So, I seem to be on a writing spree! Somebody stop me!!! Please forgive the typos and let me know if it's getting too long and boring. I have so many ideas where ai want to take the story, an it very well may be broken up in to two parts. Time will tell.
Again the disclaimer. I do not own Jim Henson's lovely creation or story or characters said or other wise. I do not own the Labyrinth or it's characters.
Sarah and Stephen sat across from each other. To her urprise she was actually having a good time. "Well, working with battered women and seeing the changes in their lives has been reward enough They are stronger than they realize, which is very sad." Sarah said. " I completely get it " Stephen replied. " My main company deals with big companies, CEOs and all that. I love helping the ma and pop stores. The recently married couples who are trying to start out, the women and men trying to make their mark on life" Toby looked as if he might vomit. Karen and Robert remained quiet, watching everything before them.When the dishes were cleared, Sarah and Stephen were sitting in the living room, continuing their conversation alone. Stephen looked at his watch. " Look at the time. I hate to leave good company." He said looking disappointed. "I have a plane to catch." Karen appeared out of no where with his coat, Robert trailing looking almost embarrassed. "It was lovely having you over." Karen said. "Yes Steve. Wonderful having you over. I'll fax you over the rest of the paperwork, and anything else I can find. This case won't be won over night." He said grimly. Stephen nodded. He then looked at Sarah. "Hopefully it won't be too long." They were quiet, staring at each other. " It was nice to meet you, Sarah." He finally said putting his coat on.
"It was nice to meet you, too." She replied. "I really must be going." He said. "Oh! For the love of...! Just ask her out already!" Toby screamed from the other room. Sarah turned bright red, again. Karen and Robert walked out the room, barely containing their smile. Toby screamed from the other room. " My ear!!"
Sarah and Stephen smiled at each other. " Now that they are busy, I am going to sneak out. My friend has been blowing up my phone, probably at my house waiting for me. Girls night out since my birthday was yesterday." She opened the door slowly, avoiding the familiar squeaks. He walked with her outside. "Oh. Well happy birthday. How old did you turn, if you don't mind me asking." He turned to her. " I know women can get offended by that question."
He smiled nervously at her, walking towards the car. "Well. I will tell you, if you tell me your age." She replied, and saw him wince, even though she meant it as a tease. " You show me yours, and I'll show you mine." She clarified. It didn't seem to ease his tension, as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Look. I'm sorry. I have had such a good night, the best in a long time. My wife passed away two years ago. Tonight has been the first time that flirting with a woman didn't feel like cheating." They stood her car quietly. "I am sorry to hear that." She said. "Your flirting skills are phenomenal." He looked at her, smiling an actual smile. The tension seemed to leave his face. "Wow! You even know what to say. I hate the 'Sorry fo your loss thing. Like the person could change what happened, or if in some way they were responsible for what happened." He said with a relieved chuckle. "Thank you Sarah."
Sarah nodded. "I turned thirty yesterday." She finally said. "Oh! Wow! I feel like such a creep! Here I am, 45 and you're just a baby. I couldn't gage your age, but...wow! No wonder. No wonder I can't find the nerve to ask you out." He shook his head. He huffed shaking his head. " Look. I really do like you, and want to get to know you, but understand completely if you say no. Man. I keep rambling." Sarah laughed as she watched him take his cell phone out and drop it. She picked it up, but didn't give it back. "Your dad will probably stop working with me for perving on his daughter."
Sarah began laughing harder, with tears streaming down her face. "Oh! You poor old man!" He looked at her with a shocked an almost hurt look on his face. " Hey! I am not THAT old." He said getting annoyed. "Yes you are. A tad bit senile as well. He passed a hand through his hair in frustration. " Look. I'm embarrassed enough as it is. Just hand me my phone and I'll leave, kid." Sarah took a step back, hands out of his reach, hiding behind her. She didn't know why she behaving this way, especially with her dad's associate, but it just felt right. She sensed he was the type of man who hated pity, and for some reason his reaction made her feel more bold and playful. " That is my personal belonging." He said as he made a pass to get his phone. "Give...it..back."
She pounced out of his way, still smiling. "Slow and senile." He had her backed up against her car, one hand behind her back and the other on his chest. "Better. You know, I kind of like you like this." She pulled her hand from her back, and began entering her number in his phone. He looked at her shocked. " Just so you know," she said handing him his cell phone back. " We were both set up. My dad has only been bringing you here for the sole purpose of meeting me."
The realization was slowly showing on his face."You mean to tell me..why he...?" She nodded. "Knowing him, he has been saying my name for the late three weeks randomly." He nodded. "Subliminal message at its finest. Don't feel bad. Karen isn't just a housewife, she's also a certified licensed physch Dr. She just prefers to be a housewife. And yes. I would like very much to see you again. Preferably away from my family." He smiled. "Maybe we can catch an early bird special. Ok, grandpa?"
This time he smiled and replied. "Don't forget to bring your booster seat, kid." For the first time, Stephen felt light with no sharp pain in his chest or guilt for flirting. He opened the car door for her, and shut it once she was inside. As he watched her drive away, he heard a hooting sound. He looked up, and in a tree saw a owl flying away.
Like Katniss Ever seen, I am on fire!!! I hope you enjoy reading as much as I have enjoyed writing. Looks like the set up was a hit. Karen must be doing a happy dance, or planning a wedding. Next up... Sarah's second set up for the night. And what is up with that owl?
