Chapter 15: Back to the Aboveground

It had been almost two months since Jareth had left and Sarah had hardly left her room the entire time. She had her own bathroom and the goblins could bring her food to her so she really had no need to leave. The only times she did leave were when she went to the castle library to get more books to lose herself in or when she entered Jareth's room or study, just to get a brief fix of his natural essence before retreating back to the sanctity of her room.

There, she could read or draw and forget that he was really gone. Camiya had kept her company through letters. In her last letter, she spoke of Jareth.

Sarah,

How's life in the Goblin Kingdom? Still as boring as ever?

Well, I have some news that may interest you. I've just returned from visiting my cousin James for a couple days (hence why I haven't written to you for some time) and I've seen your Goblin King.

Is it any consolation to know that he's acting weird here too? I mean, he and James have always been the major trouble-makers of the family, but James has informed me that Jareth only leaves his room for meals and has refused to cause any sort of mischief with him. Strange, huh?

Well, I guess that gets rid of any hope for normal behavior with his return, but I suppose there's always hope for you. That's just how you are, never willing to give up on something that you want.

Well, make sure to provide me with updates about your life and my brother and I'll return the favor.

Always,

Camiya

Sarah also received another letter. This one was from Jareth. It was brief and to the point.

Sarah,

I'm coming home tomorrow. I hope things will be better now that we've gone through a trial separation.

Toby's birthday is coming up, right? I suppose that means you'll be leaving for the Aboveground soon so we'll have another week or so apart again.

Let us cross our fingers and hope things can be better than they were once we're both settled back in and home for awhile.

See you tomorrow,

Jareth

She was so happy when she received his letter informing her of his return that she almost forgot about his strange behavior.

However, it was difficult to forget about it when he was actually home.

He was still acting as strange as ever and had taken to locking himself in his study. He didn't even come out to eat with her anymore.

When she had asked him about it, he just said that he was really busy and that he didn't want to upset her anyway. She supposed he was right. He would just screw things up like he had been.

It scared Sarah when she was thinking about Toby's birthday and the thought of not returning to the Underground crossed her mind.

She had considered going up for her brother's birthday and just staying there - getting a job, an apartment, and another life. Jareth was ruining the one that she always wanted and it seemed to her like there was nothing she could do to change things … other than Camiya's closet idea.

But that wasn't going to happen.

Finally, March 23rd was approaching. That was Toby's birthday and Sarah was planning on spending a week Aboveground. She would leave Friday the 20th and return on Sunday the 29th … if she returned at all.

Sarah got Toby a miniature, six-inch, wooden Firey action figure sort of thing. She had asked a few people to help her make it so that it looked like a real Firey and it actually moved and could remove its body parts.

Sarah almost had one made for her too, but she figured she could hang out with the Fire gang anytime she wanted so she just made the one for Toby. He would love it as always.

Finally, the time came to leave and she found herself back where everything had started.

She was in her room, glancing back longingly at her Underground clothes and belongings. Just to be safe, she packed everything that she could that she wanted to keep. She still wasn't sure if she was coming home on the 29th or not. She didn't say anything to Jareth about it, but it was becoming more of an option than ever before. She had even thought about what she would do once she was living Aboveground again.

Staring off into space, Sarah never saw or heard the blonde King walk up behind her. He cleared his throat and still, she didn't hear him.

Normally, Jareth would just grab her from behind and startle her, but he knew that the "New Jareth" wouldn't do that. Besides, he just wasn't in the mood. Actually, a part of him couldn't wait for Sarah to leave. Then, instead of following her, he could stay here and actually relax. Hell, he might even play with the goblins! He had an entire week to be himself and not worry about messing up.

So, he tapped her on the shoulder, startling her anyway, and held out a crystal.

"You know how it works. I'll see you in a week, then." He bowed slightly to her and turned to leave.

Sarah had his name at the tip of her lips, waiting to be called out. That couldn't be it … could it? Oh well. A part of Sarah didn't care anymore. She felt like this was a war that she had already lost. The only thing left to do was surrender … or just not come back.

But she didn't want it to end like this. If she left him alone here, then she couldn't have the last thing he said to her be "You know how it works. I'll see you in a week, then" and have her response be mere silence.

But Jareth was already gone. Sarah's heart pained her and she almost ran after him, but decided to just go.

Taking one last look around, Sarah threw the crystal up into the air in the Underground and caught it in the Aboveground. She looked in front of her to see her childhood home again.

The last time she had arrived her, her heart had been fluttering about and doing the Happy Dance, but now it just flopped down dead.

Trudging up to the front door, Sarah tried to put on a smile and be cheerful. Enough of her and Jareth. This time was for Toby. He was going to be 12 this year.

Sarah could remember all those years ago when she had wished him away and met the man of her dreams … the handsome villain of her story who turned out to not be so evil.

Mischievous maybe, but definitely not evil.

Again, the normal routine.

A knock at the door … Toby rushing to answer it as if she was going to disappear if he didn't hurry … hugs all around … quick small talk … Sarah and Toby going to Sarah's room to catch up as Irene calls out that dinner will be ready soon.

Same as always. It never changed. At least with Jareth, he used to surprise her. Sarah wasn't so sure if she could get used to the monotony of the Aboveground again.

At least this time, one thing was different. Something was wrong with Sarah and Toby knew it the minute he saw the fake smile on her face and felt her hug him a little too tight … like she really needed a comforting hug from someone, anyone.

The minute they were in her room, Toby asked bluntly, "Ok Sarah, something's wrong. What is it?"

Sarah was going to deny it, but one look at her brother's face told her that it was no use. She took a deep breath and sighed.

"Oh Toby. I just don't know what to do anymore."

Toby was confused, but he had an idea about what she was thinking of. "Come on, Sarah. You know you can talk to me." He chuckled. "I mean, what else are brothers for besides annoying you when you need it?"

Sarah knew that the time had finally come. "Toby, before I can tell you what's wrong, it's time for you to know the truth. The whole truth."

The siblings got settled and Sarah began her story.

A/N: I know! I know! These chapters are SO short, but they're the best I can do. Sorry.

Anyway, I hope you liked this chapter. We're getting closer and closer to the end! I'm getting excited! x] I'll try to get another chapter up this weekend.

lol Ok so I have to say it ... in either the next chapter or the one after that, we'll be seeing our favorite person again! That's right ... Tyler *boo*

So let me know what you think and I'll do what I can with the next chapter!

Oh! And thank you EVERYONE who has reviewed! I love it and it seriously makes my day when I come home to find one. Even the smallest comment makes me happy. So thank you SO much!!

now go review some more!!

P.S. I'm a little disappointed with all of you. =D I realized as I wrote this chapter that I made a HUGE booboo in the last chapter. In Jareth's letter, he told Sarah that he was staying with his parents, but his parents died ... remember? lol So I was like CRAP!! I'm actually surprised that nobody caught that. I fixed it in this chapter and the last so no more contradicting!