understood what Boona was telling her. She had often thought the same
things but said nothing to her mother for fear of scaring her. "Are we the only ones in the castle?"
Josie asked, questioningly.
"Except for a few goblins, yes. Most of them stay in Goblin City. I will be going home soon as
well. Is there anything I can do to help make you more comfortable?" Boona asked, her eyes
flashing.
"Home? You mean you don't stay here?" Josie asked a hint of sadness lacing her words.
"No of course not Josie. I am a wood sprite. I live in the Fiery Forest. But I will come back and
visit you anytime you wish. All you have to do is call and I will be here," Boona replied, her
voice soft and soothing.
"He must have been lonely all those years with nobody else around," she said softly, her thoughts
drifting to Jareth.
"He manages. He always does," Boona said.
"Do you think he will like me Boona?' she asked, looking at her newest friend and wondering
what to do about Jareth.
Boona giggled. "He already does Josie."
Josie smiled. He was unlike anyone she had ever met before. Although she didn't know him very
long, she felt as though he had been there her entire life. "He does?" she queried, giving Boona a
inquisitive look. "How do you know that?"
"Because he has watched over you since you were but a babe. You are all he has talked about for
simply days on end," Boona stated, looking past her to the doorway.
Josie turned slightly to see Jareth standing there. She felt her heart flutter at the mere thought of
his being here and couldn't understand why. She watched Boona walk softly toward the door,
bow to her king, and wave goodbye. Josie waved back with a smile and then Boona was gone.
"Is everything to your liking?' he asked coolly, taking in the sight of her. She was sitting beside
the window just as he imagined she would be.
"Yes thank you..." she started but stopped. *What was she to call him?*
"Jareth," he said, as if reading her thoughts. Walking closer, he cautiously placed a hand gingerly
on her shoulder in comfort. *Should he be pushing her right now?* he wondered. Pulling his
hand away, he saw Josie turn and look at him with a smile. Surprised, he took a step back. "I am
sorry, perhaps you would like to rest." he said, turning from her.
Josie got to her feet and caught his arm. "Please don't leave me Jareth. I don't want to be
alone," she pleaded softly, turning him back around to face her.
Jareth looked into her hazel eyes and felt as though he might drown within their depths. "I shall
never leave you. You will not have to be alone again," he stated, lightly touching her cheek. He
should not be here now. All those years of watching her grow and mature before his eyes had
never prepared him for this. He had to admit to himself that he had feelings for this woman. Yes,
she was definitely a woman. One that he would love is she gave him the opportunity.
Josie fell into his arms and he held her. He should leave before he did something rash, but she
clung tightly to him. "Don't worry Josie, I shall see you in the morning," he whispered, then
pulled himself away. "Get some rest now. You need it," he told her as he walked to the door.
Giving her one last glance, he pulled the door closed behind him.
"That was swift Josie," she muttered under her breath.
Josie walked to the mirror and studied her reflection. She never once thought of herself as
beautiful. Maybe she was too plain for a king. "Am I too plain and simple for him?" she
whispered softly to her reflection.
Jareth stared at her image in his crystal. "No. Of course not Josie," he spoke softly wanting to
tell her in person but knowing how wrong it would be to go to her now, like this. His promise
was to look after the child, not attempt to take advantage of it. Tossing the crystal into the air, it
disappeared and he was left with his thoughts.
******************************
The next morning, Josie woke up to a brand new day and a new life. She had an overwhelming
curiosity about Jareth and his Labyrinth and decided she would venture out and partake of the
Labyrinth's enchantment. Getting up she set her clothes out on her bed and went to take a
refreshing shower.
The steam filled her bathroom and she didn't notice that her bedroom door had opened and
closed. Jareth stood in her room, watching the steam roll out of the bathroom and questioned his
motives at being there. Assuring himself that his being there was perfectly innocent, he looked to
the source of the steam.
"Josie?" Jareth called hesitantly.
Josie was startled, then smiled. "Yeah?" she called back.
"When you are ready..." he broke off at the sound of the water being shut off. She was getting
out and here he was standing in her room.
