Chapter 9: Untold Stories
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The train ride has already been in motion for three hours, and Jareth glanced over at Sarah's sleeping form leaning into his shoulder. It had become a habit of hers, but it was one he never took for granted. Wrapping his arm around her shoulder, the train had a way of making one drowsy. Jareth flashed back to their conversation three days earlier, the one that was responsible for this particular moment.
Sarah was busy "teaching" Jareth the art of making the perfect omelette when her cell phone rang.
"Want me to grab that?" Jareth asked, as he poured them both a cup of coffee.
"No thanks, I've got it." Sarah said, as she looked at the phone. "It's my dad. Would you mind manning the omelette station?" Sarah jokingly asked as she handed the spatula to him.
"Ah, but there's a price darling." Jareth said as he turned his cheek towards her.
Sarah's phone continued to ring, but she quickly pecked his cheek and then his lips before answering her phone. She stepped out of the room, but Jareth unashamedly kept an open ear to their conversation.
"Hey dad."
Jareth minded the omelette in the pan, enjoying the smell of a fresh cooked meal.
"Has it really been three months? I know, but I've been really busy lately. I thought we agreed that phone calls count."
Jareth could hear a male voice on the other end of the phone. He was rather thankful for his keen sense of hearing.
"I miss him too, but you know, you guys can make a trip out here. I know dad. It's just that there has been a lot going on. Alright. Alright. I'll see you soon. Bye."
Sarah was frustrated as she placed her phone on the kitchen counter.
"Those smell so good! Goat cheese makes all of the difference." Sarah said as she focused her attention on the omelettes.
"Not a good chat?"
"I don't appreciate being guilt tripped into things." Sarah said as she picked up her cup of coffee. "I should be the one guilt tripping them."
"Forgive me for being so forward, but what did he want?"
"I'm due for a visit soon. Maybe I should just head out there this weekend and get it over with."
"Go sit down. I'll bring the plates." Jareth insisted.
Sarah sat, frustrated and unfocused on the world in front of her.
"Well, there's your little brother." Jareth said as he brought their plates to the table.
"Toby is always a joy." Sarah said as she dug into her breakfast.
There were a few moments of silence before Sarah spoke,
"Would you like to meet them?"
Jareth nearly choked on his coffee.
"Maybe I'm asking for too much too soon." Sarah responded, more to herself than Jareth.
"I would love to meet them." Jareth said.
And here they were, five days later, on a train. Her parents were told to expect a guest, but Jareth wasn't worried about how he would be received. These were, after all, the people who sent her away to be tortured. Then again, he partially contributed to that. Scolding himself for letting his guilt ruin the moment, Jareth pulled a napping Sarah closer to him.
Jareth wasn't worried about today's day trip to Sarah's home. He was looking forward to the people who shaped his beloved's life. If this would help him better understand Sarah and what happened to her all those years ago, then he wanted as much insight as possible. Sarah said that the train ride would be boring, but they brought books to occupy their time if it came to that. Sarah didn't seem excited about visiting; it seemed like it was more of an inconvenience to her than anything.
Hours later as they exited the train station, Sarah pointed out her father's SUV. Jareth was surprised to see all three family members there to greet them, and it endeared him when he saw Toby run towards Sarah as soon as he saw her.
"SARAH!" Toby shouted.
'Hey buddy!" Sarah said, crouching down to greet him with a hug.
Jareth couldn't help but smile when he saw her pick up her younger brother and give him a high five. He couldn't help but imagine her doing something similar for their children. Before he could run away with the fantasy, he was shaken back to reality.
"This is Seth Carrington." Sarah said, introducing him to her parents and young Toby.
"Nice to meet you." Mr. Williams said as he shook Jareth's hand.
Jareth was cordial, but he couldn't help but feel that these two people sold his Sarah out by not believing her.
"Seth, this is Toby." Sarah said, directing his attention to her younger brother. At this point, Toby was now back on the ground.
Jareth bent down and introduced himself to Sarah's step-brother.
"Hello Toby. I've heard such wonderful things about you." Toby stared right back at Jareth, and somehow he thought that Toby recognized him.
Toby was quiet as he shook Jareth's extended hand.
"What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?" Sarah jokingly asked as she went in to tickle her younger brother's stomach.
Toby's laughter radiated as he tried to escape Sarah's fingers.
"Where's your luggage?" Sarah's stepmother asked.
