Unnaturally Beautiful

Chapter 07: “She Must Wish You Away”

Three days later, having carefully read the play twice, Tobias found himself no closer to a solution. He kept the little book with him at all times, digging it out in the middle of class sometimes to scan the worn pages. Maybe he’d accidentally skipped a page, a line?

His grades were beginning to suffer, he had trouble paying attention. Constantly he found himself on high alert, listening for that whisper of a voice. While before he’d been lacking sleep, now he couldn’t get enough, hoping Jareth would enter his dreams and give him a better clue. Only nothing happened.

Tobias started to think maybe he was truly insane. Maybe none of this was real and he was completely obsessed with this idea of a fantasy land and a gorgeous guy. He found himself rereading entries from his journal fairly often. From what had happened so far, it seemed indeed true that Jareth was seducing him from the Underground. That is, if any of this was actually happening. The journal entries were proof though. He could read his own thoughts and emotions after each event had taken place, it made it real, and again he’d find himself believing.

He tried not to worry Sarah. She seemed to be doing well. His parents were ever concerned though. Especially his mother. She was constantly hounding him to eat more, to go outside, get some fresh air. While before she’d been too worried about his sexuality, she was now worried about his health. That made Tobias a little happy.

Tuesday night, he awoke to the sound of a screeching. He couldn’t place the sound, something from outside. He hadn’t eaten dinner, having gone to sleep directly after school. His room was completely dark, a bit unusual since he often left some kind of light source on. Looking about, he noticed the little glowing light from his stereo was missing as well as the blinking digital clock from his VCR. Was the electricity off? Tobias stood a tad too quickly, reaching out to his bedside table to steady himself after a wave of dizziness. There came that sound again, a tapping, screeching on glass. He turned to the window, but couldn’t see much, it was still completely dark out. He tried to turn the nearest lamp on, but nothing happened. So, the electricity really was off.

Stumbling over to the window, Tobias didn’t think twice about shoving the curtains aside and flipping the locks to open it. The sound stopped instantly, confusing him. He’d been so sure that something was upon his window, a branch or something. However, reaching out into the cold night, Tobias found that it wasn’t windy at all, and there were no nearby branches, nothing but silence now. Confused and still a bit sleepy, he stuck his head out, looking about, unable to see much through the pitch.

He suddenly felt uneasy. What the hell was he doing? Though he liked dark colors, he wasn’t all that comfortable in the dark, not like this, not completely dark. He could barely make out his hand before his face. Realizing the stupidity of his actions and the possible danger, Tobias moved to pull back inside, however, he stopped. A cool breeze was blowing and there seemed to be… words on it. He listened carefully.

“…wish you away.”

It was that voice! Sleepiness completely gone from him along with fear, Tobias hung further out the window, straining to hear.

“She must wish you away.” It said.

“Is that you, Jareth?” Tobias asked, a whisper from his trembling lips.

A string of laughter floated by his ears then, and it held such a musical quality.

“What do you want?” Tobias asked, his voice louder now. He wanted to shout the words, but didn’t want to wake his parents. He got no answer. He waited for nearly a half hour, but got no answer. Feeling a bit crazed, Tobias finally closed the window and discovered that his lights worked again. He turned on ever lamp in his room before sitting down and thinking about what had just occurred.

She must wish you away. Was that the flaw? All this time, no matter how hard he wished, nothing happened. Was it that one could not wish oneself away? And what of this voice? It was most definitely none he recognized. Was this truly Jareth speaking to him or a voice from his own mind? No. Tobias shook his head, clearing his thoughts. None of that mattered. Who cared where the voice came from? All he knew was that he was prepared to listen to it. By now he’d fallen completely in love with Jareth. He’d never met the man, never seen him, didn’t know him at all, but he knew he loved him to the core. Though, he’d never written it in his journal and didn’t plan on telling anyone, not a soul.

