Chapter 12, Afterwards?
Jareth and Sarah were enjoying their stroll through the Goblin Market. Merrily chatting away, exchanging stories and past adventures.
"No way!" Sarah giggled. "That sounds awful!" She said, nudging into him.
"Oh believe me it was. I didn't use my crystals after that for a very long time." He chuckled.
"I can see why. Hopefully you learned your lesson." She lectured sarcastically.
"I learned not to get caught when you still learning." He corrected.
"So what happened next." She urged.
"Well, I was paralyzed. The women started screaming and ran away. That's pretty much it." He smiled into nothing.
"Did you at least get in trouble? God knows if you did that to me I'd smack you right upside the head." She looked at him sharply, thinking she might have overstepped again. He simply laughed.
"I was still a boy. And a prince I might add. So no, I didn't really get in trouble. Though, I did receive a stern look from my mother." He gave her an incriminating smirk. " And you? What excitement has befallen you?" Sarah looked away.
"Nothing that could compare to any one of your tales." She responded. "My life's been pretty ordinary, just a girl. Going to school, crushing on boys, that sort of thing. Except for our little adventure of course" She tried to derail from the subject.
"And what about afterwards?" He asked. He had been interested in Sarah's affairs after she left, but had been unable to see her due to her power over the Labyrinth.
"Nothing to exciting. I finished high school. Went to a small college, but I could only go for two years; I just couldn't afford it. I've got an apartment now. It's small, and an absolute piece of shit. I prefer Hoggle's shack to it any day. I have a job, I work for an ad agency. But I mostly just sit at a computer all day. Nothing too exciting." She tacked on.
This had saddened Jareth. He was expecting a far grander tale, she was so strong and perfect, this took him by surprise.
"Are there any pleasures in your life Sarah?" She blushed furiously at his choice of words.
"Um, pleasures?" She replied.
"Friends? Men? extravagant experiences?" He added the last bit on to try and distract her from what he was really saying.
"Yea, I've got friends. Although we're not close, and the only extravagant experience I can think of is going out to the bar once in a while." She paused, waiting to answer his real question. "And no, there are no men in my life. There have been but, I was just too detached for anything real serious." She stated flatly. She then turned to look at him in the eye. "Are there any women in your life Goblin King?" She asked jokingly.
"There have been many." He replied with a devilish grin. "But not as of late." He quickly added.
"So I thought." She snickered.
"And what exactly do you mean by that." He retorted.
"Please, I have seen your pants. And I don't think you dress that way solely for your own tastes." Sarah's face grew hot when she realized what she had just said, or rather admitted. Oh shit! How could I be so stupid? He started laughing, a low rumble booming through the market.
"And what if I was to say it was solely for my own tastes in fashion?" He chose not to embarrass her further by calling her out.
"Then, I would say keep up the good work." There was no going back, she might as well play it out.
Jareth had started laughing harder causing Sarah to laugh as well. He pulled her a little tighter and were lost in a happy moment when a jumping black puffball started tugging at Jareth's jacket. He turned to face the thing that had pulled him from his enchantment.
"Your Majesty! I'm sorry but you're needed at the castle." The thing bellowed.
"What's going on?" He replied, not yet releasing Sarah.
"There's a courier for you, and a man showed up shortly after. He's waiting to see you." The tuff of hair bounced up and down erratically.
Jareth turned to Sarah with a sympathizing look on his face.
"It seems I must take my leave. Enjoy the rest of your day my precious." He gave her a farewell bow and kissed the back of her hand.
Before she knew it she was back at the cottage, alone. She slumped in a chair and watched the fireplace ignite itself. As she pouted, she traced her hand down her neck, a sly smile graced her lips.
Sarah hadn't heard word from Jareth the rest of the night. It was starting to get dark, so she decided to stay in. She was a bit depressed to be alone, but her spirits lightened when she noticed the house was suddenly full of food. She made some concoction of chicken and vegetables, sitting in front of the fire as she ate. Women, of course he's had many women, hundreds probably! I can't compete with that, how could I ever? Wait...Why am I even thinking about this? Am I crazy? Giving it up to the Goblin King should be last on my list... She thought, staring into the crackling flames. Why is it I can only think rationally when he's not around...
