Is This Love Real?

Chapter Three
It’s been a While

Not even considering, the possibility of Thomas being able to turn back time, she spoke, “What game?”

Thomas’ eyes, which gleamed with excitement, seemed to dim a little and take on a more annoyed glare. Straightening up, not at all with an air of someone who was less than four feet tall, he looked away from Sarah. Pacing back toward the window, he leaned against the wall, “A simple game,” he began, “A fun game” seeing that Sarah was far from convinced, he baited, “A race, you’re good at those aren’t you?”

While surprise was her initial feeling at his knowledge of her being a runner, it was replaced immediately with the feeling that she should have expected that. It took some control on her part to not sigh and roll her eyes at Thomas, shrugging it all off as some childish antic, hell even if she understood that it wasn’t some prank, his appearance remained deceiving. Surely this wasn’t a little boy, so she had to fight not to treat him as such, because she knew doing so would possibly be the most dangerous thing.

As Mina was constantly ranting to her, usually after a particularly bad date, ‘don’t let ‘em sweet talk you… lies coming out their asses half the time.’ It was sound advice, from a girl who had dated enough to know what each guy was thinking. Mina had also always told Sarah, ‘the eyes never lie’. Whether Mina repeated these words to blow off steam from whatever boy she’d realized wasn’t what they seemed, or out of concern, since Sarah had pretty much zero experience in the relationship department, varied each time. But, the fact remained, since meeting Thomas; she found Mina’s words to be truer than ever.

So, once again, Sarah looked at him. The menacing steel gleam told her all she needed to know. Forget turning back time, the doctor, who couldn’t under legal obligation, lie to her, had said that her father would be fine. While everyone, including herself, felt doubt, she also had trust and faith. His injuries truly weren’t that severe, he just hadn’t woken up yet.

“No” she stated firmly, raising her chin slightly, proving she was more aware of his vices than he might have anticipated.

“Think of your father, Sarah. Lying there, so lifeless. Doctor says he should have woken up by now. What is it that your father’s old friend isn’t telling you? Why do you think he let you spend more time with daddy tonight?” Eyes alight, with rage at this point more than anything, he stalked to the bed again, calmly, “A bitter farewell” he hissed, “Drawn out to the very end, to satisfy a loving daughter.”

“No” she repeated, seeing how her refusal enraged him and knowing that by not even defending or explaining her reasoning she was making him all the more angry. Truthfully, she felt a wave of satisfaction at this.

“Sarah!” he shouted, pacing for a moment, away and back again. “Do consider the consequences.” he said slowly, trying to regain a suitable composure. “Sit down” he ordered, staring harshly into her eyes.

As her mind defied his command, asking just who he thought he was, giving her orders like that, she felt something rise within her. It was like a spark at first, a feeling, subtle and not so noticeable. But, within a few moments, she suddenly felt compelled to sit down, though not because he’d told her to. So, she reached back behind herself, feeling with her hands for the chair, which had been upset when she rose so quickly earlier. For whatever reason, one her mind didn’t care to focus on at the moment, she didn’t break eye contact with Thomas.

Lips pressed tightly in a frowning line, Thomas didn’t alter this disapproving look until she was seated on the edge of her seat, when he smiled. “Why don’t you get more comfortable?” he questioned, in a tone that was once more command like in nature.

Again, Sarah found it incredulous that he should even mention that. How trivial it was, what did it matter how she sat? Though, she was tired, it had been a long day. The chair was hard to begin with, and sitting on the edge as she was, wasn’t necessary. So, in an effort to ease her stressed mind and body, she adjusted herself, reclining more comfortably.

It was as she let a sigh of relief out that her mind suddenly felt a jolt. ‘What the hell?’ it cried. How was that possible? He spoke and she listened, yes, that was fine. But, he commanded and she obeyed? ‘No!’ Her heart raced, as she felt more aware of what had just happened. It wasn’t as though he had forced her. He hadn’t even coerced her. As her breathing became slightly erratic, she checked herself. Calming down, she forced the questions of ‘how’ from her head. Asking ‘how’ did nothing, since she couldn’t even begin to fathom how. Just accepting that he had some mind controlling power, was enough at this point.