So, who was he to have wish him away? She. Certainly not his mother. She wouldn’t cooperate at all. Most likely, she’d have him committed. On the other hand, that little girl from school that liked him so much would be completely cooperative. However, there was no strong connection, and Tobias felt that that was of utmost importance. Which left Sarah, the only option really. He hated to ask such a thing of her. She was distressed by all this.

Sarah had been a mother figure in his life in many ways though, and deep down, she at least halfway believed in everything that was happening. Tobias sighed, wishing there were some other way.

“Toby! You’re going to be late!” His mother yelled from downstairs, snapping him from his thoughts. He looked to the window. Sure enough, the sun had risen, it was morning. How long had he been sitting there thinking about all this? He looked to his VCR clock, hours had passed, and just as his mother had declared, he was going to be late for school.

………………………………...

Sarah watched the little clock on her desk. The seconds were creeping by, a mere five minutes until the bell and it felt as if time were dragging. It was her last class for the day and she was ready to go.

“Mrs. Stevens?”

Sarah looked up, she wasn’t sure who’d spoken. Her students were out of their desks, in small groups, talking idly. She often allowed this at the end of class. She wasn’t a strict teacher.

“Mrs. Stevens?”

“Yes, Jennifer?” She asked, finally spotting the tall, willowy girl at the back of the class.

Jennifer came forward a bit, taking a seat near the front, “What’s with your brother lately? He’s in my Algebra II class and all he does is zone out.”

Heather, a little blonde that got along well with Jennifer, laughed, “Yeah, that or read that little book.”

Sarah shook her head, “Don’t worry about it, girls.” Just as she spoke the bell rang. She didn’t have to worry about another question from her students as they all immediately rushed out the door.

Was Toby still acting strange? She hadn’t noticed. In fact, it seemed to her that her little brother was improving. She gathered her things and turned out the lights before leaving the room, locking it behind her. She was headed for the main hall and Toby’s locker, when she spotted Madeline.

“Hey, Sarah! Seems like it’s been forever since I’ve seen you.”

Sarah smiled. Madeline had always been a dear friend, only, she hadn’t seen her in some time, “Yeah, things have been busy.”

“Tell me about it. I’m having trouble getting my boys to pass.” It was the same every year. Madeline taught English and always had trouble with her male students. For some reason it was a struggle for them to write papers and get their work done properly.

“Tough year?” Sarah asked. She really wasn’t all that concerned but didn’t want to seem rude.

“As usual.” Madeline answered, pushing a stray curl out of her face. Madeline was a rather short woman with a generous figure, not overweight, but extremely curvy. She was a rather attractive woman, especially with her mass of reddish-blonde curls.

“Oh, that reminds me.” Madeline said, stepping to the side and out of earshot of any passersby. “I’ve been meaning to ask you about Tobias.”

“Yes?”

“Well, is he dealing with anything right now? I mean, he’s always been one of my top students, but lately his grades are slipping. Give it another couple of weeks and he’ll be failing.”

Sarah was astonished. Besides art, English had always been her brother’s best subject, “I don’t know what to say. There were some issues, but I thought everything was resolved.”

“Think again. That boy is stressed.” Madeline said, starting down the hall again.

“Just a moment ago I had a student ask about him, said he was ‘zoned out’ all the time.” Sarah explained.

Madeline nodded, “That and read that little book of his. I know, I’m an English teacher, I would never condone reading, but he does it even while I’m in the middle of a lecture, and it’s always the same book. The Labyrinth. It’s a play actually. I didn’t even think he liked plays. Remember how he refused to participate in the summer play at the beginning of the year?”

Sarah didn’t answer. In fact, she’d heard little beyond The Labyrinth. Toby had that book? Where did he get it? Had he found it hidden in her old room, his bedroom? She remembered looking for it like a mad woman years ago and being unable to find it. Why was she so shocked? She’d told Toby to look it up himself, that she’d have no part in it. But hadn’t Toby promised to talk to her, to keep her informed, let her know what was going on? No doubt he was still worried about upsetting her, which he was right to do, but didn’t he know it upset her more when he kept things from her!

