So, you all like it, I see

So, you all like it, I see. Love the wonderful reviews I've received (Thanks Marie, Seeking Serenity and everyone else). Yes, I will continue to try and get the story out soon. Courses keep a girl busy so be patient and thanks for that. It seems many people have decided this 'singer' is Jareth. Hmmm, should I say anything? Well, you may be surprised but it is interesting, ne? As one reviewer said, I shall put them through another 'hell' to prove their love but the question is, will we see Jareth? What happened to him? Hehe, love the suspense. Cha!

Disclaimer: Labyrinth is Jim Henson's, etc. Trish, Roger, Charlie, and other unknowns are mine. Alllllllll mine, muahahahaha *cough* Okay, shall we continue? Oh yeah, I wrote these songs too, so hands off! ^^

Chapter Two

Such fire I saw in your eyes

I never would realize

A passion so strong and pure

Love I could never cure

Sarah, book bag slung over her shoulder, walked into the auditorium as the music wafted from down by the stage. A group of girls sat tightly around a ghetto blaster, some with hands to their hearts, others laying back on the stage, sighing.

The flame of passion in your eyes

Can't you ever realize?

Why do you look so hard at me?

When you wish to turn and flee

The voice grew stronger as the song escalated, a deep feeling felt welling from the singer.

I saw the fire in your eyes

A love not to be despised

Don't defy me with your heart

I have loved you from the start

One of the girls literally toppled over, hearts in her eyes. Sarah wanted to chuckle at this but she had felt something very deep from that song, deeper then what they might have felt and she didn't swoon.

Another turned and ran up the aisle to Sarah, "Sarah, you've got to hear the newest song from 'Illusion'. It's sooo good! It literally sent shivers down my spine" Grabbing Sarah's wrist she tugged her down to the stage. While the girls were listening, the guys sat near by listening and chuckling at the girls' reactions.

Just then a door closed and a man in his thirties walked on stage, khakis, runners and a dark blue sweater with a racing pinstripe across the front, carrying a black binder by his side and a Starbucks mug in his hand. He had black hair tied in a small ponytail at the back of his head and he wore glasses.

Seeing him, the students went to their theater style seats as he went and turned off the stereo to the groans of the students. He chuckled, "I know, I'm a cruel, heartless taskmaster denying his students the joys of music."

"You said it, Rog," a guy proclaimed, half rising, fist shot in the air as the small group of students laughed.

Roger chuckled, "Thank you for that conformation, Erik. Glad to see I have not lost my 'Hitler' image." A student saluted as more laughter came. "All right, back to work. As you all know, it being October already, we must prepare for our major production for Christmas already. I know you've all anticipated what we will be doing this year and sorry, Charlie," he glanced to one of the guys, "It will not be 'Dances With Wolves'."

"Damn, I was so looking forward to scalping someone," a red head guy spoke up. Again laughter.

Smiling, Roger continued, "Instead we will be doing something quite different. You are all familiar with 'The Nutcracker Sweet', I believe?"

There were nods and a few groans, more from the guys' section. "Well, you don't have to worry because we're not doing that. I'm using something from the ballet as an example. Everyone knows that ballet has no speaking in its stories but instead they use music and dancing to help interpret the mood and story. So in using music and having narrators telling the whole story, speaking for people and son on, almost all of you will not have to memorize anything."

There were cheers and whoops. "But what are we doing then?" someone asked.

"I'll tell you in a sec. First I want to let you know this doesn't mean you slack off. Quite the contrary, we will need to rehearse even more, getting our actions to coincide with our narrators and the music. That said, we are doing a 90's version of 'Cinderella'."

Silence and then a few mummers. "I know this will be strange but I think you'll like it when we're done. After all, I'm the one who altered it."

"So, that means no tights?" asked Charlie, grinning as the guys snickered.

"Well, we can always fix that for you, Charlie," Roger smiled as Charlie held up his hands in defense.

