Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters included in this story, those belong to Jim Henson and others who collaborated in the creation of The Labyrinth. The only characters that I do own are the ones created by me and for this story.

Where does one run to escape one's self? A man's love, a woman's tears. They are losing their grip and all they can do is hang on for the ride…

Bohemian

Sarah fiddled around with the fake white flowers in her hair as Karen pulled out Sarah's train, annoyed with Sarah's fidgeting. The plump blonde woman with bright red nail polish, Sarah's bridal planner smiled as she tacked on the cost of the dress to the wedding bill. "You look absolutely stunning, you will knock the lucky man right off his feet!" the woman exclaimed as she chewed on tip of her pen ferociously.

"Thanks" Sarah said as she tried to pull out a bobby-pin that was digging into her scalp. Sarah was obviously nervous, not just nervous but, really nervous. To tell the truth, she was having second thoughts about even going through with this ordeal. An ordeal, you shouldn't be calling your wedding day an ordeal she thought to herself. How did she even get herself into this mess in the first place? When he bent down and offered her the ring, there were so many thoughts buzzing in her mind that she couldn't blurt anything else out but that single, deadly yes. So much for thinking it over, she couldn't do anything right. This time it was going to cost not only her, but her father too because he was paying the bill. Before she even accepted the proposal she was having second thoughts about the relationship. Of course, she was or used to be in love but, now it just seemed to have disappeared. Just like that, like a magic trick. Now you see it, now you don't. Now here she was getting her wedding gown fitted, it was a little late wasn't it? Everyone else was doing it, why shouldn't she? It wasn't like she could find a better guy than James. He was a great guy after all and a fine catch but she just didn't love him anymore. She was shaken out of her thoughts by the cold air touching her back as Karen unzipped her gown and set to prepare to pay the bill.

The whole next week was hazy to Sarah. Flowers, garters, candles, songs, everything was just another decision to aide in the help to shut her out from the world. Marriage shouldn't be something to make your feel trapped and isolated, she thought as she picked out the wine for the guests. After many sleepless nights it was the day of the wedding and Sarah was nervous, everyone could see her hands shaking slightly. Karen had taken her temperature at least five times at the hairstylist alone until Sarah waved her away. A disappointed Karen took her seat in the waiting area leaving Sarah to herself, and the hairstylist who was going crazy with the hairspray. She was definitely washing her hair tonight. Where would she be washing her hair tonight anyway? In Maui on her honeymoon of course, she convinced herself half-heartedly. She gazed intently at herself in the mirror as the hairstylist blabbered on about how wonderful she was going to look on her special day. Sarah wasn't paying any attention as she inspected the job done by the makeup artist. She looked so fake, there was so much makeup caked on that she felt like she was wearing a mask. She hated it but Karen scolded her like a little girl about how she had to look "special" for the wedding. Sarah noted Karen's wording, "the wedding", not "Sarah's wedding". She wished that it was that way.

They arrived at the church just a block away from the park where Sarah always went to be alone when she was a girl. The church bells could be heard chiming briskly in the cool March air. Four rings, one ring until the words came that sealed her fate. When she entered the bridesmaids room Sarah was immediately ambushed by a bunch of her giggling friends fitted into Pepto-Bismol pink gowns that Karen had picked out trying to pin good lucky charms on her panty hose as she struggled to keep her gown down. God, this was like a bad movie, one of those really bad weddings in the south with the sea foam green taffeta wedding dress and premed hair, but not. When everyone else had left the room to go gather their things to start the wedding Sarah was finally alone. She opened the door quietly to go to the bathroom when she heard two of James' friends talking outside the door.

"I think she'll stay, Sarah is a good woman with a good heart. She'd never runaway." The first man said firmly.

"If I am right she is already on the run for it. Smart girl if she runs from that animal, James." The second man said as they both laughed and slapped each other on the backs and went to take their seats.

Sarah froze as she heard the crisp ringing of the church bells. One, two, three, four and finally five. The distinct noise of the organ playing her wedding march filled the church. Which man was going to win they bet she wondered. She made up her mind, bit her lip and closed the bridesmaid's door behind her.

------------------

Hey guys,

This is my first Labyrinth Fic so if you have any pointers at all they would be greatly appreciated. I'd love to have some feedback and critiques as long as it is tastefully done. Please don't flame me.

Which decision did Sarah make? Find out in the next chapter "Rainy Days and Sundays"!