Unnaturally Beautiful

Chapter 14: Return

The problem with Wren had to be dealt with. No longer could Jareth put it off. He’d risen earlier, the sky still glowing red with the setting sun. He went about getting dressed silently, his gaze continuously darting back to the bed and Tobias’ nude, sleeping form. He lit a few candles with a mere thought before leaving, knowing his lover wasn’t fond of the darkness.

No one was up as he soundlessly traveled the halls, his boots silent with the help of his magic. He headed for the throne room, finding three goblins there, sleeping on their backs. He chuckled at the sight, guessing that they’d passed out drunk. He went to his thrown, flopping down, his legs hanging over one arm of the chair, his neck against the other, his hair hanging down like a golden waterfall.

There were only so many things that could be done. He’d sit down and talk with her. If she refused to see reality for what it was, he’d suggest a personal servant and scheduled talks with Dr. Lazlo. If she didn’t want that… Well, he’d have to threaten to send her away.

He remembered many years ago… It rarely happened, but now and then, a woman of the Underground didn’t want her child. There were less than fifty within his kingdom of unwanted children. Wren had come to him a mere toddler. She’d been the product of a soldier and a young woman. Upon the soldier’s death, the woman could no longer stand to look upon her daughter who so resembled her dead lover.

He’d taken the child in without question, marveling at her wild, red hair. She and Julianne had been close in age, had quickly become close. Many of the female children he took in from the Underground went through a stage in which they fancied him, but it rarely lasted. All who were close enough could see that his heart was black.

Why then was Wren so determined to have him? It didn’t matter, he wasn’t interested in her, despite her beauty and untamed personality. He wanted Tobias.

He blinked upon hearing a bit of noise. Ah, he sensed several goblins milling about now. The sun must be down, night upon them. Surely the others were up.

With a thought, he was standing in the kitchen doorway. Indeed, everyone was up, all except Wren of course. Julianne was sitting unusually close to Merik, laughing, a hand held over her mouth as if to muffle the sound. He was laughing as well, eyes squinted, peering her way.

Dr. Lazlo and Talbot sat opposite them, wide smiles upon their slightly wrinkled faces. Trei sat with moderate space separating him from the others. His plate was almost clear and he was chewing with seeming concentration. Lyn stood leaning against the sink counter, chuckling, her shoulders shaking with the action.

He remained unseen, watching them, listening to their silly conversation. He noticed a plate sat aside on the far end of the counter, wrapped for Wren most likely.

Determined, he stepped forward, ignoring the sudden silence. He sat at his usual place. Though it was a square table, he’d deemed one particular side, for no reason, to be the head of the table. Lyn at once began filling his plate with the typical morning dishes.

Idle chatter continued, but it wasn’t the jovial atmosphere it had been. He was halfway through when he finally spoke up, “I’ve decided.”

They quieted, “Decided what, Sire?” Merik asked, leaning forward.

Jareth sighed, “Enough with the formalities.”

They all remained quiet, waiting.

Jareth sat back in his chair, looking to each of them, “I’m going to send Tobias back in three months, just before the Winter Ball. It’s just going to be temporary.”

Julianne smiled sweetly, “Of course, it’s a good idea. That way you can speak with the other royals and Wren can have time to cool down.”

He suspected their smiles were piteous. How could any of them believe Tobias would come back? Even he didn’t believe it. He shook his head, determined not to think negatively. Tobias said he’d come back, he would.

“I’m going to speak to Wren, and for the next three months, I want things pleasant. I don’t want to hear any of it, keep your troubles to yourselves.” There he’d said it. It was harsh and probably rude but his point had been made. He wanted the following three months to be bliss for Tobias.

Still, he could see nothing but pity in their eyes. Suddenly angry, Jareth rose, knocking the table with his legs, causing the dishes to clatter. Was he mad at them? Or was he mad that he’d bared a portion of his soul, appeared weak with his worries? It didn’t matter. He stormed out, cooling off as he walked the halls.

