Chapter 5. The Way
Breanna followed the girl back to her sanctuary, she watched silently as the girl cradled a broken music box with a sugar-plum fairy in a white dress. The music still played, but the glass was shattered.
Sarah sat down on her bed and listened to the taunting voices in the wall. "My Kingdom is as great," she sighed rocking back and forth. "My Kingdom is as great."
Breanna had seen enough, she took out of her pouch a pinch of the magic dust she always carried. She blew it gently over the girl and watched as the child's pain eased just a bit. "Rest child." She said compassionately. Taking one last look at the room and it's shattered dreams she took her leave of the mortal realm fearing she'd been away from the celebrations too long and didn't want to be missed.
She re-entered the Fae realm swiftly, and made her way to the great hall where the bride and groom were just heading toward the banquet the Prince had arranged. Breanna breathed easier, sure she'd not been missed. A hand came down like a vice clamp upon her shoulder, turning she came face to face with her father. "Father, is there something you need?" she kept her voice civil.
"Where have you been, daughter?" He sniffed, "you smell of the mortal realm!"
Breanna had long ago learned to use truth as a weapon and a shield. "I was performing my duties…" She raised her pouch. "There was a child in need of comfort. Even though this is a day of great rejoicing for us, there are less fortunate in the world of man."
Oberon sighed. "Too true," He raised his daughters chin; "It was a good thing when I made you a guardian of children. You are compassionate and judicious."
Taking her father's hand the Fae woman sighed. "Father, I don't wish to be at war with you….this day I've seen a child whose father has crossed the veil… Her sadness touched me very deeply. I don't wish there to be war betwixt thee and me."
The High King kissed his daughters forehead forgivingly. "Child I am not vexed with thee."
The Fae woman glanced toward the banquet room and her son taking his seat. "I am a mother, and I want for my son the best…"
"I am a father who must protect all my children, even those not born of my loins." Oberon extended his arm to the younger woman. "Trust me; I too want what is best for Jareth."
Pausing before taking steps toward the banquet, Breanna sighed. "But a marriage without love father…"
"A marriage based in mutual respect and duty, daughter." Oberon led her toward the high table where they were to sit. "Smile daughter, do not let other's read your emotions on your face." He warned gently in her ear.
Breanna smoothly smiled the smile of contentment, but in her heart she felt only apprehension. She'd always hoped her son would marry for loves sake alone.
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Jareth looked at Adrianna and smiled softly at her, she looked too beautiful for words. A picture perfect Fae Bride. She turned and smiled back at him. He looked at the sea of guests her father had invited to witness the marriage. There were none here who were not important or powerful in the Fae World. Her father had seen to it that the marriage would be celebrated though out the Fae Realm.
When the meal ended the guests were directed to the ballroom of the Prince's palace. It was decorated to celebrate the nuptials. The mistrials began to play a soft romantic waltz and the bride and groom were expected to dance alone. Jareth led his Princess to the center of the grand ballroom floor and smoothly they danced entwined in each other's arms.
"We must take our leave soon." He said quietly to her as they danced. "Your father has sent your things to my palace."
Adrianna nodded. "It will be hard for my father, Jareth. Please be generous with him."
"I understand your father very well, Adrianna. He is doing what he must to protect his people, even before his own needs." Jareth whispered softly. "I will do nothing to make this harder for him."
"Thank you, Sire." The Princess sighed.
Breanna watched the Royal couple dance, to her eyes neither looked overjoyed. Oberon and his Queen joined the pair on the floor. Breanna turned to Prince Stephan. "You seem tired old friend," she knew he was not well, she could smell death near him. "Perhaps we should sit this one out."
Stephan stood on shaky feet. "Oh come now, Bree… won't you grant me one dance."
Breanna sent healing energy into her old friend; "Of course."
The Royal couple bid the Prince good bye and was escorted out to the carriage that had brought Jareth. Once out of the gates of the Prince's grounds, the horses took wing and the carriage rose into the sky. Jareth sat quietly across from Adrianna who watched as her home faded into the night. She too kept silent on the ride to the King's palace.
The Goblin trumpeters had been stationed to proclaim the return of the King with his bride. Though it was well into the night, crowds had gathered to welcome the pair back to the Goblin Kingdom. Adrianna smiled gently at the cheering crowd, waving her hand softly, looking the very picture of a blushing bride.