“Comfortable?” he asked mockingly, becoming more pleased with his current results. Sometimes his victims just took a little bit of persuasion.

“Quite” she shot back, crossing her fingers that she could build a better defense now that she knew what he could do.

“Perhaps you should reconsider my offer?” he spoke softly and soothingly, never breaking his gaze.

She waiting, not sure of what to expect when she was actually looking for it, so to speak. The moment her head started to fill with images of a funeral and a crying Karen, she knew. To not even have control over her own thoughts was most startling, and what was left that wasn’t under his control yet, lashed out. Never, would she go down without a fight. Taking a deep breath, she fought those strong images, which incited tears even within her, the girl who never cried and avoided tears at length. When she felt her lip quiver, nearly speaking an acceptance, an image of Toby suddenly swam into view. Toby was in the other room without a care in the world. Her brother’s lack of concern was from her confidence that everything was all right and their father would be fine.

For a brief moment her emerald eyes flashed, then she spoke, “I think perhaps, you should reconsider who you’re dealing with.” her voice was even and calm, and once she uttered those words, she felt her will strengthen.

Thomas’ eyes narrowed to tiny slits, and his breathing seemed to increase. Still not looking away he persisted, “Reconsider” he ordered.

“No” Sarah intoned once again, firmly and solidly, never breaking her gaze. If looks could kill, surely she would have been incinerated where she sat. The venom and wrath which was previously even guarded and somewhat hidden in his eyes, was now evident in every gesture and movement. He balled his fists, and she wondered if there would be puncture marks from his nails. His jaw clenched tightly, and his nostrils flared as he struggled to keep composure.

Dammit if Sarah wasn’t satisfied at her apparent victory. She was the most kind and caring person to her friends, but to an enemy it was a different story. Not having made many, if any, enemies in her lifetime, Sarah was surprised to feel the stubborn urge she felt to become the antagonist in the situation. But, no, she wasn’t about to rub salt on anybody’s wounds, most especially when they were mind controlling little boys, who came from the Underground and portrayed the very definition of deceit. No, that would not be a wise move. And, yet, she found herself speaking again. “Leave” she commanded, much preferring being the one to give the orders instead of receiving them, “Don’t contact me again. I don’t care for your games. I’ve had enough games with the Labyrinth, I don’t need more.”

The shock that registered in Thomas’ face was so unexpected to her, that she faltered to continue, but managed after a moment, “Go back to the Underground, you don’t belong here.” He was sneering at her now, and if his silence were any indication, she’d say there was nothing more he could do about her decision. “And, tell Jareth, that while my days are from eventful without him, I do enjoy the peace of mind that comes with not having to race through ‘dangers untold and hardships unnumbered’.” she ended sarcastically.

It was a long shot on her part. There was no way to be certain that Thomas knew Jareth, in fact she hadn’t even been entirely sure that he was from the Underground. Though, she was now, the look on his face, while quite scary, gave it away. But, she had reasoned that if someone was here, in her world, recruiting her for another game, then they must have some job description like the Goblin King’s. Though, Thomas didn’t seem to be there on duty, and she most definitely hadn’t called him to her. No, with Jareth, she’d brought the event upon herself, and he’d come because he had heard her words and fulfilled his actions as the king.

Indeed, Thomas was nothing like Jareth. But, the fact remained; she hadn’t felt the winds or heard a whisper of the Underground since Jareth. Now, all of a sudden, someone else from the Underground shows up, presenting her with a game, much like before, though with Jareth it was really more an opportunity to save her brother from her own folly. Of course she’d be inclined to think there was some connection. Besides, if Thomas were from the Underground, then he would have to have at least heard of the Goblin King.

