Disclaimer: See Chapter 1. I do own Cory McBain, he's one of my original character. As always, please don't flame.
Chapter 5: Tolkien Wet Dreams
Blinking away her thoughts, she sighed. "Uh. Yes, Jareth? My mother called, my real mother. She wants me to come to Summer Stock Theatre with her for the summer. There's nothing for me here except baby sit Toby. I don't feel like hanging around Becka right now. I thought, maybe I should give my mother one last chance before I went to college this fall. What do you think, Jareth? Jareth?" She looked around but the Goblin King was gone. 'Drat the man!' she thought looking around.
"Remember our agreement, Sarah. You want no regrets. If you say no, you will regret it." his voice whispered on the wind.
o0o0o0o0o
Sarah got off the bus, looking around. She had packed light, two carry-ons, and a huge suit case. The trip was long and tiring and she was glad it's over.
Her father had been a bit upset and argumentative about her going but as she and Karen both pointed out, Sarah was 18. Sarah's argument was a bit more direct. She argued that if she didn't go, she would regret it the rest of her life. This was her one chance to deal with her mother as an adult and not as a bitter and hurt child who felt abandoned.
"Sarah! Sarah Williams?"
Sarah turned to see a tall lean blonde man calling her name. 'Great! Tolkien Wet Dream at one o'clock,' she thought. 'And I thought Jareth was drop dead gorgeous.'
The man strolled towards her seemed to be a cross between Fabio and Orlando Bloom. In other words, tall, lean, blonde and wearing a blue and silver plaid shirt and faded jeans.
"Sarah?"
"That's me. Mom forgot I was coming in, didn't she?" Sarah asked checking her luggage.
"Here allow me. Cory McBain, at my lady's service," he said with an easy smile, taking two of her luggage. His deep blue eyes twinkling with amusement. "Actually, your mother is in rehearsals and will be all day. I volunteered to pick you up, once Linda explained the situation to me."
He hustled her out to a jeep blazer. Tossing her things in the back, he said, "Hop in. I'm business manager of Meadow Grove's Park Theatre. I help bring newly graduated actors and actresses out by giving them exposure with top Broadway names in summer theatre."
Sarah listened with some degree of interest as she watched the scenery go by. "How did you manage to get my mother?"
"Oh Linda is an old and dear friend," he said as he drove. "She and I go way back. I was the one that suggested she contact you and bring you out. She was lamenting that you were all grown up and she missed your best years."
"Well, who's faults that?" Sarah mumbled under her breathe as she put her feet up on the dash.
"She also said that you might want to follow in her foot steps," he continued as if he hadn't heard her. "Well, do you? I think there are some spots for walk on parts, if you are interested."
Sarah shrugged, "Not really. I gave up my dream of acting. I have a better dream now."
Cory looked at her out of the corner of his eye for a couple of seconds before asking, "And what is your dream?"
o0o0o0o0o
Sarah's room was in back of a small rustic motel near the theatre. She smiled. The room wasn't much bigger then her own back home. At least, she had her own bathroom, a twin bed and a small table and chair for meals and reading. A faded print of flowers hung over her bed. A dresser and mirror was on the far wall.
"Sorry but all the good rooms are taken or reserved for tourists," Cory said as he helped her.
"Oh this is lovely. I can manage. You own the motel too?" Sarah asked as she placed her overnight bag on the bed. starting to open it.
"Sure do. If you need anything, just call the front desk," he said with a wave. He was gone.
"Thanks." She blew out her cheeks as she pulled out a set of books to lay by her bed. One was her journal and the other was the book that Jareth had gave her to study.
"Ohh. I almost forgot," Cory stepped into the room, startling Sarah. "Dinner is at . . ."
Suddenly, she was pushed against the bed, looking up at a very angry man. "Where did you get this?" he snarled, holding up the Labyrinth tome.
Sarah's eyes widen in shock as his hand went around her throat. "Don't you know it's rude to barge into a lady's room?"
"Who gave this to you?"
Sarah struggled and tried to knee him but to no avail. "It's none of your business. Let go!" Then she did the only thing she could do. She thought, 'Jareth. I need you.'
Cory let go of Sarah as his eyes widen in surprise. Off balance, Sarah fell back unto her bed and into the lap of the Goblin King.
"Now, Cousin, is that any way to treat a young lady you just met?" Jareth drawled as his arms went around Sarah, who was rubbing her throat. "My dear Sarah. Are you alright?"
Sarah nodded. "I. . .I think so," she said, hoarsely. Jareth conjured up a glass of water for her. She gave him a silent thank you as she took a sip.
Cory leaned against the dresser, narrowing his eyes. "Cousin."
"Corindel," Jareth sneered. "You do have a way with the ladies, as always."
"You know the law, Cousin. That book isn't allowed. Uncle Fluffy would have a fit."
Jareth rubbed the back of Sarah's neck. His eyes mirrored his concern for a moment. "What I do or don't do with the books in my library is no concern of yours, but if you want to discuss this. I would prefer a better atmosphere," he said.
Sarah looked at Jareth and then at Cory, then focused up at the ceiling, she said to no one, "Why me? What did I do to deserve to be harassed by not one but by two Tolkien wet dreams in one day?"
Jareth laughed. "My dear Sarah! You wished me back into your life. You can't back out of it now."
o0o0o0o0o
Sarah clung to Jareth for a moment as the dizziness faded. She found herself standing and in the middle of a very beautiful rose garden laid out in Queen Anne style. The Goblin Castle loomed in the background. Jareth a bit concerned led her over to a marble bench and helped to get comfortable.
Cory watched with amusement. "So you going to answer my questions, Cousin or do I go to Uncle Fluffy?"
After making sure that Sarah was alright, Jareth started to pace. "If anyone deserved the right to read about the Labyrinth and know its secrets, it's Sarah. She is by far the most stubborn, intelligent, fiery young woman I have ever come across. And she's the only one that has ever beaten me at my own game." Jareth stopped behind Sarah, looking down at her with a look of respect and admiration in his eyes.
Cory raised an eyebrow as he watched his cousin. "Go on."
"You are looking at the only mortal to ever walked the Labyrinth to reclaim her wished away child and won."
Sarah, coming out of her daze, growled, "Don't forget you cheated and I still won. You over conceited Fae. You kept changing the rules on me and I still beat you!"
Jareth chuckled. "My game, my rules, Sarah." He looked up into the face of his cousin. "Amazing isn't it? She's so small and yet, she holds so much power." Coming back around to face Sarah, "Sarah, my dear you are tired. Why don't I escort you to your room, so you can rest?"
"Here? But mom?" Sarah took his offered hand to stand.
Jareth said softly, "No, my dear. I will send you back Above. Wait for me here, Cousin. I'll be right back."
o0o0o0o0o
Sarah blew out her cheeks as she plopped onto her bed. Pulling out her journal, she wrote:
Dear Jareth,
I have I gotten myself into? Why did I say yes? Is Cory McBain a friend or a threat? who's Uncle Fluffy?
Are all your relatives so drop dead gorgeous? Thank you for coming to my rescue.
No, Lord Sesshomaru isn't in this story. I just liked the term. Until next time. --GF