-1Over the next few weeks, Jareth's condition improved until all that was left was a scar. Toby marveled at the state of the healing, now fully convinced that he was not insane. Though adjusted to the idea, there had been a lot of explaining.
"With an heir to the throne, I would no longer be the Underground's most eligible bachelor," Jareth elaborated one balmy evening on Sarah's patio, iced tea rattling in their hands. "And of course I had hoped that I wouldn't even need to be a bachelor anymore," he nudged Sarah with his foot, which was thrown over one arm of the plastic chairs that Sarah had bought to replace her iron ones.
"But why go so long without contacting us?" Toby continued, lifting his glass.
"Keep in mind that you needed to grow and my heart was thoroughly broken. Beside that, I was overthrown shortly after our brief meeting."
"What I wonder is how the proud Jareth dealt with being heartbroken," Sarah teased.
"Well, I moped and fretted inwardly, and outwardly I made life hell for everyone around me. Introduce a raving, power-hungry half-Fae and I lose my kingdom." Sarah grinned sheepishly. "I made the most of being banished though. It was so fun to play with the music industry," he took another nonchalant sip. "I don't think I'll miss it though."
On the table by the pitcher of tea lay a newspaper with a huge photograph of Jareth in all his glamorous attire crooning to a gaggle of star-struck teens.
Jareth Mystery Solved
Special correspondent Rima Schooner
Tragedy strikes the fans of Jareth, internationally famous rock star, when he announced his early retirement. To add to their misery, he also announced his engagement. Sarah Williams, an economics teacher in Sacramento California, is the subject of much jealous gossip amongst the lady fans.
"We had no idea Jareth was even seeing anyone," Jareth's manager reports. And apparently, neither did anyone else. Miss Williams was never spotted out and about with the star, nor can anyone claim the credit of introducing them. Neither one of the couple will submit to an interview.
After the sudden reappearance of Jareth two weeks prior, many speculate that the couple may have eloped in the aftermath of his first and final tour, wishing for a completely secluded wedding. No date has been announced as of yet. Jareth insists that his unusual disappearance was merely to take a break from the spotlight. "I went back home for a while and took care of some unfinished business," he explained in a public letter to his manager. "I plan to return again sometime soon, and possibly stay there on a more permanent basis." While these lines are completely vague, they seem to elicit the proposal to Sarah Williams.
Though many are under the impression that Jareth comes from Brixton, the incredibly secluded singer has never alluded to his true place of residence home town.… Continued on page A18.
"But all this about returning home on a more permanent basis," Toby gestured toward the paper, "Does that mean you both are going back Underground?"
"Perhaps," Jareth responded.
"But we would come back for visits," Sarah interjected quickly.
"Yes, of course. The trouble is that I cannot rule my kingdom from the Aboveground."
Toby subconsciously rubbed the mark on his collarbone, wondering about the future. Jareth seemed to hear his thoughts and smiled reassuringly. "You don't have to make a decision now. I'm in no hurry to give up my kingdom again," he laughed.
Soon after Jareth had regained his strength, he had once more expressed his desire that Toby should learn to become a ruler. Toby knew that should he accept, he would give up everything he had perused in the Aboveground, only surfacing now and again for appearances. It was a decision punctuated by an extreme longing to explore the world of magic, follow his imagination back to his impractical desire to study art and literature.
Perhaps one day in the future, after he had his medical degree and lived more of his life in the mortal realm, perhaps then he would return to the Underground and follow this new path.
"I'm just looking forward to relaxing in peace for the first time since I got into the blasted music business."
"You know they won't forget about you up here anytime soon," Sarah sighed.
"Jareth's one album, his enigmatic year in the sun," he raised his glass in a mock toast. "They'll remember you forever."
"It wont be long at all," Jareth smirked knowingly, tightening his fingers around Sarah's hand. She smiled across at him, completing the image of perfect tranquility and happiness that would last far longer than forever.