"Oh, we're not staying the weekend." Sarah quickly added.
"Oh, okay." Sarah's stepmother spoke. "Well, let's get back home."
"Sarah, you can sit next to me." Toby said as he grabbed Sarah's hand.
Jareth didn't miss that every now and again Toby would turn his head and look at him. Jareth chose not to focus on that interesting development.
A few hours later the five were sitting at the dinner table, feasting on a roast with various vegetables.
"Seth, Sarah mentioned that you work in corporate law." Mr. Williams said.
"Yes, I work for Lowell and Associates. I'm based in London, but I've been in New York for some time now."
"How long have you been working for that firm?" Sarah's stepmother asked.
Jareth took a few seconds to think about what he should say, but he played it off as if he was counting the time in his head.
"I'd say about five years before I transferred to New York."
"Do you like the city?" Sarah's stepmom asked.
"I like it more now that your daughter has given me a proper tour. One tends to forget how intimidating big cities can be if left unexplored. London is really no different, only I'm more familiar with that territory."
"Only you talk funny." Toby added in, still not entirely warming up to Jareth.
"Yes, that's true Toby." Jareth said, smiling at the child.
He could tell Toby knew something was up.
"Please save room for dessert. I made a half and half cobbler."
"Half and half?" Jareth asked.
"Half rhubarb half peach. Sarah hates peaches. Just try to avoid the middle, sweetie." Mr. Williams said.
"Really?" Jareth asked, looking to his left to see Sarah nodding in confirmation with her father's statement.
"I haven't liked them in years. Ugh, they're disgusting." Sarah said, digging in to her carrots.
Jareth wondered if her distaste of peaches came from her time in the labyrinth. As soon as the thought popped into his head, it was gone.
As the five continued eating and conversing, Jareth tried to wrap his head around the family dynamic that was in front of him. He wanted to believe that Sarah's parents were cold hearted monsters, but he saw two adults concerned for the well being of their daughter. It took a while for Sarah to warm up at the dinner table, but by the time they finished their dessert, Sarah was laughing along with everyone else when her father shared embarrassing stories from her childhood.
"Seth, want to see my room?" Toby asked.
This would be the perfect opportunity to get to know the boy he once took.
"Do you mind?" Jareth asked Sarah.
"Oh no, go! He doesn't show off his toys to just anyone, you know." Sarah said.
Jareth allowed Toby to lead him upstairs to his room. Sarah helped her stepmother clean up the dishes while her father took a business call.
"Sarah, he's dashing." Sarah's stepmother said as she started loading dishes into the dishwasher.
"I guess that's an approval."
"Well, you know I was never a big fan of Peter's, especially when he practically abandoned you."
"Technically, I wasn't 100% honest with him."
"You two were two steps away from an engagement! If he really loved you, he wouldn't have jumped ship once the waves got bumpy."
"Can we not talk about Peter?" Sarah implored as she continued to rinse the dishes.
"He really likes you."
"I know." Sarah added.
"That's all you can say?"
"What do you want me to say?"
"You just don't seem rather excited."
"I am, but you and dad of all people should know that I can be a bit impassive about such things."
"Yeah, but this time it's different."
"We're just moving slowly."
"Well, I'm so happy that you've at least got a friend. How are things going with Dr. Corley?"
"I think it's time for me to move on."
"Why?" Sarah's father asked. The two women didn't notice him enter the kitchen.
"I was a bit uncomfortable with our last session. Besides, I don't think I need her help anymore."
"Sarah, you have to understand why that concerns us."
"I'm fine! I just think I don't need to pour my feelings out to a virtual stranger."
"What about your medicine?"
"I didn't say I was going to just toss that aside. I know what happens when one stops taking them. Believe me, I learned that lesson years ago with Peter."
"What made you so uncomfortable?" Mr. Williams asked.
"She began poking around in my business. She questioned Seth and his intentions."
"Why would she do that?"
"I think she thinks I'm rushing into things with him."
"Have you?" Sarah's dad asked.
"Yes, a bit, but this is the first instance when I haven't questioned every single decision I've made. It feels right, at least, right now it does. You can trust my judgement."
"At least talk to Dr. Corley one last time."
"I'll think about it." Sarah said, with a tone of finality.
Meanwhile, Jareth sat with Toby in his room. As Toby taught him how to play with some pieces that were called "Legos," there was a tense silence before Toby spoke,
"I know who you are."
