A/N: It's late ... I know! So sorry!! School started up again and I had no time to write at all. But now, here's chapter 8. (psst ... Jareth is in this chapter briefly!!)
Chapter 8: Not Quite What She Expected
Sarah had woken up that morning wishing that she were home.
She missed the Underground, and surprisingly Jareth, terribly. She loved spending time with her family, but this time, she couldn't wait to pack and "catch her plane home".
Her day had passed as an unusually slow blur. Both Sarah and Toby were particularly quiet all day, something that was highly peculiar, especially on Sarah's last day visiting. Dad and Irene were worried, although they tried not to show it.
After breakfast, Sarah and Toby had gone for a walk in the park, not really talking. Both were deep in thought and they were content to walk comfortably in amiable silence. Actually, it was rather funny, because they didn't know it, but both siblings were mulling over the same man and somewhat similar problems.
Toby spent his time trying to figure out who this man was supposed to be and what his dream meant.
Sarah couldn't stop thinking about her Goblin King, how terribly she missed him, and how happy she would be when she was around her best friend again. She missed his flirtatious, haughty, and enjoyable nature and was a little surprised to find that she was really looking forward to him being a bit annoying, as he always was for a few days after she returned. He was also so clingy even though he tried not to show it. He always barely left her side for about a week after her return home. She knew it was his way of telling her that he had missed her.
When they returned home, Toby helped Sarah pack her stuff and they passed the next few hours playing board games and drawing together while listening to music.
Finally, seven o' clock came and Sarah's taxi had arrived. The airport wasn't too far away (only a 45 minute drive) and Sarah would be catching the 9:30 plane. She told her family that she wanted to be early, just to be safe. She really wanted to leave earlier than was expected because she felt an urgent need to be home in the Underground … and maybe catch Jareth off guard this time.
Sarah hugged her family good-bye, promising to be safe and demanding the same promise from them.
As Sarah was hugging her beloved little brother close to her for the last time for awhile, she was surprised when he gently pushed her away.
"You better get going," he said, almost darkly, "You don't want to miss your plane."
Sarah nodded, hiding her surprise, and saying goodbye for the final time, she entered the taxi cab.
Toby felt bad for pushing Sarah away, but every time he looked at his sister, he saw Jareth's face distorted with pain and anger and he felt angry with Sarah for hurting this man. It still didn't make sense to Toby, but he did know that Sarah needed to get home … wherever that was,
Sarah closed the door and told the cab driver to just start driving. He did so and Sarah waved goodbye to her Aboveground family.
As they drove farther down the road and the Williams were out of sight, Sarah told the driver to take her to the nearby park.
He did as she asked, she paid him, and he drove away.
Sarah walked to a secluded area of the park where she used to spend so much of her time.
Taking a deep breath, she looked around and, after seeing nobody in sight, she threw the crystal up into the air.
A smile graced her features as she thought about how in a few seconds she would be home again.
The crystal smashed on the ground and, instantly Sarah looked around to find herself in her bedroom.
Sarah looked around, confused at first. Did I actually catch Jareth off guard? Am I actually early enough to surprise him for once?
Excited, Sarah placed her suitcases on the ground and ran to her closet.
She quickly changed into a dark red, velvet dress with black lining on the bodice and red, low heel shoes.
She knew that this was one of Jareth's favorite dresses and he loved to see her wear it.
She fixed her hair, draping it around her face, and as she ascertained that her appearance was acceptable, she hoped that Jareth would appreciate it.
She went off in search of the Goblin King. Jareth always had some sort of surprise waiting for her when she got home. Normally, it was a party with all of her friends from the Labyrinth and, of course, the goblins. The party wasn't really a surprise anymore since it had become a tradition, but the way Jareth presented it was always worth it.
Then, after the party, he always had something for her. Sometimes it was an expensive necklace or an elegant gown, but Sarah never cared about what it was. She was always happy that he cared enough for her that he would do something like that.
Sarah snuck down the halls, looking for Jareth and maybe a party in the making. It had been her goal for the last ten years to catch them all off guard, but it never happened. But maybe this time she finally had them.
As she walked down one hall, she saw a dim light coming from the library. Gotcha, she thought. Sarah felt her heart quicken its pace as she slowly approached the door.
She smiled, biting her lower lip, and entered the room to find … Jareth sitting in his armchair reading a book.
At first, she didn't understand. She wasn't that early. Then it dawned on her. He was here as a sort of decoy. She hadn't surprised them at all. They were expecting her.
Sarah was meant to find Jareth here, as if nothing at all was happening, but then he would lead her to the party.
She cleared her throat to catch his attention and took in a sharp intake of breath when his eyes bored into hers and a smile graced his features.
He seemed to be in a trance as he set the book down and approached her, his eyes never leaving hers.
When he approached her, Sarah expected him to kiss her cheek or something like he always did, but this time, he hugged her, picking her up a bit off the ground, and held her close to him.
But this hug felt different from all the other ones that he had bestowed upon her. Normally, she could feel the longing of his heart in his hugs, but this time, it felt as if it were merely a friendly hug. A hug shared by two good friends …. And that's what you two are, right? Bosom companions. Friends only, right Sarah? "Team Jareth" said sarcastically.
She ignored that side of her mind as Jareth put her back on the ground and smiled at her.
"I'm so glad you're home," he said, still smiling, not his normal mischievous grin, but a smile so strangely familiar that Sarah could have sworn that she had seen it on another face … one that wasn't Jareth's.
She looked around and said, "It's wonderful to be home, but … where is everybody? I mean I know the parties are supposed to be a surprise, but … "
Jareth chuckled and, placing a hand to his forehead, said, "Oh, I almost forgot. Your friends are waiting for you in the throne room. I believe the Fire Gang even made a bonfire in the middle of the room."
Sarah laughed and Jareth fought the urge to hold her hands and hold her close to him again, just to feel her heartbeat once more, to smell the sweet smell that he recognized as her scent.
"Well then," Sarah began, holding out her hand, "Shall we?"
Jareth wanted to take her hand. He wanted to scoop her up into his arms and kiss her until she was out of breath … but he had decided to change and he had to stck to his promise.
Shaking his head, he responded, "Sorry Sarah, but I have to pass. I have some other business I must attend to. Have a good time. They can stay as long as they like. Now, if you will excuse me." He nodded his head at her and walked away, leaving Sarah in a completely shocked state.
Watching him walk away from her, Sarah knew that something was definitely wrong. Either Jareth was planning something or something was seriously wrong.
First, he told her exactly where the party was being held. Also, he hardly ever allowed the Fire Gang to start a bonfire in his castle. He was tolerant with their mischief, but not that tolerant.
And second, he wasn't joining them. No matter what was going on, Jareth always joined them for Sarah's welcome home party.
Something was up and Sarah was determined to find out what it was.
A/N: I hoped you liked that. Sorry it was kinda short, but I really wanted to update. So, we won't be seeing Toby again for awhile. For now, it's going to be Sarah and Jareth in the Underground.
I don't know when the next update will be, but most likely it will be up next week sometime ... hopefully.
Normally I thank everybody who reviewed but I'm pressed for time at the moment. Thanks to everybody in general! I really appreciate your feedback. It lets me know that I'm doing something right.
Well, you know what to do! Let me know what you thought!