Chapter Ten

I went across the street to the park. There were a few people eating, riding bikes, and walking dogs. I sat on the edge of the fountain where I had first seen the owl. I looked up, but all I saw was a tree. I sighed. What was I doing? Hoggle was right. Why did I care? So what if Jareth was broken hearted and hurting. What did it matter to me? I sat in silence for awhile, when it hit me. It was so obvious!

"It does matter to me!" I exclaimed out loud.

I got a lot of funny looks as I continued to talk out loud.

"After only knowing him such a short time, I care about him. I have feelings for him." I stood up, not caring about the stares. I yelled at the top of my lungs. "Jareth! I...," I stammered, "I could love you!"

After I said it aloud I felt a little better. I felt less confused. But I was also embarrassed, realizing all the people who were looking at me. But before I could turn too red, I heard a noise above me. I saw a white owl. I grinned. It flew slowly away and I followed it. It led me to a spot in the trees away from all others. It landed in front of me and turned into Jareth standing before me. I got a huge knot in my stomach. He looked at me with a tilted head and a raised eyebrow.

"Why are you so cruel?" he asked roughly.

I gulped. I took a deep breath and walked forward. I got close to him and slowly raised my hand to his face. He moved back at first, then stopped and let me put my hand on his cheek.

"I...I was wrong before. When you showed me your love in such a kind manner, by sending me home, I realized it. I do have feelings for you. And I...I could love you, some day," I said softly.

My stomach was all in knots. Everything was happening so fast, but it was like a rollercoaster I didn't want to get off of. I looked into his face and saw a mixture of emotions. I moved my hand back to my side.

"I want to believe you, but why should I trust you?" he asked me softly.

"Because when have I lied to you?" I kissed his cheek.

He sang to me.

"Love me, love me, love me, say you do
Let me fly away with you
For my love is like the wind
And wild is the wind
Wild is the wind

Give me more than one caress
Satisfy this hungriness
Let the wind blow through your heart
For wild is the wind
Wild is the wind

You touch me
I hear the sound of mandolins
You kiss me
With your kiss my life begins
You're spring to me
All things to me
Don't you know you're life itself

Like the leaf clings to the tree,
Oh, my darling, cling to me
For we're like creatures of the wind
And wild is the wind
Wild is the wind"

We just stood looking at each other. Not knowing what to say or do. I was lost as to what should happen next. I hadn't thought that far ahead. For once the almighty Goblin King had nothing to say. We just stood there silent. I finally couldn't take the silence anymore and I went with my gut. I quickly, and deeply, kissed him. It took a moment for him to kiss me in return. We pulled apart and, after a brief silence, I was the first to speak.

"Let's continue to talk on the computer and see each other in the park at least until I'm out of school, then we'll go from there. Just, don't force my feelings, okay?" I sounded so strong when in reality my legs were shaking.

"I am your slave." Jareth said to me.

"Now, you don't have to go that far." I smiled.

He smiled back at me.

"You've made me so happy. My heart feels more whole than it has in years." He said to me.

"You finally learned how to show your feelings. Just don't forget that."

"I won't."

We stood in silence for a moment.

"I guess I should be heading back home. It's almost dinner time and mom will be worried." I said.

"May I walk you home?" he asked me.

I was turning him into such a gentleman. I smiled.

"I think you'd stick out a bit." I said motioning to his clothes.

"Ah, I can solve that."

He turned into the white owl before my eyes. He fluttered up and landed on my shoulder. I smiled and walked slowly back home, knowing that, again, people were staring. It just didn't matter. When I got to my front door he flew off my shoulder and into the sky. I watched him until he disappeared, then I went inside.