A/N: the very last chapter. And very very sorry it wasn't as long as I promised it would be. We loved all the reviews, but this chapter is dedicated to one special reader. Out of all the reviews, this person is the only one who even mentioned my two friends. So this chapter goes out specially to Silver Pen11. I hope you enjoy it. Here it is!
Pale moonlight shone through the window of Sarah's new bedroom. She had been out with Chris earlier that day, but had asked to go home, due to a strange feeling in her stomach.
It felt... odd. Not exactly painful, but kind of umcomfortable and fluttery. He had asked her if she wanted to go to the hospital, but she said she was okay, but if it got much worse, she'd consider going.
Her aunt was staying with a friend out of town for a few days, but Sarah didn't want to call her, just to have her worry and come home early,
A few hours later, the feeling had turned into an actual pain. Sarah lay in bed, with one hand pressed firmly to her abdomen. Everytime it seemed to be getting better, the feeling would just come back worse, a few minutes later.
A sudden sharp pain brought tears to her eyes. Soon the pain became unbearable. She broke into a sweat and started gasping for breath.
There was a pain worse than all the rest, and she suddenly felt warm dampness. She reached a hand under a oversized nightshirt up towards her thighs and brought it into the light. Her fingers were coated with a heated liquid, a mixture of a watery like substance, and blood.
Gasping, Sarah reached over to her nightstand for the phone. She dialed the number her aunt could be reached at. No answer. They were probably in bed. The phone slipped from her fingers, and she had to bend down to the floor to grab it once more. The movement causing an undescribable pain. She dialed another phone number, this time the person picking up on the first couple of rings.
"Mh uhm... Hello?", a groggy voice answered.
"Chris? Chris I need you to get over here as fast as possible!", she stuttered before dropping the phone, passing out.
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A few hours later, Abigail and Chris sat in the waiting room at FatedOak hospital.
"How'd you get here so fast?", Chris asked the nervous looking woman across from him.
"Oh I- I had a strange feeling that I needed to be home. When I got back to the house, I found your note. Then I came straight here". Chris nodded.
"Sarah tried calling you. Did you know that?". Abigail stared at her hands and shook her head.
"Ah, no I didn't. My friend was probably in bed, and I was probably already on my way".
They sat in silence for a few more minutes, when a doctor came out, a serious look on his face. "Are you Sarah Williams family?".
Chris stood up and shook his hand. "Well that's her aunt Abigail. The one she's living with. I'm the friend that drove her here". The doctor offered a comforting smile.
"I'm doctor Herphio and I need to speak with you two about something very important".
The doctor was bombarded with questions.
"Is Sarah alright?"
"What's going on?"
"Will the baby make it?
"When can we see her?!"
The doctor sat down in a chair and locked his hands together, leaning on his knees, his elbows propping him up.
"I'll explain all that. You see, Sarah's in labor. She's only three months along. It's very rare that a baby that early ever survives. Sometimes the mothers don't either. What's baffling all the doctors though, is the baby's abnormal size.
"From all the tests we've done, and from what all the reports from the appointments have been showing, the baby is... Well, that baby has the size, the development that it should if it were full term. What I'm trying to say, is yes she's only three months along, but the baby developed much more quickly than what should even be possible. It's almost... magical.
"Right now, we have Sarah on some very strong medications. She's not awake for any of this, and probably won't be for awhile. Right now, she seems to be fine. Just very, for lack of better words, very 'doped up'. To be honest with you, we're not sure if she or the baby will make it. Right now, we're resting on a fifty/fifty chance. We'd like to keep her asleep though the entire process. We're going to end up doing a cecerian section".
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Sarah lay in a hospital bed with IVs coming out of her hands and wrists. The room was brightly lit, but she could still barely see anything. Everything was hazy. Her sight, and her mind. She could barely think. There were people all around her speaking about things she couldn't quite makeout.
She caught bits and pieces, but that's about all.