"Your wardrobes won't be any different from regular day to day outfits, save for the ball and perhaps the stepsisters, Cinderella and the prince. I'm not sure what we'll do for them yet. I'll let the costume people decide once I've picked them. Now, we're going to practice a few exercises and tomorrow you will audition for parts." He smiled slyly as he looked in Charlie's direction, "I think I might make you a narrator."

"Ah, come on, Rog. Have a heart."

"Well, tomorrow prove me wrong and I'll think about it."

Just then as they were about to begin exercises, one of the back doors opened and a tall man walked in, a black bag slung over his shoulder. His light hair was held back at his neck in a pony tail and he wore a long leather jacket over a white shirt, blue jeans and black boots with the pant legs over. Looking curious, he spoke, "Excuse me, is this Major Drama?"

His accent was rich yet indistinguishable and some girls seemed to go gaga as he walked down the middle aisle.

"Yes," Roger replied, "And you are?"

"Trevor O'Reilly. Sorry I'm late. Had trouble with my bike."

"Quite all right. We're just beginning. Take a seat where ever you like."

A few girls not so subtly offered seats near them. Instead he sat next to Nick, a sandy hair guy who was often quiet, Charlie, and a few girls next them. He was right behind Sarah and for some reason, he leaned forward, "hello there. What's your name?"

Patricia, a girl sitting beside Sarah, turned in her seat next to Sarah, "Sorry, you're not likely to get an answer from her." Sarah glared at Patricia, who ignored her. "Her name's Sarah. I'm Patricia. Pat or Trish for short." She took hold of his hand and shook it. "So, where you from?"

But before he could answer, Roger cleared his throat loudly, "Let's get on with class so we can all have lunch early, okay Trish?"

Trish blushed, "Sorry sir."

Charlie chortled quietly, leaning over to Trevor, "She's got the hots for Rog."

Trish gave such a deadly look at Charlie, it probably could have melted metal, except she was blushing furiously at the same time, "You are so dead, Chuck."

Charlie just grinned more, "She likes me," he whispered, "Hi. Names Charlie, though Trish here calls me Chuck." After that he was silent as Roger glanced in his direction with a warning look.

The new comer took this all in, smiling to himself. He also would glance back at Sarah quite often. Sarah could almost feel his stares drilling through the back of her head and became rather uncomfortable. Trevor just smiled more, bemused at her reaction.

Later, Roger had them on stage and split into partners, guys with girls. By chance, Sarah was with the new student.

"All right, we're going to work on miming, since it will be largely used in our play. We'll start with mirror reflections. One partner will do an action and the other will follow. I want accuracy, the best you can give. Understood? Good. Go to it. And remember, no speaking."

Soon, everyone was doing different ideas, some trying not to laugh, others not succeeding.

"Marcus St. Claire, I refuse to reflect that!" Jamie Marshall blurted disgustingly as her partner was sticking two finger up his nose, making a face as others laughed. Trish had been partnered with Charlie and the two were doing a great job playing an invisible tug-of-war. Roger was impressed by the many actions, except for maybe Marcus' little display. He glanced at Sarah and Trevor and paused for a moment.

Trevor had his hands up as did Sarah. Not touching, he brought one hand down in a side wave wiping motion and Sarah followed. He did the same with his other hand as did she. Soon they were making random motions like one looking in a mirror but what became seen was that they were synchronized, not missing a beat as if one knew what the other would do, all the time looking at each other. Sarah looked indifferent as Trevor looked curiously at her. He brought a hand to his chest as did she to hers and then she suddenly blinked. Roger was clapping, "Very impressive, all of you. I look forward to tomorrow's auditions. Take your seats." He spoke quieter to Sarah and Trevor, "You two show great promise."

Trevor gave an appreciated nod as did Sarah and went back to their seats.

"We work well together," he whispered as he sat behind her again, but Sarah ignored him. She didn't much care for how he stared at her before and how uncomfortable it had felt. It may be better to just avoid him.

