Chapter 2
Well here it is: The Second Chapter! dramatic music plays I think I'm getting a bit too into this.
WooHoo the document uploading thing is back in buisness! Enjoy! Chapter 3 is already a quarter finished.
My HUGE thanks to hazlgrnLizzy and notwritten who were the first two people to review =D…and such nice reviews as well! As I said I will update this as quickly as possible! I was trying to write this last night but I fell asleep. This has taken an amazing number of hours to write but at least it's kept away the boredom. I keep getting emails saying people have added this to their favourites etc KEEP IT UP! I promise I will try my best to make this story worth your reading. I do not own Labyrinth or any of the characters. Anyway enough with my foolishness and on with the story!
Sarah squeezed her eyes shut as the bright sunlight of the new day fell across her bed. "Stupid sun" She grumbled as she turned over and buried her head in her pillows "Stupid Thursday morning" her alarm clock rang shrilly until it was silenced by a hand emerging from the mass of bed clothes that was Sarah "Stupid alarm clock." Sliding out from her den of warmth and comfort Sarah stood and stretched, yawning as she looked out of her window at the street below. Few people were up and about at this time. A jogger sprinted past, an old lady pottered along the street and of course as always Mr Brime was tending his small garden in which he seemed to live. Moving away from the window she walked down the hall and into the bathroom. Like every other room in the house it was perfectly clean without seeming formal and impersonal.
Taking her time showering and dressing Sarah thought about the events of the previous night and how she had foolishly called out when no one could possibly be there. Must have been the huge amount of wine you managed to consume all by yourself last night she thought to herself as she leaped onto the sofa in a surprising bound of energy and sat cross legged while eating the bagel she had grabbed from the kitchen. Picking up the remote she flicked from channel to channel on the television without really noticing what was on. Sarah rarely felt hung over unless she mixed drinks which then could have her spending an entire day in bed. Your hormones are running wild old girl she told herself while settling on watching the morning news.
Sarah lived alone in a decent sized flat. Living alone was her choice, she had always thought that the right man had just never come along but then again could anyone ever be the right man when compared to a Goblin King? She was no longer the innocent fifteen year old girl who had wished away Toby with barely a thought. At eighteen she had left home as soon as was possible to get away from her step mother Karen and all things familiar. Tasting freedom she had travelled, studied in various places and been spotted by a scouter who then found her an agent, several parts on the stage and occasional acting parts on television. Her life was exactly how she wanted it except the absence of a partner. Clicking off the television Sarah picked up the phone and dialled her agent's number which she knew as well as her own.
"Howard? its Sarah." Pausing to allow him to exclaim his delight, describe exactly what he was having for breakfast at that moment and enquire after her health all in one breath she entertained the thought of finding a new, less irritating agent but then cast the thought aside. Howard was like an old dog which you just didn't want to put down.
"I'm great Howard, thanks apart from the fact that I've been waiting for your call which never came yesterday."
Howard apologised profusely and another fifteen minutes were spent by Sarah listening to him rambling on about what he had been up to the day before and how his dog's vaccination had caused him to completely forget to ring her.
"Yes, yes Howard I'm sure Alfie enjoyed the visit to the vet deep down but there are more important matters I would like to discuss. Did I get it? Is there going to be a call back?" Sarah stood and started pacing up and down in excitement. She had auditioned for a huge part three days ago in a show whose name she could barely pronounce and was waiting on edge to see if she was to be accepted or not.
"A private meeting?" Her eyes widened in amazement "So it's just going to be the producer and me?" Sitting back down on the sofa her eyes narrowed suspiciously "Listen Harold if this is something dodgy you can count me out I am not going to do anything weird just for a part in this show which I have personally never heard of." It took fifteen minutes for Harold to reassure her by which time Sarah had eaten another bagel and now felt vaguely sick. It then another ten minutes for him to get him excited about the meeting and what it could mean for her career. Saying goodbye at long last Sarah put down the phone and turned off the television.
Sarah swore to herself as she once again picked up the phone and dialled. "Harold? Sarah again. Yes... Uh huh... Right... Well I wanted to ask... sure Alfie recognises different voices... Well I can't really go into it..." Tapping her nails on her bottom lip impatiently she held the receiver away from her ear and sighed. The continuous voice paused for a moment and Sarah took the opportunity "How formal is the meeting? What should I wear? Where am I meeting him? What time?" The only way to get around Harold's mindless chatter was to bombard him with questions.
"Very informal was what he said but you need to make a good impression. Wear something gorgeous but simple darling. 7.00 outside Luigi's where I assume you will be going for a drink. The man was very precise about where to meet you, most probably so he would be able to find you. Very busy there you know, very easy to get lost completely, in fact I remember a time..." cutting across what Sarah was sure to be another long and tedious story Sarah said quickly "Sorry where exactly did he say I was to meet him?" Sarah stood and walked over the window pulling aside the curtain and peering out.