“You’ll come to regret your words.” was all Thomas spoke, before striding, as much as someone of his height could, to the door.

With a slam, Thomas was gone, and Sarah was almost disappointed with his style of departing. She’d been expecting smoke and flashes, perhaps some devious background music to flare up as he gave her a final warning glance to go with his clichéd threat. For a moment, she mused that Jareth would have at least made a better impression, and exit with a bit more finesse in some imposing manner.

Once she realized her thoughts she shook her head of it. How ridiculous to think such a thing. What did she care for anything involving the Goblin King? It had been three years, and he had scarcely graced her conscious thoughts. The only reason she was thinking about him now, was because her previously lost link to the Underground had been refreshed.

Sighing, Sarah stubbornly realized she was now debating with herself over how she didn’t think about Jareth all the time. So, perhaps the Labyrinth did plague her mind constantly, but that was to be expected. It was a life altering experience; more fantastical than any story she could come up with.

This was why she had written that report before, in tenth grade. Going to the Underground had affected her so greatly, that she felt consumed by it. She could focus on nothing else, and barely managed to eat and sleep. Even in sleep, she dreamt of the Goblin city and the king’s castle, and of her dearest friends; Hoggle, Ludo, and Sir Didymus. And, more often than she cared to admit, her mind was consumed with thoughts not only of the Labyrinth and all her experiences, but of the most impressing and formidable person she‘d ever met; Jareth.

Curse her young mind, if she hadn’t felt some silly schoolgirl crush for him. He was strikingly handsome, almost beautiful in a certain sense of the word.

“But, a menace and a tyrant and a jerk.” she spoke aloud, angry at how yet again she’d been dwelling on the Goblin King.

It wasn’t until after Sarah had berated herself several more times and even cause herself a rather pounding headache from so much thinking, that she managed to find sleep again. This time, she was at the other side of her father’s bed, not liking how Thomas’ voice came from behind her, where she couldn’t see, and not liking how the door was unwatched. But, sleep did come to her, thankfully unbroken by creepy children who hid in the shadows.


A gentle hand stirred Sarah. Squeezing her eyes shut, she prolonged the moment when she’d have to open them to the bright light of the sunlit room.

“Hey” her father’s voice cooed.

This was all the wake up call she needed, as her lids shot up and she raised her head to see her dad. He was awake, and he looked to be in good health. That is, aside from lying in a hospital bed with a cast on his leg and some rather nasty bruises, he seemed healthy.

Reaching forward, Sarah hugged her father, telling him she was happy he was okay.

“I’ll go get the nurse.” Sarah said, making to stand.

“That’s what the call button is for.” He reminded her with a smile.

“Toby and Karen are in another room, I’m gonna get them too.” she explained, smiling back, so glad he was awake and that she’d been right for her choice.

**

It was another two days before Robert Williams was released from the hospital. Karen went home the day her husband had woken up. She was still quite shaken from the whole experience, and fell into the habit of telling all she could remember of the ordeal repeatedly, mainly to Sarah, who seemed to be the only person who listened each time.

The semester wouldn’t start for another week, and while Sarah hadn’t planned on spending any more time at what she now referred to as ‘her father’s house’, she was inevitably drawn to staying with Karen until her father’s release.

The night her father came back home, they all ate a cheerful dinner together, making small talk and trying to act as though nothing had happened. Karen invited a few of her friends over, and Robert called upon the doctor in a renewed spirit of friendship with the old acquaintance. Sarah of course had Mina over, and her mother came as well, since Karen and she were old friends from college.

Halfway through their meal, Sarah found more amusement in creating a mini castle from her mashed potatoes, than the stimulating conversation on ‘the good old days’ It felt like every adult in that room had grown up living next door to each, the way they carried on about ‘when they went to high school… this happened’ or ‘I considered majoring in business as well, tell me what do you think about…’

Mina, who had been eyeing Sarah keenly, leaned over and whispered, “You’re missing the Goblin City.”