"All right," Roger clapped his hands together once, "I'm going to hand out part of the play to you with various characters roles. You can pick one you'd like to try for and go for it. And ladies, please don't all go for Cinderella. And that goes for you gentlemen as well, on the prince role. To make things easier, have a friend or family member read the narrator part, unless you're trying for that part, and act out what they say. Remember, I'm looking for creativity and attention to what's being described. Oh and Marcus, I think you've volunteered to be one of the tech guys."

Marcus groaned, a look of dread coming over him as Jamie folded her arms with a satisfied smirk.

"Class dismissed."

As Sarah made her way up the aisle, Trish not far behind, Trevor walked past looking her way with a smirk on his lips, winked and soon left. Sarah's face grew more upset. Trish caught up to her, beaming, "Girl, he's totally crushing on you."

Sarah looked disgusted, giving a toss of her head. Trish raised an eyebrow, "You make it look as if he's egotistical. So he's a bit forward, so are most guys here. It's cause their brains aren't in their heads," she whispered this last bit, causing Sarah to smile a little bit.

"Uh hu!" Trish snapped her fingers, "She does smile. Not a cold hearted…" she broke off quickly, seeing Sarah's questioning look. Trish sighed, "No offense, Sarah, but the others do talk. I can understand why such an experience, whatever it was, when you were gone, could cause a sudden silence. But look, it's been over two years. People see something wrong with that. I hear talk about it al the time and I don't know if I can keep defending you. I'm your friend. So, why don't you talk to me?"

Sarah gave a sad look and then her face went emotionless as it often was. Trish sighed. It was worth a shot.

Sarah sat alone in the small cafeteria, Trish having left to sit with some other friends. Playing with her food rather then eating it, she stared off into space. It hurt when people asked her why she was silent. Even scared her.

Because she didn't know herself.

It was as if some invisible force silenced her, barely allowing even emotion to show. Only around Toby and a few others did she smile or do anything else. Yet she always looked sad if not devoid of feelings. Why?

As if answering, the overwhelming feeling of total loss and utter despair came welling through her and she fought the urge to cry in public. She grabbed the locket on a thin gold chain around her neck like a lifeline. It seemed to ease some of the pain.

It was a gold and silver heart with fine intricate detailed designs on it and a tiny flashing white jewel in the center. She could never tell whether it was a diamond or a crystal. Her father didn't know either. He had given it to her a year ago on what was apparently her "nineteenth" birthday, maybe 22nd if the doctors didn't say otherwise.

"It was your mothers," he said when they were alone, "She wanted you to have it on your 18th birthday but last year, well…" he swallowed, giving as big a smile as he could muster. "It was a treasured possession to her. She never took it off if she could help it. Perhaps in the shower," he blushed, a strange thing to see, "I hope you can treasure it as she did."

Sarah had accepted it wordlessly, yet feeling a deep connection to the necklace. It always soothed her when she felt overcome. Like now.

She opened it, finding a photo of what must have been her mother. She was a beautiful lady, dark brown hair like Sarah and silvery gray eyes, and a smile so soft and gentle it almost seemed to glow. Closing the locket, Sarah glanced at the back where an elegant script was engraved on the gold back with silvery letters. "Love forever".

She clung to it, fighting down the despairing feeling within. Why did it torment her? Why? Why?!

Angrily, she hit her fist on the table, getting a few looks that then looked away. That was fine with her. So what if they talked about her, it didn't matter.

"What did that table ever do to you?" an accented masculine voice asked sarcastically. Annoyed, Sarah knew who stood before her without looking up. He also seemed to be one of those who got some emotions out of her but not the good ones.

She looked up at Trevor who seemed bemused, "Having a tough day?"

Sarah rose to leave but Trevor suddenly put out a hand to stop her. A tingling sensation went through Sarah's arm and she shivered.

Trevor frowned, "I don't suppose I could talk to you. Somewhere less public?"

Wary, Sarah nodded slowly and they left the cafeteria, entering a deserted indoor courtyard soon after. Light filtered in from the glass dome above as they sat on a shaded bench, a change coming over Trevor. "I apologize for being a bit forward today. I suppose first impressions are important here."