Jareth extended his arm to her and escorted her up the stairs into the castle. They walked silently up to the Royal apartments where he brought her to the Queen's chamber. He stood looking down at the young Fae woman with sad eyes. "And now you are the wife of a King."
"And the people of my own land are safe under your protection." She sighed resolutely.
Jareth looked at the door she was standing before. "Adrianna…"
"No." She shook her head, "I will not change my mind…I will not share a bed with you." She placed her hands on his arms. "But thank you for making our wedding a day I can always look back on with happiness, Sire." She smiled up at him with a blithe expression on her lovely face.
Jareth was not sure but he was beginning to feel relieved that she would not allow him to bed her. "I will bid you good night, my dear." He kissed her cheek in an almost brotherly fashion. "Sleep well, Princess." He watched as she stepped into the Queen's chamber and as the door closed he turned. Entering his own chamber farther down the hall he removed the crown and tossed it to the bed. Feeling as if he'd been caged, he transformed swiftly into owl form and flew out of his window toward the night sky.
His thoughts had been to fly toward the moon, to just feel the wind beneath his wings. What led him to pass though the Labyrinth, and the portals to the realm of man he would never understand. Like a moth to a flame he was drawn toward the Victorian and the window of the girl. He saw her light was on, and she was seated on her bed cradling the broken music box. The room was a shambles as if a great battle had been fought and lost. Overwhelmed and dispirited she rose to her feet, placing the shattered little music box on her night stand. Without bothering to draw the curtains or the shade she began to undress.
The owl sat in the darkness of the night in the now bare tree branches. Wide wild eyes watched as the girl removed her mourning garments. Her figure showed that she had ripened from the winsome girl into a lovely young woman. Her breasts were full and firm and her body had curves where only hints had been before. She held the mourning dress in her hands and then with a grim expression on her face tore the dress. When the dress was completely torn she dropped it. She moved to her closet and pulled out a long white linen gown. Taking as seat at the vanity she picked up her brush and began to count as she stoked the brush though her long hair.
The door opened a crack, "Sahraw." A voice whispered.
Turning she saw her brother standing with his bear in his hands. "Come in." She commanded him tenderly. She held her hands out to the little boy who climbed up into her lap and placed his head to her heart. "What's wrong, little man?"
Toby looked up at her with dark eyes. "Todd and Terry are in my room… they say they won't leave…that Linda can't make them leave."
Sarah kissed her brother's worried brow. "I don't know what's going to happen Toby." Sarah confessed. "I only know that you and I are not going to let this get us down."
"Why are they so mean?" Toby grumbled. "I think Aunt Kathy is a witch…and they are her … nasty pets."
Sarah hugged him closer. "You know what protects you from a witch like that?" she asked, he shook his head no, and she said forcefully. "A great King."
"What King?" Toby knew Sarah was about to tell him a story.
Sarah picked him up and moved him to the bed. "Stay there, I've some thing to give you." She moved to the closet, and from a shelf took down a figurine. She carried it tenderly, reverently. "Do you know who this is?" she asked.
"Goblin King." The little boy nodded as he spoke. "Lancelot Bear's friend."
Sarah scooted into the bed to sit beside the boy, she handed the statuette to the boy. "That's right. His name is Jareth, and he's a very powerful Fae King. He'll protect you from Todd and Terry."
The owl in the night listened and watched. The all knowing eyes blinking, for this was something he had not expected.
Toby tucked himself into his sister's side. "Tell me a story Sarah… a story about the boy who was a prince and his sister."
Sarah snuggled closer to her brother, "Once long ago there was a beautiful girl, who rescued her brother from a misspoken wish…. They lived on the edge of an enchanted forest in a cabin made of enchanted wood. Each day they played with pixies and brownies and danced in the light of the sun. One day a wicked witch named….Katherine came to the forest, with her she brought ugly mean ogres named Todd and Terry. They had no care for the creatures of the enchanted forest or the woods themselves. All they cared about was their own pleasures. They used evil magicks to take the little cabin away from the boy and his sister. And the boy and his sister had to run and hide. But they didn't run away alone, they ran with the help of Lancelot Bear who promised to help them find their way to the land of the Labyrinth… and the protection of King Jareth. They traveled though the winding ribbon of a road, and came upon a caravan of Travelers, enchanted vagabonds…"
Jareth in owl form listened to the tale, watching as the boy fell into to sleep in his sister's safe keeping.
