Hey-lo everyone.
Moonjava – I am glad you like it.
WickedGame – Thank you. But it's not that long at all.
obsessor-of-inuyasha – The lyrics are "there's" but the part talking about the world falling down is a little bit off. But I am glad you 'heart' it.
AngelaScarlet – Well, the Masque is Friday and this chapter is Thursday so it'll be coming up soon.
Lady Saffron of the Daggers – Yes, I love Jared too.I'm sorry if you got annoyed incredibly while you waited for this next chapter but my heart wasn't in a writing mood but I'm pushing myself through it. I wanna get to what happens before the anxiety of having it in my head but not on paper kills me.
Lady of the Labyrinth – Yeah, how my friends and I communicate I have been putting in here if you couldn't tell.And are you referring to Sarah yelling at Alice because she ran away? If so then you'll just have to watch to see what she does.
Disclaimer: Own Labyrinth not, I do.
"Come on Sarah, your boyfriend will be any minute now!" Alice yelled up the stairs. Sarah was still rummaging around in her room.
"Well, you can tell Jared he can wait then!" she yelled back. "AH-HAH!" she exclaimed. Stuffing something in her backpack she started down the stairs but stopped when she saw her smiling friend. "What?"
"So you admit he's your boyfriend!"
"What? No I didn't. I…I knew who you were talking about so I decided not to argue," Sarah stated matter-of-factly with a nod of her head to emphasize her point.
"Yeah, whatever Nerissa. Go kiss your Goblin King and get it over with," Alice sighed rolling her eyes.
Sarah blushed but not because she was thinking of Jared. Clearing her throat she descended the rest of the stairs.
"Hey girls," Jared smiled as he walked into Sarah's house. They had already told him to just come in and wait for them so he didn't bother knocking.
Alice waved and Sarah smiled only to frown. "Hold on, I'm gonna get some fruit to eat in the car; I'm starving. I wonder if we have any berries…" she trailed off only to pale slightly and chuckle uneasily. Uh, be right back," she muttered and darted to the kitchen.
Jared watched her go with a small smile on his face.
"So, you really like her don't you?" Alice asked grinning up at him.
"Yeah," he said ever-so softly, his eyes so full of passion and longing Alice wondered how one as young as him could feel so strongly. Remembering himself he cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably as Alice giggled.
"Alright you guys, let's go!" Sarah announced striding to the door. They all piled out of the house and into the car. Sarah finally glanced down at the fruit she held and blanched. In her hand was a peach. "I'm suddenly not very hungry. Who wants it?"
Alice passed and Jared accepted. "Peaches are my favorite," he smiled taking a bite out of it. Sarah shuddered and looked away.
"Hey, are we still going to visit Ginger after practice?" Alice asked leaning back.
"Yeah, I want to stop off and get her flowers though," Sarah said looking out the window. "I still can't believe what happened, especially the part where she got away with only a broken leg. It's too bad too; she really wanted to be Nerissa."
At lunch Sarah, Alice, and Jared sat a bench by a tree.
"I can't wait for the party tomorrow!" Alice squealed. "It's going to be so fun! The dress I got is beautiful! Although nowhere near as beautiful as Sarah's, right Jared?"
"Yeah, Sarah's beautiful," he sighed. "I mean, Sarah's dress is beautiful" he corrected.
Sarah blushed murmuring a little "Thank you" before she got up. "Well, time to go to the auditorium and practice. Hey, maybe we can you in as an extra Alice. That is, if you mother doesn't come and get you before then."
Alice nodded hesitantly and let out a nervous laugh. "Yeah, that'd be fun."
So the trio made their way to the auditorium and Sarah nearly fainted when she saw the set-stage.
"Wow, the ballroom looks fantastic! I wonder how they got it ready in time," Alice breathed. "Wow, that looks like the perfect dream for you Sarah," she laughed.
"More like a nightmare," she muttered under her breath.
"Oh, I don't think it's a nightmare at all, Sarah," Jared said. "I mean, it's obvious there's some kind of feeling going on there or else she wouldn't be there. Listen to the song in itself, it talks about love. I don't know why you decided to just have music and an occasional sentence here or there."
Sarah and taken out the song that, no matter how hard she tried to deny it, meant something to her. She knew that He had probably sung that song to every single girl that ran the Labyrinth but she didn't care. It had been four years since her little trip but she remembered everything perfectly. She remembered her friends, the way the Bog smelled, regrettably, the feel of the Fieries as they tried to take her head off, she had mixed feelings about that one, the way she felt when she was in His arms…NO! No, no thinking of that. Then why do you have it in the play? Because I want to humiliate him. Riiight. Shut up.Sarah growled at herself as she stomped on the stage. "It's beautiful. Now, let's practice the scene where Hoggle, Nerissa, and Goblin King are in the sewer place."