“Sarah, you okay?” Madeline asked, reaching out and resting a hand on her friend’s arm.

Sarah jumped back into reality, “Huh? Oh, yeah. I’m sorry. I guess I’m just worried about him. My family has been dealing with some… things. I guess we’re all a little stressed.”

“Anything I can help with? You know I’m always here.”

That made Sarah smile, “I know. Thank you, but I really ought to be going. See you later!” And with that she was hurrying off.

………………………………...

Tobias didn’t bother stopping by his locker, he wasn’t carrying any books and he didn’t feel like seeing Sarah. He was still too absorbed in what he was going to say to her. How was he going to get her to go along with this?

He walked briskly down the sidewalk, ignoring the now daily call of his new “friend.” She caught up as usual though, “Hey, what’s the deal? You in a bad mood? Want to talk about it?”

Tobias glanced at the girl, noting her bright green Invader Zim shirt and her full-length black skirt. What was the thing made of? It seemed to poof around her like some sort of old-fashioned garment. He shrugged it off, who cared?

“Everyone’s been talking, you know.”

“About what?”

She grinned, glad to have persuaded him into conversation, “About you, dummy! About how you’re always starring into space now and reading that little bitty book. You’ve been acting stranger than normal lately.”

Tobias shook his head. None of that mattered, he didn’t care.

“You do realize I’m, like, your only friend, right?”

He stopped dead in his tracks, turning to face her, “You’re not my friend! I don’t even know your name!” And with that he started walking again, his pace quickened.

She had to struggle to keep up, “My name’s Courtney, but everyone calls me Court. And shame on you for not asking sooner.”

He slowed a bit, “Look, Court, I’m going through some stuff right now. I don’t want to talk about it. Just give me a break and leave me alone, okay? Please?”

“I’m sorry, I really didn’t know.”

It sounded like she really meant it when she said it, causing Tobias to turn and look full at the girl’s pinched little face, “Thanks.”

She nodded, stopping at what he knew now to be her street.

He walked backwards a few paces, “Hey, if I need some help or something, I can come to you?” He asked, seriously meaning it.

Her grin returned, “Of course, dummy! And vice versa, right?”

He nodded, flashing her a slight smile, “Yeah. What are friends for anyway?”

This had her all but singing as she skipped off towards her house, the white one three houses down with the peeling paint.

Tobias turned and picked up the pace, hurrying home. He felt a little better after his talk with Court. She’d been nothing but a nuisance before, but she was obviously loyal, and in this time of confusion and uncertainty, he was needing someone to talk to. Someone other than Sarah. So, he’d made a friend. Who cared if she was a little odd? Who was he to complain?

He paused once his house came into view. Sarah’s car was parked out front. He approached slowly, thinking he hadn’t seen her drive passed. Had she taken another route? There was a quicker way, but she normally took the route he’d just walked. Why would she have gone that way unless she’d meant to head him off, beat him home? Something was up.

He slowly climbed the steps, careful to keep quiet on the squeaky boards. Claire hadn’t come. He’d have already heard her high-pitched voice if that had been the case. So, had Sarah called Aaron to have him pick their daughter up? Or had Sarah taken the time to drop Claire off at her house before coming here? Tobias wasn’t sure, and he was suspicious. Sarah had gotten there awfully fast. Aaron must have picked Claire up from school. What was so important for all that?

He didn’t dare touch the screen door, knowing already that no matter how careful he was, it’d creak and let all know he was home. Instead, he stepped over to the window, knowing no one locked it. Back when he used to sneak out of the house, he’d always depended on no one ever locking the windows. It slipped open easy enough, and if he listened quietly, he could just make out a pair of voices. It wasn’t his father, he wasn’t home yet.

“Well, I’m going up.”