Sarah looked down at the sleeping boy holding the bear and the statue that resembled Jareth. She touched the face of the statue. "I know you're most likely still infuriated with me, and I don't blame you, Goblin King… but please…please keep Toby safe. He doesn't deserve what's happening… and he doesn't deserve Terry and Todd picking on him." She sighed closing her eyes. "If I'd known then what I know now… Oh Jareth… If only…" she sobbed. "You seemed so fond of Toby…truly fond… protect him now, oh Goblin King… Protect him."
Jareth sat in the darkness of the tree; he watched and waited until the girl fell into sleep holding her brother. He took to wing, crossing the night sky and returning to his own realm. Instead of going to his castle he flew into the Labyrinth. He landed near the stone faces, and changed back to his man form. Taking a seat on a rock he began to contemplate. The girl had asked him, no she had begged him, him of all people in the universe to protect the boy. Not a word of protecting her, not a word.
He saw movement and knew he was being observed. "I know you're there Hogheart."
"Hoggle." The voice said before the dwarf came into the clearing.
"How nice to see you again." Sneered the King. "How are things at the Bog of Stench, or did I send you back to that desolate gate?"
"Neither, you sent me to the garden to tend to that fool old man!" Hoggle made a face at him, "I hears you got your self married."
Jareth nodded. "Indeed…I hear you're still sulking after that girl. I'm sure she's forgotten all about you by now." He jeered.
"Shows whats you know!" Hoggle boasted. "She called me just today!"
Jareth pretended to be bored. "Did she, how tiresome."
The dwarf pointed at him accusingly. "You was wrong about her! She did care… and she did think of us as …"
"Friends?" the Kings voice darkened. "Yes, perhaps she did." He stood up to walk away as he did he quipped. "She could use a few friends right now…too bad you'll not be able to help her."
"What do you mean?" The dwarf ran after him.
Jareth turned and looked down at the dwarf his face now showing his fury. "Why Hogsfeet, I mean just what I said. You are here by ordered not to help her."
"You can't…."
"I just did." Jareth walked away. "Obey me or look for lodging outside the protection of the Labyrinth."
Hoggle knelt in the dust and wailed. Jareth walked away, smugly.
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Sarah awoke to find Toby still snuggled into her; she sighed and kissed the little sleeping boy. Moving carefully so not to wake him she got out of the bed and went to her bath room to freshen up.
A genteel spirit entered the room, looked at the boy sleeping quietly in his sister's bed and she smiled softly. Stepping closer she placed a kiss on the child's forehead, the kiss of protection. The Fae heard the girl bathing and wanted to do something for her as well. From her own neck she took a silver chain with a little pendant. She placed it on the vanity, among the things that had yet to be put back in the drawer. Things that had been pulled so mercilessly from their place of honor, and strewn about. The Fae vowed to herself she'd give what help she could to lighten the curse the girl seemed to be under. Having taken that vow, she departed, not wishing to be detected.
Sarah dressed herself than looked at the time. Not sure of when Linda would show up. Something caught her eye as she looked at the sleeping child. Something on her vanity that didn't look familiar. Sarah picked up the pretty bobble and admired the fine workmanship. She looked at the other items it had been sitting among, things that had been tumbled out of the little jewelry case her grandmother had given her on her last trip up to the family cabin. She didn't recall this as being one of the pieces but found herself drawn to the bobble. She fastened the chain to her neck, and a feeling of confidence filled her soul.
She awoke Toby and told him she was going to dress him and give him some breakfast. One thing she was sure of, she could not spend much more time away from School. Then the threat of not being able to continue came back to her. She wondered what she was going to do.
Toby sat quietly in the kitchen as Sarah prepared his eggs and toast. "Can your mom really make Aunt Kathy go away?"
"I don't know." Sarah confessed. "But I'm going to go see Uncle Steven and find out what's what."
"Me too?" Toby scooped up a spoonful of eggs.
"Yep, you too…" Sarah said. "Now be very quiet, I'm going to call my mom and Jeremy… I want to know when they plan on getting here, I'm taking you out of here." The boy nodded as she swiftly dialed her mother's hotel. "Room 1282 please. Thank you."