"Do you?" Jareth said, continuing to fit pieces together. He was a king, playing it cool was something he was born to do.
"I remember you. I remember a lot of things."
"What do you remember?"
"Songs and dancing. My dreams are weird."
"So you saw me in a dream?"
"Maybe. Sarah saw you too."
"I'm afraid I don't understand." Jareth said, trying to remain coy.
"She had to rescue me."
"Well, if Sarah was there, then how come she doesn't remember having to rescue you?"
"Mom and dad sent her to the place that stole her dreams and memories." Toby said sadly.
"She told me about that place."
"I don't want her to go back."
"Toby, I promise you that she will NEVER go back there. I swear it on my life."
"I have to protect her because she protected me." Toby stated matter-of-factly.
"You know, I want to help her dream again." Jareth said, knowing that he now found an ally.
"Can you do that?" Toby asked, now looking at his play buddy.
"I can try my hardest to bring her back."
Jareth and Toby continued to play. Even though Jareth didn't have any sort of confirmation, he knew that Toby would keep his secret.
The train ride back was just as uneventful as the ride to Sarah's home. Jareth snaked his fingers through hers and took comfort in the simplicity of such a thing. He tried not to think about his conversation with Toby, but the more he tried to ignore it, the more it refused to leave him. He didn't realize Sarah was talking to him.
"I'm sorry, what?" Jareth asked.
"Toby seemed to take a shine to you." Sarah said, brushing a few stray hairs away from his eyes.
"That kid is something." Jareth said, looking out the window.
"I think he's an old soul."
"Why?"
"For someone so young, he seems to know a lot more that most of them. Dad thinks he may be gifted, but they want to wait a few more years before getting him tested."
"Is he as musically inclined as you?"
"Not really. He's the visual artist in the family. His imagination is way better than mine ever was. It scares me sometimes though."
Jareth unconsciously ran his hand back and forth from her left shoulder blade to her right one.
"You think he might suffer the fate you did?"
"I hope not. He seems to have a firm grip on reality, at least, for now."
"You're thinking too much about it."
"I know. Give me something else to think about." Sarah said.
"Oh, it's nothing I can talk about here." Jareth smirked before stealing a kiss from Sarah.
"Do you think we rushed into things?" Sarah asked.
"Possibly, but it doesn't feel like it. I feel like I've known you for a long time."
"Me too." Sarah said, resting her head on her companion's shoulder before continuing.
"You force me to take things day by day. I didn't realize that I was living for some future time that was only a mere possibility until you came along. I'm very happy that I decided to visit that particular coffee shop rather than stay at home."
Jareth smiled, knowing that the two would have eventually met, no matter what. He couldn't let her know that just yet, but he was so attuned to playing the part of Seth Carrington that it was almost second nature to him. Being with Sarah made him consider carrying on the persona, but the time would come when he would have to confess everything. But for now, he would indulge in moments such as these.
He wanted to tell her that he was in love. He didn't think he was anymore - he now knew it. It liberated him, but it also scared him. Rather than let his fears consume him, he decided to take the advice he gave Sarah and tried not to think too much about the new revelation. But like most things, it was easier said than done.
Later that night Jareth had Sarah caged in his arms as he feathered kisses along her face and neck. He insisted on her spending the night at his place, and while he intended only for them to lie next to each other, he knew it was torture to try and resist her.
"I'm thinking about having a love affair with your bed. It's so comfortable." Sarah said as she languidly stretched out on the bed.
"So that's why you're seeing me? My bed?" Jareth said as he pushed up her blouse and peppered her stomach with his kisses.
"Well, it's nice to have a warm body to sleep next to." Sarah joked as she ran her fingers through his blonde locks.
"Oh dear, if you only knew." Jareth said as he began to slowly unbutton Sarah's top.
As Jareth focused on the rise and fall of her chest and the steady pace of her breath, he could only think of a poem he recently read. He already quoted Tennyson, but now he was feeling the words and imagery of Cummings as he moved to remove her bra. He knew he should stop, but he couldn't resist taking things a step farther. He had to see her flesh again, and as he saw her body's natural reaction to the cool air of his flat, he ran his cheek along her skin, kissing the flesh of each breast as he recited the poem he memorized,
"I will be moving in the street of her body, feeling around me the traffic of lovely muscles…"
He knew this turned Sarah on when he heard her moan. Jareth continued,
"Suddenly, to touch the curved ship of her kiss, her hands will play on me as dead tunes or scrappy leaves fluttering from hideous trees or maybe mandolins."