Was that Sarah’s voice? Tobias peered in, seeing his sister halfway up the stairs, his mother watching from the bottom.

“Okay, dear.” His mother answered.

Tobias rose to is feet, shutting the window with a little slam and hurrying inside.

“Toby?” His mother said, “When did you get home?”

“Just now.” He answered, starting for the stairs, only his mother stood in his way, “Get out of the way, Mom. Sarah! Wait!” It was too late. Sarah was already at the top of the stairs, her hand on his bedroom doorknob. Seconds later, she was inside, gone from sight. He moved to brush past his mother, but she wouldn’t budge, “Mom, what the heck are you doing? Sarah’s being a snoop in my room. Move.”

She shook her head, her expression grave, “Sorry, honey, but something’s just not right. We’ve been talking, and things just aren’t right with you. I told her how you haven’t been eating, how you don’t sleep and then you sleep all day. She said your grades were falling, that you haven’t been doing well in school, and something about bad dreams.”

“What has this got to do with her being a snoop in my room!” He yelled, intending his sister to hear.

“She’s looking for something that might explain your behavior. I think maybe it’s time we talk about a therapist.”

Tobias shook his head, “No. No way.” He didn’t have anymore patience then. He shoved his mother’s arm out of the way, pushing passed her up the stairs. She was calling to him, but he didn’t stop or turn. His feet pounded up, coming quickly to the landing. He burst through his door to find Sarah sitting on the bed, his journal open in her hands, her eyes upon the new painting.

“Toby.” She whispered, glancing his way.

Instantly, his eyes began to water.

“You promised you’d talk to me, that you’d let me know what was going on.” She said, closing the book in her hands, yet still holding it.

“How could I? Every time I tell you something, you freak out like this.” He said, fighting back the tears, stepping further into the room. Downstairs he could hear his mother greeting his father. She could hear them talking, his and Sarah’s name slipping into their conversation.

“When did you paint this?” She asked, gesturing to the new painting opposite his bed. He’d bought a frame recently, a silver faux antique thing, big and gaudy.

He shrugged, “Not that long ago. It wasn’t a dream, I don’t think. It just… came to me.”

She lifted the journal a bit, “And all this? Why didn’t you tell me about all this?”

He shifted nervously, “All what?”

She shook the book before him, “These dreams, the summons, the goddamned voice you’ve been hearing!”

Instantly, anger began building in him, flushing his pale cheeks, “Don’t be like that! And how dare you read that! That’s private, you know!”

She was about to shout back, but a loud knocking interrupted them. Their father pushing the door open, “That’s enough. Both of you. You’re upsetting your mother.”

The both bowed their heads, looking away.

His booming voice lowered and he spoke calmly then, “Get cleaned up, your mother’s cooking dinner.“

They nodded and he left.

Sarah rose to leave, taking the book with her.

“Mind leaving my journal?” Tobias asked, his voice thick with anger and sarcasm.

She shook her head, “I didn’t really get to read it that well.”

The tears threatened his eyes again, “How could you, Sarah? Those are my thoughts, my own private thoughts.”

She shook her head again, “I’m sorry, but it’s the only way I can find out what’s really been going on.” And with that she left the room, taking the book with her.

In anger and sheer frustration, Tobias backhanded all the object that littered his dresser-top, sending them crashing to the floor, his favorite lamp shattering. He sunk down to a crouching position and sobbed, outright sobbed. What was he supposed to do now? Everyone near him thought he was insane. Was he?

“Am I insane?” He whispered, trying his best to keep silent, hoping to hear a voice on the air, and answer. Only, there was nothing, not a sound.

………………………………...

Sarah sat on the living room couch, pulling her legs up, getting comfortable. She and Karen had talked for a while, Karen laying out all the odd things that had been going on with Toby. Sarah had listened carefully, nodding when appropriate.

“You’re staying for dinner then? That’s what your father said.” Karen asked, obviously hopeful.

