LABYRINTH THE RETURN PT 6
The limousine pulled up alongside the curb and stopped. Hoggle
looked out the window and recognized where they were. He had been
here before. He saw two people peering out the door.
"What's we doin' here?" he questioned.
"Sarah needs to see her parents. She misses them. She may not come
out and say it but I know how much they meant to her. It was your
idea if you recall." Jareth replied. He saw the couple step out onto
the porch filled with curiosity.
"Sarah, we are here." he said, softly nudging her.
Sarah slowly opened her eyes to see her old house. "What are we
doing here?" she asked in a panic stricken voice.
"We thought you might like to see your family." Jareth answered.
"How will I explain all of this to them? What if they don't like the
idea of my marriage to you? They've never met you Jareth. What if
they try and make me stay?" she asked, fearful of losing her new found
happiness with Jareth.
"Calm down Sarah. They will be happy that you have found someone
special and you won't have to explain. If perhaps they do try to keep
you from me, just you remember that I shall always come for you. They
will not realize that I am more than they bargained for. Either way,
we shall always be together." Jareth said, taking her hand in his.
There was no way her parents would keep them apart.
Sarah watched as her parents approached the limousine timidly. They
were coming to welcome their unknown gusests. They never thought it
could be Sarah.
"Driver, if you will." Jareth said.
Sarah's parents stopped when they saw the chauffeur get out and walk
around the end of the car. They couldn't see inside even as the
chauffeur opened the back door.
Jareth stepped out.
Robert, Sarah's father, approached the unknown man.
"Mr. and Mrs. Williams?" Jareth questioned.
"Yes?" Robert answered.
Jareth turned back to the door and extended a gloved hand to Sarah.
He helped her from the limousine with Hoggle following to stand behind
them. Robert and his wife were in shock from seeing Sarah standing
before them. They were speechless.
"Hi dad." Sarah said with a smile. So far so good.
Robert's shock quickly wore off and turned to anger. "Young lady,
how dare you leave like you did! We were worried sick about you.
Didn't you think about us?" Robert said, his voice tinged with anger.
He could hear the tone of his own voice rising.
"Dad, this is Jareth." Sarah said, presenting her hsband. She only
hoped her father would calm down and let her explain. He very rarely
ever yelled at her.
"Thank you sir, for bringing our daughter back to us." her stepmother
said, thoughtfully.
"No, you don't understand." Sarah said.
"I understand plenty! You can't just runaway. We had the police out
looking for you. For all we knew, you could have been killed." her
father said, trying to controll his anger.
"Please dad, if you'll just listen to me and let me explain." Sarah
pleaded.
Hoggle didn't like the sound of things. He nudged Jareth from behind
as if to say do something'.
Jareth stepped forward. His expression remained calm and collected.
"Perhaps I could help." he said, interrupting the argument.
"I don't think so." Robert replied hastily.
"But you see, we are married. Sarah is my wife." Jareth said with a
faint smile.
Robert was shocked and couldn't reply. "What?!" was all her
stepmother could say.
Sarah took Jareth's hand. Subtlety wasn't one of his strong points.
But she was glad that he was here.
"When?" Robert asked, regaining his senses.
"Just this morning." Jareth replied.
"Why?"
"Because I love her. Why else?" Jareth answered cooly.
Robert didn't reply. He only hoped that this man knew exactly what
he was getting in to with Sarah and her temper.
"Do you have time to stay for a visit?" her stepmother asked,
pleasantly.
"Of course." Jareth replied, politely.
"Well come on inside and relax." Robert said, welcoming the newest
member of the family. He walked alongside Jareth, talking as though
they were the only people around.
Sarah's stepmother walked with Sarah to the house. She couldn't have
been nicer even if she tried. It was the nicest she had ever been to
Sarah and Sarah was enjoying it.
Hoggle followed behind. He had a long face. Had they forgotten him?
He wondered if he should have stayed in the car. He felt very out of
place here.
"Hoggle." Jareth called.
Hoggle, surprised and pleased that Jareth wanted him, hurried to the
king's side. A broad smile had replaced the long frown.
"Yes, sir?" Hoggle asked.
"Hoggle, I'd like for you to meet Sarah's father, Robert." Jareth
introduced. He glanced back at Sarah to see her smiling back.