Jareth traced his tongue over a nipple, focusing his eyes on her now arched neck.
"Seth, you're torturing me here." Sarah whispered.
She appeared to be lost in the sensations and it was a bit overwhelming, even for him. The only thing he wanted to do was kiss her, and as he moved his lips along the trails of her veins. Pulling her face towards his, he got lost her green eyes.
"At least be fair and remove your shirt." Sarah said as she sat up and began to unbutton him.
"You are immaculate." Jareth said, watching her as she carefully worked at her task. Floating her hands over his bare skin, she pushed his shirt away as she began to work at the button on his pants.
It was in that moment that Jareth became overwhelmed. He didn't realize that she was now on top of him, cradling him through the emotional storm brewing in his mind. When were his pants removed? When were his briefs removed?
Jareth closed his eyes as he felt Sarah's long brown locks run against his skin. It was a pleasure he never felt before, and it was now one he wasn't so eager to give up. Somehow knowing that she was looking at him, Jareth opened his eyes and, once again, saw nothing but green.
Lowering her lips to his, Jareth kept his eyes open as he kissed her. He moaned as he felt her hand on his erection.
"Make love to me Seth." Sarah implored as she began to move her lips down his chest.
It would be so easy. It would be too easy to just give in and have the two of them take each other.
"I want nothing more than to do that Sarah."
"But what?" Sarah said, as she laid her head on his chest and wrapped her arms around his waist.
"I don't think I'm worthy."
"I'm not an innocent, you know."
"I know." Jareth said, trailing his hands along her bare back.
"Then indulge me." Sarah said before kissing Jareth.
He closed his eyes and allowed himself to fall into the sensation of Sarah's flesh molding into his. Even when he felt her lips kissing his hardness he forced himself to keep his eyes closed. He didn't realize that his hands were in her hair until she took him in her mouth.
"Sarah." Jareth choked out. His hips began to slowly move up and down, but he knew he wouldn't last long. He wanted to enjoy the experience, but no matter how tightly he squeezed his eyes shut, the guilt began to flood his thoughts. He was close, so close.
"Please. Please, let me touch you." He begged, pulling her up towards him.
He thought he was granted a reprieve when she released him and looked up at him. She replaced her mouth with her hand.
"Not until you come." Sarah whispered, her eyes dangerous and filled with want.
"Are you trying to torture me?" Jareth asked, leaning his head back into the pillow.
There was agony in his voice, but he was so close. He didn't realize how deep his moan was until he felt her lips on him again. It didn't take long until he felt the bliss that could only come from such a release. He looked down at Sarah and noticed that she lightly grazed her cheek and hair against his flaccid member.
"My darling, if you keep doing that, I don't know if I'll be able to stop myself." Jareth lazily spoke, still basking in his afterglow.
"Promise?" Sarah said.
When did she move up to face him so quickly? He flipped them over, feeling himself grow hard again.
"I've never felt like this with anyone. You could do whatever you wanted, and I wouldn't protest." Sarah spoke, grazing her fingers over the contours of Jareth's face.
Jareth's smile slowly faded as he thought of his offer to her: fear me, love me, do as I say and I will be your slave. Sarah didn't appear to notice.
"I'll willingly be your slave." Jareth said before adding, "I want nothing more than to please you Sarah."
He felt the friction that could only come from her rubbing against him.
"You don't even realize the kind of effect you have on me." Jareth whispered into her ear before biting her earlobe.
Clearly, Sarah enjoyed that and Jareth made a note to use that trick again. He still couldn't bring himself to take her even though he could feel the wetness through her underwear. He couldn't seal their fate with deception, but he began to mimic the movement as if he were inside of her. Rubbing himself against her entrance, seeing her visceral reaction to his ministrations only made his movements quicker. He pretended he was in her because he knew the possibility was there that once she learned the truth, she would reject him.
"I want you to come for me Sarah." Jareth said, on the verge of tears.
Jareth brought his lips to her neck as he felt her hands clutch his back.
"You're so beautiful. You have no idea how beautiful you are, especially when you come. You have no idea how happy it makes me to see you let go." Sarah whispered.
By now, his tears were relentless in their fall. He came, but not before pushing aside the cotton barrier to finger her. He thought he may have been a bit violent, but Sarah's loud cries of permission spurned him on as he picked up the pace of his finger. Her cries would always be music to his ears.