Sarah smiled and nodded, “Yeah, I was even thinking about staying the night. Toby and I have a lot to talk about.”

Karen all but grinned, thankful Sarah was willing to speak with Toby.

Once left alone, Sarah called her husband, letting him know she was alright, “I’m just worried about Toby, Aaron. I just want to talk to him, stay the night. Maybe we can stay up late and just talk about things. It feels like we’ve grown distant. There’s a lot of stuff he’s been keeping from me.”

“Okay, but please be careful. You’ve really hard to get where you are. I don’t want his delusions whipping out all the hard work we did.”

“Don’t worry.” She said, a smile coming to her lips when she heard Claire singing in the background, “I’ve got everything straight in my head now. I just want to try and help Toby. Maybe I can talk him into seeing a therapist. Who knows?”

“See you tomorrow then?” He asked, his voice as smooth and calm and kind as ever.

She nodded as she answered, “Yeah. And give Claire a big kiss for me too.”

“Sure thing.” He said through a laugh.

“I love you.” She whispered.

“I love you too, honey. Bye.”

“Bye.” And with that she hung up the phone, once again pulling her legs up to sit comfortably one the couch.

She opened the journal to the first page. The thing was massive, nearly three inches thick, and it was written in more than half way through. If she remembered correctly, it was something she’d given him a while back. Most of the entries looked to be written in either purple or black ink. She concentrated and began reading.

Hi, I’m Tobias Williams. I just turned fourteen today. This diary is a present from my sister, Sarah, the only one I love. Diary sounds likes something little girls write in, doesn’t it? My journal then. How’s that?

Sarah’s eyes watered up. This was written two years ago, and here her little brother was saying in just the third sentence that she was the only person he loved. She skimmed the next few pages, finding that most of it was the typical, parents being annoying, school sucking, etc. Now and then she came across the odd entry dealing with a strange dream.

Wow. Last night I had a dream about these weird little creatures, demons or something. Only, they weren’t trying to get me or anything. They were dancing. What was really strange was how real it seemed. Weird.

Entries like that grew more and more frequent as she continued. Then she came across one that made her blush.

Another girl asked me out today. She was one of those snobby, blonde girls. She probably only wanted to go out with me because I seem like a “bad boy.” Whatever. I turned her down. Now she’s spreading rumors that I’m gay. Who cares?

Speaking of, I saw the most attractive person at the mall over the weekend. Mom dragged me there to shop for “brighter” clothes, but we didn’t buy much. I told her I liked the clothes I had. Anyway, there was this guy walking around by himself. He had blonde hair streaked through with dark blue, and his pants were so tight. God, he gave me such a boner. I think he wanted to talk to me. I kept seeing him everywhere we went, only Mom wouldn’t leave me alone for a second. Too bad. I would have liked to sneak off to the restrooms with him. That would have been a wonderful way to loose my virginity, huh?

That was just about the only entry concerning sexual desires, which she thought was a bit odd. In her childhood diary, she’d written endlessly about boys and sex. Not that she wanted to read about her little brother’s yearnings, she just thought it was strange. Weren’t boys supposed to have more sexual drive than girls? There were a few more pages later on about an attractive girl at a restaurant and something about a boy he’d met that worked at the theater, but as far as she could tell, Toby had yet to even experience his first kiss let alone his first relationship. She tried not to think about that, about how lonely he must be. No girlfriend, no friends at all, only her.

Things started to pick up after that. It seemed Toby was trying to recall all the things she’d told him as a child of her dreams. Like this one entry in particular:

What did Sarah used to call the short one? He’d been her dearest friend there, in that place. And there was something about a brave one, a knight, and a great big hairy one. I can’t remember the names she used to call them. And the king. I can’t even remember his name. All I know is that she once believed that she’d been there, and even though it was a dangerous place she’d been trying to escape, she’d loved it, and had described it to me as one of the most beautiful, magical places. I wish I could go there, to the Underground.