"How do you do sir?" Hoggle said, extending his hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Robert said, shaking his hand.
Hoggle held the front door open for everyone. They hadn't forgotten
him after all.
"Thanks Hoggle." Sarah said, walking through the doorway. She saw
him mouth the words your highness' back to her. She couldn't help
but smile.
"Sarah, Sarah!" came a shout from the hall. Toby came running to see
his sister. They had grown very close after she had gotten him back
from Jareth the first time. She had missed him so much.
Toby ran into her arms and grabbed her as tight as he could. He
couldn't believe that she was back, but he never once thought that she
had runaway either.
"Come on now Toby." Sarah began. She could feel tears swelling in
her eyes. Oh how she had missed her brother.
"Better let your sister up Toby, before you rip her dress." his
mother said.
Toby obeyed and let go. Sarah stood up.
"That is such a lovely dress Sarah. Wherever did you find it?" she
asked.
"Jareth got it for me. Isn't it wonderful?" Sarah answered, excited
that her stepmother was showing interest in her.
"She looks just like a Queen, doesn't she Robert?" Jareth asked, a
smile crossing his lips at the irony.
Sarah shot him a smile back.
"She sure does." Robert replied. It was hard for him to realize that
his little girl had grown into such a beautiful young woman. It was
even harder to think that she was married.
Jareth walked over to Sarah and slid his arm around her waist. "So
Robert, what was she like when she was little?" Jareth asked, out of
curiosity.
As Robert and his wife told their story of how intolerable she had
been, Sarah watched Jareth. It was like watching someone who was
doing something for the very first time. It was nice.
Sarah watched her parents and Jareth. When her father would talk
about some silly thing she had done, Jareth would chuckle. It was
good to see him laugh. Sarah hadn't seen him this happy in a long time.
Jareth flashed Sarah a smile. Sarah smiled back. She couldn't have
asked for a better day.
Hoggle sat quietly half way up the stairs. He could see how happy
Sarah was at seeing her parents. He didn't know what to do around her
parents and so he kept his distance. He watched their entire visit
from the stairs. He could tell that Toby was two steps up but at
least he was quiet.
Sarah had enjoyed her visit much more than she would have thought
possible. She wanted to thank Jareth for the best day she had ever
had, but she hadn't decided yet how to do it. There was so many
things he did for her and so far he hadn't expected anything in
return. She loved him more than her own life.
They gathered their things together and put them near the door. They
waited for Hoggle so that they could go.
"Come along Hoggle. We must be on our way." Jareth said, motioning
him down.
Hoggle stood up and started down the stairs. Sarah looked toward
Hoggle and laughed softly. Toby had a hold of Hoggle's shirt and
wouldn't let go.
Sarah's stepmother looked up at Toby. "Toby, let go of his shirt."
she said.
"But we're playing mama." Toby replied.
Hoggle rolled his eyes.
"Toby, let him go!" she said, more sternly this time.
Toby let go of Hoggle's shirt so suddenly that Hoggle lost his
balance and fell forward.
"Hoggle!" Sarah exclaimed in fright.
Jareth caught him before he hit the floor. Sarah didn't know how he
got there so quickly, but she didn't care. Hoggle was safe and that
was all that mattered.
Hoggle felt as though his heart was in his throat. He had clenched
his teeth and closed his eyes tight, afraid of the impact. When
nothing happened, he slowly opened his eyes and peered into Jareth's
face.
"Are you alright Hoggle?" Jareth asked.
"Y-yeah. I thinks so." he replied, shakily.
Sarah was now standing beside Jareth to make sure Hoggle was ok.
"Are you sure?" she asked, concerned.
"Yeah." Hoggle replied.
Jareth put him down and his knees felt like jelly. He could have
been seriously hurt if Jareth hadn't been there. It was hard for him
to believe that the king had helped him. That was unlike Jareth to
help people. Instead, he loved to see others falter. Now Hoggle knew
that the Goblin King had changed and Hoggle liked him this way.
Collecting their things at the door, Sarah's parents walked them out.
They were just realizing how hard it was to let their little girl go.
"It was nice meeting you Jareth." Robert said, extending his hand.
Jareth shook it gladly, knowing that her parents liked him.