"Six months early.... could be... Such a young age... Very dangerous. Water broke already... Such a large size... Aunt and friend are in the waiting room... Emergency... Probably won't make it. Her or the baby".
Sarah listened closely, trying to makeout more. Nothing was making sense to her. She tried to speak, not noticing the breathing mask covering her mouth.
"Mum... uahm".
At hearing the small moan, the doctors looked over to see her awake. Doctors and nurses all panicking around her.
"Awake now!... More medication! Stat!". The last thing she felt was a sharp stop into her wrist, then everything went dark.
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Sarah opened her eyes and fond herself in a different room than before. Her senses were still a little fogged over, but not nearly as bad as it was. Her breathing mas was no longer there, but there were still IVs tubes, holding clear liquids hooked up to her.
A few minutes later, a curtain partially surrounding her bed was pushed back. Abigail quietly walked over to her bed, startled to see Sarah staring back at her. "Sarah! You're awake! Oh my. I have to go get the doctors!".
"Aunt Abigail wait!". Sarah's voice was rough and scratchy. By the time it was said, Abigail was already out the door. Soon she came back with a nurse and a doctor in tow.
"H-how long have I been here?".
The doctor smiled at her. "You've been here since lastnight. Don't you remember? You're friend brought you here. You went into labor".
Sarah sat up as quick as she could. "My baby! What happend? Is she alright?".
A pretty middle-aged nurse stepped up to Sarah and smiled at her. "Hi there momma bear. Would you like to hold your little girl?", she asked while holding a small bundle out towards her.
Sarah took the baby gently into her arms and smiled at her sleeping face. "I-I have a baby. A beautiful little girl. She's perfect aunt Abigail. She's absolutely perfect. Just like her father", she rasped, tears staining her cheeks.
Abigail rested her hand on Sarah's shoulder. "Yes honey she is. She most certainly is a perfect. Just like her mother. She's beautiful".
The doctor cleared his throat. "I hate to inturrupt. Ms Williams, I won't lie to you. I'm going to be perfectly honest with you. You gave birth six months early. You're fine, the baby's fine. She's completely healthy. I have no idea how this happened. It's a miracle. I suppose when God gives us a gify such as this, it's just better not to question it sometimes.
"Now, you won't be able to go home for about two days, but there are some papers that need to be filled out. They don't have to be done right away, but I'll go get them now, for you to look over".
"Aunt Abigail, would you like to hold her?". Abigail sat down on the edge of the bed.
"Are you sure honey?".
Sarah nodded. "Yeah Abby. I'm sure. Here go ahead", Sarah handed the baby over to Abigail and watched as Abigail ran a finger over her tiny, smooth cheek.
The nurse sat in a chair next to Sarah's bed. "Now, now, now. I'm sure you're just dying to know the weight and such as that aren't you?". Before she could anser, the nurse continued talking.
"She was a beautiful baby when she was born. I'm pretty sure the whole hospital could hear her crying. She's got quite a set of lungs on her that one. Now, she weighed seven pounds, six ounces. She was exactly eighteen inches long.
"Ooh the cap we gave her was covering it. Just wait until you see that full head of hair! It's a very odd color. It's sort of two toned. A very light blonde, with some very dark brown mixed in".
Sarah smiled. She felt great. She wasn't even tired anymore. She felt awake, and strangely exhilerated. "Oh it sounds gorgeous! She gets the blonde from her daddy. What about her eyes? What color are those?".
"Well...", the nurse started. "You see her eyes are sort of odd too. The doctor says its, from what he can tell so far, the only affect from being born so early, but I personally think it only makes her more beautiful. One eyes is a bright blue. The other eyes though, is a dark green color. It's very pretty. Sort of exotic in my opinion".
Sarah was thankful. She wasn't sure if she would be, but she was. She was very happy the baby had gotten some of her looks from Jareth.
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The next day Sarah and Abigail sat on the bed, the baby asleep in Sarah's arms. They had talked to the doctors and gotten everything filled out the day before.
"Well Kiddo. We get to take you and that precious little baby of yours home tomorrow. Excited?".
