Memories of long ago

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The last dance between the Goblin king and his beloved Sarah had happened a millenia ago. The world had changed a lot since then. At least in the Aboveground it had. The time of magic and kings and queens had passed long ago. Now the year was 1986, and very few humans honestly and truly believed in magic and the Underground realm.

Sarah Williams was awoken from her daydream of late night celebrations with strange mythical creatures and dances with charismatic Goblin Kings in mysterious mazes.

"Huh?" She looked around the classroom ignoring the snickers of her classmates.

"Ms.Williams, eyes on the board. You'll have all the time you want for daydreaming in detention, after school. See me at the end of class for your pink slip."

"Yes, Mr.Beltchun." Sarah could feel her face heat up as her peers continued to laugh at her. She glared at a group of girls who sat in the corner whispering and sending her nasty looks. It was the same group of girls who spent most of their time teasing her and finding ways to make Sarah's life absolutely miserable.

Oh, great. Just how am I going to explain this to Karen and Dad? It's not fair! Half the class isn't even paying attention. Why did he only give me a detention? The one time I don't have my eyes on the board he notices.

Sarah sat there with her anger growing until the bell rang, signaling the end of class. She was slow about packing up her things waiting for all the other students to leave first.

She trudged slowly to Mr.Beltchun's desk, trying her best to look pitiful."Mr.Beltchun?" The teacher looked up from the stack of papers he was grading.

"Just a moment Sarah." He shuffled a few things around on his desk looking for the pack of pink slips.

"Mr.Beltchun," she started again. "I really can't serve a detention tonight." The teacher looked at her, his face softened she looked like she was on the verge of tears.

"What is it Sarah?" His voice was full of concern, he didn't want a crying student on his hands. Perhaps he would just send her away and forget about the detention.

"My little brother Toby, he's been awfully sick. He cries all night and keeps me up. I've been so tired lately." Now that she said that he did notice the dark bags under her eyes. "That's why I wasn't paying attention earlier. I'm sorry. But I have to watch Toby as soon as I get home because my parents are going out. They'd be awfully mad if they had to cancel their plans because I got a detention."

Mr.Beltchun felt bad for the poor, young, girl. How could her parents leave her with a sick baby? He'd seen it many times before though. Older students being forced to take care of younger brothers or sisters while the parents went out every night.

He'd made a mental note to be more lenient with Sarah. Sure, she could be a bit childish at times. And he hadn't been the only teacher to have problems with her daydreaming in class, but she was probably just holding on to what she could of her childhood. Mr.Beltchun believed Sarah was probably forced to grow up far too fast, and most of her childish tendencies were probably just a reaction to that.

"I'm sorry Sarah I hadn't realized. Don't worry about the detention." After a moment of thought he continued, "And if you need an extension on the upcoming paper just let me know." He wanted to do something more to help the poor girl. Perhaps by lightening her work load she'd get more of a chance to relax and catch up on some much needed sleep.

Sarah laughed happily to herself as she ran home after school. Toby had had a cold earlier that week, but he was pretty well over it by now. And he did cry a lot, but that wasn't what kept her up at night. What kept her up was her many fantasies and need to constantly re-read her favorite stories. And she did have to watch Toby later, but not until 6:00 that evening.

Sarah prided herself on being quite the actress and fooling Mr.Beltchun only played into that idea.

As soon as Sarah walked through the door she rushed upstairs to her room. With one hand she carefully placed her school bag on the hook in the closet and grabbed a dress with the other.

She pulled the dress on wearing it over over her clothes. She sat in front of her mirror and quickly styled her hair into what she considered a fancy updo. Next, she placed a flower crown on top of her head. Lastly, she applied her favorite red lipstick and inspected herself in the mirror. Smiling at her reflection, she decided she was very pleased with her appearance.

Sarah dug around under her pillow until she found what she was looking for. It was a little red book, titled "Labyrinth." Sarah found the book dust covered and hidden away in the farthest corner of her favorite "junk shop."

