Ch 40

Sarah enjoyed herself at Julie and Bayron's wedding dinner. She talked a lot with Bayron's parents, and discovered that they were both fascinated by the Aboveground. They had been thrilled when their son married a mortal woman, because it would allow them to learn more of the land that intrigued them.

Personally, Sarah couldn't understand their fascination with her world. She would choose to live here any day of the week, but, she thought, to each his own.

Julie and Bayron couldn't keep big, silly grins off their faces. They also couldn't keep their eyes, or hands, off each other. Sarah managed to break Julie away for a moment to congratulate her.

"So, how does it feel to be a princess?" Sarah asked with a smile. Julie sighed and smiled dreamily. "Wonderful," she said simply. "Thank you, Sarah."

Sarah was surprised. "What are you thanking me for?"

"Well," Julie said, "if it wasn't for you, I never would have met Bayron. You and Jareth could have met up in so many different ways, but for some reason, it happened when Bayron was along for the ride. So, I know you didn't really do anything, but thank you anyway. You're my best friend, and I'm so glad we get to live down here together!" She smiled widely. "And god, Sar, did you see this place? It's amazing! I can't believe it's my home!"

Sarah couldn't have been happier for her friend, and she locked Julie in a tight hug. "I'm glad, too," she told her. "And yes, this place is spectacular!" They pulled away from each other, smiling, and Julie went back to her own little world with her new husband. Sarah involved herself in light conversation with Jareth and Merelinda, and before she knew it, it was time to leave.

While Jareth was saying his good-byes to Bayron, Sarah said good-bye to Julie, letting her know she had to go back home for a few days, but that she expected her to be in her wedding next week. Julie winked at her. "Wouldn't miss it for the world!"

Jareth kissed Merelinda on the cheek, telling her he hoped to see her again soon, then Sarah gave her a quick hug. "I'm glad we're getting to be friends," Sarah told her sincerely. Merelinda smiled, saying "Me, too, dear." Then she was gone, back to the sea.

Jareth held Sarah's hand as he transported them back to his castle. Which, he noticed, looked quite gloomy compared to Bayron's. He'd have to do something about that. He turned to Sarah, seeing the sad look on her face, and immediately understanding why it was there.

He pulled her into a hug, saying, "I know, my love. I don't want you to leave either, but it's necessary," he said as he held her tight. She sighed. "I know, but it sucks."

He laughed at that and held her away from him at arms length. "Sarah, I love you, more than you could ever know, and I dread not having you by my side for these next few days. But it's only for five days, then you can return. I'm sure you have a lot to attend to Aboveground. Just think, when you come back, it'll be to become my Queen." He kissed her on the nose.

"I know," she said with another sigh. "I just really don't want to go home, I love it here with you. But," she said, brightening, "I do miss Toby a lot, and my parents. I know Toby is going to be full of questions about this, not to mention my parents. We never did really explain anything to them, did we?" She laughed a little, recalling how shocked they'd looked at Jareth had transformed himself into the Goblin King.

"No, love, I'm sorry, it will have to be up to you to talk to them." She secretly thought it was probably better that way, because Jareth found the whole situation too funny, and who knew what kind of tricks he would pull?

"Would you like to go back to your apartment, or shall I send you directly to your parents?" he asked. She thought for a second, then told him just to send her to her parents. She might as well talk to them as soon as possible.

"Are you ready to go?" Jareth asked Sarah, with regret in his eyes. He hated to see her go, even though she'd be back in just a few days.

"I guess so," Sarah said. She reached for Jareth and held him tight, lifting her face up for a kiss. The kiss deepened, and Sarah clung to Jareth, not wanting this moment to end. But it had to, and they finally pulled apart.

"I love you," Sarah told him.

"And I love you," he replied. "I'll come for you in five days, my love." She nodded, forcing herself not to cry. Don't be stupid, Sarah, she told herself. It's not like you're never coming back.

With one last look at Jareth, she saw him blow her a kiss, and then she was gone. She was suddenly standing in her parents' living room. She had appeared right in front of her father and Karen…and the guests they had been entertaining.

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A/N: Saffy, just so you know, I would never ever get tired of hearing someone say they like my story! I love hearing that, it makes this whole thing worth it. So thank you lots for reading and reviewing, it's greatly appreciated. Right now, I'm writing the last few chapters of this story, I'm kind of anxious to get it all posted cause I have a few other story ideas I want to try out, but I want to finish this first. So again, to those of you are still with me this far along, thanks so much for reading!

Oh, and you know what? I never did bother to put a disclaimer on here. Oh well, I'm sure you all are not under the illusion that I own any of the Labyrinth. Because, of course, I don't. :-)