Chapter 3
Sarah sat quietly at the kitchen table as her aunt, Maria, and this mystery man, Kyle were in the living room talking. "I assure you, ma'am, I am the best there is," the man said. And with that, they stood and walked into the kitchen. "Sarah, I have decided to hire this delightful young man to help around the house with chores, now if you two will follow me, I will show you what needs to be done." Maria, Kyle, and Sarah walk out back toward the barn which was surrounded by all sorts of animals. Cows, chickens, pigs, horses, and anything else you could think of. As Maria was explaining to Kyle about what needs to be done, Sarah can't help but think about Jareth. "His eyes are so familiar. Where have I seen those eyes?" She shrugs it off and continue to half listen to her aunt. Kyle, seeing her out of the corner of eye, smiles shyly and can't help but to laugh a little. "Something amusing, son?" Maria says with a cold look. "No, ma'am." Kyle says. "Sorry."
The day was long and tedious but it went by fast for Sarah. Before she knew it, it was 5 pm. Dinnertime. She and Kyle walked into the house to the smell of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, white gravy, and greens. Sarah thought, "We never got this kind of cooking at home." She smiled. Maria turned from the stove and said, "Now, you two go wash up and get ready for dinner. It will be ready in 5 minutes. Kyle, the only bathrooms are in my room and Sarah's room. You can use either one." Kyle smiled and followed Sarah to her room. "Do you mind if I use yours?" Kyle asked and Sarah nodded. As they stood there washing up, Sarah turns at looks at Kyle and asked, "Um, if you don't mind me asking, where are you from, Kyle?" Kyle smiles at her and says, "Oh, here and there. I inherited a family company way down south but wanted to come north to explore other options. My brother is running the company until my return." Sarah smiles and says, "Oh, cool and do you have any other family?" Kyle turns off the way and turns to face her and says, "Yes, I have two brothers, a sister, and my mother. My father has not been around much, I am afraid."
Sarah nods and turns off the water and walks into her bedroom. "Um, if you wouldn't mind stepping out, I need to change." Kyle blushes and says, "Of course." With that, he steps out of the room, closing the door. Sarah blushes so red at the thought of him seeing her naked and she runs to the armoire and grabs some different clothes. After dressing, she walks to the kitchen and sits at the table. As she sits, Maria sets a steaming plate before her. She begins to eat with delicacy as not to insult the newcomer. She was taken aback of his demeanor and the way he walked about. Maria sits down at the table and says as she grabs to salt, "So, Kyle how was your first day?" "It was quite enjoyable, ma'am. Sarah is a joy to work with." Kyle says. Sarah blushes and smiles shyly. "Do you have a girlfriend?" Maria asks. Awkward silence. Kyle smiles quickly and says, "No, ma'am, I do not. I haven't had many relationships. I prefer to wait for the perfect woman. Someone with adventure and is passionate about her dreams." "Your dreams…." The words resonated in Sarah's mind like they were said yesterday.
The rest of the dinner was eaten in silence. All three clean their dishes. Maria says, "Kyle, there is an extra bedroom next to Sarah's room. You are welcome to anything in there and I am sure I have some extra clothes from my husband and son that you can wear. I noticed you didn't have a suitcase or anything with you." He nods and says, "Thank you, ma'am." He nods and makes his leave. Sarah heads to her room to take a shower and change into her pajamas. After showering, she slips under the covers with a good book and begins to read. After a few minutes, she hears a slight knock at her. "Who is it?" "Kyle". "Come in." "Sarah, I apologize for the intrusion, but your aunt is asleep and I was wondering if I could use your shower?" Sarah nods and shows him where the clean towels and washcloths are. He nods and says, "Thank you." And he walks into the bathroom and shuts the door. Sarah hears the shower start, and him sigh as he steps into the hot, steaming water. She tries to concentrate on reading but her curiosity gets the better of her. She walks to the bathroom door and slightly opens it. He stood there, naked, covered in water and steam. His chiseled chest gleamed with water bouncing off it, his legs formed with such precision. She couldn't help but to bite her lip a little. Suddenly, he turns to grab the shampoo and Sarah jumps and shuts the door quickly. She is sure he saw her. She blushes. "Oh god." She slips back under the covers and continues reading. After about 15 minutes, she hears the shower shut off and him step out. "Sarah?" She quivers. He opens the door, dripping wet with a towel wrapped around his torso. Shakily, she says, "Yes?" "Could you grab me some pajamas? I forgot to when I came in." She nods and gets up and goes into his room. It smells like him already. She grabs a plain white t-shirt and jogging pants. She goes back to her room and he was sitting at the foot of her bed, still wrapped in the towel. He smiles as she walks in and she blushes. "Here you go." She says and hands him the clothes. As she turns to go back under covers, he grabs her hand, causing her to gasp loudly. "I am sorry, I did not mean to startle you, love." And he kisses the back of her hand. He stands and goes back to the bathroom. She quivers from the softness of his kiss. After a few moments, he emerges, the white t-shirt very form-fitting. It showed every curvature of his chest, every little dimple. He walks to the side of the bed and grabs her hand and kisses it again. "Thank you again for allowing me to use your bathroom and thank you for the clothes." She nods and he leaves.
He walks back to his room and closes the door. He lays down on the bed and begins to think about the day. "It seems this plan will work." He conjures a crystal. She had fallen asleep. He kisses the crystal and as it disappears, he says, "Good night, Sarah my love, sweet dreams."