"Hello, Miss Williams suite." A raspy raw throated voice answered.
"Hello Irma," Sarah greeted the maid who'd been with her mother for several years and went everywhere with her. "Is mother up?"
"Miss Sarah," the older woman's raspy voice was cheery. "I'm sorry you just missed her, she left here a little while ago, but I believe she's on her way over to your house. I'm sorry about your father, he was a good man."
"Thanks Irma," Sarah loved the odd older woman who took wonderful care of her mother and of her when she visited. Irma was like something out of an old movie, a real character. Linda had met her when she got her fist big brake. A down and out actress herself who was acting as a dresser in the theater that Linda was performing in. They became inseparable; Irma was devoted to Linda and protected her from the press and other predators. When Linda left the play, Irma left the theater and became the personal maid of the rising actress. "I hope I get to see you while you're here."
"Me too, little Miss." Irma said breathily. "Take care."
"You too," Sarah hung up the phone. "They should be here shortly. With any luck we'll be out of here before the Harpie wakes up."
Toby snickered as he finished eating the breakfast she'd prepared for him. "Aunt Kathy won't like that. I heard her telling mom that I should be kept away from you."
Sarah cleaned the kitchen, not wanting a fuss when she returned. She jotted down a note to let Karen know that she had Toby with her. She then got her purse and a light jacket, got a jacket for Toby and took him out to the front porch to await the car her mother had rented. Less than ten minutes later the quiet car pulled up to the curb. Sarah opened the door got her brother in and then herself. "Drive." She said to Jeremy who did just that.
"So," Linda looked at Sarah, "We're going to see Steven at his office. The official reading of the will is at the end of the week. Jeremy and I will stay though next week to get arrangements made."
"Arrangements?" Sarah asked.
Linda nodded, but didn't elaborate on her plans. Jeremy kept silent as he drove. Sarah wondered what the two had hatched now. Her father's law offices were in a very modern building with lots of glass. They went to the senior partners' floor up stairs and were ushered into a conference room. Steven joined them with an arm full of files.
"Linda, Jeremy…hello kids." He greeted everyone more relaxed without Karen or her sister present. "Please take a seat."
Everyone was seated at a large conference table and Steven laid out several papers from the file. "What do you want to know?" He turned to Linda.
"Is Karen going to really pull the plug on Sarah's education?" Linda didn't believe in pulling punches.
"Yes." Steven frowned. "She is firm about the courses. However Sarah is paid though until the January semester."
"And Karen can keep her from touching her trust?" Linda pursed her lips. Steven nodded. "How long?"
"Until she reaches twenty-five…Robert thought Sarah was a bit…dreamy…and wanted to protect her." Steven didn't bother to look at his notes as he had drawn up the trust.
Sarah moaned. "I don't want to be some secretary….She's doing that just because she was a secretary!"
Linda patted her hand. "We know, dear." She looked back at Steven. "What if Sarah got a scholarship or grants?"
"Karen can't keep her from trying…but it's late in the season for grants, Linny." Steven addressed her with the old nickname from years ago.
Linda wore a strange smile, "Let me worry about that, Stevie. Now can I legally keep Kathy from taking up residence in the house?"
"Yes." He handed her the form to sign for a formal injunction.
Sarah put her hand over the page. "Mom, think about this first." She warned. "Karen is going to go out of her way to make my life miserable as it is… You do this…and my life in that house will be hell…"
"You won't be in that house." Her mother said calmly. She then looked down at Toby. "You're not hearing any of this, right?" He shrugged, not really understanding, and Linda looked at Sarah. "You'll be out of the line of fire."
"Where will I be?" Sarah was now becoming skeptical. "I can't afford to live anywhere, what little money I have from my part time job is not enough to live on."
Steven nodded in agreement. "She's a kid Linda…"
"She's a kid with talent and lots of chutzpa! I had little more than that." Linda reminded him. "I didn't go to any fancy college… I was at City remember Steven?" She looked at Sarah. "I've an appointment with the president of City College, I'm calling in some favors, but I'm getting you out of that house, now."
"City College?" Sarah frowned. "How am I supposed to pay for that? You heard Karen, its secretary or no cash."
"Linda what are you up to?" Steven had a worried look.