Getting ready for the scene the other two actors got on stage.
"Okay, Jared, you first as the bugger. I mean beggar," she said with a smile.
Nodding Jared sat down. "Ah, what have we got here?" he asked in an elderly voice without an accent.
"Uh, uh, nothing." Johnny exclaimed blocking Sarah.
"Nothing? Nothing? Nothing? Nothing, tra-la-la?" he asked standing up and pretending to shake his disguise.
"Your Majesty! What a nice surprise!"
"Hello, Hedgewart," Jared said with all the arrogance Jareth had that Sarah almost hit him.
"Hogwart," she replied calmly though, all the same.
"Hoggle!" Johnny exclaimed. For a mortal who had asked out every girl in school just for kicks he sure did a great cowardly dwarf. Sarah mentally made a reminder to congratulate him on his acting.
"Hoggle, can it be that you're helping this girl?"
"Helping? In what sense?" Sarah silently sighed. He forgot to stutter.
"In the sense that you are leading her towards the castle," Jared sighed.
"No, no, I was taking her back to the beginning, Your Majesty."
"What?" Sarah asked in disbelief. Oh yeah, she rocked. Of course the fact that she had done this in real life might have helped a bit. She wanted to slap that look that so mimicked Jareth's at the moment off of Jared's face. Bloody bastard.
"I told her I was going to help her solve the Labyrinth, a little trickery on my part, but actually--"
"What is that plastic thing 'round your wrist?" Jared interrupted 'Hoggle' in his explaining innocence.
Johnny looked down, hid his wrist, and then held in front in mock ignorance. "Oh. Oh, this?" Sarah prided herself in making sure they knew exactly what they were supposed to do. Yes, she was good. He laughed uneasily. "Oh, my goodness, where did this come from?" Sarah continued to look upset and slightly miffed at her 'companion' who had 'lied' to her. Sarah blinked away tears as she thought about how much she missed her dear friend.
"Higgle--"
"Hoggle."
"Yes." Jared was too damn good for his own good. Wait, did that work? Sarah didn't care. "If I thought for one second that you were betraying me I'd before to suspend you headfirst in the Bog of Eternal Stench."
"No, Your Majesty! Not the Eternal Stench!" Johnny cried falling to his knees and grabbing Jared's knee. He had to fight back laughter and avert his eyes. Sarah rolled her eyes.
"Oh, yes, Hoggle!" Jared bent his knees and Johnny fell off. "And you S-, Nerissa. How are you enjoying my Labyrinth?" he asked getting closer. He couldn't quite rest his hands on anything but he still leaned in.
Sarah had to fight back the flutter in her stomach. She told herself it was because of Jared and not because of how close the Goblin King had been. She mentally smirked wickedly knowing just well she was going to say the two lines that He hated. "It's a piece of cake," she replied defiantly. Johnny almost forgot to groan but recovered nicely.
"Really? Then how about upping the stakes? Hmm?" He then made had movements so identical to Ja-, to Him that Sarah half expected a clock to appear and have the hands move.
Bastard. Oh well, here's you next line. "That's not fair!"
Jared faced her, a look of annoyance in his eyes. Oh, he was good. "You say that so often. I wonder what your basis for comparison is." Oh, the way Jared said it was like Jar-, Him getting back at her. Damn him. Sarah watched him move around with a look of disbelief that wasn't acting in her eyes. "So the Labyrinth's a piece of cake, is it? Well, let's see how you deal with this little slice." Ooh, double damn him.
Just then the bell rang.
Grabbing her bag Sarah scowled. The Cleaners. Damn him to the Bog of Stench forever and ever and ever. At least she didn't get hurt…at all…even though all the dangerous stuff he put her through…she came through without a scratch. Ooh, triple damn him. No, quadruple damn him! She would get her payback after school.
And she would.
Because they were practicing the end now.
"Okay, just you and me Goblin King," Sarah mimicked a smirk. Jared nodded.
"There's still time," Jared replied lazily and seductively (wow, he's good) at the same time while pointing to the 'clock'. He set the imaginary Freddie in a cradle and walked over to the 'bed'. "Besides, I'm no longer interested in having a little Goblin Prince. I'd rather have a Queen."