Sarah woke the next morning comfortable and sated. She sat up and looked around the room, stretching in the morning light. Her day started out hopeful, she quickly bathed and dressed in anticipation for the Goblin King. But he didn't show. She cleaned, and ate and waited. She then cleaned some more, impatiently read through books and waited again. It was almost four o'clock and still nothing. Refusing to let herself sink further into a depression she went to the bathroom.
She fumbled through the different bottles until she found the peach scented oil. She opened it and blew. A single bubble formed on the rim of the bottle and took flight, hovering in front of her face.
"Take me to Hoggle's" She said, and the bubble popped. The room started to swirl and then settle again, this time forming the contours of Hoggle's cottage.
She heard voices from behind the door, she listened and thought she made out the voice of Sir Didymus. She gently knocked on the door and waited. A moment later the door creaked open to show Hoggle's wrinkled face. Sarah smiled.
"Sarah! You're back!" He raved. " I admit, I was getting a little worried, not hearing from you n' all." Hoggle cheered.
"My Lady!" Screamed Sir Didymus from just inside the cottage.
"It's good to see you again Hoggle, I thought I'd visit for a bit. Sir Didymus! I haven't seen you in forever!" She cheered back.
"Oh, that's not long at all My Lady." Didymus replied.
Sarah entered the small house and sat in a chair adjacent Sir Didymus's. Hoggle wobbled over and proceeded to pour the three refreshments.
"Would you care to join us for tea Sarah?" Hoggle asked. She nodded in compliment while Didymus bounded in his chair. After the three were settled in Sir Didymus spoke.
"My Lady, it is a great joy to see you, but if I may ask why are you here?" His question rattled her, bringing back the memory of the Ball and the decision she would have to make.
"The Labyrinth brought me here because I share its magic. I'm not the only one, there are a bunch of humans here." She replied.
"Ah, I see. I remember hearing of such an event. May I ask if you are staying?" His question was innocent, but it nearly shook Sarah to tears.
"I-I, I don't know yet. it's a pretty big decision." Her voice was a bit shaky, though no one seemed to notice.
"I don't see why. This place may have its downfalls but you must admit, there is nothing like it in the Aboveground. Everything here seems to be possible." He said.
"Yes, and nothing is what it seems. I've learned a lot since my time here, I've learned not to take anything for granted. So, before I make a decision I need some solidarity to all this." She still had a few days left. It was true, there was nothing like this Aboveground. Come to think of it, not once had she actually thought about it. She was so frightened of staying here, but she had never missed her life from before. Her friends didn't exist, her family was far from her mind. There was really nothing holding her down, yet she was so frightened.
Sir Didymus cocked his head.
"I just need to get my ducks in a row." She simplified. Hoggle finally decided to be a part of the conversation,
"Well, I for one would be very happy if you decide to stay." He stated.
"As would I." Added Dydimus, looking from Hoggle to Sarah.
"Thank you, hopefully that will make my decision a little easier. I just don't know what I'm supposed to do if I stay here." She mumbled, more to herself than to her companions.
"Why don't you just ask Jareth then." Hoggle was calm and frank, but again it made Sarah uneasy.
"I can't" She spat quickly.
"Why not? He's the King, if you stay here it's his job to see to your new life. I may not like the rat, but he'll know what to do." He sipped his tea.
"Thank you, but...It's a bit more complicated then that." She gave a weak smile from over the rim of her cup.
Sarah stayed with her friends a while longer, laughing and reminiscing the past. When She finally said her goodbyes it was well into the night. After the door closed behind her she stepped out into the darkness. The sky was pitch black, and the moon shone bright. Cold air nipped at her lips as she whispered,
"Take me back to Jareth's cottage." She hoped that specific enough.
In an instant she found herself once again standing by the lake. As she walked up the short path leading towards the cottage, a lone butterfly fluttered in her stomach hoping a wild mane of hair and mismatched eyes would be awaiting her. She slowly opened the door, hearing nothing but the creaking of the floor boards. The light from the fire made frantic shows that danced on the walls. She felt a soft pang in her chest when she realized she was still alone, for yet another night.