"I'm calling in a few favors and markers… not all, just a few." Linda said firmly.
"Have you lost your mind?" Steven looked around not wanting to be over heard. "Robert told you to forget all that."
"I'm not calling in that many markers… I promise." She whispered back urgently. "Just one or two, everybody needs help now and then Stevie!" She tapped the page she'd just signed. "However to be on the safe side, hold off on this until I give you the green light."
"Will do," He looked at Sarah. "I'm really sorry about all this, kid."
"It's not your fault, hell, it's not even Daddy's fault." She stood up and looked at her mother. "City Collage?"
Linda nodded, "I compared the courses you're taking at your school to the ones at City…and I think City might even be better." She shook hands with Steven, "I'll see you at the reading of the will, but until then…."
"I know… Loose lips sink ships." Steven pretended to button his lip.
Linda laughed and kissed him on the cheek. "Good man."
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Preston Ryerson stood up from his desk. "Linda, good to see you," He extended his hand to her and smiled at Sarah. "This can't be little Sarah."
Linda placed her arm about her daughter. "Yes, Pres, she's all grown up." She boasted.
"Come in, sit down." He invited the mother and daughter. Jeremy and Toby had elected to stay out of the office and were down at the pond feeding ducks. "Now… what can I do for you fine ladies?"
Linda took off her gloves and laid them on the table, "Off the record, Pres."
The man raised his brow, "Alright Linda, off the record."
"Robert's widow is cutting off Sarah's funds to go to school, all because she thinks Sarah's dream of being a photo-journalist is unrealistic." Linda began and leaned forward. "As of January Sarah will be without funds to complete her education unless she takes secretarial courses. Here's a copy of her transcript, and here's a copy of her grades. What can you do for me?"
Preston glanced at the page. "Have you a sample of your work?" Linda smiled and handed the man an envelope. He opened it and studied the work. "These are good… very good…. In fact they are excellent…" He looked over at Sarah. "You've a good eye young lady."
"Thank you." Sarah said politely.
The man looked at Linda. "We can have her transferred over… there's a few openings in one program." He turned to his computer, began to key in information. "Robert was a vet wasn't he?" Linda nodded. "There's a grant here from the Veterans… Her grades will get her a few more." He looked at Sarah, "It may take you a little longer to get your degree… but you will get your degree…I promise."
Sarah smiled. "What about books and supplies?"
"We've a shared book department. Students donate books to other's who can't afford them. I'll list you as a candidate." He assured her. Turning to Linda, he asked. "Will she be here with you as her guardian?"
"Yes," Linda said firmly. "But you know I travel, so can I count on you to keep an eye out for her?"
"Of course;" He said. "I owe you and Robert a dozen times over." He looked at Sarah. "After the Winter Break you'll be signed up. I'll have your papers to sign by the end of the week. And your schedule ready for your ok."
Sarah looked up at her mother as they exited the offices. "I don't know how you did that, but thanks mom."
"Not a problem." She sighed. "Now comes the hard part, a job… because you're going to need one, and a place to live." She lit a cigarette and blew the smoke out violently. "I wish I had better relations with the press."
Sarah frowned, "When did you start smoking again?" knowing her mother had quit years earlier.
"Last night." Her mother confessed remorsefully. "But don't worry kid, soon as I have you squared away, I'll quit again." She dropped the offending cigarette and crushed it with the toe of her fashionable shoe. "We've got school taken care of; let's go see about a job."
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Jareth lounged in the throne thinking how this was not how he'd planned on spending his honeymoon. Surrounded by impish Goblins, some of whom were trying to cheer him up with silly pranks. He had thought if he'd ever wed, he would take time and take his bride to the crystal sea. But there was no sense in taking the Princess to the crystal sea, as she didn't want to be romanced, and had no intention of allowing him to bed her. 'In name only.' He thought pensively, wondering if he'd made a mistake in wedding the Princess.
Adrianna entered the throne room dressed in a riding habit. "Jareth…couldn't we go for a ride?" she pouted prettily.
Jareth looked up; his riding crop was still tapping against his boot. "Ride?" He gave it a moments thought then smiled. "It might be a good diversion, and you should see some of our land." He rose from the throne. "Gandar," He shouted, "I'm going riding…."