Laughing Sarah replied. "Oh Aunt Abigail you can't even imagine. I can't wait to get out of this place and have the baby back home with us".
"Sarah. What will you name her? Have you thought of any names yet?".
Sarah looked down at her baby and couldn't help but smile. "Yeah aunt Abigail. I know exactly what I'm gonna name her".
"What name?"
"Well I thought about this, and given it some serious thought, and I decided I don't want her to have my last name.
"When I was a little girl, mom used to read me a story about a young peasant girl who fell in love with a prince. The prince loved the girl dearly as well. But the prince was supposed to marry a princess from another kingdom and become king. So obviously, the peasant girl and the prince couldn't be together. The prince didn't want to be king. He wanted to be with his peasant girl.
"They snuck out to meet each other one night. Before he left, he promised her that no matter what, he would find a way to be with her as often as he could.
"A few weeks later, the girl found out she was with child. She was aching inside to tell the prince, but didn't want to be anymore of a burden to him. That night when he came to be with her, she told him she didn't want to be with him anymore. It killed him inside. But it hurt her just as badly. The girl went to stay with her sister in a nearby village. The prince had no choice but to continue to live his life. So within the next six months, he married Princess Olivia and became King".
Abigail listened to Sarahs story intently. "Well? Then what happened?".
"Queen Olivia was a generous and very kind woman. She had known all a long about her intended sneaking off to see the peasant girl. It hurt her yes, but she understood why. she knew they were in love. She also knew the day the peasant girl left the village, and had asked some of her most loyal friends to keep an eye on her. One day shortly after the prince and princess had become King and Queen, one of her friends came rushing back to her saying that the peasant girl was going into labor.
"The queen quickly informed the king that the girl had been pregnant with his child and needed him right away. She told him to go be with his true love, and maybe some day she would find hers also. The kind handed in his crown and jumped on his horse, rushing to be by the girls side. He made it outside the humble little house just in time to hear the cries of a newborn baby".
While telling the story, Sarah had a dreamy look on her face.
"The peasant girl was surprised to see him there. He quickly told her all that had happened. When it came time to pick a name for their child, she named their baby girl Emyr. A scottish word for King. She told her love that no matter what he was to everyone else, he would always be her king".
Abigail smiled and nodded her head. "I think I see now. Instead of carrying the name Williams, you'd like to give her the name Emyr. For in your heart, your love will always be your king".
"That's exactly right Abby. So this little girl has a name now. Serenity Morana Emyr".
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Sarah, Abigail and Serenity were finally home. Chris had just gotten there to see Sarah and to meet the baby. He had brought a large gift bag with him and handed it to Sarah.
"I ahm, I wasn't really sure what to get. So i just bought a couple different things". Sarah took the bag from him with her free hand.
"Oh chris. Thats so sweet. You didn't have to get anything! Would you like to hold the baby while I see whatcha got?". Seeing the scared look on her face she laughed.
"Oh it's fine. She's asleep. I'm pretty sure that's all she does. Eat and sleep". Chris took the baby and cradled her in his arms.
"Like this?". he asked. Sarah nodded her head.
"Yep. Just like that!". Bending down to the baby's face Sarah spoke soothing words to her. "Hi there Serenity. That's your uncle Chris up there. yeah it is", She cooed at the sleeping infant.
Opening the bag she began pulling out item after item. He had purchased clothes, stuffed animals, baby books, a fluffy pink blanket, and a few other things. "Oh Chirs! There's so much here. You really didn't need to do that!".
He laid the baby down in the bassinet and hugged Sarah.
"Well I'm glad you like everything. I was hoping you would. Well I imagine you're pretty tired, so I'll go and let you get some rest alright? I'll stop in for a few minutes tomorrow too". With that, he exited Sarah's makeshift apartment.
Sarah put all of the stuff away and sat in the rocking chair to watch over Serenity.