She couldn’t believe it. From the very beginning he’d remembered. He knew almost everything except the details. Maybe this all was simply his overactive imagination.

The entries became focused on such things after that. He wrote about the dreams, every one described in detail.

Last night was the most amazing of all my life. I think I slept with the Goblin King. There are marks on my body this morning, a handprint. God, and I’m so sore. It’s as if it really happened.

She skipped the details. The following entry dealt with the same thing, the Goblin King coming into Toby’s dream and having his way, leaving marks. How could all this be happening?

Have I fallen for this idea of a man? I know nothing about him except that he’s erotic and enchanting and drop dead sexy. Why has he come into my life? Perhaps he’s fallen for me and is trying to seduce me from afar? For what purpose? Whatever. It’s all too dramatic. All he need do is show up and ask me out. I’d say yes in a heartbeat. Jareth. Where are you?

Many entries went on this way, confused and yearning. Towards the end the dates grew further and further apart as if he didn’t write as often, maybe once a week as opposed to every other day. The last disturbed her the most.

He spoke to me last night again. I was sleeping and woke up to this weird scratching sound on the window. It was so dark, the electricity was off for some reason. I don’t know why, but I opened the window and stuck my head out. That noise was gone and I was starting to get freaked out. Who knows why I stuck my head out the window like an idiot. Then I heard it. “She must wish you away.” It took me a while, but I know what it means now. I just hate to ask. Jareth, isn’t there another way? Can’t you just come get me? I called out the window, asking if it was him. He only laughed in return, but it was the most beautiful laugh, even though it was kind of snobbish.

She was breathing heavy when she finished, closing the book and setting it on the end table. It wasn’t the first time Toby had heard a voice? God, what was happening to her little brother? Was he losing his mind? Didn’t schizophrenia have something to do with a person becoming absorbed in a false reality, hearing voices, bad behavior, intellectual problems? God, she hoped she was jumping to conclusions. Maybe she had it wrong. She’d only overheard Aaron talking about it once before.

Sarah took a deep breath and stood. She didn’t want to think about all this right now. She picked up the journal. She’d give it back to Toby later tonight when they sat down to talk. Right now she was going to go into the kitchen and help Karen with dinner.

………………………………...

At about seven o’clock, everything was set. Karen had complained a little that dinner was later than usual, but Sarah didn’t see the problem. Her father and Karen sat on one side of the table while Sarah sat on the other. When Toby came into the room, looking rather pissed, he sat at the head of table, pulling his place setting over rather than sit beside her.

Sarah tried not to be upset. She didn’t want to think about any of it just yet. They ate in mostly silence. Her father and Karen talking now and then about their day, asking her about work. She watched as Toby picked at his food, hardly eating. He’d taken a shower, his hair was still damp, loose from its ponytail, hanging in a lovely curtain around his pale face. In fact, he seemed more pale than usual. Probably because he wasn’t eating. The eyeliner he normally wore was smudged from his shower, making him look more gothic than usual, not that he really tried. She could tell Karen was concerned that he wasn’t eating, but no one said anything.

Afterwards, Sarah helped clean up, washing the dishes and wiping down the table. After bidding her parents goodnight, she started upstairs, the book in hand. She could hear music coming from Toby’s room, something she’d never heard before. She went to open the door, but it was locked. She knocked gently, “Toby?”

No answer, “Toby, I have your journal.”

She waited a few moments. The volume was turned down on the music and the door clicked. She tried the knob again, finding it open. All the lights were on inside, save for the lamp lying shattered on the floor. She closed the door behind her, starring at the mess.

“Why’d you do that?” She asked, looking up to find Toby lying on his bed, wearing only a pair of black jeans. Had he just pulled those on?

“Why do you think?” He sat up, “Give me my journal.”

She stepped closer, handing it over, “I’m sorry for just taking it, but I had to know what’s been going on.”

