(KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK)

Sarah jumped up in excitement before retaining herself and gracefully walking over to the door. She took a deep breath before slowly opening it displaying herself in the most courteous way possible. The door opened to reveal her beauty and grace in a desirable way, but Sarah looked noticeably disappointed with what she saw at the other side of the door.

A tall dark noble-looking man presented himself before her. He wore a dark blue debonair attire which coordinated with the sapphire dress she was wearing. His friendly eyes looked happy with her presence as he smiled charmingly at her. He seemed handsome enough, a prince that every girl would dream of having, but for some reason he wasn't what Sarah had been hoping for.

"Oh...um…hello I'm…" she said.

"Sarah, yes I know, Jareth's told me all about you" he said in a British accent similar to Jareth's but with less mockery and more congeniality. "My name is Quinton, but you can call me Quince" he said putting out his hand for Sarah to shake.

As she placed her swan like fingers into his, he did not shake her hand but lifted it up to his lips and planted a firm kiss on it.

"You look absolutely beautiful, Sarah. Jareth said you would be, but I never believed in angels before I saw you" said Quince. He was truly a gentlemen, maybe a bit mawkish but overall he was a nice date. "Now I hear this is your ball so I will do my best to make sure that you have wonderful time. Whatever you need, you just ask me okay" he said holding out his arm.

"Okay, thank you very much" she said linking her arm with his as they walked down the corridor together.

The masquerade was more than wonderful. The entire room glistened with magic and allure. The ceiling was gloriously suspended with the most exclusive chandeliers which illuminated the beautiful dancers who serenaded each other across the dance floor. Every guest wore a magnificent regal costume looking much more dignified than Sarah had expected and when Sarah and Quince entered the ballroom they all stared in admiration at the girl. She simply loved the attention, even if it was a fake ball which she had requested. Nobody could resist marvelling at her beauty, especially Quince who immediately began dancing with her. He took her with his gentle hand and lightly they glided across the floor. Sarah was surprised at how good a dancer she was, she flew across the floor so elegantly like she was as light as a feather. None of the female dancers were as gorgeous as Sarah, even behind their masks she could tell that they were much older than her and didn't have her innocence or virtue. In truth there was only one other beautiful woman. She had long auburn curls and a dazzling smile. Her dress was an emerald green with ruffles at the bottom. Sarah wouldn't have minded that there was another young girl at the ball but when she realised who the girls' date was she couldn't help but envy her slightly. For there he was, standing with his arm around the woman's waist smiling at her intently.

Jareth wore a jet black ensemble with a dazzling regency shirt and shimmering cloak. She had never seen him looking so sophisticated. Even his hair looked like it had glitter in it. She was so absorbed with him that while she was dancing she tripped over Quince's feet.

"Watch yourself there" said Quince as he caught her fall. "Maybe we should cease dancing for a while. Oh look, there's Jareth and Helena, shall we greet them" he said walking towards them and dragging Sarah along with her. "Jareth, Helena, may I present to you the lovely Sarah" said Quince.

Jareth turned his eyes towards Sarah and looked startled by her beauty. Not even he expected her to look that impressive. Sarah however felt very awkward at this point. She felt suddenly rather exposed with the fact that all eyes were on her.

"Hello Sarah. I must admit you do look lovely. I hope you're enjoying your ball" said Jareth.

"Um…yes its beautiful" she said.

"Oh good. Erm…have you met Helena?" asked Jareth pulling the girl closer to him.

"Hi" said Helena in a very pleasant voice, "Jareth's told me all about you."

"Oh hi, um has he?" said Sarah nervously. "That's funny he's never mentioned you" she said trying not to make herself sound mean.

Jareth and Helena smiled before walking away to congregate with some others.

"Shall we go and get something to drink" said Quince who held out his hand and led Sarah over to the buffet table.

On their way over there Sarah could not help asking questions about Jareth and Helena.

"How long has Jareth known Helena for?" she asked

"Oh for as long as I can remember" said Quince.

"So what are they…dating or something?" she asked

"Well I wouldn't say dating. Helena often accompanies Jareth to these balls and whatnot. They have a kind of sporadic relationship, she's more like a long-term friend really. Still, I won't deny that they haven't had amorous relations in the past. Anyway, why the sudden interest?"

"Oh erm, no reason I was just taking an interest in my guests, I mean its my ball isn't it?" she said.

"Why yes it is, and if any of these guests bring you trouble then you have every right to discharge them. Of course, Helena wouldn't give you any grief she's a sweetheart that one."

Sarah secretly pulled a face when he mentioned Helena. She didn't know why but she seemed really threatened by her.

Sarah poured a glass of punch into a glass and watched the glory of the ball as she drank. For some reason she wasn't enjoying herself as much as she'd hoped. Maybe it was because she was in a room full of strangers or maybe there was some other reason. Sarah looked at Helena. She did have a certain beauty in her nature. The way she laughed when Jareth whispered in her ear and the way she danced in his arms. She watched as they paraded around the room. They looked such an attractive couple and all eyes were on them. It no longer felt like Sarah's ball anymore. No one took and interest in what she and Quince were doing.

Sarah was engrossed in so much thought that she didn't even notice Jareth and Helena dancing up towards her. The rest of the dancers moved out of the way letting them possess the dance floor but Sarah didn't budge. As Helena sailed past Sarah her arm accidentally elbowed Sarah's drink so that it spilt all over Sarah. Sarah gasped as the drink spilt all over her dress.

"Oh gosh I'm so sorry, here let me help you" said Helena as she stopped dancing and rushed to Sarah's aid.

"No it's okay I'm fine" Sarah said noticing that everyone in the ballroom including Jareth was looking at her.

Helena got hold of a tissue and tried to wipe Sarah's dress but Sarah pushed her away.

"I'm sorry I was only trying to help" said Helena.

"And I said I didn't want you to!" Sarah said heatedly.

"Look I know you're upset but you don't need to be so rude okay, especially when this ball was made entirely for you" Helena said.

Sarah had had enough. She angrily poured what was left of her drink over Helena's face. Helena gasped along with the rest of the crowd. Sarah tearfully ran out of the ballroom before she caused some real trouble.

There's always gotta be a masquerade in these JS stories hasn't there!? Nex chap up soon. Chill ya - RK

P.S. Does anyone love Everyone Says 'Hi' as much as I do?