(Author's notes: Hey, it has been a while but I'm back at it. Thanks for all the likes and comments, which push me to keep this story going. I have a lot of ideas for it and look forward to writing the next chapter. Thanks for the support! I hope you enjoy this one.)
"It is dangerous to become attached to a du Lac. He will break your heart, and you will not recover." Sarah's voice started off strong, but trailed off into a near whisper as her own words resonated deep within herself.
Her trembling hand gently placed the book about knights, a king, a queen, and a famous Round Table upon her nightstand. "He is no knight, but a king—a cruel king." The memory of Jareth's touch weighed heavily on her heart, for its absence stung. "Cruel indeed." Though she spoke ill of him, the tone of her voice seemed to contradict her words. If anything, her inflections sounded lonesome and lacked any sign of anger.
Weeks had gone by without any intrusions from the one she called, magic man. He was beginning to feel like a phantom—a shadow she could not catch, for she ended up only grasping at her own darkness. Was he even real or just a figment conceived by her overly active imagination? He had left nothing behind...not a single clue that their night together had been real. Yet, she could not shake the feeling that he actually had. "Another contradiction," she said with a sigh and planned to bury such thoughts in the deepest corner of her mind.
Slowly, her bare feet carried her restless body over to her bedroom window. She pulled open the curtains and gazed at the cloudless sky. It was a clear blue morning, which gave her some hope...some. "They looked like two flowers, bright enough to turn to each other for sunlight..." Those thick dark brows pulled together as she felt a storm well up within her eyes.
"Sarah!" The voice of her stepmother, Irene, broke her trance.
"C-coming." She rushed downstairs to find Toby sitting in a highchair while Irene cooked breakfast.
"Good morning, Toby." His wide eyed smile was contagious, and Sarah couldn't stop herself from placing a tender kiss upon his little head. She lingered above him and took in the sweet scent of the toddler's soft hair.
"Grab a plate. I'm making pancakes."
The very idea of eating pancakes, or anything for that matter, made Sarah's stomach turn. "No thanks, I'm not feeling very hungry...where's dad?"
"He left a few minutes ago. Did you need something?"
"No...I just wanted to say bye." She couldn't hide the disappointment on her face. It didn't seem so long ago that her dad would always give her a hug before heading to work.
"Well, you should eat something. You haven't had a decent meal all week. You're practically disappearing. You look so thin and pale. Are you coming down with something? I heard there's a stomach bug going around. Maybe I should take you to see the doc?" Irene approached Sarah and tried to place her hand on her forehead, but Sarah pulled away from her touch.
"I'm fine, geez. You're such a hypochondriac…" A year ago, Sarah had promised to be kinder to her stepmom, but at times...she just couldn't. This very moment was no different. An idea suddenly came to her, and she would once again have to break that promise. "But maybe you're right...maybe I should stay home from school today. Just in case? I have been feeling...poorly." Her words came out with a bit of drama.
"What are your symptoms?"
"I've mostly been feeling tired and nauseated." At least, it's not a total lie. In truth, she hadn't been feeling like herself in the mornings.
She sighed. "I suppose you haven't missed much this year and some rest would probably do you some good." Her focus moved from Sarah to her watch. "Can you cut this up for your brother?"
"S-sure…" Sarah muttered and couldn't help but feel forgotten as Irene disappeared into the other room. She cut the pancakes into little bits and placed the cartoon themed plastic plate in front of him. "Don't worry Toby, I'd never forget you. Want a bite?"
Toby shook his head, "no tank you, Swara."
A small laugh escaped her. "Come on, it's really good. Watch." She forced herself to take a small bite. "M-mm...see?"
As soon as she swallowed, she felt a wave of heat hit her. The room seemed to turn topsy-turvy and her vision blurred. "J-jareth…?" She muttered weakly. No, this was something else. Sarah started to dry heave and barley made it to the sink in time. The sound of footsteps approaching temporarily snapped her out of her sickened daze.