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Jeremy pulled the car up to what had once been a Movie Palace and now was a thriving nightclub called Cinema. He looked at Linda, "Did you call Eddie or are you popping in unannounced?"
"I called… popping in is not wise." Linda looked at the neighborhood; it was showing signs of decline. It amazed her that the nightclub was doing as well as it was. "Park in the lot, and wait for us, Toby stay here with Uncle Jer, okay sweetie?" The boy nodded and Jeremy winked at the mother and daughter before they exited the rented car.
Linda tapped at the door and a man washing windows said, "We're not open yet."
Linda looked at the man. "I'm here to see Eddie Martino."
The man washing the window glanced at her, "Hang on." He moved to the door, used a key and shouted in. "Some broad is here to see Eddie."
Moments later a man in a business suit came to the entrance. Seeing Linda he smiled and unlocked the door. "Linny!" he hugged her and kissed her cheek. "I didn't know you were in town. How are you?"
Linda wavered her hand. "So so, Robert passed you know."
"I heard," he nodded. "I sent a nice arrangement of flowers but… I figured the new wife would not appreciate me showing up." He looked at Sarah. "Who is this?"
"Eddie Martino, this is Sarah Williams, my daughter." Linda said proudly. "Sarah this is Mr. Martino, an old friend of your dad's and mine. Eddie I need a favor."
The man was staring at Sarah. "This can't be little Sarah! Why the last time I saw you, young lady you were in a pram." He looked over at Linda with dark eyes. "What kind of favor?"
Linda became serious. "Business."
"Perhaps we should take this to my office," he suggested as he led the way though what had once been a great lobby of a fancy movie theater. He opened the door to his office and told the ladies to be seated. "Now Linda, what can I do for you?"
Linda began to tell the tale of Sarah's woes and explained to the man what her goals for her daughter were. "I can't be here… my job takes me out of the country and all over the world for too long a time for me to have a real hands on…. Pres will keep an eye out for her at the college and Steven and the partners will do their part as well. But she needs to at least look like she's gainfully employed… and I have to find a room for her somewhere…somewhere safe…"
"City College, eh?" He looked at Sarah, "Your mother and I both attended City… Ok, count me in… I'll help the kid.." Eddie stated firmly. "Never cared for Robert's second wife, she strikes me as a bit of a snob." He looked at Sarah. "She's too young to serve, the liquor thing you know… but mmmmm, coat room… hat check…." He paused as a tap came to the door. "Yes?"
Another man popped his head in; he looked like something out of a gangsters movie of the 40's. "Ethel is not coming in… again. She just called, boss."
"Thank you Mac." He waved the man out and looked frustrated. "Ethel is the photo girl, and she's been gone more than she is here. I think she's looking for another job."
"Photo girl?" Sarah looked up. "What kind of camera is she using?"
Eddie smiled, "Do you know your way around a camera?"
Sarah laughed, "Do I? Just try me!" She stood up. "But until January I can only work weekends. That's the only time I'll be in town…."
Eddie winked at Linda. "She's a go getter, I like that. Ok Sarah… I'm going to let you take over the camera. We'll get you into costume… we all wear costumes from great old movies here… and we'll give you a try. You can start tonight, be back her at six for your fitting and we open at seven."
Linda breathed a sigh of relief. "That takes care of job and school, now all we have left is a room."
Eddie smiled, "I can help there too," he teased. "I've got a six flat over on Market Street, and I'm looking for someone to collect the rents and keep an eye on things. They don't have to make repairs, just report things to me to be done. I'll give you a rent free studio apartment." He said.
"Oh, Mr. Martin, I could kiss you." Sarah gasped. "Finally it seems my bad luck is turning."
"It's not a palace, or anything grand, but it's clean and close to the college." Eddie said smiling at the grateful girl. He looked at Linda, "And I can keep an eye on her as well." He winked at Sarah. "We'll get the apartment set up for you, and it will be ready for you to move in before you start at City collage. Do you have a car?"
"No..." Sarah said softly.
"She will." Linda said firmly. "is there a garage?"
"No, but I can get her a space at Johnnies around the corner. A lot of my tenants have spaces there. I have it put in my name." Eddie said.
Sarah felt like she was spinning as they went back to the car. "A new school, a job and a apartment…Mom, you're a wonder."
"Oh Sarah, you should see me with a full head of steam." Linda joked.