Wren’s room was guarded by a young servant girl sitting in an uncomfortable-looking chair just outside the door. She jumped to her feet upon seeing him, “She sleeps, Sire.”

Jareth nodded and continued, turning the door handle slowly.

Wren wasn’t sleeping, her eyes were open. Their vibrant green glanced his way in a sluggish manner. The drug. He entered further, closing the door behind him, “Don’t get your hopes up, I just want to talk.”

The corner of her mouth twitched into a smirk, “I have no more hopes.”

He pulled up a chair, sitting upon it in proper posture, crossing his legs, “Don’t be ridiculous. I’ve come to explain your situation.”

She struggled to sit up. Jareth was tempted to help her but decided it best not to. He waited quietly, patiently as she managed only to scoot up against the headboard.

He took a deep breath, “I’ve chosen to be with Tobias for the time being. It may last only months, it may last years. Either way, it’s a decision I need you to accept. Though you are most fair and charming, we’re not suited for one another.”

A tear slipped down her cheek, but she remained silent, listening.

“I’m going to have them stop giving you this drug. You will be accompanied always by two servant girls, and I want you to have talks with Dr. Lazlo periodically. At least, until you’re better.”

“I’m not ill.” She muttered.

“No, but you’re in a bad state of mind. I won’t have you acting rashly. It’s either this or I can find a place for you in another kingdom.” There he’d done it. He’d spat out the ultimatum.

Her eyes went wide, and she pushed herself up in a sitting position, successful this time, “Don’t send me away.”

He uncrossed his legs, standing, “That depends entirely upon you.”

She nodded, more tears spilling.

Without another word, he turned and left, informing the servant girl to be on alert, that she should never leave Wren’s side. He’d arrange things with Dr. Lazlo later for other servants to be provided so that they might keep watch of the redhead in shifts.

………………………………...

And with the following weeks, the Goblin King’s arrogance returned. He didn’t think about the moment of coming separation, he concentrated on life in the moment. He and Tobias were sleeping together nightly, making love endlessly. They laughed together.

Tobias finished painting after painting, playing with the goblins, roaming in the garden, reading in the library.

Wren seemed to come back to herself. She made more and more appearances at dinner, her sarcastic wit returning in conversation. She still avoided Tobias, refusing even to look his direction, but the improvement was more than anyone could ask for.

Jareth suspected a romance between Merik and Julianne, but he doubted even they knew of it themselves.

All in all, things were the best they could be, and three months time seemed to fly by.

………………………………...

With the coming night, Jareth would be sending his young lover home. They lie now together, in bed, both of them nude, Tobias sleeping heavily. They’d had sex over and over again, having stopped only a couple of hours ago.

Jareth, though exhausted, still couldn’t sleep. He stared down at the boy, watching him sleep stomach down, face turned away from him, legs partially spread. The Goblin King reached out and ran his hand along Tobias’ spine all the way down to his rear, where he spread his hand and simply let it rest there, warmth building at the contact.

It rushed him suddenly that these could possibly be their last moments together. An unbearable ache pulled at his spirit, a wicked combination of sorrow and anger and fear and regret. He tried in vain to push the thoughts away but failed miserably.

As the sun set, he found he could no longer resist. Reaching out, he gripped Tobias’ hip furthest from him, pulling. Still asleep, the boy was turned onto his side, facing away from Jareth. It proved to be an easy thing arousing the boy. He sidled close, slipping his hand over the sleeping form, fondling his lover in ways he knew to be particularly stimulating to the boy.

Pulling back, Jareth licked his hand from palm to fingertips several times. He then rubbed his hand down from Tobias’ lower back to the crack of his rear, pressing his hand in between those plump cheeks. He rubbed the wetness of his saliva right where he wanted it, licking his hand again and repeating the action for good measure. Without further ado, the Goblin King slipped his hand between his lover’s legs and lifted the one with a firm hold on the boy’s smooth thigh. He moved close, pressing his groin to Tobias’ buttocks, using his other hand to guide his own hard arousal. It slipped in easily due to their earlier activities only hours ago.