"Damn…" Her unsteady hand turned on the water to clean out the sink, and she splashed a bit over her face before taking a seat near Toby. Sarah didn't know why she felt like she needed to hide her sickness, but really...a part of her did. She wasn't ready to entertain that possibility, not until everyone was gone for the day.
The next few moments passed her by in a flash. Irene nagged her about leaving the water running, and for letting Toby knock his food off the table. She could barely hear her...could barely see Toby's smile as they headed out the door. As soon as the door clicked shut, she sprung up and rushed to get dressed.
…
The street felt dull that morning. Everything around her was muted and colorless. Her mind was focused on one thought, there has to be a baby, Sarah. His words had been so clear, but their meaning completely missed. Did he mean... She shook her head in disbelief as she made her way to the "unmentionable" section of the corner store.
She passed by the feminine hygiene products in a hurry. If only, it was that simple. If only, she could stop right there—she'd never feel ashamed to carry that cardboard box upfront again. But no, she knew it had been a while—too long, probably.
She passed a tampon ad where the female looked way too happy. She's only happy because she knows she's not pregnant... A smile pulled at her lips, for she took comfort in knowing that even in a time of crisis, she still had a sense of humor. At last, she found the tests sitting next to various brands of condoms. Casually, she let her eyes wander the store waiting to catch someone's judgement. To her relief, no one was about except a cashier (one that was familiar with her coming in to buy candy and an occasional snack.)
A sigh escaped her as she looked at all the brands to choose from. Honestly, she didn't know which to pick. So, she grabbed the cheapest one. Now, she had to face the hardest part, checking-out. Her steps moved forward, on the path of shame, to the rhythm of her beating heart. If it wasn't for her code of honor, she would just run out of the store without paying and save herself the humility. It seemed simpler. Even so, she found herself walking up to the counter. She looked down at her feet as her hand casually slid the pregnancy test onto the counter.
"Good morning, Ms. Williams… I don't usually see you here at this... h-hour." His kind smile soon faded into a frown. "Um, will that be all?"
"Y-yes…"
She didn't quite hear how much she owed and just handed him a wad of money.
"You need sixty more cent."
For a moment, she met his gaze only to receive affirmation of her paranoia. "S-sixty…" She stuttered while clumsy looking through her purse and handing him three quarters.
"Here's fifteen back...need a bag?" He asked while shaking his head in disapproval.
"Of course, I need a bag!" She snapped. "I don't want the rest of the world looking at me the way you are right now…"
"Does your mom know you're here?"
"My mother knows nothing about me and neither do you!" She grabbed the box before he had a chance to bag it and stormed out.
All she could do was run—run all the way back home.
…
After opening the box, she pulled out all kinds of tubes and cups. "It's a science experiment...I guess I'm doing schoolwork after all." She followed the directions very carefully. Now, all that was left to do was...wait. Time had felt so strange on this day...first moving so quickly and then so slowly. What was time anyway? To Jareth, it was nothing...endless even.
She left her experiment in the upstairs bathroom and found her way to the couch downstairs. Her back rested against the soft floral cushions while her eyes fell shut. Her mind focused on all the sounds outside—a welcomed distraction. The birds were singing, Merlin was barking, and a plane engine was soaring far off somewhere. I wonder where they are escaping to... The cool winds that blew at the bare trees were turning warm, for spring was soon to come. With it would bring colorful blossoms, new beginnings, and...rebirth.
Her eyes sprung open at such a thought, but she was no longer home. In her unconscious state, she had traveled back to his world. Sarah stood on a high balcony just outside Jareth's quarters. She gazed into the distance at the horizon. It was gold, orange, and red...the color of fire and destruction. A strange feeling passed through her. Where's Jareth?!
"Go home, Sarah…" His voice traveled through the wind that blew at her long locks.