Sarah nearly jumped out of her seat, not because she was taken by surprise and pulled from her dazed sculpting project, but because of Mina’s insinuation. Squashing her food down with her fork, she hissed back at Mina, “This has nothing to do with the Underground.” her words were a bit harsher than she would have liked when speaking to any good friend. But, she was also a little touchy on that subject right now, and couldn’t afford an outside view saying she had one thing on her mind lately. It was one matter if she scolded herself for constantly thinking about the Labyrinth, but it was another when her mind set became so narrowed to one topic that others took notice.

It was difficult for Mina not to be amused by Sarah’s reaction. While Mina didn’t know what had happened to cause this change in her friend, it was a very evident change. She supposed it might have had something to do with the Williams’ accident. But, she didn’t see how Sarah’s father getting in a car crash, lead the raven haired girl to be constantly thinking about that sexy Goblin King of hers.

But, Sarah wasn’t someone to pine or fall dramatically in love. Mina was well versed in all topics of the relationship area. Since meeting Sarah and becoming a close enough confident for the pretty young woman to admit the whole truth behind her glorious tale, Mina knew almost instantly the underlying issues between Jareth and Sarah. From what Sarah begrudgingly described, the Goblin King put all her Calvin Kline model-eye-candies to shame. And, from her own perceptive ears, she detected some tones of wonderment and concern over how Jareth carried on once Sarah left.

Mina knew a day didn’t go by that Sarah didn’t think about her little adventure, and no one could blame her. Such an experience was not something one could just forget about. What Mina also knew was how much Sarah seemed to miss her friends.

Sighing, Mina continued to watch Sarah, discretely, so as not to arouse suspicion. Sarah was a runner, so she naturally maintained a fit and thin body, but Mina couldn’t help but wonder if part of it was due to the fact that Sarah’s mind was so distracted she didn’t eat right. As it was, her imaginative friend was doing anything but actually eating her food this evening.

While Mina was far from living in the clouds, she found Sarah’s tale too descriptive and meaningful to not harbor the idea that it actually happened. There was always a fine line between believing Sarah and shrugging everything off as an extremely realistic dream. Even Sarah admittedly felt the same. So, as dinner carried on, Mina began to brood over whether she should give her friend a reality check and open her eyes. Even if she walked the more radical side of the line and believed what had happened, there remained the fact that in three years, Sarah hadn’t had any other trips or visits with her Underground bosom buddies.

No words exchanged, no contact at all. It would seem that after three years, Sarah should have accepted that it was all behind her now. Mina thought she had done a fair job of moving on. Since, the most they talked about it was when Toby inquired or mentioned it, and when they did relive the adventure, through one of Sarah’s frequent bedtime stories, she always spoke as though it was just that, another bedtime story, one of many she had in stock.

But, now, something had happened. Now, Sarah was back to square one, as if it had been naught but an hour before dinner that she arrived back from a teatime chat with that dwarf, Hoggle.

Shaking her head, Mina contemplated sleeping over and discussing her concerns with Sarah.

**

That night, Sarah found herself pacing her room. The walls were still cluttered as ever with her posters and shelves of books. Her laptop was on, with one program running at the moment. She had been attempting to write all that troubled her mind down, figuring if she could get it out on paper, or a screen in any case, then she could get it out of her head. It was the same basic principle she’d tried in tenth grade when writing that paper for her English class.

She wasn’t surprised when she found herself in no better shape after a half an hour of non-stop writing, since it was the same outcome two years ago. Back then, she couldn’t stop dreaming and wondering about the Underground. It had been a few months since she last spoke with Hoggle, who she never saw as more than some reflection in her mirror. And, she thought it might help to tell someone, anyone about her time in the Underground. Frustratingly, the idea had done nothing but excite her classmates and win the adoration of her English teacher, all who hadn’t considered for a second that her story might be true. All, except Mina that is, who like herself, hadn’t been convinced one way or the other.