“Ah!” Came a sharp gasp of a moan from Tobias.

Jareth closed his eyes and began to piston his hips, relishing in the indescribable pleasure. He held his lover firm, keeping that one leg lifted to sustain easy access.

“God… Jareth…” Tobias gasped, fully awake now and gripping his pillow with both hands. It was as if the Goblin King wanted to consume him! All night this had gone on.

Without warning, he was pushed onto his stomach again. They were never separated, Jareth following suit and climbing atop him. This position was easier, and the thrusts quickly picked up in force and speed. Tobias couldn’t help raising himself, spreading his legs a little further. Though it ached, he wanted it all, he wanted to feel his lover deep within him.

It ended all too soon, Jareth crumpling with exhaustion and falling to the side with a thump, “You came, right?”

Tobias lifted himself on his elbows, looking to his right at the panting king lying on his back, “Yeah, before you did.”

Finally catching his breath, Jareth reached out and stoked his lover’s pretty face, “I wasn’t sure… How many times have we…?”

Smiling, Tobias sidled closer, resting a hand on the king’s cool chest, “I don’t know, I lost count.”

The mood became all too serious suddenly, “It’s only going to be a week or so, but already I miss you.” Jareth whispered, moving close to press his face to his lover’s neck, licking his mark there, the flesh worried and even slightly torn from this repetitive act.

Tobias ignored the slight pain, not minding Jareth’s seeming need to mark him, “How will I come back?”

Pulling back from his accomplished task, Jareth peered down at his lover, “She’ll have to wish you away again.”

“It has to be Sarah?”

Jareth nodded, “She is more your mother than your true mother. So it must be. Is that okay? Will she do it?”

Tobias wasn’t so sure, but no need to worry his lover, “Yes, of course, but how will I know when it’s time?”

He brushed the hair back from the boy’s face, “I’ll reach you through your dreams.” Jareth hated this. He hated it more than he wanted to admit. He tried to keep positive, to seem so sure of their outcome, but honestly, he had no clue how things were going to turn out. He leaned forward and kissed the boy, twice before pulling back, “You’d better get dressed.”

Tobias nodded, seeing clearly the sorrow behind the beauty of those mismatched eyes. He rose, taking care to go slowly as he was rather sore. He selected the typical black jeans and a dark violet T-shirt with a screen print of an artsy spider web covering most of the front and back, intricate curling lines with delicate dew drops upon the black webbing. He slipped his feet into his flip flops and turned to Jareth who was now sitting on the edge of the bed, watching him. Tobias half smiled, straightening his hair with his fingers, “Do I look okay?”

This caused Jareth to smirk. What a silly question. His lover always looked fabulous, and this disheveled, night-of-sex look was most fetching. He began the words in his mind, the simple spell that would send the boy home. He reached out towards Tobias and spoke aloud, his voice a melancholy whisper, “Back to whence you came.”

Tobias had thought he was ready, but suddenly he felt so unprepared and hesitant. A strange wind whipped about the room, the candles were flickering out one after another, the room fading into darkness. He turned to the Goblin King, keeping his eyes on the man he loved, refusing to be frightened or sad. This was just temporary! He’d be back within a week.

The room finally fell into complete darkness. There wasn’t even moonlight spilling in the windows, it was pitch. Tobias heard the familiar sounds of goblin feet scampering about. He wonder which of his little friends were romping about, or was this mere illusion? He felt dizzy and out of sorts, as if he were dreaming. He closed his eyes and reached out, placing his hand on his bedpost to steady himself.

The carpet beneath his feet was so plush. The air was growing still, and he noticed suddenly that it was warm, that unnatural warmth created by central heating. He blinked several times. It wasn’t as pitch as before. He could make out his bedroom window glowing with faint moonlight. And there, he could see the little lights from his stereo and VCR clock!