"He only rang this morning. I personally thought that you hadn't got the part. Next to the steps opposite Luigi's, you know the ones I'm sure you've been there quite a few times with your glamorous friends." Rolling her eyes Sarah drew back the curtains completely holding the phone between her shoulder and the side of her face. "Yes a couple of times Howard but mostly with you remember?" she could practically hear him beaming with delight down the phone at her remembering them having drinks there to discuss past or future auditions.
"I really have got to go now but one more thing Howard what's this guy's name? Are there any clues to help me recognise him in the crowd that's always in the square around that time?" Picking up a pad and a pencil she quickly scribbled down the details of the time and place of their meeting and the man's name in her stylishly messy handwriting. Hanging up the phone after a prolonged goodbye to her agent she glanced at the clock and gasped. Where had the morning gone? It was already quarter to twelve.
Pulling on a pair of brown, flat heeled suede boots that almost came up to her knees she checked her reflection in the hall mirror. Looking as insane as ever she thought to herself as she pushed up the sleeves of her moss green sweater and surveyed her jeans and boots critically. You look like a female Robin Hood. Hurriedly she clipped her simple silver watch around her wrist and ran her fingers through her long dark curls clipping some of the strands back from her face with a simple silver clip and leaving the rest to spill down her back in a dark waterfall.
Once outside in the street she was greeted my Mr Brime as she was every morning as she stepped out her front door. "Morning Miss Sarah" he called to her waving a gloved hand which was covered in soil. Sara could never quite work out why he called her "Miss Sarah" but put it down to him being a little insane. "Morning Mr Brime your garden looks beautiful this morning." Striding along the street she was greeted by quite a few people. Sarah loved this neighbourhood. Although it wasn't far from the hustle and bustle of the city it had the feel of a quiet country town where all the neighbours knew each other and you could leave your door unlocked. Of course Sarah didn't leave her door unlocked as although it may feel like a country town they were close to the centre of the city.
Slipping into the bakery she inspected the sandwiches on display. If you left it too late all the good ones would be gone. The chicken salad was her favourite but it seemed that someone had got there before her. The bakery was very popular and famous for its delicious sandwiches at lunch time. Choosing a simple ham roll Sarah went to the counter and enjoyed a quick chat with the woman serving her, holding the paper bag containing her lunch she walked back to her apartment enjoying the feel of the sun on her way.
As well as being an actress Sarah had many other hobbies. One in particular was chess. The local park had quite a number of chess tables and one of her favourite things to do was to go there and play against others, sometimes for money, sometimes just for the fun of it. After lunch she made her way to the park for a few games of chess to pass the time. The park wasn't particularly large but it did have a lovely fountain, a reasonably large area of grass and a couple of trees. On a beautiful day like this it was one of Sarah's favourite places.
Sitting down at one of the free tables she set out the pieces for a game and was quickly joined by someone she had never seen before. He had short, almost black hair which was styled in soft spikes. His eyes were covered by dark glasses and he wore a simple white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and faded jeans. His face was expressionless as he sat down and looked at Sarah across the table. Well, she couldn't be sure whether he was looking or not due to the dark glasses but she assumed he was.
"Do you mind if I join you?" he asked not removing the sunglasses which was strange as, because of the way they were seated, Sarah was the one looking into the sun. Sarah shook her head and they began their game. They didn't speak as they played but Sarah kept stealing glances at her mysterious opponent. He was good, really good. Sarah had been playing chess since an early age and had been taught by her grandfather. She was known in the park as one of the best players but in this particular game she found herself having to concentrate particularly hard as the battle became more and more complicated.
"I'm Sarah by the way." She said as she moved her knight and tucked a stray lock of hair back from her face.
"Jack." He replied simply as in a skilled move he took her knight and placed her king in check. She gasped and hurriedly returned her full concentration to the game. They played for another thirty minutes. Jack seemed to take
her pieces with almost no effort and Sarah was becoming increasingly desperate. A smirk was on his lips as he put her king in checkmate and stood. "Interesting game, Thanks."
Sarah stared at him bewildered. He was the best chess player she had ever seen and yet it felt like he had been going easy on her. "Yes" she mumbled also standing and holding out her hand to shake trying to see past his dark glasses into his eyes. He looked at her hand, hesitated and then turned on his heel and walked away. Sarah was left her mouth open in amazement as he disappeared around the corner. Sitting down quickly she shut her mouth and ran her fingers through her hair. How bizarre she thought to herself as she stood up and walked away in the opposite direction. He was gorgeous though.
Smiling to herself she glanced at her watch and saw it was 4.30. I wonder where he learnt to play chess so well. Stopping at the edge of the road she waited for a break in the traffic before jogging across her hair bouncing around her shoulders. Something about him was familiar...I wonder if I've met him before. Her thoughts continued to dwell on the strange chess player. Sarah was so lost in her thoughts she almost walked past her apartment building.
Entering her living room she saw her answer machine light glowing, pressing the button she walked into the kitchen while straining to hear the message. "You have one new message. Message One." BEEP "Sarah darling just wanted to remind you of your meeting tonight with that producer chappy. Don't be late. I'll be away from my phone for a week or so, going on holiday with the wife you see but do text me to tell me how it went won't you. It's Howard by the way, as if you didn't know!" Howard chuckled. Sarah rolled her eyes as she got a bottle of mineral water out of the fridge and returned to the living room. Picking up the pad on which she had scrawled the details of tonight's meeting Sarah read them back to herself.
