Chapter 3

Sarah was out of breath, when she finally reached the area of the park that she loved.

She had discovered this little area of park next to a stream, when she was younger and she used to come here to get away from everyone so she could act. An obsession she once had, which she had long since forgotten.

There were big trees covering the area shielding it away from prying eyes which she felt was perfect. She collapsed on the grass, put her head in her hands and drew her knees up to her chest.

A high pitched noise startled her and she looked up, to her surprise a large white barn owl landed right next to her "what the hell?" she muttered "owls don't come out in daylight, do they?" She ran her hand down the owl's soft feathers and felt it shiver

"Strange." She turned away from it and faced an old tree, which she had carved her name into years ago. Deep in thought, she did not notice the owl land right in front of her.

"What is up with this thing?" She looked at it closely and she noticed something stranger, its eyes; one a deep blue the other a nice shade of hazel. She shot back,

"Jesus Christ. Jareth what are you doing here?" At his name Jareth transformed in to his normal form. Every inch the Goblin King that Sarah remembered the clothes, the hair everything.

With a grin on his face he remarked "well well Sarah so this is how much a guy has to do to get your attention" He was just as arrogant as ever she could see, some things just won't change. She stood up

"Well sorry I forgot that every bird I see magically turns in to a Goblin King, How was I supposed to know?" she was clearly irritated.

"Well, one would think you'd remember"

"Look Jareth, I'm sorry but I'm just not in the mood for any of your tricks or games so you can just leave, what are you doing here anyway?" she continued.

"I heard about your father" Jareth said remorsefully.

"How, he died less than an hour ago" she was suspicious

Jareth played with his gloves.

"Oh it doesn't matter." For she had almost forgotten about her father from the shock of seeing Jareth and now remembered the reason she came here in the first place, but she wasn't going to cry in front of him.

"Excuse me" she said to Jareth and she walked to the other side of the area of park they were in, next to the stream.

There were Bluebells scattered on the grass and she sat amongst them breathing in their nice scent but hardly noticing, as she immediately started to cry.

Her father couldn't have gone; she hadn't even said goodbye to him just spent her time arguing with Karen if only she had known she would have used her lasts minutes with him wisely.

Jareth watched Sarah, he had wanted to leave her cry alone as that was what she obviously had wanted, but her sitting alone there on the bank crying was ripping his heart to pieces, he had to go to her.

He did not think about what he was doing he just sat down next to her and put his arm around her. She accepted his comfort and buried her face in to his chest. She cried and cried letting out years of pain which she had held in.

He stroked her hair and held her tightly wishing he could take all the pain away from her but even though he knew he could do it, it wouldn't do her any good as her past would always haunt her. She needed to let all of this out. It grew dark and they still had not moved. Jareth was seriously uncomfortable but he didn't say a word or move an inch.

Finally Sarah lifted her head. "Jareth, I didn't even say goodbye to him, I miss him so much."

"Shhh" Jareth soothed her "he knew that you loved him."

"Thank you" Sarah said

"For what?"

"For letting me ruin your shirt" Jareth looked down and laughed at the state he was in.

"But seriously, thank you, I needed someone, today of all days"

"Your welcome" Jareth replied.

It was really dark now and two figures sat bathed in shadow. Sarah had fallen asleep a while ago and Jareth had wrapped his cloak around her, Sarah snored a little and Jareth smiled.

If only he had know this morning that he would be ending the day with the woman he loved in his arms. "Hang on love where did that come from" Jareth scolded himself, he admitted he was attracted to her but it would not do well for him to get involved with this mortal. She was spoilt and gave no regard for others feelings; she had proven that to him five years ago.

The wind picked up and Jareth shivered it was time to take Sarah home; she would catch a cold if they stayed like this. He lifted her up in his strong arms and transported them back to her apartment. He had never seen where Sarah lived before and what he found was shocking. The apartment was in terrible condition, tiny and very cramped, even though it was clean and tidy and looked homely, he could not believe that Sarah could stand to live in a place like this. He found his way to her bedroom though it was not hard considering the size of the place.

He laid Sarah down on her bed and covered her, Sarah awoke with a start "huh where am I?" she looked confused

"Jareth what are you doing here?"

"Don't worry Sarah I'm leaving now.

"Oh no please don't, stay just until I go to sleep I don't think I'll be able to, if you go." She pleaded with him.

Jareth looked wary but gave in "Okay Sarah" he waved his hand and the lights went off he sat next to her bed and watched her fall asleep." He tucked some of her long hair behind her ear and covered her. "Goodbye Sarah" he wanted to stay next to her, but she would want some time to herself when she awoke.

Besides she was not herself today, normally them meeting would turn into a huge argument or something, she would be back to normal tomorrow. He sighed and gazed at her for a few more minutes. She looked childlike when she was asleep, he used a crystal to ensure she would have a peaceful nights rest and he left.

He arrived back at his castle and transported himself to his bedchambers. He got changed and laid down "what a day" he muttered to himself "poor Sarah she'll feel awful tomorrow." He sighed turned over and fell asleep worrying what had happened to his castle in his absence and the mountain of paperwork he would have to catch up with.