Chapter 14, A Wish Granted
Sarah's eyes clamped shut, the feeling of his lips against her skin undid her. Silent tears creeped down her cheeks. She let out the breath she'd been holding when she felt something, or rather didn't feel something. Jareth was no longer holding her.
She opened her eyes and gasped, she was standing in her living room. She looked around, it was dark. The clock read 3:22 am. She ran to the kitchen, to see how many missed calls and messages she had -none. She thought a moment, hmm... Pulling away from the answering machine, she noticed the calendar she had on the wall. Like a flash, she made her way to the bedroom. Slowly opening the door, she saw the pile of blankets and hair that was Kara's sleeping form. He sent me back...To the night when she wished me away. I haven't missed anything, no one knows I was gone...It's like it never happened...
Her heart started to settle, but she felt herself frown. She was back, and he was gone. She'd never see him again.
She closed the door and walked to the living room, laying out the blankets meant for Kara on the couch.
No matter how she turned or fussed, she couldn't get comfortable. She brought her palm to her forehead, staring at the ceiling. Well, you got what you wanted. He did it, just as he always does...And you couldn't even look him in the eye... She felt her eyes start to tear up again. This is what I wanted so badly? It's too late, Don't get so upset. She rolled over on her side, and felt something jab into her. Realizing what it was, she pulled the crystal Jareth had given her out of her pocket.
"What speaks with two tongues, though is never heard nor seen? What is sought so vigorously but never wished to touch? What is the answer, that is always wrong?" She whispered. Woah, where did that come from? She wondered. A riddle? Is that what this thing is? She placed the sleek orb on the coffee table in front of her, contemplating its meaning.
She stared for hours, and made no progress. Focusing so intently on the crystal made her eyes grow heavy. With one heavy blink after another, she started to drift off to sleep. She could have sworn she felt stiff leather gloves caress her cheek as the world around her turned to black.
Sarah was roused by a subtle crackling of some kind. A rich aroma filled her nostrils, causing her eyes to snap open. Oh, how I've missed bacon. She thought, sitting up on the couch and taking a long stretch.
"Oh, good, you're up." Kara said, peering around the corner. Sarah went to speak, but was cut off. " Hey, I'm sorry about last night. I don't remember much, but I know I said some pretty mean things. I just want you to know, that was the booze talking, not me." She said, clasping a spatula in front of her as if it were a shield.
Sarah stood and walked over to the doorway.
"Don't worry about it." She said, giving her a long overdue hug. Kara could only be happy she wasn't still angry with her. "So, what's for breakfast?" She asked.
Kara moved into the kitchen to show Sarah her grand display.
"We've got eggs, toast, pancakes, and bacon." She said, with a swoop of her arm. Sarah's mouth was watering, fruit was great n' all, but she missed Good ol' human grease and carbohydrates.
Sarah took a seat as Kara heaped up two plates.
"I went out and bought some fruit too, if you want any." Kara said, handing Sarah her plate. Sarah raised an eyebrow at her.
"Sucking up, are we?" She asked with a laugh.
"You bet." Kara answered, turning to face Sarah. She held something in her hand, something that made Sarah quiver when she brought it to her mouth and took a deep bite. "You want one?" Kara asked, jokingly, seeing the wide eyed expression on her friends' face.
"Uh, no, no. I find I'm quite over peaches." Sarah stammered. God, is this the fucking Twilight Zone? Kara slumped in her chair, most ladylike.
"Suit yourself, more for me." She said, with a mouth full of juiciness.
Sarah and Kara demolished breakfast in record time, each joking and laughing along as girls do. Kara didn't notice the forced smile plastered on Sarah's face. After cleaning up, and a few more apologies on Kara's behalf, the two parted ways.
"So, I'll see you this weekend then?" Kara asked, fumbling in the doorway.
"What's this weekend?" Sarah asked, unable to recall what she was referring to. Kara gave her a look of disbelief.
"Halloween, duh! Geez, Sarah, how could you of all people forget?" She asked. Sarah gave a careless laugh, wanting nothing more than to retreat into the solitude of her room.
"Oh, yea. Sorry, I've had a bit on my mind lately, I must have forgotten...Where are we going again?" Sarah asked.
"We're going to that new club downtown remember? They're doin' that whole costume party thing? Bringin' in some of the local bands n' stuff, should be fun." She remembered now, they'd found a flyer at the local grocery about it.
"Oh yea, I'll pick you up around...8:30?" Sarah asked, trying to act as if she were really interested.
"Sounds great. Oh, and one more thing-" Kara said, Sarah's attention perked up. "What's up with you? You seem kind of funny." She asked. Sarah was caught off guard, and didn't really know what to say.
"What? I'm fine, just tired." She said, with a casual wave. Kara gave her a look of disapproval.
"It's a guy isn't it." She said. Sarah's face flushed.
"No, what makes you say that?" She spat. Kara's grin widened.
"Yes it is, I just know. And, I expect to hear all about it. See you Saturday!" She called over her shoulder, turning her back on a baffled and speechless Sarah.