It felt as if it had been forever since he’d last set foot in his bedroom, but instantly, he knew his way around as if it had been a mere day. He went around the bed and to the light switch beside the door. The room flooded to life with the soft illumination. He noticed the mess had been cleaned up from the broken lamp. A small bloodstain remained on the dark carpet, hardly noticeable. His painting had been taken from the wall and was leaning against the far wall with the others, the backs to the room. His bed was made, the laundry was gone from the floor, nothing was dusty. His mother was obviously keeping it clean.

Checking the clock, he noticed it was five AM. The sun would be rising soon. What would his parents say if he simply descended the stairs as he would any other morning?

That’s right! He’d been gone something like four months. Quickly, he turned out the lights again. He had to sneak out of the house and then come back as if from running away. Yes! He could claim he’d run away after fighting with Sarah. Hopefully that would explain things.

Without another thought, he moved to open the door, careful to avoid the creaky steps as he descended the stairs. Through years of practice, he managed without a sound. His hand on the front door, he made his escape, being sure to lock up behind him.

He was unprepared for the sudden gust of chilling wind that swept over him. It was winter of course! He hadn’t stopped to think about warmth. No matter. He turned and trotted down the steps to the sidewalk, heading towards Sarah’s. He pulled his arms inside his shirt, walking briskly in an attempt to warm himself. His feet were freezing in his flip flops!

The sky was beginning to lighten as he finally reached Sarah’s house. The lights were still out, both cars in the drive. He stood in front of the house, contemplating how he was going to go about this. He didn’t want to approach his sister with Aaron home. Maybe once he’d left for work, then he’d simply knock on the door. In the mean time, he needed a place to sit and watch out of sight.

He crept closer, going around the corner of the house and peering out from behind a large shrub. Within a half hour, he could hear stirring within. It had to be Claire running and jumping about with her excess energy. He couldn’t imagine either Sarah or Aaron making so much noise. Later, he heard the sounds of the entire family having come downstairs.

No more than an hour later, and the school bus was pulling to a stop, the sun up, the sky blue. Tobias remained in his hiding place, watching as Aaron came out to walk Claire to the bus.

“Are ya gonna pick me up?” The little girl asked, appearing a bit saddened.

Aaron patter her on the head, “Oh, not today, sweetheart. I’ve got to stay home with Mommy. You know that, but I’ll be right here for you when you get off the bus.”

Poor Claire! She was frowning so, her eyes glassy, “She’ll be happy again soon, right?”

“Of course, baby, just like we talked about.” Aaron answered, his smile sincere but in a way, fake.

Tobias didn’t like the sound of all this. He watched as Aaron checked to see his daughter’s jacket was secure before ushering her up the steps and onto the bus. Children were peering out the little rectangle windows with bored, sleepy expressions. Claire sat somewhere in the middle, her little head disappearing amidst so many others as the bus pulled away from the curb, hissing and groaning as it went.

Aaron turned and jogged back up the sidewalk, hurrying inside where it was no doubt much warmer. Tobias was freezing! He couldn’t feel his toes anymore! And this shirt! He hadn’t realized the material was so thin or that it was so short-waisted. His meeting with Sarah was going to have to wait. He absolutely refused to see her with Aaron home. He had to go someplace to think things through!

He sat back against the house, completely out of view behind the shrub. Perhaps the park? But this cold was killing him! If only he’d grabbed a jacket before leaving his room! Well, he couldn’t sneak back in for one now. His parents were no doubt up. His mother cooking breakfast, his father getting ready for work.

School was out of the question. They’d alert his parents and Sarah and maybe even the cops! A café? It was the best idea he could come up with. Only, he didn’t have any money, and they certainly wouldn’t let him just sit there and not buy anything.

It dawned on him then. The answer was so obvious. He climbed out of his little hiding place, swiping at a few stray leaves that attempted to cling to his shirt and hurried up the walk the way he came. He kept his head down, hoping no one would recognize him. Concentrating on the little cracks in the cement, he wondered if this would work. He stopped a several blocks before his own home, looking down the little side street. There, three houses down, the one with the peeling paint. That was Court’s house.

