Sarah found it hard to concentrate in school. Spring break was starting in a few hours and she still hadn't packed. Her best friend Becca noticed Sarah daydreaming and threw a pencil at her. Sarah jumped, startled.

"Sorry," Becca laughed, "I thought you were falling asleep."

"I'm too excited, Karen's family is really fun and I can't wait to visit them for a whole week."

Hearing the last bell of the day, she smiled and grabbed her backpack, running for the exit. Becca followed behind, dodging impatient students rushing for their spring break. Reaching Sarah's locker, Becca watched her friend spin the combination lock with a look of happiness.

"I thought you hated Karen?" Becca asked, confused. Sarah opened her locker and made sure she pulled out her sketch book, she was going to have quite a few things to draw on her vacation. She'd get a A in art for sure this year.

"I thought I did too, but I've thought about that and I've decided that hating changes in your life doesn't make them go away right? So we had a few long talks and she's really not so bad. I just wanted her to be bad so I didn't have to like her and that's well - not fair." Sarah smiled a bit at that and shrugged as she closed her locker.

"Wow you're really growing up," she teased Sarah. "I'll meet you outside," she added, heading for her locker. "Remember, I'm still coming over for dinner tonight."

Robert was waiting to pick her up from school which was odd, because she always walked with Becca and her father worked late a lot of nights. Becca came outside and gave Sarah a confused grin. She shrugged and Becca promised to come over right after she finished her homework. Sarah shifted her backpack and slowly got into the car. Robert grinned at her and she smiled back, confused.

"Hi Dad, um, shouldn't you be at work?"

"What, can't a father pick up his lovely daughter from school sometimes?" Robert's smile didn't quite reach his eyes and Sarah tilted her head to stare at him.

"You're usually working on Friday nights so you have the weekend free for Karen." The implication that he didn't free up time for Sarah hit Robert hard. He coughed and shrugged.

"I just thought we could go look at camping equipment, we used to love camping, right?" Sarah shook her head, trying to understand what he was up to now.

"You don't want me to go, do you? You don't want me anywhere near my friends."

"What? Friends? Sarah, you're going to meet a lot of people - humans in your life. You'll have plenty of friends - don't get obsessed over creatures that aren't going to be in your life forever."

"Something tells me you aren't talking about Hoggle," Sarah said drily, folding her arms. "You think it's a mistake that I'm letting Jareth court me."

"Yes. Yes I do and I admit it. You are fifteen and have your entire life ahead of you - on this planet. With me and Karen and Toby. Why lead Jareth on when you're just going to have to tell him you aren't interested in being his queen?"

"Being his - what in the world are you talking about? I'm just going to spend a week with Karen's family not get coronated. Besides Jareth won't even be there." A somewhat evil grin crossed her features. "He'll be here - with you - starting tonight. Sounds like you're going to have a fun week too."

Robert grimaced. "Don't change the subject. Sarah - I know you think this is all fun and exciting and I agreed to let Karen be honest with you about where she came from but this is serious stuff. You have your whole life ahead of you."

"You keep saying that as if I'll be dying if I spend time there. Daddy, I'm not running off to get married. I'm not planning on becoming anyone's queen. Jareth's not even going to be there and as for my friends not being in my life for my entire life, well - you're wrong. They will be in my life and I'll be in theirs. But it doesn't mean I'll love you any less or think of anywhere else as home. Now - can we go home? I still need to pack."

Robert stared at his daughter for a long time, conflicting emotions threatening to overwhelm him. His little girl was not arguing blindly. She was rational and calm. She was growing up right in front of him and his heart was breaking.

"Sure Sarah, let's go home," he agreed, starting the car.

JSJSJS

Jareth watched the scene between Sarah and her father unfold through one of his crystals. She was not planning to become his queen? Silly girl, of course she wasn't planning it - that is what his courting was for - to woo her until she was begging to be ruled. He was looking forward to being in her world for a week, this father of hers was obstinate and headstrong - a worthy opponent. But Jareth was the mighty Goblin King and his wishes were stronger than any mere mortal father. The girl would be his soon enough and he would not have to worry about 'keeling over in his food' as the smug dwarf liked to put it.

"You know it's quite rude to spy on your intended," his mother's voice came to him as she materialized in front of him, arms folded. "One might say a lack of trust was involved."

"Mother, how kind of you to come antagonize me," he smirked. "I was just getting ready to come say my goodbyes. Briella is already ruling the Goblin Kingdom with an iron fist. I rather think she enjoys kicking goblins - makes me proud to be her brother."

The queen laughed. "Really Jareth, must you encourage the girl? She's already wishing she could be more like you as it is. Hero worship doesn't always make one a hero you know."

"I never claimed to be a hero, Mother - but for Sarah," he stared down at his crystal again, watching her help Karen with dinner. "I would make the effort."

"Perhaps you are learning more of what you need to know to be a hero, Jareth. Just remember that winning the girl's heart is not the same as conquering her spirit. Learn all you can while Above and I will try to get your Sarah to understand more of this world. Time is ticking my son."

"I'm well aware of the time I have left, and trust me - I will not squander it. If I do love Sarah, then perhaps she will learn to love me in return." He glanced at the crystal once more. "Unless her father locks her away in a tower."

"Hmm, somehow I think you'd find a way to get to her if that happened. Well my son, have a safe journey and I look forward to hearing from you soon."

He embraced her lightly. "Thank you Mother, I'm certain I shall have much to report."