"Bye." Hoggle said, taking their things from them and going to the
limo. Sarah's stepmother hadn't said a word. She didn't know what
to say. She didn't know how to say goodbye. Sarah walked over to her
and hugged her. It was the first time she had ever hugged her
willingly, but it felt good.
"Goodbye." Sarah whispered.
"Bye Sarah. We'll miss you." her stepmother replied.
"I know." Sarah said.
Jareth watched them and felt as though he should say something to
make her stepmother feel better. He could tell how much they missed
her already.
"Don't say goodbye. We'll be visiting again very soon." Jareth said.
Sarah turned to look at him.
"Really?" her stepmother asked, blinking back the tears.
"Of course. You are Sarah's family and now you are mine as well. It
would be a pleasure to spend time with you." Jareth replied.
Sarah's stepmother embraced Jareth. "Thank you." she whispered.
"You're welcome. Now, we really should be going." He said, as she
released him and went to stand beside Robert.
Jareth slid his arm around Sarah's waist. "Ready Sarah?"
"Yeah, I'm ready." she replied.
"Wait." Robert said, walking back into the house. Merlin was barking.
"You go on ahead, I'll be right there." Sarah said, softly.
"Alright, but hurry." Jareth replied with a smile.
"I will." she answered.
Jareth walked off toward the car leaving Sarah alone with her
stepmother. He looked at her one last time before getting inside the
car.
"Wherever did you find him?" her stepmother asked.
"Why?" Sarah asked. "Does it really matter?"
"No, I guess not. He's very unusual isn't he? Not like anyone
else." she stated.
"That's why I fell in love with him." Sarah replied, with a faint
smile touching her lips.
"Oh."
Robert came out of the front door with Merlin on a leash. "Here
Sarah, take him with you. He misses you." he said, handing the leash
to her.
"Thanks dad."
"He was your dog after all. He belongs with you." he replied.
Sarah hugged her father. "You don't know what this means to me.
Thank you." she whispered, then turned to the car. She saw that
Jareth had gotten back out and was waiting patiently. "Bye." she
called.
"Goodbye Sarah. Come again soon." Robert called after her.
Sarah neared the car and noticed the look on Jareth's face. She
could only smile. "Look what my father gave me!" she said, proudly.
"Sarah, what will we do with a dog?" Jareth asked in a tired voice.
"Correction, what won't we do with a dog." she replied, with a smile.
"Alright, have it your way. I can tell you this much, my goblins
won't like it a bit." he replied.
"They'll get use to it." she said as she climbed into the car.
"Well, go on." Jareth said, looking at Merlin.
Merlin hopped in after Sarah and Jareth followed, waving one last
time at her parents.
Sarah's parents watched as the limousine pulled away from the curb
and made it's way down the street. They couldn't believe that Sarah
was grown up and married already. It seemed like only yesterday, she
was still there and still their little girl. Now she was gone.
"I hope she's happy." Robert said, watching the car round the corner.
"She is." his wife replied.
"My daughter is grown up and gone already. I feel so old." Robert
said.
"Yes, but you still have Toby."
"Mama! Mama!" Toby yelled, coming out of the front door.
"What Toby?" she asked.
"I'm hungry." he replied.
"So what's new?" she said softly.
"Come on Toby. Let's you and I go rustle up something to eat." Robert
said, lifting his son to his shoulders.
"That sounds like a good idea." she said.
"Let's go daddy. I'm hungry." Toby said, impatiently.
Robert and his wife walked toward the house with their son. Although
they would miss Sarah greatly, he realized that Toby was a lot like
her. Oh dear, he had to raise another one. He smiled as he closed
the door behind them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The car stopped where it had picked up it's passengers. The alley
had grown darker as nightfall approached. Jareth helped Sarah from
the car. She looked around at the dismal surroundings.
Merlin jumped from the car, barking loudly at any shadow that dared
to move. He didn't stray too far from Sarah.
Jareth helped Hoggle with their belongings. He felt as though they
had become good friends. They had to because they had one important
thing in common, Sarah.
The limousine pulled away quietly, leaving them in silence. Jareth
opened the door and walked through. He came back and extended his
hand to Sarah, who took it gladly. They filed through the door with
Hoggle coming last. He took one more look around and pulled the door
closed behind him. The door vanished leaving no trace that they had
been there. They had left her world as easily as they had arrived.