"Look at me." Jareth whispered and the intensity of her eyes matched with his was enough to make him swear to all the gods and goddesses that he would be her slave until the end of time.
"I feel you." She whispered as she forcefully pulled his lips against hers. She didn't release him until she came. He was thankful that money bought walls that were virtually soundproof.
"You are too." Jareth said, pulling Sarah to him.
"I'm what." Sarah spoke, exhaustion in her voice.
"You're so beautiful when you too let go." Jareth said, running his lips along her forehead.
He heard her hum and knew that in a few minutes she would drift off to sleep. Rather that let her go, he held her even tighter, knowing that the joys they shared would never be true until he removed the mask.
An hour later Jareth was still awake. Sarah's arm was draped against his chest, and Jareth didn't realize that he was running his finger along her scar until he focused on the rigidness of the tissue. If Sarah possessed his magic, the scar would be gone in months, but he had a feeling that she wouldn't want such a thing to happen. The scar was a reminder that she was a survivor, a warrior even.
Sleep wasn't easy to come by, but then again, it hadn't been in some time.
"I think I offended you the other day." Dr. Corley said. "I'm sorry."
"I don't understand why there's always a shift with our conversations. First, you tell me I need to be more open. I do that, meet someone, and then you follow it up with noting how happy I am. Now you're telling me that I shouldn't trust Seth."
"I think it a bit suspicious that you went from thinking someone was following you to now being in a relationship. What if this man was the one following you, waiting for the perfect opportunity to step into your life."
"So you're saying that Seth may have been stalking me?"
"I don't know."
"Why would he even do that?"
"Why do people do the things they do? Maybe he saw you perform and grew attached?"
"So you're implying that he flew from London just to stalk me?"
"I'm not saying that he's stalking you Sarah. If it's a conincidence, and I truly hope that's the case, then I would say move forward, but proceed with caution. There's a reason why we stick to that cliche of if something is too good to be true then it more than likely is. I don't think you should rush in with all of these emotions."
"That's the thing, maybe I should. I can't tell you the last time I felt like I even had any emotions with all of the drugs and the constant talk about everything and nothing. I was beginning to think that feelings were lost to me, so I adapted. I didn't realize that I did such a thing until I truly began to feel again. I do understand where you're coming from Dr. Corley, but I don't need another mother."
"I understand that I may have stepped out of line, but my intentions were pure."
Sarah calmed down a bit.
"I know your intentions are good, but I haven't gotten any sort of indication that Seth is a danger to me. I trust him. I have taken your questions into consideration though. I just feel like this road that I'm on is the right one. I'm beginning to trust myself again, and it's all because of him."
Dr. Corley paused to consider her patient's words.
"Then move forward, but know that, as your doctor, I only want what's best for you and your health."
"I know, but I have to go with my instincts, and I'm pretty confident that they're spot on."
Sarah was having a rough day at school. One of her cello string's snapped as she tuned it just before the day started. Then she had the unfortunate pleasure of having to deal with Suzy Talbot, a parent of a student who didn't understand why her daughter wasn't progressing as quickly as the others in her class.
After an agonizing thirty minute conversation with Talbot, Sarah needed a break. Seth mentioned something about a new case with a heavy workload, so rather than bother calling his cell, Sarah decided to call him at his office. She wanted to splurge on bad Chinese takeout and hoped that Seth would be open to the idea. The only problem was that she didn't have his work number. Sure, there was his cell phone, but Sarah always thought it rude to call a personal number when someone was at work, unless permission was directly given.
Going online, Sarah searched for the Lowell and Associates website. After searching for Seth Carrington's number and coming up with nothing, Sarah figured that he wouldn't be featured on the website because he wasn't officially part of the New York office. Rather than search the London website, she found the number and called.
"Lowell and Associates." A receptionist answered.
"Hello, I was wondering if you could transfer me to Seth Carrington's line?"
"I'm sorry, who?"
"Seth Carrington."
"I'm afraid we don't have an associate here by that name."
"He's in from the London office."
"Ma'am, we don't have a London office. I'm afraid you have the wrong firm."
Sarah didn't know what say.
"I'm sorry. Maybe I got my numbers mixed up. Thanks anyway."
Sarah ended the call, confused about what just happened. Chinese takeout was the last thing on her mind.