The sound of his soft voice made her jump, for she couldn't tell which direction it came from. Her eyes peeked over her shoulder, but he was nowhere to be seen. When she turned to look back at the sky, it had transformed into a vast celestial sphere of stars. She felt herself afloat on a sinking boat in the heavens...moving farther away from his reach. A surge of desperation washed over her. She needed to see him. "Jareth...I wish to see you."
Far out in the darkness, her watery eyes caught sight of a figure, but he was masked behind a robe the hue of a raven's tuft. Jareth? There wasn't a single thought that kept her from reaching her hand out for him; it was pure instinct. She feared at any moment he'd sprout wings and fly away from her. After all, she was but only a fish in the sea and he was a mighty bird in the sky. In this timeless world, she could sink to impossible depths—a dark void not even the Goblin King could penetrate.
"Tell me, Sarah." His voice filled her heart with its poetry. "Is my appearance a curse or a blessing?"
"I'll tell you if you sing to me…" Her voice was a near whisper as those bright eyes closed and surrendered to the darkness. Just then, she felt his hand take ahold of hers and lift her feet from solid stone. Instead of looking upon him, her arms pulled around his waist and held him tightly with her head tucked into his bare chest. Sarah gave him a simple gift—her trust.
Jareth's long fingers gently combed through her dark silky hair as they swayed on clouds. His hold on her was inexplicable, in both body and mind. He'd sing for her...a comforting lullaby.
My little pearl
Trapped in a box
Beneath the sea
All you do to me
Tell me your secrets
Whisper in my ear
Those dirty little secrets, ha
The ones I wish to hear
My little pearl,
Oh you're my little...pearl
I don't know what to do
Wings plunge in the sea
Breathless from all you do to me
Save me, I'm drowning
A bird can't live in the sea
You torture me
I sink into a deeper blue
Please, let me surrender to you
My little pearl
I opened the box
Learned all your thoughts
Soared to the stars with you
I frightened you
You—my little pearl, ah-ha
My little girl, mmm
My—la la little...pearl
When his song faded, she couldn't help but feel a great loss. "Jareth, I—"
"You're too late, Sarah." His voice overpowered hers. "It's time…"
"Time? For what?"
Just as she thought, he was cruel. "Time... to wake up..." He broke her trust by breaking their embrace and she felt herself falling into the unknown. She fell through time, space, and beyond. Sarah was falling—falling from a painful love.
She jolted forward as her eyes flew open. Once again, she was back in a familiar place—home. It was time, time indeed. Time to make her way back upstairs, time to see how her life might forever be changed, time that could not be altered. She didn't quite know what she wanted...or expected, but her footsteps seemed to match the ticking clock as she made her way back upstairs. And there it was...the proof she sought.
It was true, all of it. Jareth had left her a piece of himself.
Her hand grasped her belly as she fell to the cold tile floor sobbing. "A curse, Jareth…you're a curse."
...
Days passed and she told no one, for she barely believed it herself. Jareth would be the last to know. Perhaps, she'd never tell him. A secret, you'll be my secret...I'll run away. Besides, what would he intend for their child? If he knew, he could take the baby from her. At that thought, Sarah didn't hesitate to grab an old pink suitcase from under her bed. New York, we could go there… Her mind seemed to get ahead of itself as she stuffed the case full. "I'll go tonight…since no one's home. I won't even be missed."
"Sarah...what are you doing?" A familiar voice of reason filled her mind.
"Oh, Hoggle... I have to leave this place. I can't stay here."
"Why, Sarah? What will you do? You haven't any money or the means to leave…"
"I'll figure that out later…I can't let him find me."
"Sarah, he can find you no matter where you go… He's part of you now."
She stopped her frantic packing. "H-how do you know? How do you know about the baby?"
"The baby?! You mean, you're with... Sarah, no...don't tell me…"
"W-what? But, didn't you know? You said it yourself...that he is a part of me?"
"That is NOT what I meant. Jareth has a way of getting into your head—in your dreams."