It was really getting to Sarah. There was this terrible gnawing feeling inside of her, this restlessness which wouldn’t quit. It could only be described as some obsessive need, one that she had no idea how to fulfill. She had written about it, talked about it, thought about it. What more could she do?

In the end, she had resorted to pacing, unable to keep still as her mind argued back and forth. Half of her couldn’t stop with the questions on Thomas and why he had been here, and on what was going on in the Underground at this very moment. The other half of her was pleading to push everything to the back of her mind and just not think about it.

Eventually, Sarah wore herself out enough to feel like she might be able to get to sleep. Changing out her jeans and t-shirt, she donned what was available to her when most her other clothes were still at the apartment. A pair of black boxer shorts, which were a little too short for her liking and she could only surmise they were from the seventh grade, and a shirt she’d stolen from her dad. It was the smallest one she could find, and she hadn’t seen him wear it in years, so it did no harm. The gray t-shirt was longer than the shorts, she noticed with very mild agitation. She wouldn’t have to be wearing something she felt to be uncomfortably revealing, if Karen would just get over her traumatized mind set, and let her get back to the apartment.

But, what did her clothes matter? She’d be sleeping in the privacy of her old room, and before she went down to breakfast, she’d changed into her clothes from that day if she had to.

Turning off the lights and Sarah pulled down the covers of her bed. She settled in, tossing until she felt comfortable enough, hoping that if she were able to snuggle up nicely, her body would override her brain and fall fast asleep.

Again, it was a battle. But, a fitful sleep did come to her. The light slumber deepened as the hours waned, and Sarah eventually fell into a sweet oblivion.

The sweetness of her rest was soon tainted, however, as Sarah found her mind coming back around. Something was dripping on her face. Did the roof have a leak or was Toby playing a repeat of his prank on her sixteenth birthday? She’d kill him if he dumped another bucket of water on her.

No, she knew now what it was, as she could hear it. There was rain, and as she heard the drops pelt down in an increasing rapidity she also felt the water droplets beginning to soak her. In a rush she sat up, and made to jump out of bed. The only problem was she had no bed to jump out of.

As Sarah turned about, becoming frantic and panicked she saw she was far from her own little bedroom.

High, very high, she noticed as she peered over the edge. From her close up view, she surmised that she was in fact, on a tower top. A tower of what she soon cringed at realizing was, “the castle beyond the Goblin City.” she mumbled aloud.

The air was chill, and the rain was really coming down now. She observed with annoyance that while she was somehow transported here, her blanket was nowhere in sight. She supposed it would make sense that it was just her and nothing else, not that there was any sense to really be made out of randomly appearing on top of the Goblin King’s castle tower. Regardless, she was freezing now, and soaked, and a blanket would have been very much welcomed.

The wet slate colored stone beneath her feet was numbing, and she was made aware of quite possibly the worst aspect of her current condition. A harsh, biting, wind began to blow. She was high above the Labyrinth and city below, and the winds were harsh no matter the temperature.

A fool she would have been, if she remained standing there any longer. Shocked and at a complete loss, she at least had her common sense and instincts intact. So, she started to hunt for shelter.

Shivering terribly, she searched her way about. The tower was circular, with the top platform, which she was on, at about thirty feet in diameter. As far as she could tell, there was no door leading down, or anywhere for that matter. More carefully, she trained her eyes to the ground, looking for some hidden latch, which would be some opening to a declining set of stairs.

Holding her arms around herself, as she tried to rub warmth into them, she tossed her dripping hair back. When her teeth began to chatter uncontrollably, she felt a prick of fear set in. If this was the Goblin King’s castle, then there might be no door or exit. He probably just flew up here, or something as extravagant as that. Something, she was far from capable of doing.

How long had she been searching? Ten, fifteen minutes? It felt like an eternity, now that she was going numb.

