Triple Trouble

Chapter 9 : Sweet Dreams…Or Not

Jareth allowed this scene to continue but got bored quickly. He decided it was time to break up this reunion.

“Sarah, retreat to your room while I escort your friends to their PERMANENT dormitories.” Jareth said, putting much emphasis on the permanent to see what kind of reaction he could get from Sarah this time around. Kerri and Keaira were way too exhausted to argue then and there but in their hearts and minds a fire of revenge was burning. This was going to be a task that he would never forget was their internal vow. Before the girls broke up their huddle, their strength returning slowly but surely, they decided that vengeance would be sweet beginning in the morning. For now they agreed to be attentive and that the fighting would begin as soon as dawn broke. Sarah, Kerri and Keaira finally stood giving each other a final good night hug.

“Jareth, you might’ve won this round but I am going to make you very sorry you messed with me. Apparently, you didn’t learn your lesson last time.” Sarah threw at him, and then turned on her heels before the Goblin King could reply. It was late; she needed to rest to be fresh to begin this revolution in the morning. She meant every word she said, there was going to be hell to pay. She could be sweet and gentle; but trap her and she’s like a wild animal, ready to attack.

Jareth then turned to Keaira and Kerri, his new slaves and directed them to where their rooms were. His face showed anger because of the low blow to his pride he had just received. As usual, he quickly regained his composure; there was no way he was going to show his vulnerability to anyone, especially Sarah and her friends.

From the throne room, just opposite the stairway that Sarah had just disappeared from was a hallway, which was their destination. They passed by many normal wooden doors, which were followed by one massive glass door leading into what seemed to be a massive library. They continued their march down the never ending hallways until, on the left, a normal door was seen but what came from behind was the clanging of pots and pans and the breaking of glass. This had to be the kitchen Kerri assumed. Directly across from this room was another door that Jareth opened.

“Keaira, this is your room.” He announced to the barely conscious girl. The room had a massive rectangular window overlooking a garden and a nearby forest. There was also a bed, a long mirror and a bath. She walked into her room, mumbled an incomprehensible “Good night.” to her sister and slammed the door with her remaining energy on the Goblin King’s nose. She reopened the door quickly and said “By the way, my life mission is to ruin your life however I can. Enjoy your power and your gloating while you still can but I can guarantee it won’t last very long…Not if I can help it at least.” And she shut the door with the same force as before, if not more. Her feet began to drag as she made her way to her bed, falling flat on her back. Finding what little fight she had left in her, she hollered at the top of her lungs. She hoped that her voice would resound loud enough for everyone to hear. Having lost all energy in her body, sleep came quickly to rest her numb body and prepare her for the anticipated mental struggle, not even the never-ending noise from the kitchen kept her awake. There is where she slept, legs falling over the side of her bed.

Back in the corridor, the remaining pair returned from the way they had come, without a word. The only sound that broke the silence was a faint cry of fury but nothing more the rest of the way to Kerri’s room. Along their path, they took a regular looking door, which hid the likes of a staircase. They climbed these and then followed many twisting hallways, confusing her further in her state of exhaustion. Somehow, unsure of the exact method, they arrived at an imposing wooden door. As they approached, the doors opened as if by magic. The room contained the same meager decorations as the other girls’ rooms but for the minor difference in the window. This window was bigger than Sarah’s but smaller than Keaira’s. Actually, they were stunning white patio doors, with glass molded in impressing ways, which led to a fairly big balcony, only found in fairy tales. She was baffled by the beauty of the balcony and the extensive flower bed beneath it. Nonetheless, she knew that if she were to retain any kind of power, these thoughts had to be pushed as far out of her head as possible.

“Get out of here.” She struggled to say. “And if I see another sparkle you are going to get it in the morning!” Jareth smirked in amusement. Just to antagonize the irritated girl, he left in a whirlwind of sparkles. “He is so gonna get it tomorrow. YOU HEAR ME!!!!” Once she was in bed, she went straight to sleep just like Sarah and Keaira had.
That night although physically still, their minds were tormented by odd dreams.

First was Sarah’s dream. She found herself in her room, in the castle, and it was about dusk. The bright orange sun was easily seen from everywhere because of its size and the warm light it cast. From her window, she saw this beautiful sunset along with the view of a tiny goblin city. She was so high up in the air she felt like she could see for miles but what she really wanted was to feel a nice cold breeze against her cheeks, the grass beneath her feet and enjoy a laugh with a few of her friends. She made a hasty movement towards the door. Unlike in reality, the door was actually welcoming her to leave, it swung open, without the slightest touch, seeming like it had been opened by someone anticipating her departure. Without hesitation, she took the invitation with pleasure to go discover the great unknown that lay beyond her window sill. The castle was like a maze with many turns and spins and dead ends yet somehow, the castle seemed familiar, almost like she’d lived there most of her life and been accustomed to the way around.

After a while of walking, she finally made her way out the gates. Before her lay a cobblestone walkway surrounded by lush beds of plantations. There were roses, tulips and lilacs all around her, any girls dream garden. She walked slowly as she marveled at the flowers and the way the sunlight reflected in such a way that added to their beauty.