"Then I won't sleep! It doesn't matter Hoggle…I have to go. I have to keep it a secret. If I don't go now, I won't have the courage to. You understand now, don't you? About courage, I mean."
There was no response.
"Hoggle?"
With her suitcase in hand, Sarah fled her room, ran down the stairs, and swung the front door open. As soon as she did, a bolt of lightning nearly blinded her and a powerful gust of wind forced her to take a step back. All she could make out was the hazy figure standing before her—Jareth!
"And where are you rushing off to, my dear?" He said while looking quite pleased.
"Nowhere…" She managed to mutter softly.
"That bright pink valise would seem to state otherwise. Now Sarah, you know how I hate deception." He teased.
"Oh, really? I thought you were rather fond of storytelling? Tell me what you know."
He laughed arrogantly. "It seems your friend still can't decide where his alliance truly lies. What a pity."
"What did you do to him?" She pressed angrily.
"Nothing. He came to me quite willingly."
"Out of fear?"
"Out of concern, sweetheart. He seems to think there are reasons I should keep you here. Though, I'd much prefer to take you with me."
Sarah started to push past Jarerth. "Yet, you don't have the power to keep me here. Do you?"
His confident grin faded into a pointed look as his gloved hand grasped her arm, roughly forcing her to stop. "Now Sarah, you know my patience only goes so far. Tell me—what are you running from?"
"As if you don't know!" She spat.
"Ah, so your friend knows of your secret too. I could ask him instead. However, you know my patience for dwarfs is even less forgiving than my patience for little girls. So, I'll ask you again...what are you running from?"
"I'm not a little girl, and I'm running from you!" She tried to sound strong, but sounded defeated instead.
"Yes, I remember." He smirked. "You are indeed a woman now, and it was I who exposed that side of you. I could again." His hand reached up to gently caress her cheek while his other hand forced her to release the suitcase. "Come with me, Sarah." He chuckled.
She couldn't help but lean into his warm touch. "I won't be seduced by your word play, Jareth."
That cocky grin returned to his face. "And what about my lips?" His gloved thumb traced over her pouty lower lip. "I've ached to taste yours again." He let the tip of his thumb slide into her mouth. "Do you really want to run from me?"
What was the use of running now? He had already captured her before she even made it through the door. Her hand reached up to clasp his. She slowly removed his glove and left a trail of kisses down his fingertips before planting a gentle kiss onto the palm of his hand. Her eyes locked on his, in hopes of catching the moment of his pleasure, and she did when he let out a soft groan.
"I have to go, Jareth." She murmured. "Please, if you ever cared for me then you will let me go."
A long sigh escaped him as he pulled away from her. "Now who's being cruel? I'll make a deal with you. Tell me why you suddenly wish to run from me and I'll let you go. I've left you be, quietly waited for you, been patient, respected your wishes...until now. So, tell me, why?"
He noticed her face had turned snow white, which prompted him to further look her over. She was thinner and her stance was unsteady. "Are you unwell, Sarah?" His words had grown softer, and he stepped closer.
"Yes. Well, no. Not exactly. It's just that I...I—I'm having a baby...your baby, Jareth. That's why I'm running from you, to protect our baby." Her eyes blinked sporadically as she stumbled through the words.
Those crystal blue eyes appeared to instantly well up. Feeling as though he had been struck by an invisible arrow, he grasped his chest. "A b-baby...we made a...b-baby?" The power of her words had forced him back. Seconds passed as he contemplated the very idea. Her words had slowly traveled through him and rid him momentarily paralyzed.
Sarah had never seen the man so unsure of himself. "Yes, now say you'll let me go." She reached out for her suitcase.
"Sarah, my sweet Sarah…" His head swayed from side to side. "The circumstances have changed…our deal is invalid. This is no longer about just you. Sarah, you now have something that belongs to me... Therefore, you belong to me." With that said, he forcefully grabbed her wrist and they both disappeared.
-to be continued-