The goblins huddled around the door nervously, awaiting their King
and Queen. The door opened before them and a quiet hush filled the
air. Merlin stepped through the door sending the goblins into a
frenzy of terror. The goblins went crazy as they scattered in all
directions. Still running scared, they didn't see Sarah, Jareth, and
Hoggle behind him.
Sarah held tight to Merlin's leash. She could only watch helplessly
as the goblins disappeared from sight.
"What did I tell you?" Jareth said, watching his goblins vanish.
"I know." she replied, with a sigh.
Within moments, they were alone. All the goblins had vanished and
Merlin still tugged at his leash.
"Where are we going to keep him?" she asked, holding firmly to his
leash.
"He's your dog." replied Jareth. "Where do you want your dog?"
Jareth asked, looking at her with a grin.
Sarah didn't reply. She had no idea. She did know that it had to be
away from the goblins. At least until he got use to it here.
"He could stay with me."
Sarah and Jareth turned to look at Hoggle.
"What?" he asked, defensively.
"You'd keep him for me?" Sarah asked, astonished.
"Why not?" he asked, cautiously.
"Thanks Hoggle. You really are my best friend."
"What are friends for?" he answered.
Sarah gave Hoggle a hug. One he didn't protest.
Hoggle looked to Jareth. He saw his king smiling back. At first it
made him nervous, then he realized that they were actually becoming
friends. Hard to believe but true.
Sarah handed the leash to Hoggle and smiled. She wouldn't have
expected this in a million years.
"Are you ready Sarah?" Jareth asked, taking her hand.
"For what?"
"A grand ball in celebration of our union." he answered.
"Everything's ready your majesty."
"Thank you Hoggle." Jareth replied. "Shall we?"
"Now?" she asked.
"Of course. Why not? We are already dressed for it."
"Go on Sarah." Hoggle urged.
"Will you be there to Hoggle?" she asked.
"Soon as I take Merlin home, I'll be back." Hoggle responded.
Jareth led Sarah away to the ball leaving Hoggle with Merlin. "Well,
let's get you home now." he said, leading Merlin from the castle.
The limousine pulled up alongside the curb and stopped. Hoggle
looked out the window and recognized where they were. He had been
here before. He saw two people peering out the door.
"What's we doin' here?" he questioned.
"Sarah needs to see her parents. She misses them. She may not come
out and say it but I know how much they meant to her. It was your
idea if you recall." Jareth replied. He saw the couple step out onto
the porch filled with curiosity.
"Sarah, we are here." he said, softly nudging her.
Sarah slowly opened her eyes to see her old house. "What are we
doing here?" she asked in a panic stricken voice.
"We thought you might like to see your family." Jareth answered.
"How will I explain all of this to them? What if they don't like the
idea of my marriage to you? They've never met you Jareth. What if
they try and make me stay?" she asked, fearful of losing her new found
happiness with Jareth.
"Calm down Sarah. They will be happy that you have found someone
special and you won't have to explain. If perhaps they do try to keep
you from me, just you remember that I shall always come for you. They
will not realize that I am more than they bargained for. Either way,
we shall always be together." Jareth said, taking her hand in his.
There was no way her parents would keep them apart.
Sarah watched as her parents approached the limousine timidly. They
were coming to welcome their unknown gusests. They never thought it
could be Sarah.
"Driver, if you will." Jareth said.
Sarah's parents stopped when they saw the chauffeur get out and walk
around the end of the car. They couldn't see inside even as the
chauffeur opened the back door.
Jareth stepped out.
Robert, Sarah's father, approached the unknown man.
"Mr. and Mrs. Williams?" Jareth questioned.
"Yes?" Robert answered.
Jareth turned back to the door and extended a gloved hand to Sarah.
He helped her from the limousine with Hoggle following to stand behind
them. Robert and his wife were in shock from seeing Sarah standing
before them. They were speechless.
"Hi dad." Sarah said with a smile. So far so good.
Robert's shock quickly wore off and turned to anger. "Young lady,
how dare you leave like you did! We were worried sick about you.
Didn't you think about us?" Robert said, his voice tinged with anger.
He could hear the tone of his own voice rising.