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Jareth looked at his child bride, her face glowing in the sunlight. She was sweet and kind and everyone who met her was completely enchanted with her. She was the perfect Fairy Princess, he thought to himself. But she wasn't Sarah.
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Friday arrived and with it the first hints of November weather. It was cold and gray, when Sarah arose. She could hear Terry pestering her mother and she heard Todd down in the kitchen demanding to be fed. Sarah wondered why Kathy let them get away with such awful behavior. She was glad she was keeping her door closed; she didn't want to be drawn into their webs.
Toby opened her door and entered the room. "Sarahww, can I stay here with you?" He closed the door. "Can I see the King?"
Sarah went to the closet and took the statuette off the shelf. "Yep. In fact little man, he's yours. After today, you're going to need him."
Toby frowned. "Mom says I can't come to the office with you."
"She's wrong, again. Uncle Steve says you have to bee there, as you're in the will." Sarah patted his leg. "Stay here, I'll go see them."
Sarah wandered down the hall to her stepmother's room; the woman was sitting on the bed looking lost. What pity Sarah may have felt was quickly replaced with distrust. "Karen, Toby said you're not letting him come for the reading of the will…"
Kathy suddenly came around from the master bathroom. "That's right, he's not going."
Sarah looked at her stepmother's sister. "Think again." She looked at Karen. "He's in the will and he needs to be there. I'm dressing him and that's that." She looked at Kathy, "why don't you go down stairs and feed that brat you call a son?" From the kitchen below the sounds of the boys bellows carried upward.
"Don't you talk disrespectfully to me," Kathy snapped at the girl. "Mind your betters."
"Show me one." Sarah said turning away.
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The conference room resembled a negotiation of a war treaty room. Karen and Kathy with Todd and Terry sat on one side. Linda, Sarah and Toby sat on the other. Jeremy had opted to sit in the lobby of the law office. Toby huddled between the Actress and his sister. Todd sat kicking the leg on his chair, and glaring at the trio sitting across from them. Sarah held onto the pendant that she'd taken to wearing since the day after the funeral. It seemed to give her a feeling that everything could work out.
Steven and the senior partner, Merle Davidson entered the room and took seats at the large conference table. He looked at Karen, then at Linda. "I offer you all my sincerest condolences. Robert Williams was a fine man, and an asset to our firm." Merle said before beginning to read the will.
He had left Karen with a lovely portfolio of stocks and bonds and investments he'd made during the time they were married.
He left his share of the house that had been bought jointly with Linda, to Toby. He left the land by Sarah's grandmother's cabin to Sarah, it was wooded and he felt she would be a good guardian of the wood and keep it natural. He left a collection of art to Linda, things she'd admired. Kathy bristled and groused loudly to Karen as Merle tried to go on.
Merle set the will down. "It was Robert's wish that both Sarah and Toby have good educations. Robert set up very adequate trust funds for both children…to be over seen by Karen… If they don't follow the guidelines set up, their funds will be held until they reach their twenty-fifth birthdays respectively. Robert asked that Linda hold the boy's portion of the house in trust until he reaches his majority at twenty five."
Karen leaned forward. "About the trust fund…"
Sarah felt herself go rigid.
Karen looked over at Sarah; her eyes were blazing with anger and repugnance. "How soon can I cut off Sarah's funds to college?"
Merle looked shocked. "What do you mean cut off her funds?"
"She's refusing to change her line of study… she's chasing rainbows…it broke her father's heart ….She needs to study something she can earn a living at… If she won't… she'll not be living off her father's hard earned money!" Karen was now gripping the arms of her chair as if she feared being sent from the room.
Merle was taken aback, he looked over at Sarah. "What are you studying?"
"I'm working to be a photojournalist." Sarah found her voice held confidence, and she put her fingers on the pendant over her heart. "I have no desire to be just a secretary."
Karen stood up, the chair fell backward. "There is nothing wrong with being a secretary!" She was insulted to her core. Kathy smirked delighted with her sister's angry response.
"No, there isn't." Sarah agreed calmly. "It's a fine profession…but it's not for me."
Karen turned to Steven and Merle. "Cut her funds off." She picked up her chair and sat down again.
Merle looked at Sarah. "Couldn't you do both, take both classes?"
Karen interjected. "No! No more foolish classes…she's always been a dreamer…It's time she gets down to living in the real world."