Over the next week, Chris came to visit every other day. Sarah loved Serenity. She honestly did. But she found it harder than she thought she would to have her around. Knowing that's the only connection to Jareth she would ever have, other than her precious necklace. More often than not, she was in a terrible state of depression. She hardly ever came out of her room, and people were getting worried about her. Abigail did everything she could think of to get Sarah in a better state of mind, and Chris never came over empty handed. Hoping that whatever gift he brought for her or the baby would put a smile on her face, if even for just a few moments.
Sarah felt guilty about everything. In her mind, new mothers were supposed to be happy. Tired, but happy. She had tired down though. It seemed like the baby would wake up and cry atleast a dozen times every night. It just wasn't fair. She should have her king there with her, helping her, being with her, loving her. And yet he wasn't.
She felt empty inside.
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Another week went by, and Sarah's depression was getting worse every singly day.
Everytime she looked into Serenity's eyes, she felt as though someone had shoved a knife straight through her heart. It was an undescribable kind of pain. She wanted him. She even quit taking care of herself. Abigail had to remind her to eat every day, otherwise she simply wouldn't do it. Showering and brushing her hair, even getting dressed in the morning became a chore to her. She never wanted to see anyone. She quit going anywhere with Abigail, or even having tea with her in the afternoons. Everytime Chris came by, she'd tell him she wasn't feeling well. She didn't even want to take his phone calls anymore.
Whenever she didn't have to tend to Serenity, all she ever did was cry, or sit in a darkroom, with only her own morbid thoughts to keep her company. She'd often find herself clutching her necklace, tears shimmering down her face. She had been having such awful nightmares.
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Soon Serenity was three weeks old. Sarah was getting no better. Only worse. She had lost a considerable amount of weight from not eating.
Every now and then Abigail would take Serenity off Sarah's hands so she could have some time to herself. During those times, Sarah liked to sleep it all away. She knew she had nightmares, but sometimes they'd be good dreams, dreams of Jareth and all his love for her. She'd sleep every chance she got, hoping, praying, for one of those kinds of dreams.
Chris came by one afternoon to talk to Abigail. telling her he was worried about Sarah and maybe she should consider seeing a doctor.
Every morning abigail would bring Sarah up some breakfast. Sarah would thank her for her kindess, and set it on the table, leaving it uneaten until Abigail came by later to get the tray.
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Sarah sat in her bed after finally getting Serenity to sleep. She was tired, exhausted, but she knew she wouldn't be able to sleep. She'd much rather just sit alone and brood over her thoughts. Even though it hurt, all she wanted to do was think of Jareth. Her wonderful, beautiful Jareth.
Within the next hour, Serenity was up and crying again. Sarah rushed over to the fussing baby. She bent down low and smoothed her blankets out. Serenity reached up and grabbed at Sarah's hair, yanking and pulling on anything she could reach with her tiny little hands. Sarah removed her hands and started to hum her a song that haunted her memories. She was soon fast asleep.
Sarah stood up, not noticing when her necklace, the clasp broken from Serenity's tugging, fell down into the bassinet.
She went back to bed, and laid down, crying herself to sleep. Another nightmare coming to claim her.
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She felt as though she had no body. Just an existance floating through time. See saw just bits and pieces, like she often did. The Labyrinth. Decaying in front of her very eyes. Goblins running around in a panic. Then she saw he and Jareth standing together, in his bedroom. It was when they had their first kiss. The last time she saw him.
She saw the pained expression on his face when she had left him, not only the first time, but the second time as well. She saw him sitting on the bed they had spent so many hours in together. He was sobbing. Everything became a little less clear now. Like someone was telling her a story, and being rushed to finish. That's how the images came to her now. Rushed, and frantic. The next thing she was was a bueatiful silver dagger, a black gem in nestled into the pummel. there was a voice speaking. It was Jareth's voice! It took her a moment to realize what he said.
"I'll always love you Sarah. You have all power over me!".
The next thing she saw was a hand, limp with death, falling to the floor, releasing the silver dagger, dripping with crimson blood.