"Dad, this is Jareth." Sarah said, presenting her hsband. She only
hoped her father would calm down and let her explain. He very rarely
ever yelled at her.
"Thank you sir, for bringing our daughter back to us." her stepmother
said, thoughtfully.
"No, you don't understand." Sarah said.
"I understand plenty! You can't just runaway. We had the police out
looking for you. For all we knew, you could have been killed." her
father said, trying to controll his anger.
"Please dad, if you'll just listen to me and let me explain." Sarah
pleaded.
Hoggle didn't like the sound of things. He nudged Jareth from behind
as if to say do something'.
Jareth stepped forward. His expression remained calm and collected.
"Perhaps I could help." he said, interrupting the argument.
"I don't think so." Robert replied hastily.
"But you see, we are married. Sarah is my wife." Jareth said with a
faint smile.
Robert was shocked and couldn't reply. "What?!" was all her
stepmother could say.
Sarah took Jareth's hand. Subtlety wasn't one of his strong points.
But she was glad that he was here.
"When?" Robert asked, regaining his senses.
"Just this morning." Jareth replied.
"Why?"
"Because I love her. Why else?" Jareth answered cooly.
Robert didn't reply. He only hoped that this man knew exactly what
he was getting in to with Sarah and her temper.
"Do you have time to stay for a visit?" her stepmother asked,
pleasantly.
"Of course." Jareth replied, politely.
"Well come on inside and relax." Robert said, welcoming the newest
member of the family. He walked alongside Jareth, talking as though
they were the only people around.
Sarah's stepmother walked with Sarah to the house. She couldn't have
been nicer even if she tried. It was the nicest she had ever been to
Sarah and Sarah was enjoying it.
Hoggle followed behind. He had a long face. Had they forgotten him?
He wondered if he should have stayed in the car. He felt very out of
place here.
"Hoggle." Jareth called.
Hoggle, surprised and pleased that Jareth wanted him, hurried to the
king's side. A broad smile had replaced the long frown.
"Yes, sir?" Hoggle asked.
"Hoggle, I'd like for you to meet Sarah's father, Robert." Jareth
introduced. He glanced back at Sarah to see her smiling back.
"How do you do sir?" Hoggle said, extending his hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Robert said, shaking his hand.
Hoggle held the front door open for everyone. They hadn't forgotten
him after all.
"Thanks Hoggle." Sarah said, walking through the doorway. She saw
him mouth the words your highness' back to her. She couldn't help
but smile.
"Sarah, Sarah!" came a shout from the hall. Toby came running to see
his sister. They had grown very close after she had gotten him back
from Jareth the first time. She had missed him so much.
Toby ran into her arms and grabbed her as tight as he could. He
couldn't believe that she was back, but he never once thought that she
had runaway either.
"Come on now Toby." Sarah began. She could feel tears swelling in
her eyes. Oh how she had missed her brother.
"Better let your sister up Toby, before you rip her dress." his
mother said.
Toby obeyed and let go. Sarah stood up.
"That is such a lovely dress Sarah. Wherever did you find it?" she
asked.
"Jareth got it for me. Isn't it wonderful?" Sarah answered, excited
that her stepmother was showing interest in her.
"She looks just like a Queen, doesn't she Robert?" Jareth asked, a
smile crossing his lips at the irony.
Sarah shot him a smile back.
"She sure does." Robert replied. It was hard for him to realize that
his little girl had grown into such a beautiful young woman. It was
even harder to think that she was married.
Jareth walked over to Sarah and slid his arm around her waist. "So
Robert, what was she like when she was little?" Jareth asked, out of
curiosity.
As Robert and his wife told their story of how intolerable she had
been, Sarah watched Jareth. It was like watching someone who was
doing something for the very first time. It was nice.
Sarah watched her parents and Jareth. When her father would talk
about some silly thing she had done, Jareth would chuckle. It was
good to see him laugh. Sarah hadn't seen him this happy in a long time.
Jareth flashed Sarah a smile. Sarah smiled back. She couldn't have
asked for a better day.
Hoggle sat quietly half way up the stairs. He could see how happy
Sarah was at seeing her parents. He didn't know what to do around her
parents and so he kept his distance. He watched their entire visit
from the stairs. He could tell that Toby was two steps up but at
least he was quiet.
