Chapter Three

Don't be afraid? How could she not be afraid? Sarah was already terrified and it wasn't even time for the ball yet! Sarah turned the water on and hopped into the tub. What was she going to do?

She knew what she was going to do; she was going to rely on Jareth for help. She was doomed. But then, maybe not. If Jareth took the trouble to put a spell on her to help in an hour of need, then maybe he'd help her with Naomi. Or maybe he'd laugh in her face and tell her that she should have lost to him while she had the chance.

Sarah finished in the tub and got out. She brushed her teeth and her hair and opened the bathroom door a crack. On the floor was a pinkish almost prom looking dress. She nodded and snatched it up. Putting it on was a hassle, but she finished up and came out of the bathroom. Naomi looked young and sleek. She had a beautiful white dress on that must have been made of silk. Sarah didn't even want to stand near her, for she feared to look not even worthy of being Naomi's apprentice.

"Ready?" Naomi asked and Sarah looked at the clock, it was six. How late did she sleep? Must have been long because she couldn't have taken that long in the bathroom.

"Yeah," Sarah said and Naomi transported both of them to the ball. A large round room was before them. The ceiling was made of glass, though it was domed. The floors tiling was a brown orange color with little black specks here and there. Many people wore masks. Sarah cringed at the sight; it reminded her to much of her last ballroom experience. Mostly because she was once again looking for Jareth.

"My fair Naomi," a voice came and Sarah spun around seeing many men waiting on her "how are you?" The man, though unable to see through the mask, seemed charming.

"Luther," Naomi cooed "I'm wonderful. By any chance have you met my apprentice, Sarah?"

"No I haven't," he smiled and looked to Sarah and took her hand "nice to make your acquaintance."

"Likewise," Sarah smiled and looked to Naomi. "Would you mind if I, you know, mingled?"

"Oh no," Naomi laughed "I'm preoccupied for the moment, go on have fun!" Sarah had to keep herself from dashing out the doors of the ballroom. She walked briskly though, looking back once and a while to see if Naomi was following. But, with her luck and her klutziness she managed to run head-on into someone.

"Oh," she almost laughed getting up off the floor "I'm so sorr-" She looked up and everything stopped. "Oh dear," she said and backed up away from Jareth "umm, I, I.... I better go." She turned on a dime and walked quickly the other way.

"Sarah?" Jareth called after her but she didn't stop. She went out on the balcony and banged on the side of the wall.

"It's not fair!" she screamed. Naomi came out looking absolutely upset.

"Why are you running from him?" she asked "I told you-"

"I don't care!" Sarah yelled, unknowing that Jareth was right around the corner listening "I don't care what you do Naomi, I can't face him."

"Whys that?" she asked, smirking.

"It's not really any of your busyness," Sarah snapped.

"You're running from the most gorgeous man Underground," she snapped "and you're telling ME that you won't go talk to him?" Sarah nodded. "Alright," Naomi sighed "I didn't want to do this but, I'm going to have to make you Sarah." With a snap of her fingers she rendered Sarah helpless. All Sarah could do was obey.

"Now," Naomi cooed "go dance with him." Sarah, quite aware of what was going on, walked away to find Jareth. Jareth quickly moved to the other side of the room. He now saw what was going on, to a point.

"Dance with me?" Sarah choked when she found him and he smiled and took her hand. He could get very used to his, but his conscious nagged at him. Why did he bother to keep that damn thing around? He looked at Sarah. She was smiling, seeming happy and all, but her eyes showed what she was really feeling. She was upset, scared and angry.

"How are you liking it here?" he asked.

"Fine," she said "it's wonderful."

What I wouldn't do to go home right about now, she thought. Jareth laughed at how different Sarah really was to what Naomi made her say.

"How are you and Naomi doing?" he asked.

"She's so wonderful," Sarah gushed "I love it here with her."

Reminds me of the Blair Witch Project, she thought.

"You're acting different," Jareth pointed out. Sarah's eyes shot up and moved rapidly. Maybe he'd notice that she was under a spell.

"I'm a little tired," her body said.

Aww, come on! She thought your not going to buy that are you? You're smarter than that Jareth. Notice. PLEASE notice that there's something wrong with me.

"I think that maybe there's something wrong," he smiled; he just loved to torment her.

"No, not at all," the body lied.

Alright, she thought now he's just messing with me.

"Not at all," he smirked.

"Not at all what?" Sarah asked.

Jareth? Sarah's heart beat faster with the hope that maybe he could fix this spell I wasn't aware you could read minds. All he did was smile. I don't suppose you could maybe... help me?

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"Am I sure what?" the body asked.

Am I sure? She thought. What kind of stupid question is that? Naw, I'm happy being controlled by the wicked witch of the west! How bout you?

"I just don't want you getting mad," Jareth said.

Get mad? Her mind raced why would I be ang- Jareth's lips pressed over her's, he didn't pull away either. He just stayed there. Finally Sarah pulled back.

"You bastard," she said and then her eyes shot open, she could talk! She could control herself again.

"I asked you," he shot back.

"I'm sorry," she laughed a little "its reaction." There a long pause and they just kept dancing.

"Well your welcome," he grumbled.

"Oh," she looked down "I'm sorry. Thank you."

"So what are you doing here?" he asked.

"You know," she said sarcastically "being held prisoner by some evil entity. Just the norm."

"Why'd she pick you?" he asked.

"Apparently," Sarah sighed "she thinks I'm magick."

"Oops," he cringed.

"Yeah oops," Sarah snapped "little did I know that I had PLEASE RETURN stickers on me."

"It wasn't intended that way," Jareth said.

"Well it happened that way," Sarah snapped "and now my reflection is talking to me and..." she trailed off.

"Found that out too?" he asked.

"You just keep leaving little things like that behind;" Sarah sighed "don't you?"

"You can't expect me to believe that the reflection spell wasn't appreciated," Jareth smirked.

"Maybe," she teased "but none the less. I'm stuck with Naomi."

"Not necessarily," Jareth grinned.