She could see and hear with with so much clarity. She could hear the clank of the fallen dagger as it hit the stone floor.
The very last thing see saw, was the attic door, slowly opening, a blinding light coming from inside.
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Sarah writhered onto the floor. She was in hysterics. There was a pain in her chest. She couldn't stand. She could hardly move it seemed. She had to get to the door. She had to. At that moment, that's all she cared about.
Crawling on her hands and knees, she made it to where the bookcase was. She grabbed onto one of the shelves, pulling herself up. She slammed her body into the bookcase, trying to move it. It was much to heavy. It hurt so bad. The pain. She had to get in! She had to! Balling up her fists, she pounded them into the case over and over again, exhausting herself from her tantrum.
She starting pulling everything off each shelf and throwing it to the floor. She slammed herself into it once more, this time moving it ever so slightly. She continued to do that, throwing herself on it, until finally, she got it knocked over and out of the way. the door was finally in her reach.
Serenity began to howl, but she ignored it.
She grabbed the door handle and pulled with all the strength she had left in her. The door came flying open, blinding her in bright light just like it had in her dream. The light cleared, and she could finally see inside. What she saw chilled her to the bone.
Uttering a cry, she fell to the floor in a crumpled heap.
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She was back in Jareth's room, staring into the mirror, wearing a white gown, much like the first one. The corset like top was this time white, being held together by deep red lace. The color of blood. The rest of the skirt was once again long and flowing, also white. Tears streaked her face. Her hair in messy curls.
She squeezed her eys tight, afraid to turn around. But she knew she had to. To confirm her worst fear. She saw the same silver dagger, laying on the cold, stone floor.
Her sobbing starting once again, she ran over to the dagger, picking it up and running her finger along the edge. She stood and watched, transfixed as the blood dripped to the floor.
"This is for you".
She took the dagger, and slashed it across her inner arm. Blood dripping, just like the tears from her eyes. She grabbed the dagger with both hands, and raised it high above her head.
"I'll always love you Jareth. You have all power over me!", she cried out before shoving the dagger deep into her heart, and ripping it out violently. She fell to the floor, blood bubbling from her lips, and pouring from her chest, staining the ivory silk of her dress.
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Abigail carried a tray of breakfast up to Sarah's room. Before she even got the door open, she could hear Serenity's crying. She burst into the baby's room and saw her lying in her bassinet, red faced and screaming, a broken silver chain clutched into her chubby little hand.
She walked closer and saw the owl carrying a crystal ball attached to it. Abigail gasped and dropped the tray, dished shattering on the floor, her hand flying up to cover her mouth. She picked the baby up and grabbed the necklace from her. "Oh dear lord in heaven. Serenity! where did you get that?".
Abigail put the baby back down and ran through the beaded curtain. She saw the forbidden door hanging wide open, books and other decorations acttered across the floor, as well as the bookcase, now broken into several different pieces.
"Oh no!", she cried. Bursting into tears Abigail sprinted to the room, stopping dead in her tracks at what she saw.
Both hands pressed tighly against hor mouth, trying to muffle the sobs. Abigail shuttered against the spasms wracking her entire body. There on the floor, just a few feet in front of her, was Sarah, dried blood caking the corner of her mouth, wearing a white gown, crimson staining the chest.
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A/N: Well everyone. There you have it. The very last chapter. First of all, I'd like to say that it took me alot of time to pick the perfect name for Sarah's daughter. I chose what I wanted the name to mean, and then picked what ones I would use. Emyr really is a scottish word for King. The first two names. Serenity Morana, translate into 'Calm Death'.
I wanna say thank you to all the people who reviewed. They really meant a lot to me and my friends.
Brandy, ChelieBean and I already have the second, and even the third part of this story outlined. We even have a couple of chapters for the second one complete. And yes, I can't give too much away, but I promise the second and third ones are much happier. Though whether or not we post them is up to you guys. Please review and let us all know what you think of the first part. It took a lot of time and effort, and we're quite proud of it. Flames are welcome.