Sarah had enjoyed her visit much more than she would have thought
possible. She wanted to thank Jareth for the best day she had ever
had, but she hadn't decided yet how to do it. There was so many
things he did for her and so far he hadn't expected anything in
return. She loved him more than her own life.
They gathered their things together and put them near the door. They
waited for Hoggle so that they could go.
"Come along Hoggle. We must be on our way." Jareth said, motioning
him down.
Hoggle stood up and started down the stairs. Sarah looked toward
Hoggle and laughed softly. Toby had a hold of Hoggle's shirt and
wouldn't let go.
Sarah's stepmother looked up at Toby. "Toby, let go of his shirt."
she said.
"But we're playing mama." Toby replied.
Hoggle rolled his eyes.
"Toby, let him go!" she said, more sternly this time.
Toby let go of Hoggle's shirt so suddenly that Hoggle lost his
balance and fell forward.
"Hoggle!" Sarah exclaimed in fright.
Jareth caught him before he hit the floor. Sarah didn't know how he
got there so quickly, but she didn't care. Hoggle was safe and that
was all that mattered.
Hoggle felt as though his heart was in his throat. He had clenched
his teeth and closed his eyes tight, afraid of the impact. When
nothing happened, he slowly opened his eyes and peered into Jareth's
face.
"Are you alright Hoggle?" Jareth asked.
"Y-yeah. I thinks so." he replied, shakily.
Sarah was now standing beside Jareth to make sure Hoggle was ok.
"Are you sure?" she asked, concerned.
"Yeah." Hoggle replied.
Jareth put him down and his knees felt like jelly. He could have
been seriously hurt if Jareth hadn't been there. It was hard for him
to believe that the king had helped him. That was unlike Jareth to
help people. Instead, he loved to see others falter. Now Hoggle knew
that the Goblin King had changed and Hoggle liked him this way.
Collecting their things at the door, Sarah's parents walked them out.
They were just realizing how hard it was to let their little girl go.
"It was nice meeting you Jareth." Robert said, extending his hand.
Jareth shook it gladly, knowing that her parents liked him.
"Bye." Hoggle said, taking their things from them and going to the
limo. Sarah's stepmother hadn't said a word. She didn't know what
to say. She didn't know how to say goodbye. Sarah walked over to her
and hugged her. It was the first time she had ever hugged her
willingly, but it felt good.
"Goodbye." Sarah whispered.
"Bye Sarah. We'll miss you." her stepmother replied.
"I know." Sarah said.
Jareth watched them and felt as though he should say something to
make her stepmother feel better. He could tell how much they missed
her already.
"Don't say goodbye. We'll be visiting again very soon." Jareth said.
Sarah turned to look at him.
"Really?" her stepmother asked, blinking back the tears.
"Of course. You are Sarah's family and now you are mine as well. It
would be a pleasure to spend time with you." Jareth replied.
Sarah's stepmother embraced Jareth. "Thank you." she whispered.
"You're welcome. Now, we really should be going." He said, as she
released him and went to stand beside Robert.
Jareth slid his arm around Sarah's waist. "Ready Sarah?"
"Yeah, I'm ready." she replied.
"Wait." Robert said, walking back into the house. Merlin was barking.
"You go on ahead, I'll be right there." Sarah said, softly.
"Alright, but hurry." Jareth replied with a smile.
"I will." she answered.
Jareth walked off toward the car leaving Sarah alone with her
stepmother. He looked at her one last time before getting inside the
car.
"Wherever did you find him?" her stepmother asked.
"Why?" Sarah asked. "Does it really matter?"
"No, I guess not. He's very unusual isn't he? Not like anyone
else." she stated.
"That's why I fell in love with him." Sarah replied, with a faint
smile touching her lips.
"Oh."
Robert came out of the front door with Merlin on a leash. "Here
Sarah, take him with you. He misses you." he said, handing the leash
to her.
"Thanks dad."
"He was your dog after all. He belongs with you." he replied.
Sarah hugged her father. "You don't know what this means to me.
Thank you." she whispered, then turned to the car. She saw that
Jareth had gotten back out and was waiting patiently. "Bye." she
called.
"Goodbye Sarah. Come again soon." Robert called after her.
Sarah neared the car and noticed the look on Jareth's face. She
could only smile. "Look what my father gave me!" she said, proudly.