This street wasn’t of the well off or the poor, more like simply middle class. All the houses were neat and trim and proper looking however, little shiny SUVs parked before each and every one. All except Court’s house, which stuck out like a sore thumb. There were a couple of bikes lying on the lawn and an old, rusty Ford parked in the drive, the passenger door a separate color from the rest of the vehicle from having been replaced.

Tobias snuck around to the side of the house, peering in the windows. Here was the living room, a man was asleep in a recliner. In the distance, he could see a woman at work in the kitchen. He continued on to the next window. It appeared to be a boy’s room. He didn’t know Court had a brother.

Finally, he came to the right window. Court was sitting up in bed, reading, her beside lamp on. The walls were lavender and everything else was black. The carpet, the bedding, the posters, the clothes hanging in the open closet, everything. Just as he’d supposed it’d be.

Quietly, Tobias tapped at the window with a single polished fingernail. Court looked up instantly, her eyes as big as saucers once she realized who’d come to call. She scrambled off the bed and threw herself at the window, yanking it open with haste.

“Where have you been!” She yelled in a breathy whisper.

Tobias rubbed his upper arms, making it clear he was freezing. She gestured for him to come in, practically dragging him inside, carefully closing the window again. He moved to her bed, not asking as he wrapped the blanket about his shoulders.

She stared at him for a moment, just standing there in her pajamas, which consisted of a form-fitting black T-shirt and a pair of green pajama pants with Tinkerbelle print, “So? Where have you been?”

“You won’t believe me.” Tobias said through a quiet laugh, still shivering.

She moved to sit beside him, still staring, “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen you laugh.”

He shrugged, “I’ve been good.”

It was her turn to laugh, “I can tell.” She said, gesturing to the hickey on his neck.

Tobias shook his head, “Look, I know this is sudden, but… I need a place to stay for a few hours so I can think things through.”

“Oh sure! I’ll skip today. Whatever it is, I’ll help you out.” She said, lifting her dropped book from the floor and placing it on her bedside table.

Tobias shook his head again, “No, you don’t have to skip school. It’s not like I need help. I just… I just need some time to think.”

She grinned, “Do you remember the last thing you said to me?”

His eyebrows drew together, “No…”

“You said, if you needed some help, could you come to me? I told you, of course, and then you told me we were friends and smiled.”

He sighed, “Fine, fine… But I’m telling you, you’re not going to believe any of this.”

Court waved it off, “Doesn’t matter. Just hold on,” She said, rising from her seat and starting for the door, “Let me tell my mom I don’t feel good. She’s cool, she’ll let me stay home.”

Tobias watched her leave, amazed. This girl hardly knew him and was willing to do all this. He’d been so cold and rude to her in the beginning. He was glad she’d been so persistent, otherwise he’d be without a friend in the world. He climbed further onto the bed, resting his back against the headboard, snuggling deeper into the blanket.

She returned soon enough. As she was stepping back into the room, Tobias could hear a woman shouting in the background, “Dan! Get your ass up! You’re going to be late for work!”

Court shut the door, shrugging, “My dad. He’s not a morning person.”

Tobias chuckled, “And I didn’t know you had a brother.”

She nodded through a smile, coming to sit on the bed again, “Yeah, little brother. He’s in middle school. He’s already waiting for the bus. Once my mom sees my dad off to work, she’ll get going too. So…”

Tobias sighed, deciding it really couldn’t hurt to tell her. Only, he didn’t know where to start. Finally, he began explaining his childhood and the dreams his sister had had and the stories she’d told him. He went on to loosely explain how of recent, his dreams had began, how he searched for a way to go to the Goblin King. And finally, he told her of his success and time spent in the amazing world where he’d been for the past four months.

She just stared at him, “You’re right, I don’t believe you.”

Tobias shrugged, “Doesn’t matter really. I just want to spend some time with my sister before I go back.”