Josie wrapped a towel around her hair and pulled a robe around herself, pulling the strings tightly
to accent her small waist. Smiling at herself in the mirror, she knew what she was doing. *It is
about time to test him.* she thought to herself. Sauntering out into the other room, she found
Jareth gazing at her almost speechless. A mischievous smile creased her lips. *Passed with flying
colors,* she thought wryly.
"Yes?" she said walking closer. Jareth regained his calm exterior as she walked by him and
examined the clothes she had set out.
"Breakfast," Jareth stated casually. "When you are ready, you should find your way to the dining
hall and have your breakfast."
"I don't eat breakfast." she replied, turning to face him. "I only have juice," she said with a smile.
"Juice then. I have things to attend to so I shall see you later Josie. If you need anything at all,
call Boona and she will assist you," Jareth said, pulling the door open and closed behind him.
Leaning against the door, he felt his control almost slip away from him. *She's toying with me,*
he thought and smiled. "She's going to be a handful," he murmured, walking down the hall.
Josie smiled to herself. She had his attention and she knew it. Getting dressed, she hurriedly
found the dining hall and then went out into the Labyrinth. The sun shining down on her face
gave her a warmth that she had been missing. Looking around for the easiest way out, she went
to her right and walked through the Goblin city. Goblins stopped and stared at her as she passed
them by. What she didn't see was the owl hovering overhead.
An hour later, she was getting nowhere. She had passed the same tree four times. Frustration
setting in, "Where am I going?" she muttered. Looking back the way she came and then again to
way she was heading, she had to admit she was lost. "Damn! And on my first day here!" she
yelled into the air.
Jareth stood a good distance away smirking at her. "Well now, what have we here? Could it be
she has went and gotten herself lost already?" he said softly, his eyes twinkling. "Lets see how
she gets out of this little mess."
"Boona!" Josie shouted at the top of her lungs. "Boona where are you?" she called. She saw a
small light off in the distance. "Yes!" she exclaimed happily.
Boona appeared and smiled sweetly at Josie. "Are you lost?" she queried.
Josie shifted uneasily. "Yes, I guess so." she replied, her voice sullen.
Boona giggled, shaking her head. "Come then. If it is the Labyrinth you wish to see, then I shall
show it to you," Boona stated, walking toward the trees. "This way Josie. We will start with the
Fiery Forest."
"Gladly," she responded, following Boona closely.
Jareth watched curiously. This was more fun than torturing his goblins. Changing back into his
owl form, he flew off through the trees.
Josie spent the day in the forest with Boona. The days that followed, Boona showed her another
piece of the Labyrinth until finally she had covered it all. Jareth had been following her every day,
watching in wonder as she experienced the marvels of his Labyrinth with wide eyes.
She would spend countless hours in the Labyrinth with Boona and all her new friends, returning
to the castle to spend some time with Jareth before retiring to her chambers. The subtle glances
from Jareth in her direction made her stop and wonder just how long he had been watching over
her. Smiling, she again felt self-conscious in his presence.
"Jareth?" she asked quietly.
"What?" he responded, looking at her with those mesmerizing eyes. Josie just wanted to melt.
"Have you ever..." she broke off, diverting her eyes from his.
"Of course," he answered her unspoken question.
"The book, right?" she questioned, knowing she was right.
*Among other times* he thought but spoke evenly. "I believe you were twelve then. When I
handed it to you and you unwrapped it, your face lit up with such interest that not many children
your age ever show." he said, a smile playing on his lips.
"I'm not a child Jareth," she stated deliberately, staring back at him.
"I am quite aware of that Josie," Jareth retorted, a sly grin crossing his handsome features. His
continual gaze at her made her face grow hot. Jareth's smile grew at the sight of her blushing.
Josie looked down at her plate and toyed with her food. She was about to say something else
when, looking up, she noticed that he had left. Looking in both directions, she saw no sign of
Jareth and decided it would be wise for her to retire now, before she could make a larger fool of
herself.
Getting to her feet, she walked out the door and up the many steps to her chambers, all the while
Jareth watched from the shadows, a grin on his face. He was fully aware that she was no longer a
child and that didn't make it any easier on him to have her there. He was use to getting what he
wanted but in Josie's case, he had a promise to uphold and he would live up to it.
*******************