"Sarah, what will we do with a dog?" Jareth asked in a tired voice.
"Correction, what won't we do with a dog." she replied, with a smile.
"Alright, have it your way. I can tell you this much, my goblins
won't like it a bit." he replied.
"They'll get use to it." she said as she climbed into the car.
"Well, go on." Jareth said, looking at Merlin.
Merlin hopped in after Sarah and Jareth followed, waving one last
time at her parents.
Sarah's parents watched as the limousine pulled away from the curb
and made it's way down the street. They couldn't believe that Sarah
was grown up and married already. It seemed like only yesterday, she
was still there and still their little girl. Now she was gone.
"I hope she's happy." Robert said, watching the car round the corner.
"She is." his wife replied.
"My daughter is grown up and gone already. I feel so old." Robert
said.
"Yes, but you still have Toby."
"Mama! Mama!" Toby yelled, coming out of the front door.
"What Toby?" she asked.
"I'm hungry." he replied.
"So what's new?" she said softly.
"Come on Toby. Let's you and I go rustle up something to eat." Robert
said, lifting his son to his shoulders.
"That sounds like a good idea." she said.
"Let's go daddy. I'm hungry." Toby said, impatiently.
Robert and his wife walked toward the house with their son. Although
they would miss Sarah greatly, he realized that Toby was a lot like
her. Oh dear, he had to raise another one. He smiled as he closed
the door behind them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The car stopped where it had picked up it's passengers. The alley
had grown darker as nightfall approached. Jareth helped Sarah from
the car. She looked around at the dismal surroundings.
Merlin jumped from the car, barking loudly at any shadow that dared
to move. He didn't stray too far from Sarah.
Jareth helped Hoggle with their belongings. He felt as though they
had become good friends. They had to because they had one important
thing in common, Sarah.
The limousine pulled away quietly, leaving them in silence. Jareth
opened the door and walked through. He came back and extended his
hand to Sarah, who took it gladly. They filed through the door with
Hoggle coming last. He took one more look around and pulled the door
closed behind him. The door vanished leaving no trace that they had
been there. They had left her world as easily as they had arrived.
The goblins huddled around the door nervously, awaiting their King
and Queen. The door opened before them and a quiet hush filled the
air. Merlin stepped through the door sending the goblins into a
frenzy of terror. The goblins went crazy as they scattered in all
directions. Still running scared, they didn't see Sarah, Jareth, and
Hoggle behind him.
Sarah held tight to Merlin's leash. She could only watch helplessly
as the goblins disappeared from sight.
"What did I tell you?" Jareth said, watching his goblins vanish.
"I know." she replied, with a sigh.
Within moments, they were alone. All the goblins had vanished and
Merlin still tugged at his leash.
"Where are we going to keep him?" she asked, holding firmly to his
leash.
"He's your dog." replied Jareth. "Where do you want your dog?"
Jareth asked, looking at her with a grin.
Sarah didn't reply. She had no idea. She did know that it had to be
away from the goblins. At least until he got use to it here.
"He could stay with me."
Sarah and Jareth turned to look at Hoggle.
"What?" he asked, defensively.
"You'd keep him for me?" Sarah asked, astonished.
"Why not?" he asked, cautiously.
"Thanks Hoggle. You really are my best friend."
"What are friends for?" he answered.
Sarah gave Hoggle a hug. One he didn't protest.
Hoggle looked to Jareth. He saw his king smiling back. At first it
made him nervous, then he realized that they were actually becoming
friends. Hard to believe but true.
Sarah handed the leash to Hoggle and smiled. She wouldn't have
expected this in a million years.
"Are you ready Sarah?" Jareth asked, taking her hand.
"For what?"
"A grand ball in celebration of our union." he answered.
"Everything's ready your majesty."
"Thank you Hoggle." Jareth replied. "Shall we?"
"Now?" she asked.
"Of course. Why not? We are already dressed for it."
"Go on Sarah." Hoggle urged.
"Will you be there to Hoggle?" she asked.
"Soon as I take Merlin home, I'll be back." Hoggle responded.
Jareth led Sarah away to the ball leaving Hoggle with Merlin. "Well,
let's get you home now." he said, leading Merlin from the castle.