Court sat back, shaking her head, “I say you ran off with some guy. I mean, that’s what everyone thinks. Your mother suggested the idea to the cops. Your sister’s in complete shock. She hasn’t been teaching since you left. She’s kinda going nuts. I heard talk that she’s in shock because you two fought before you ran away, and now she’s created this delusional story or something.”

“No… Don’t you see? Her delusional story is the exact story I just got finished telling you. It’s true.” Tobias said. He suddenly felt exhausted. Poor Sarah! No doubt she was the talk of the town, everyone pitying her. He hadn’t realized things were this terrible for her. If only he’d come back sooner. He just had to fix things for her.

Court got up and went to the closet, rifling through her clothes for a few minutes before selecting several articles. She turned and tossed a sweater, hanger and all, to Tobias, “Here, put this on.” She then proceeded to turn away, facing her closet again as she peeled her top off.

A bit shocked, Tobias quickly looked away, turning to the side, “What are you doing?”

“Changing.”

“Not very shy are you?” He said through an embarrassed chuckle, concentrating on the sweater in his hands. It was black and corded. It looked about his size, maybe a little small.

She laughed, “No, I’m not shy, but I don’t go around changing in front of just any guy. You’re my friend, and you’re gay.”

She continued rambling as Tobias pulled the sweater over his head, standing to pull it down. It still left a line of his midriff bare and was a little tight, but it was definitely warmer. Court started laughing again when she turned to face him, finished with her own dressing, “A little small, I think.”

He shrugged, “It’ll work. It’s freezing out there.” He looked up to find she was wearing a pair of dark blue jeans and a knee-length lacy, black dress over which she had pulled on a soft, black, button-up sweater left open. She snatched a hair clip from her dresser and pulled her dyed, dark brunette locks up messily atop her head.

“There,” She said through a smile, “So, where’s Mrs. Steven’s house?”

It took Tobias a moment to realize she meant Sarah. He’d forgotten the sound of other students referring to his sister in such a way. He shook his head, “Her husband’s home. I don’t want to see her with him there. He’s a psychologist, and he’ll just say it’s a figment of our imagination or some shit.”

Court plopped down on the bed again, “Well, why don’t we just ask to be alone with her?”

Again, Tobias shook his head, “If he sees me, he’ll call my parents, and it’ll be a big ordeal.”

“Hmm… Well, I could ask to be alone with her to talk about school or something. Then, once he left, you could come in.”

Tobias turned to the petite girl, she was beaming with her great idea, “That’s not bad. You could take something, flowers or something, say their from your class.”

“But what if Mrs. Stevens says she doesn’t want to see me. I heard she was refusing to see her friends or the other teachers. Do you guys have a code word or something I could mention?” She was swinging her feet as she spoke, her short, shapely legs not quite reaching the floor.

Tobias thought for a moment, “I don’t know… Maybe your name. You could introduce yourself as Courtney Underground. I don’t think Aaron will catch that.”

“Courtney Underground? Are you kidding?” She said through laughter, shaking the bed with her movement.

Tobias suppressed his laughter, “I know, it sounds weird, but that’s the name of the place.”

“Alright, alright…” She said, nodding, calming, “I’m Court Underground. So, she’ll see me then, and I’ll ask if we can talk alone. Once we are, I’ll tell her that you’re here, and what…?”

“I’ll sneak in the window. Just like that.” Tobias was smiling, proud of their plan. It just had to work. He saw no other way to get around Aaron.

“Great. We just need to wait for my mom to leave then.” She patted her legs in a plain display of boredom, “Mind if I brush your hair?”

She didn’t wait for Tobias to answer, hurrying to her dresser and retrieving a neon pink brush with black marker writing all over it. She practically launched onto the bed upon her return, kneeling up to better work, “Your roots have really grown out. I didn’t know your hair was so light.”

Tobias closed his eyes, relaxing, “Yeah… I don’t even know what to call it. Brown? Blonde?” He shrugged.