Sarah just listened, watching birds fly overhead outside the glass.

"I've heard you don't speak much since… I don't know when but something happened and I'm sorry to hear that. Let me make a fresh star." He took her hand, shaking it, "Hi. I'm Trevor O'Reilly. And you are Sarah William's, correct?"

She didn't move and Trevor suddenly seemed like he was concentrating on something.

I'll take that as a yes.

Sarah's eyes shot wide open and she pulled her hand away, looking like she'd seen a ghost. Trevor continued to look calm as Sarah stared at him. How… she thought.

Easy. She could hear the words, hear his voice in her mind yet his mouth didn't move. Once I make physical contact with someone, I can read their thoughts, speak to their minds, most everything. I don't know how, I just can. He spoke aloud, "It happened a long time ago by accident. I could suddenly hear things around me. I suppose it happens when I've touched them but sometimes even when I have not. Just knowing or seeing them for a long period of time may have something to do with it." He chuckled, "I've even affected thoughts to my way of thinking. It's strange. He looked at her again. Perhaps now we may speak? He thought to her.

H-how? She thought, not really realizing he would be listening. I-I can hear your thoughts a-and you mine. Does it usually work this way?

Not usually, no. Most people don't realize it's someone else's voice in their heads. I pick their thoughts at random but you're the first to talk to me directly beside…someone else. Extraordinary. He grinned. You had no idea you could do this?

No. How did you know?

He shrugged, Call it intuition. You almost radiated with it. A sure sign was you silence and second, how you were able to follow so closely in that reflections exercise. Most often, I believe, it remains dormant. I think it's an event or something around us that may cause this to happen. I suppose I'll never know what caused mine. He suddenly gave a curious expression.

Perhaps someone else knew. You seem fairly good at this for just discovering it. Someone very close, perhaps related.

Sarah shook her head, then gasped, though no sound came. Toby! But how?

Most likely he read your actions, not realizing you were displaying your thoughts in his mind. It's just as well, I suppose.

But, Sarah thought, I've only known him for two years. I don't remember anything before…before…I don't know.

Trevor looked curious. Amnesia? Curious. He seemed to think to himself and this Sarah could not pick up. He looked to her, saying aloud, "May I try something?"

She nodded, smiling a little. You know, it's nice being able to speak to someone, in a manner of speaking. She chuckled inwardly at this little joke, as did Trevor. He brought his hand forward and touched her temple. This shouldn't hurt.

It was like a tickle in her mind, a soft wind caressing her thoughts, probing, and searching for something. Then without warning, something stabbed like a sharp blade, images flashing, and emotions of terror, loss, sadness and hatred. Trevor's face contorted in struggle, his eyes closed and pain growing evident. The probing thought tried to escape yet something kept it stabbing into Sarah's mind. She gave a silent cry of pain.

Then, like suddenly breaking free of a strong hold, Trevor jerked back, his burning lungs reminding him to breathe. Sarah fell back in her seat, trembling as her face went pale. She wrapped her arms about herself, trying to force away the horrible feelings rushing through her.

"I'm…I'm sorry," Trevor gasped between gasps, "I never thought…" he reached out to her but she jerked away.

Please, she thought, don't touch me.

I am sorry. I never realized such pain could exist. I didn't mean…

Just stay away from me! Sarah cried in her mind, fighting the tears that threatened to fall. She rose quickly, fleeing the courtyard and a troubled and confused Trevor, grasping at what he'd seen. He was sorry and he tried to control the images and feeling running through his mind. What could cause such a powerful hold on his probing thought?

He'd never felt anything like it before.

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. There had been immense pain and a deep sense of loss. Of what he had no idea. But a very confusing image struck out most.

A maze

Trevor combed a hand through his hair. He'd have to talk to the Professor about this one.

* * *

Now you see what my surprises were. Get's you wondering, I'll bet. As always,

"Please, leave a contribution in the little box."