Sarah 'got of the bed' and stared up into his eyes. "A queen?" she breathed. She had to keep from chuckling at the flash of emotion in Jared's eyes. "Have you chosen anyone I know?" Sarah asked arrogantly. She glided over to the 'window' while Jared chuckled. Her breath caught at the sound but she willed herself to remain calm; it was just Jared.
"You've come a long way, little girl," he smirked.
Sarah looked out the 'window' at the 'Labyrinth'. "I certainly have," she replied before turning to face him.
"I can see it in your eyes," he purred moving closer to Sarah. "No one else has ever made it this far in the Labyrinth; no one has ever been worthy…" He picked up her hand and brought it to his lips.
Sarah smiled impishly. "What's your offer?"
Jared's eyebrows arched and he took a half-step back to look her up and down as if to say; 'She certainly has come a long way!' He stepped closer and looked down. "Why, everything," he purred. "You'll rule by my side."
"Everything? A chance to spend my life surrounded by repulsive goblins?" Really, they weren't that bad. "The chance to torment innocent creatures?" That was though.
"The chance to never have a care in the world, to never have to do what you don't want to," he replied shaking his head.
"Anything else?" Sarah asked looking at him?
"Why, me. Of course," he smiled.
Sarah 'surreptitiously' eyed the 'clock'. She glides away from the 'window' to 'try' to position herself closer 'Freddie' in the 'cradle'. "And if I'm not interested?"
Surprised for a moment, Jared shook his head. "Impossible. I know you; I know what you want…"
Sarah darted to the 'cradle' using the shortest distance possible. "I don't want you!" She was almost there when Jared grabbed her arm. "Why, you miserable creep!" she screamed shocked and enraged. Braking away she pulled her fist back and realized not to actually punch poor, innocent, kind, gentle (whistles innocently looking at the ceiling) Jared and aims to the space next to his head. Jared looked like he was going to faint. But he stepped back, stunned. Sarah grabbed 'Freddie'. "How could you do this to an innocent baby!"
Jared rubbed his jaw, sniveling and stunned. "You hit me!"
Walking right up to him Sarah glared at Jared. "And I'd like to do more…you, you…" Growling she kicked to the side of Jared's leg. Jared howls and grabs his 'injured' leg. "I wouldn't want you if you were the last…goblin on Earth!"
Jared put his hands over his ears. "Don't say that!" They both paused knowing that a puff of smoke was supposed to happen and then a little puppet thing would take his place. "Look at me!" he whined in a high pitched voice. "How could you do this to me!" He made facial features of a sniveling goblin. "Why does everything have to happen to me!"
Johnny yelled from the side "She did it!" and then he and Patrick and Alfred started cheering.
Jared throws himself on the ground to be the puppet as he started throwing a temper tantrum. "No body ever cares what I want!" He moved over to where the puppet would grasp onto Sarah's leg. "Look at what you did to me you stupid, stupid girl! You're mine!"
Johnny making the sound of the clock striking thirteen as Sarah clutched 'Freddie'. She glared and 'kicked' the 'puppet' off as she yelled "You have no power over me!" She didn't notice the look of pain on Jared's face as he winced though. She knew that smoke would puff out where she was at and then the stage would black out. Then she would 'wake up' on 'her' parents' bed. 'Getting up' Sarah walked to 'Freddie's' 'crib'. Picking up 'Arthur' on the way. "Here you are. I'd like Arthur to belong to you now," she smiled tucking the 'bear' in.
Sarah stopped and looked at all the faces watching her. "And, uh, we'll practice the party later when we have everything all set," she said nervously. "What are you all staring at?"
"Sarah," Alice breathed. "You make a wonderful Nerissa. The facial expressions, your tone of voice, even your eyes! You feel such passion and you make the character come to life. We can see the hate visible between her and the Goblin King. It was as if you have lived it and the Goblin King is someone you actually despise. I don't know how you do it," she gasped.
Sarah looked around at all the nodding head of agreement. She then noticed Jared standing off to the side going through his bag. "Jared?" Turning around and smiled half-heartedly at her. "Anything the matter?"
"No. Of course not Sarah. I'm just…worried for Ginger."
"Yeah. I think it's time we went to go see her," Alice added getting up and gathering her stuff.
"Okay," Sarah sighed. "If you guys want to stay and practice some more go ahead. I'll see you guys tomorrow," she turned around and addresses the other people working on the play. Then she ran after her two friends.
The car ride was silent there and Sarah was afraid she had done something to hurt Jared's feelings…or make him mad at her. But what? What had she done? Growling mentally in frustration she looked out her window. She couldn't stand seeing him hurt. She couldn't bear to look into his eyes when she made him so. She never wanted him to hurt again. She couldn't hurt him anymore.