Merle looked over at Steven who looked far too calm. He had a felling that there were secrets here he was not a party to. "Sarah, dear, I'm sorry…but your stepmother is in charge of the money until you reach twenty five."
"I understand." Sarah said.
"So you'll change courses?" Merle asked. Sarah shook her head, he sighed. "That means that after January you'll be without funds for school."
Karen looked at the girl. "You can start looking for a minimum wage job! I won't be paying for your upkeep, and you can't just sit around my house."
Sarah smiled at her stepmother, "Oh don't worry Karen…I won't be under your feet…"
Karen suddenly didn't feel quite so superior; she looked past Sarah and Toby to the Actress sitting quietly on the end. "You've done something."
"And they said you were a dumb blond." Linda said too sweetly. "That's right, I've done something. Steven… if you would."
Steven handed a paper over to Karen who read it over. "What is this?"
"It's an eviction notice." Steven said calmly.
"For me?" Karen shook with fury.
"No." Steven turned and looked at Kathy. "For her," He handed a copy to Merle who read it over with a bit of mirth. "As of today, your sister is bared from the house. She and her children are not to come within five hundred yards of the house. If you want to see them you have to do it off the property as long as you live in the house Karen."
Kathy ripped the page from Karen's fingers and read it over. "You can't do that. It's her house…."
"No, it's not her house. It's actually Linda's and Toby's and Sarah's house." Steven smoothly answered. "Linda is agreeable to Karen living there with Toby…but not you…and not them." He pointed to the sneering little monsters.
Sarah looked over at Todd and Terry and thought how much cuter the Goblins of the Goblin King had been. And better mannered as well.
Kathy threw the paper down. "We won't go… we're here to support Karen."
Steven nodded, "I thought you might say that. I have three sheriff's deputies in the outer office. They will escort you to the house to retrieve your belongings and see you off the property. Linda I suggest we go over as well to be sure they don't take anything. You did make an inventory didn't you?"
"Robert and I both kept inventories." Linda said calmly.
"You can't be serious." Kathy shrieked.
Linda turned and looked at the woman coldly. "Of course I can be… and I am." She then handed a paper to Steven who read it over a laughed, he then handed the paper to Kathy.
Kathy looked at the paper and growled. "What is this?"
Linda stood up, looking like a warrior queen. "It's a bill for the damages to Sarah's furnishings and floor. I told you I was going to make you pay for the damages your children did."
"I'm not paying for her junky furnishings…" Kathy protested.
Linda turned to Karen. "Tell your sister that her daughter damaged an antique, and that yes…she is going to pay, or she's going to jail."
Kathy stopped her protests, she looked at her daughter. "I'll… pay the damages." She conceded.
Karen read the page over again. "I'm surprised you're not charging me rent."
Linda felt sorry for the woman. "You may stay in the house; you take care of it, and pay the bills… Take care of Toby… and keep those monsters from him…" She glared at the two children staring at her with hot coals for eyes. "But know this Karen…it's not now and never was your house."
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Linda took note of what things seemed out of place, and what had been broken. She looked over at Karen who looked totally defeated. Kathy was loudly and recklessly packing her luggage. Todd and Terry had been kept downstairs by the deputies as they could not be trusted not to inflict more damages on the house or its inhabitants. When the last of her cases had been packed and carried down to her car she turned to her sister. "I'll always be there for you." She said.
Karen looked at her with red eyes. "What can I do? I have to go along with this."
Kathy glared over at Linda. "I know… it's not your fault." She moved closer to hug her sister, and then whispered in her ear. "Make that bitch's daughter pay for this, that's what you can do for me." Karen nodded, not saying a word. Kathy turned and looked at the deputies. "I'm ready." She walked out to the car that Terry and Todd were already in. She gave one last look to the house and then drove away.
Linda looked at Karen, "Don't try anything funny." She warned her.
Sarah took Toby upstairs, glad to be rid of the two nasty children who liked to torture her little brother just for the fun of it. She took him to her room and when he was seated on the bed handed him the statuette. "Now you can take him to your room… and he'll keep you safe…even when I'm not here."
Toby hugged the statue close. "Sarah…tell me a story." He looked up at her with dazzling eyes that mirrored those of a man Sarah had not known well enough.