Between the harsh rain and a distracted mind, Sarah never heard someone arrive behind her. It wasn’t until a pair of strong arms, roughly wrapped around her, pinning her back against the assailant’s body, that she noticed she wasn’t alone. What she noticed next was the feel of a sharp dagger pressed against her throat.

She would have gone stiff, not moving, lest she prick her own neck upon the weapon, but she was shaking too violently.

A harsh, voice, which sounded as cold as she felt, hissed in her ear, “Who dares to trespass within my castle?”

‘His castle?’ Sarah vaguely wondered, not making the obvious connection right away. At this point, she didn’t even feel fear at the dagger or the person who didn’t seem too keen on her being there, and who sounded as thought they’d have no trouble chucking over the edge. What she did feel was the warmth radiating off their body, something she instinctively craved at the moment.

However, fear was instilled as her silence brought a precarious pressuring of the sharp blade. It was then her mind decided to start thinking properly, registering how this situation might be worse than her inability to find a way off the tower. Her brain also made that obvious connection between the person behind her being the apparent possessor of the castle.

“Jareth?” she whispered in disbelief. Had she not found herself under the pressing circumstances of finding shelter she might have realized that by being where she was, Jareth was most likely nearby.

Only the rain pelting down could be heard, as the man’s arms went slightly lax. The dagger was lowered, but no explanation given. Once, she felt free enough to move, Sarah stepped away and turned around to view who it was, regardless of whether she already guessed.

There he stood, the king whom she’d not seen for three long years. The man who had been on her mind, whether she’d admit to it or not, for three years. He stood there, dagger still clutched offensively, with his pale blonde hair laden with water, dripping as hers was, long dark cape, with its high collar. What was new to her was the armor he wore.

She didn’t have much time for her analysis as she was drawn to looking into his eyes. It was dark in the nighttime, but she could discern the blue of one and the brown of the other. He hadn’t aged a day, but she didn’t think that was pertinent to someone who could control time, as he was most likely immortal.

Jareth stood there, caught completely off guard, something he did not enjoy, but could do nothing about in this moment. Could that truly be Sarah? The young girl from before? The strong willed brat who had somehow created a certain affection within him? Surely not.

And yet, he saw it now, the traces of her younger self. Those emerald eyes, which were enchanting before, shone brightly even now and still held an elusive allure to them. Her long dark hair, and gentle features. She was older though; this was obvious with her slender cheekbones, sultry lips. There was another aspect about her, which he was made predominantly aware of at the moment. Her body was most definitely not that of the brat he’d been beaten by before. Sopping wet, and wearing practically nothing, she stood there, with her clothes sticking to every curve.

It was then he noticed how she was shivering. How long had she been up here? Why was she up here? It had been, what, four or five years since he’d last seen her? What brought her back, how was she able to get here?

“Sarah…” he spoke, unable to find more words to follow. Certainly, his mind had thought of her, far more often than was his want. She’d been the only person, a young girl no less, to defeat him. And, in doing so, she had managed to stir within him an emotion he’d never felt before. As his memories were stirred, so were his desires and taste for revenge. He’d thought it best to leave her alone, as was expected from his defeat. Besides, she’d brought nothing but trouble with her.

It was, as another gust of wind came, that Sarah tore her eyes from Jareth’s, as she heard a voice carrying to her on the chilling air. Someone was calling her name, she didn’t understand. Jareth seemed to hear it too.

Before she could do anything, take another step or look back at Jareth, she suddenly found herself back to her own world. She was standing, just as on the tower, but before her bedroom dresser, sopping wet and just as cold. Jareth and the tower were gone, and as her eyes glanced around madly she rested on the mirror above her dresser. Jareth was there still, and the glass reflected the tower she’d just been on. But, as was the case with her friends from the Labyrinth, when she turned around nothing was there, and returning her eyes to the mirror she couldn’t stop the heart ache she felt when she saw nothing but her own reflection, standing in her room.