“Mmm… I’d say it’s light brown. Like light caramel or something. It’s really an odd color.”

Tobias could feel that she was pulling his hair back, tying it in a loose ponytail high on the back of his head. He wondered where she’d gotten the rubber band. The brush handle?

“Ta da!” She exclaimed as she sat back.

“Thanks.”

“You know, you should get your ear pierced. Doesn’t it mean your gay if you wear just one earring in your right ear?”

Tobias laughed, “No thanks.” He reached up and carefully felt of his hair, pleased in the feel of his bare neck. He ran his hand back down, hesitating at the place where he knew Jareth’s mark to be.

Court grinned, “So, is this king your boyfriend?”

Tobias fought the blush that threatened to rise, simply nodding. Thankfully, further questions were put to a stop by the sound of a door opening and slamming.

“Alright, my mom just left. We’re free!” Court exclaimed, jumping to her feet and hurrying to her closet again for shoes. She pulled on some socks and a pair of clunky, black boots. As an afterthought, she grabbed another pair of socks and tossed them Tobias’ way, “Here. I don’t have any shoes that will fit you, but you can put these on.”

“Thanks.” Tobias said, grateful. The socks were striped green and black with pink toes, a little loud, but he wasn’t complaining. He worked the material between his big toe and the rest of his toes, slipping his feet into his flip flops again.

The house was quiet and empty as they made their way through it. Tobias could tell this family was struggling a bit. The carpet was worn as was all the furniture, but everything was clean and cared for. He suddenly had a new respect for Court.

Again, stepping out the front door, Tobias was surprised by the chill wind, but it wasn’t as bad as before thanks to Court. Her shoes clomped loudly as they made their way down the steps and up the sidewalk towards his sister’s house.

“How far is it?” She asked, hugging herself in defense of the cold.

“Not far, come one.” Tobias answered, picking up the pace, trying to keep warm.

Almost there, Tobias stopped before a small, pastel painted house, plucking several pink and white blossoms from a quant flowerbed near the porch. He removed the few damaged petals and leaves and arranged them into a nifty little bouquet .

“Here.” Court said, pulling a pink ribbon free from her dress, tying it tightly about the stems before taking the bouquet and looking it over, “This’ll work perfectly.”

Moments later, they’d reached their destination. Tobias pointed it out, “That one there. I’ll go around the house and look in the windows, find out what room you’re in.”

“But what if it’s upstairs?”

“Then explain things to Sarah and come downstairs. Don’t worry, she’ll want to see me. This’ll work.” He said, encouragement for himself as much as for her.

Court nodded, “Right.” With a determined look on her face, she turned and started for the front door. Tobias quickly slipped around to the side or the house peering around the corner. He realized, watching her knock, that she should have dressed a little more… Normal. Aaron came to the door, and Tobias ducked back, listening.

“Hi,” Came Court’s innocent little voice, “My name’s Courtney Underground. I’m a student at Avery High. I was wondering if I could give these to Mrs. Stevens for my class, and if I could talk to her about school?” It was perfect! Tobias wondered if Court had been in any of his sister’s classes? She indeed had a gift.

“Um… Would you mind waiting one moment? I’ll see if she’s up for a visit today? Okay?” Came Aaron’s reply. It wasn’t like him to stutter. He was probably confused by Court’s strange appearance and polite voice and manner. Most people considered Goths to be rude and troublesome.

The door clicked closed and silence followed. It took only a few moments for Aaron to return, “Well, it seems she’d like to see you. I’d just like to ask that you refrain from mentioning anything you think may upset her. Mrs. Stevens still isn’t feeling to well.”

“Of course! Thank you.” Tobias could hear Court’s clunky shoes. He peeked forward to see her disappear inside, the door closing. Fabulous! He turned then and started around the house, stopping at each window to peer in. To think, in a matter of seconds, he was finally going to be reunited with Sarah! He couldn’t wait to reassure her, let her know he was okay and happy!

To be continued…