To the Victor Go the Spoils

Another short bit, but I've figured out where I'm going with this! Aren't you proud of me? Oh, for the weekend... Any-who, some good songs to hear while Labyrinth-ing: Under Pressure by David Bowie ;P and Queen, The Fairy's Death by Akino Arai, and Dance With Me by Chisato. Just thought I'd mention it.

Have fun!

Ladymage Samiko ;)

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To the Victor Go the Spoils

Part 5 ~ Intermission

Since Jareth was presumably enjoying himself in Hell, Sarah decided she'd let him stay there for a while. She couldn't afford the distraction at her parents' party and besides, he'd probably meet a number of kindred spirits down there. Breathing a sigh of relief and smiling at how well she'd turned out that evening, Sarah made her way downstairs.

"There's my girl!" her father exclaimed as soon as he saw her. "Looking so grown up!"

"Thanks, dad," Sarah blushed. It was the first time she had worn this dress, a fluffy silver creation that complimented her grey eyes.

"Sarah, there you are." Karen bustled into the room. "Come help me set out the hors d'oeuvres." She bustled back out.

"You're welcome," Sarah muttered as she followed her stepmother into the kitchen.

The first half of the party passed in a blur. It wasn't exciting, or even mildly interesting, since most of the guests were people her stepmother wanted to impress with a few of her father's old friends mixed in. Since Sarah had no one to entertain, she got to play the role of the hired help.

"Go fetch some more canapes, Sarah, darling. Be a dear and get Mr. Hancock some water, will you? Open another bottle of wine, love; we're running low," Sarah mimicked the woman viciously during one of her trips to the kitchen. She slammed the door to the refrigerator. "At least Jareth helps out!"

Meanwhile, Sarah's father was busy entertaining one of his guests. The pair watched as Sarah returned to the living room, serving hors d'oeuvres with a social smile pasted on her face.

"So that's your daughter, eh, Williams?" the man asked.

"Yeah, that's her," he answered, pride in his voice. "Pretty, isn't she? Looks just like her mother."

"Really?" came the noncommittal answer.

"Yes," was the wistful reply. No more was said until Sarah, wearing unfamiliar high heels, tripped, sending the small bits of food flying everywhere and herself straight to the floor. Unfortunately, her stepmother was only a few feet away.

"You clumsy little idiot!" she exploded, hauling the girl to her feet. "Can't you do anything right? Or are you just trying to sabotage me?"

Sarah stared at the woman, stricken, tears in her eyes. She turned and ran out of the room.

On the opposite side of the room, the tall, tanned gentleman watched her, his eyes glinting dangerously, his face otherwise a placid mask.

Outside, it began to rain violently.