"Debbie! I can't do this any more!" Sarah gasped as she struggled to complete her laps around the track. Coach Wilson had once again decided that ten laps around the court was the perfect way to promote "discipline and perseverance" ā which meant hell on earth for Sarah.
Debbie jogged effortlessly past her, a mischievous grin on her face. "You're so slow, even a turtle would outrun you!"
"That's just because you secretly have rocket engines somewhere," Sarah huffed in reply.
"Rocket engines? Please, Sarah," Debbie shouted over her shoulder. "This is pure will and talent. Now move your butt, or I'll go all the way around you!"
Sarah rolled her eyes, mobilized her last strength, and somehow managed to finish the tenth round. Back in the locker room, however, she was far from relaxed. "If I ever think about going to this class again, please remind me that I hate myself."
"I will," Debbie replied cheerfully. "But first, I'm treating us to smoothies. I earned it because I motivated you so brilliantly."
"Motivated? That was straight-up mockery."
"Semantics," Debbie dismissed with a wave of her hand.
After class, the two strolled through the shops of the city. Debbie dragged Sarah from one shop window to the next, commenting loudly on everything.
"Sarah, look at this! That jacket looks like it was designed by a peacock."
Sarah shook her head, laughing. "And why would I need that?"
"Because it practically screams, 'I'm eccentric and unapproachable.' Imagine walking into college wearing that."
"It screams, 'I just robbed a costume shop.'"
"Pfff, you just don't have a sense of fashion." Debbie turned around dramatically, her scarf wafting like a superhero cape. "Fine, I'll explore the next boutique without you."
As they moved on, Sarah kept noticing a little robin flitting from branch to branch, seemingly following them. "Do you see that bird?" she finally asked Debbie. "As if it was chasing us."
"Which one?" Debbie looked around. "Ah, that one. A spy, you mean?"
"Nonsense, I just love robins," Sarah explained with a dreamy smile.
Debbie raised an eyebrow. "And why am I only learning this now? You're such a mystery, Sarah Williams. She shrugged. "Yes, robins are cute, but I'm more of the action animal type. You know, like a tiger or an eagle. Something with more oomph."
Sarah laughed and shook her head. "You and your drama. I just think they're beautiful and... they remind me of hope, I guess."
Later that evening, Sarah and Debbie made themselves comfortable in Sarah's room. Debbie scrolled through her phone while Sarah played music. "David Bowie?" Debbie asked with a mischievous grin.
"Always," Sarah answered and turned on "Life on Mars?"
"Girl, you and Bowie ā are you secretly married or something? He's on 24/7 around here," Debbie asked, grinning. Sarah stuck her tongue out at her.
"I don't know whether to admire your taste or your stubbornness," Debbie said before throwing herself on the bed.
Sarah shook her head, laughing. "I just love his music. There's⦠something magical about it."
They were fooling around until suddenly a loud thump came from the window. Debbie sat up, startled. "What the...? I think a bird just hit your window!"
"What?!" Sarah exclaimed, and hurried to the window. On the window sill was indeed a small robin.
"That's definitely the spy bird from earlier!" Debbie said triumphantly.
Sarah stared in fascination at the bird, which flew away after a moment to perch on a nearby branch. "That's unbelievable," she muttered.
But Debbie was already distracted. "What is this? An envelope?"
She grabbed the finely crafted envelope that was on the windowsill. With wide eyes, she showed it to Sarah. "Lady Sarah, you've got mail!"
Together, they opened the envelope, with curious excitement. The paper inside was the finest they had ever seen, and the words on it were written in a curved, ornate handwriting.
"Lady Sarah Williams,
On behalf of the royal family of the Fae, we cordially invite you to a special ball in our world.
You are invited to bring a companion of your choice.
On the evening of the ball, one of our emissaries will pick you up to escort you safely.
With the utmost respect and kindness,
Lynetta of the Fae."
Debbie let out a loud laugh. "Lady Sarah Williams? Oh, I like that! From now on, I just call you 'Mylady.'"
But Sarah barely heard her friend. Her gaze was fixed on the ornate letters as her heart started racing. The world of the Fae. It wasn't the first time she had been involved with this world. And it wasn't the first time a certain Fae king had crossed her mind.
"Jareth," she whispered, barely audible.
"Hey, dreamer, back on Earth?" Debbie's voice ripped her out of her mind. Her best friend was always so alive, full of energy and a touch of chaos. "What were you whispering just now?"
Sarah shook her head, straightening up. "Nothing. It's just... strange. Why me?"
Debbie grinned. "Why not you? Come on, Sarah, this is your chance! A ball! Magic! Mysterious Fae!"
But Sarah couldn't shake the feeling that Jareth was behind this. Was this his way of luring her back into his world? Or was it just a coincidence? The invitation showed no sign of him, but her thoughts kept circling.
Debbie snapped her fingers in front of Sarah's face. "Sarah! Earth to Lady Williams! Please tell me we're going. I'll go crazy if we don't!"
Sarah chewed on her lip. "I don't know."
Debbie jumped up and put her hands on her hips. "Sarah, listen to me. You got a personal invitation from another world. That doesn't even happen in books! We have to go there!"
"I need to think about it," Sarah murmured, but Debbie glared at her with determination.
"Don't think too hard. I won't take no for an answer, Lady Sarah."
The letter remained open on the table, the letterhead glistening in the dim light of the lamp.
And although Sarah tried to push aside her doubts, she couldn't help but wonder if this was the start of something big ā and if Jareth really had anything to do with it.