Something about the book called to her and she'd fallen in love with it. She could almost recite the entire thing just from memory. One of her favorite past times was acting out scenes from it at the park. She could spend hours and hours going over it.

When she first read it she felt truly connected to the story. It was almost like reading about her own life. Minus all the magic and Goblin Kings that is. But the cruel stepmother and spoiled little brother were right on point in Sarah's opinion.

Sarah called for her dog, Merlin, and together they headed towards the park. When they arrived she noticed a barn owl that appeared to be watching her. She was certain she'd seen the owl there before.

"Well Merlin, it looks like you won't be the only one in my audience today." She laughed.

Time moved differently in the Underground. It was a lot slower and it's beings a lot more ancient. So, much of the Underground was still the same as it had been all those years ago.

The Goblin King had spent most of those years heart broken over a love that could have never been. But after many, long, sorrowful years he had a second chance. Something he would have never thought possible. But the Fates had granted him this chance to win his beloved once more. And with the Fates as his witness he vowed to not fail again.

After, his beloved Sarah, left the Underground for the very last time, Jareth spent most of his free time in his owl form; traveling between realms to the Aboveground. From the distance he'd watch the girl as she went on with her life. Day by day he'd grown more and more depressed. To be so close to her, but not allowed to touch her or to speak to her, it was torture.

He always made sure to stay out of sight, knowing his presence might upset Sarah. He knew this was hard on her as well. He could see it in the way her smiles and laughter turned to crying and frowns when she was alone. She'd given him and his world up, but that didn't mean she had wanted to.

He still remembered her miserable cries when she came to him with the news she was betrothed to another. She had no choice in the matter, her father had promised her to an Aboveground prince.

It was then that he first mentioned the idea of her staying. Offering her a choice and promising her dreams. She had said yes, without a moments hesitation. Her tears stopped and a beautiful smile shown on her face. Despite her puffy eyes and tear stained cheeks she looked absolutely breathtaking.

"Oh, Jareth." She threw her arms around his neck. "I love you."

"I love you too Precious." His heart soared at her proclamation and the news that she was going to stay with him.

She loosened her grip on him and leaned back smiling brightly. "I have to go right away. I have a few mementos I'd like to bring here." Her smile visibly dimmed. "And to see my family for the last time." For a moment she looked like she would start crying again, but after a moment she smiled at him again.

"I'll be back later tonight." She gave him a quick kiss on his cheek and disappeared into a cloud of glitter.

The Goblin King sat there smiling for a few minutes before rushing off to begin the preparations for her return later that night.

After hours of barking orders at his goblins the castle gardens finally met his standards. They had been completely transformed. Gone were the stray chickens, broken bits of glass (from goblin parties) and fallen cobwebbed branches.

In there place stood vibrant plants and flowers, trees bearing fruits that were all unknown in the Aboveground. Beauty was not something one would expect to find in the goblin kingdom, but it was there if one knew where to look.

In the center of the garden there was a surprising clear pond (the goblins refused to go near it because it was so clean.) All sorts of creatures swam in the pond, all of them magnificent and wondrous in their own way. A few stepping stones stuck out of the water leading to a small gazebo. The gazebo was decorated with sweet smelling flowers that hung down from trellises. A few of the flowers were even lit up, creating a glow as soft and as beautiful as candlelight.

A few of the kitchen brownies brought a table to the gazebo, setting it to the king's standard. They then left to get the serving cart. Jareth stood on the gazebo looking around the garden. He wanted to make sure every last detail was perfect when his beloved arrived. He could feel the heavy weight in his pocket. It made him extremely nervous. He began to pace. Sarah would be there any minute.

A loud screech interrupted the Goblin King from his thoughts, bringing him back to present day. A few of the goblins were chasing a chicken across the throne room.

"This blasted castle." He shouted throwing his hands in the air angrily. "It does no good to dwell on memories from so long ago." He said to no one in particular.

Suddenly without any warning he changed into his owl form and flew away from the castle beyond the Goblin City at the center of the Labyrinth, away from the Underground, and away from all the painful memories. He did not stop flying until he reached a park in the Aboveground realm.