Tonight 7.00, Outside Luigi's, Next to steps, informal, Mr Eastwood.
Going into her room she changed into black trousers which were a little smarter than her jeans but kept the boots and green jumper. Sarah clasped a belt around her waist, which wasn't really needed to keep her trousers up but was more of an accessory, and hung a silver charm necklace around her neck. Brushing her hair and taking out the clips she went into the bathroom and started on her makeup. Unlike most women Sarah took hardly any time at all to change but tonight she took her time. She needed very little makeup, just eyeliner to outline her sparkling green eyes and a bit of mascara. She couldn't stand lipstick as it always smudged, got on your teeth or on your glass, instead she preferred clear lip balm. Her lips were a nice shade of red/pink anyway. Spraying perfume onto her neck and wrists Sarah went and looked at herself in the full length mirror in her bedroom.
In the early hours of that morning she had sat crying on her bed in front of that very mirror but now the person who looked back at her couldn't be more different. She had changed from a vulnerable girl wishing for a bit more magic in her life into a strong, beautiful woman. Grinning at herself in the mirror she stuck out her tongue and pulled a face. Laughing at herself she looked at the clock and saw she still had about half an hour. Groaning she flicked on the television and started watching a strange cartoon on a children's channel.
The time passed fairly quickly and Sarah soon found her on her way to the meeting place. The night air was surprisingly cool as Sarah suddenly remembered she had no coat. Never mind I have my mobile and wallet patting her pockets to make sure the necessary items were there she continued down the street.
Luigi's was one of the trendiest places for people to meet. It was one of the many bars/restaurants in the square and across from Luigi's was a set of stone steps going up to the very park where she had been playing chess earlier that day. In fact, if you sat outside Luigi's you could just see the spray of the fountain in the moonlight. Tonight the square was fairly crowded with groups of people out for a good time. Raising her eyebrows as she walked across the square she glanced at her watch. People sure are starting their evenings, or should I say their drinking earlier these days.
Three minutes to seven and Sarah was in position next to the steps waiting for somebody to pop out and introduce themselves. Three minutes passed and as she heard a church clock strike the hour a few streets away she started scanning the groups more closely. Fiddling with t he charms on her necklace she glanced sideways and gasped. Standing immediately next to her was the man from the park. Still wearing the sunglasses and clothes from earlier except he now wore a pair of pale grey gloves he didn't seem to notice her reaction to him and spoke without looking at her.
"Sarah right?" he said softly "right on time, follow me." He turned and started walking up the steps towards the fountain without looking back to see whether she was following or not. Stunned Sarah followed him without thinking and only really became aware of her surroundings once she was at the top of the stairs. The park was deserted. Is he the producer? If he is then why didn't he say so earlier at the park? Why are we walking away from Luigi's? Surely he's not going to do something weird." The flow of questions stopped as Jack turned to look at her and she found herself frozen on the spot.
"Mr Eastwood?" she enquired hesitantly wondering why he was still wearing the sunglasses although it was night. Jack laughed and Sarah flinched. That laugh... it was so familiar. His voice had changed when he spoke once more. "Sarah I'm surprised at you." That haunting voice with a hint of humour echoed in her ears, her brain told her things she couldn't accept. "Fifteen years pass, a mere fifteen years and yet you seem to forget me completely." Taking off the sunglasses and casting them to the ground where they shattered his mismatched eyes met hers as she felt a jolt of electricity jolt her body. "It's..." she stumbled over words "It's...it's you." The Goblin King grinned showing his slightly pointed teeth and raised an eyebrow.
"Surprised?"
Lost for words Sarah continued to stare at him in amazement. Slowly her feet moved and she started to back away from the figure that now seemed terrifyingly imposing. The grin disappeared from his face as he stepped towards her still capturing her eyes with his "Now, now Sarah I thought we were old friends" he said sarcastically as he reached out quickly and caught hold of her wrist pulling her closer to him. Sarah's heart beat doubled as her wrist seemed to burn with his touch although he was wearing gloves. Looking down at her his eyes burned deep into hers.
"Come on." He leaned down and whispered into her ear. "I have many questions and while I'm sure these clothes are suitable for humans they're not to my tastes." Sarah's vision failed as overcome by the presence of the Goblin King she collapsed. Lifting her easily in his arms Jareth looked down at the face of the mortal who had haunted him for so long. The dark spiky hair he had adopted to disguise himself grew and lightened into his messy blonde mane and his clothes changed to the dramatic cape, breeches, knee boots and loose white shirt which was spilt to show part of his chest and the strange pendant he always wore. With a sigh he got a tighter hold on the mortal and, without a sound, they disappeared. The park was quiet except for the sound of the water splashing and bubbling in the fountain and the calls of a distant owl.
Right...well that's chapter 2 I hope you like it! Please review, ask questions, and give suggestions. The next chapter will be up very, very shortly. =D I must say I love writing this but I need your support! All for one and one for all!