He snatched it from her, “If I’d wanted you to know, I’d have told you. Every time you’ve asked, I’ve told you.”

She sighed, “I know, I’m sorry, but I wasn’t sure anymore.” She glanced at the painting, marveling at it. It was better than the last one. Water paint. Surely it was the best he’d ever done. It was a daytime scene, the sun shining brightly outside, illuminating the labyrinth in the background until it faded into the golden light. The interior of the room was darker, but not so dark like his other works. The Goblin King’s hair was alight with the sun, the loveliest golden blonde. His face and features were perfect, that regal smirk being thrown over his shoulder. He was wearing a big, loose-sleeved, white shirt in the painting and a pair of skintight black pants tucked into detailed black boots. There were several goblins in the foreground, silly little creatures obviously in a good mood. It was frightening how real it made it all seem, as if the dreams from her past had really happened.

She turned from the painting, “I know you don’t want to hear this, but I think you should see someone, a therapist.”

Tobias shook his head, flipping through his journal halfway expecting a page to be missing.

She sighed, moving closer to the bed, “From what I read in there,” She said, gesturing to his journal, “plus the way you’ve been behaving... Something’s seriously wrong with you, Toby, and something has to be done.”

“My behavior? I haven’t done anything.” Tobias said in his own defense, closing the book and dropping it to the floor.

Sarah took a seat on the edge of the bed, “You haven’t been eating, look how thin you’ve become, and your grades are dropping now. Karen says you’re in your room all the time, sleeping all day and then not at all. She even mentioned something about coming to wake you up one morning and there being all these signs that you’d been with someone.”

Tobias wanted to sneer at his sister, tell her he had been with someone... Jareth! But he kept quiet. He could tell she was intent on only one thing, to get him professional help. She thought he was crazy. No doubt Aaron had talked to her, convinced her that they were making everything up because of stress. Idiot. He decided to use this as leverage for what he wanted.

Jareth had made things clear. She must wish him away. “Okay,” He said, turning to face his sister, “I’ll see someone, but I want you to do something for me first.”

Sarah smiled, glad her brother was listening, willing to try, “What?”

“I still think all this is real, but if it’s not… Then I really must be crazy. So, I want you to do something for me.”

She was beginning to feel a bit unsure about all this, “What is It?”

Tobias knelt on the bed, a bit excited, “I want you to wish me away. If nothing happens, then I’ll believe you, it’s not real, and I’ll see someone. Promise.”

She stared wide-eyed, “You’ve got to be kidding me.” She mumbled, rising to her feet.

“Please, Sarah, I don’t know what else to do.” He begged, meaning it maybe.

“No!” She almost yelled, remembering at the last second that their parents were downstairs sleeping, “I’ll do no such thing. This isn’t real!” She hissed, pacing now.

“You’re the one that doesn’t understand. This is all real! First I was remembering things, having little dreams... Then they became so intense I started painting Images from them. Then the sex, and now I’m hearing his voice! Sarah, this is real!” Tobias shouted, not giving a damn if their parents woke.

“Would you hush! Listen to yourself. This is all nonsense spurred from silly fantasies I had as a child. I made it up.” She insisted, moving to turn the stereo completely off. The repetitive sound of the music was driving her mad.

Tobias crawled off the bed, stepping around it until he was facing his sister. In doing so, he carelessly stepped on a bit of glass from his broken lamp. He hissed in pain, lifting his foot to see. A rather large shard about the size of a quarter was almost completely buried in his heal. Without a second thought, he pulled it out, tossing it aside. Blood immediately began to spill from the wound, leaking down his foot and pooling on the carpet.

“Oh my God!” Sarah cried, rushing over.

Tobias ignored the pain, setting his foot back to the floor. He lifted an outstretched arm, stopping her from getting too close, “No. Don’t worry, it’s nothing. Just do it. Wish me away.” His words were low and demanding.

