When Monday comes around, I'm feeling confident again. Surely the weekend was just a fluke. Surely Jareth has other things to worry about than me, and he was just bluffing about seeing more of me. Denial is another thing I've always been good at, but I seem to be right in this case. The week passes by normally, and the next. Of course, I still find myself thinking about Jareth. When I'm trying to read or watch tv, I'll realize I haven't caught a single thing that's going on in the story, because my mind is on a certain goblin king. Hannah seems to have forgotten all about him. She's too preoccupied with partying and her equally sociable boyfriend. Honestly, I don't know how that girl has made it through almost four years of college.
The third week after my encounter with Jareth and his friend begins normally. I'm daydreaming during one of my literature classes when I look out the window and notice him sitting on a bench outside the building. He looks like he's waiting for something, and I realize that of course, he's probably waiting for me. Why else would he just happen to be here? I don't know what to do. Should I go talk to him right now? No, I think. I'm not going to leave in the middle of class just because the stupid goblin king is outside. I'll make him wait; I bet he's not used to that. I smile to myself at the thought.
I am going to have to go outside eventually though, and even if I tried to go out the back way, I have a feeling he'd still find me. Why is he here anyway? What does he want? It's almost infuriating how confused he makes me feel every time I see him. When I ran the Labyrinth, he was nothing but a bully…well, most of the time. There were some moments when it seemed there was more to him than that. And then there was our most recent encounter. He hadn't done anything wrong really. And if Brighid was to be believed, he could be perfectly charming and nice when he wanted to be. Maybe I can give him a few minutes after class…just to talk. Maybe he'll finally explain himself.
The class ends a few minutes later, and I make my way down to the building's courtyard where the goblin king sits. His arm rests over the back of the bench, and his legs are stretched out leisurely, crossed at the ankles. I realize with some alarm that he isn't wearing any sort of disguise this time, but no one seems to be paying him any attention. There must be some sort of magic at work here, but I decide not to think about it. As I approach him, he gives me a half-smirk but doesn't make a move otherwise to acknowledge my presence. I sigh, steeling myself for whatever is about to happen, and sit next to him.
"What are you doing here?" I ask.
"It's lovely to see you again as well, Sarah."
There's an awkward silence then. At least, it feels awkward to me. He seems to be completely comfortable. I don't really know what to say, so I wait for him to speak again. He sighs and faces me, his expression becoming something inscrutable.
"I wanted to see you again. We never truly got the chance to have a conversation," he explains.
"No, I guess we didn't. But what is there to talk about? I ran your Labyrinth and got my brother back. What else is there?" That was cruel of me, and I know it. Deep down, I think I know why he asked me to stay, but I just can't let myself believe it. He actually looks hurt at my words. Crap, now I've upset the goblin king. But the look only lasts a second before he's back to his normal smug-looking self.
"I think you know there is plenty more to talk about, Sarah. Don't try to lie to me."
I blush, but I'm not sure if it's embarrassment or anger. Or both. Before I can help myself, my thoughts come tumbling out.
"Look, Jareth. I was only 15 years old. I was a kid, for god's sake, and you were terrifying and attractive and yes, I was intrigued. But did you really expect me to choose you over my brother? Did you really think that I wouldn't do the right thing? I didn't even know if you actually meant what you said or if you were just trying to make me lose!"
Jareth blinks before his lips turn up in another smile.
"You were intrigued?"
I look at him disbelievingly.
"Is that really all you got from that?"
He looks at me seriously, his playful expression gone.
"No. I heard every word. And I don't know what I expected, Sarah. Does that surprise you? That I was just as unsure as you were?" His voice is quieter now, almost a whisper. "But never doubt for a moment that my plea for you to stay was sincere. I knew you would have to be the hero, and I wouldn't want anything less from you, but a part of me hoped…" He breaks off his sentence without finishing, and now we're both sitting in uncomfortable silence.
So he really had meant it. He had really wanted me to stay. What does that mean for me? For…us? I have no idea, but suddenly I'm far too overwhelmed to be here. I can't think straight, and even though we're outside, I feel like the world is closing in on me.
"I'm sorry…I need to go." I can't bring myself to look at his face as I stand and walk away, leaving him behind again.