But you can hurt Him? I didn't hurt him! The ball, the stairs…He called out for you. He lied. He's never lied before. …it WAS a lie! The truth hurts, little girl. Shut up! Shut up! Leave me alone.
They arrived at the hospital and piled out.
"Jared, are you okay?" she asked tentatively.
"What? Yes, of course. Why do you ask?" Jared responded arching his eyebrow in confusion.
"Well, after we practiced you seemed a little absent."
"I just had some things on my mind. Come on, let's go see Ginger," he smiled wrapping his arm around her shoulders.
"Oh, I forgot the flowers!"
Jared went back to the car and pulled something out. He walked back over to her and gave her a half-a-dozen roses of a pink/peach color. "I'm told that one of the things this color means is sympathy," he explained to her questioning look. "I had already got some flowers."
Sarah nodded not really thinking about how they were so fresh if they had been in his care. "Let's go then," she smiled.
Alice smirked as she followed behind the.
"Oh, such pretty flowers!" Ginger smiled from her bed. Jared handed her the bouquet as the trio walked into the room. "Thank you!" She winked at Jared who chuckled politely. "So, Sarah, I hear told you're taking my place on the play," she pouted. "Now you get to be the one the Goblin King is in-love with."
"He lied!" she objected too readily.
"Oh, p-shah! It is so obvious he's head-over-heels for Nerissa. Honestly Sarah, you should know." Ginger rolled her eyes before turning her gaze to Alice. "Ali, it's been so long since we last saw each other! How are you? What's your mother up to?"
Alice nodded nervously. "I'm good. Mom's good. It's all good."
"Well, that' good."
Sarah quirked a brow. "Is it just me or is Ginger acting…normal? Are you sure she doesn't have a concussion?" she whispered to Jared.
"Want me to play doctor and find out?" he joked while muttering where he could find a scrapple.
Sarah shook her head in a reproving manner and gently back-handed him on the chest. "You, my friend, are not going near anything sharp." She grinned mischievously. "Unless that's just a ploy so you can play doctor with Ginger."
"Did I say that?" he asked confused.
"No, 'play doctor'…you know…English people are weird," she muttered giving up.
"No, humans in general are weird."
"True, but the English are weirder."
"Do you guys want to get a room or something?" Ginger laughed.
Sarah blushed. Clearing her throat she walked over and sat down in a chair next to her bed. "So, seriously Ginger, why are you acting different all of a sudden?"
"Well, I guess this accident has just shown me that life is short and it means something so I shouldn't treat myself like I'm just some kind of property for men…plus I got a phone number," she winked with a giggle.
"Really? Who?" Sarah asked with a smile.
"The ambulance boy."
Sarah gasped. "How old is he?"
"Just barely Twenty-one. I know that seems old but that is only like, two or three years older than me. He's in collage still and so there has to be a senior ambulance person with him at all times on the job, like a mentor or something like that." She laughed. "An ambulance guru, who would have thought such a thing existed? But anyways, Karyl said once I'm better he would take for a ride in the ambulance and let me turn the siren on."
Sarah shook her head. "Well, best luck to ya," she grinned winking and clicking her tongue. "When do you think you'll be back to school?"
"Oh, I should be getting out tomorrow morning but they want me to stay home and rest during the weekend so I'll probably be there Monday. It's just a broken leg, miraculously, so it's not all that hard. I'll just have to use crutches. Besides, Karyl said he would come over to check on me."
"Excuse me, but visiting hours are over," a female nurse said popping in.
"Okay, we'll see you later babe," Alice smiled.
"Get well," Jared nodded.
"Tell me all the juicy details concerning Karyl, okay?" Sarah said with another wink.
"Sarah, come here real quick," Ginger said as Sarah started walking out the door.
"What is it Ging?"
"You're lucky to have someone like Jared. He really cares for you. Don't let him get away Sarah. This is the first boy I've seen you get all starry-eyed with." Sarah smiled softly and patted Ginger's hand. "Oh, and give me all the juicy details," Ginger winked as Sarah walked out the door.
Well, I'm off to bed. Not because I'm s'eepy but because it's just gotten too late and my mind is closing down. So goodnight all. Oh, and how did you like my change of Ginger? I didn't even know I was going to do that until I was already typing it. I Googled 'rose colors and their meanings' or something like that and found that information. Different sites had different answers but they were mostly similar so yeah. Sweet dreams everyone.