She through her arms out, utterly frustrated, “How can you…! Toby, you’re bleeding! Stop this childishness, you’re hurting yourself and everyone around you.”

He shook his head, “Just do it. Don’t worry about my foot. I don’t care, it’s nothing. All I think about is the Underground and getting there.”

“But it’s not real, Toby. None of it’s real.” She insisted, on the verge of tears, unable to take her eyes from the small pool of blood at her brother’s feet. The carpet must have been plastic or something, the blood just wasn’t soaking in, and that little red pool was making her sick.

“Yes it is!” Tobias shouted, turning away from her and moving to the window, looking out. He spoke calmly then, “You just don’t have the courage to realize it. You were there Sarah. All this time you’ve convinced yourself you made it all up because Dad remarried, because you were stressed.” He turned then, looking at her as he spoke, “You had the chance to be with the Goblin King, he loved you, but you were too much of a chicken shit, using me as an excuse. You should have left me there!”

Sarah clamped her hands over her ears, shaking her head repeatedly.

Downstairs, Tobias could here his parents moving about, no doubt woke by their yelling. He ignored it, “Now Jareth’s interested in me, and I’m not too scared to do something about it.”

“You’re talking crazy.” She muttered, eyes held shut.

“You should have left me there damnit! I hate you!” He all but screamed the last, a fit of rage tearing through his heart and mind.

Sarah looked up, removing her hands from her ears, anger welling inside of her along with the weeks and months of frustration from all this. She took several steps forward, starring her little brother in the eyes, poking at his bare chest, “Fine then! You’re such a brat anyway! What do you know! I wish the Goblin King would come take you away!”

The curtains lifted in the air as the wind rushed in through the open window. It was cool and carried a sparkling quality. Sarah was startled out of her rage, looking about as the lights began to flicker. She heard a sound behind her and whirled. When she turned back, Toby was gone.

Her eyes bulged. He was standing there just a moment ago, wasn’t he? She rushed to the window, thinking maybe he fell out. Peering down, she say that the ground outside was as it should be, no broken body lying there. She looked at the floor, his blood was still there, having finally begun to soak down into the carpet.

Another sound from behind her caused her to turn, be she could see nothing. The lights flickered again, going out for a near ten seconds before coming on again. She continued to hear sounds about her, rustling, little feet dashing across the floor.

“No.” She whispered, turning and turning, trying to catch a glimpse of these little things racing about her, “This can’t be happening.”

The lights finally calmed, remaining on. The sounds died out, but Sarah was no less troubled. Her parents were knocking on the door now, unsure as to whether they should come in. The tears were free flowing now, “But it isn’t real.” She whispered, realizing the grave error she’d made. It had to be real, or else, where had Toby gone?

“Bring him back.” She said, repeating it louder when she got no answer. Who was she expecting to respond anyway?

The wind began to blow again, a laughter being carried on it, “Not this time, Princess.” It said, the voice the same as it had been long ago. She dropped to her knees, all out sobbing. The door was open now, her father was rushing to her side.

“Sarah? Are you hurt?” No doubt he’d seen the blood.

“Where’s Toby?” Karen asked, looking about at the broken lamp along with the rest of the mess.

She shook her head, sobbing harder, “I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know…” She couldn’t stop repeating herself. Nothing made sense. She didn’t know where Toby was or what had happened. She couldn’t answer any of those questions without sounding completely insane.

Karen left the room to call Aaron. Her father remained, holding her as she rocked back and forth. There was only one thing she was certain of, whether this was real or false or whatever… It wasn’t going to be like last time. The words she’d heard, they had to have been spoken by Jareth himself, right? And what had he said? Not this time, Princess. Was Toby not coming back this time? Her sobs came harder and she tried not to think about it. Please, she begged silently, whether to God or whoever, please let him be okay!

To be continued…

Okay! The next bit is where it gets interesting, ne? I can’t wait to write more! Hope you enjoyed! Please review! Until next time…