Not long after though, an uneasy feeling that she was being watched, even followed came to her. She checked in every direction with no sight of anyone or anything but the feeling never left her. She continued her walk. The further she went from the castle, the more willows appeared. Every time she passed one, she contemplated going back for a rest, but something held her back. Soon she realized that her mind was warning her of something hidden in proximity of the trees. Once she glanced and could’ve sworn that she saw her nemesis but with a second look, there was nothing to be found and no sign that there ever was. The more she continued her journey, the more the sightings occurred and this put her on edge. On top of being watched, it seemed that the figment of Sarah’s imagination approached more and more every time. He got so close that Sarah’s uneasiness left to be replaced with utter fear. She felt like a prey being stalked by something that would make her its next meal. Before she managed to turn around though, it was too late, someone was directly behind her.

Lips neared her left ear and said “Do not be frightened, I cannot harm you.” As if lost in a trance of the voice, she spun around to face the man who stood behind her. It was none other than the Goblin King, dressed in his usual intimidating attire. He had his usual black breeches and a white shirt hanging open halfway down his chest. Over this was a deep purple leather coat that clung to his form and was buttoned as high as the shirt beneath it. Both shirts were left open to let his crescent moon pendant hang, like it was the most important piece in the world, everything, clothing included had to make way for the royal king of pendants. Along with this clothing, he also wore the same look of self-satisfaction that he normally had. This time though, there seemed to be something different about him; mystique, wonder, a mystery she has never sensed before. They were at very close proximity, a situation that would’ve normally sent Sarah running for the hills. In this instant, she seemed quite comfortable with the closeness and she couldn’t understand why. Her head was telling her to run yet her body was frozen in place, as if content with what was happening. Why was Jareth facing her with his towering height without her being intimidated? His face seemed wicked while showing no intention for malice. At a very slow speed, he bowed his head closer and closer to Sarah’s. Every moment seemed like it lasted forever. She anticipated and dreaded the second their lips would lock, which nearly killed her. He was so close that if she moved just a bit, the kiss would come. After a time of contemplation had gone by she finally resolved herself to give into the inevitable and go for what she wanted so much for once in her life, a kiss from the Goblin King, Jareth himself, even if she didn’t understand why she desired this so much. She was about to go get what she wanted and needed beyond all else when a screech was heard. Out of fear, Sarah bolted straight up in her bed wondering why she had dreamed something so odd and terrible and what was creating such a bloody racket.

The nightlife seemed to be amazing in this part of the universe. From her window, high up in the sky, she could see a flock of about fifty crows flying in front of the moon, darkening the skies ever more. Nearby trees were rustling relentlessly as if a rave was taking place within its confines, or even a few boxing matches. There was also one lonesome snowy white owl that kept staring at her but left after a few minutes.

Once the mystery of the sound was solved, she had yet to figure out the meaning of her dream and why she had dreamt it in the first place. She pondered these questions until early that morning when she came to the conclusion that Jareth was bored and decided that he would begin to torment her as soon as possible. So he sent her a dream that would affect her and make her restless.

“Damn…” Sarah thought. “I played right into his hands…I’ll show him, I won’t make the same mistake twice!” she resolved, still questioning her dream-self desires.

A few floors below and many rooms away, Kerri was having a disturbing dream of her own, a nightmare that made the past and present intertwine with one another.

A tall man was before her. He had brown wavy hair to his ears, tanned skin, slightly toned; at this moment looked very serious. Kerri quickly recognized him as being her ex-boyfriend Jared, the hottest guy she had ever gone out with, the strongest, and most invulnerable yet he had the capacity to look at her in such a way that he could seduce her within seconds. He was fun loving, caring and sweet and there was only one time she saw him with his serious face and heard this tone come from him: the day he told her it was over between the two of them. Although, in reality, the breakup had happened four months ago, she still dreamt of this moment and her heart break every night.

“I need to be honest with you.” he said as she stood there, dumbfounded by the sudden lack of joy in him, “This summer was a lot of fun but we see each other so little and I don’t see it working out.”

“But why?” she pleaded “We can make it work; I can come and see you as often as I can. I will make the effort…won’t you?”

“I would if I thought there was something to work towards. I have to leave; I’m spending the last week of summer with my family in Texas so I have to go before I miss my plane.” With that, he kissed Kerri on the cheek and left in the shadow, slowly fading into the darkness. The room seemed to disappear with him leaving her in a black hole without walls, ceilings, anything. She couldn’t ask why, or fight for what she wanted. She had had no time, he didn’t let her. After this conversation, she died inside and felt unworthy of anyone or anything.

On a normal basis, the nightmare ended here but, tonight, there was a twist. Out in the dark distance she heard a scream. The scream resembled that of an eagle, mixed with a slight roar. Whatever the sound was whatever it came out of sounded hurt, wounded in some way. She turned in place for a short while, trying to locate the direction of the cry. The sound echoed everywhere so it was impossible for her to find where it came from. All of a sudden, a golden glow appeared in the corner of her left eye.

A slender man with golden hair, dressed in a white shirt and black leather breaches appeared out of nowhere, in the distance, illuminating the place. He was very far from her so she couldn’t be sure exactly how he looked and, suddenly, courage, hope, strength and happiness regained her seemingly dead mind. She didn’t know why but he evoked in her these feelings. She didn’t seem to hate herself anymore.

He began to walk away, taking the light with him. She wasn’t about to let this glory she received from him go that easily so she ran as fast as she could to catch up to him. It was no use. Just as soon as her course began, her legs and body were weighed down by a massive gravity. It was so forceful that it dragged her to the ground and she couldn’t get back up. She wanted to scream “Come back…Don’t go…Please.” But it was no use he was too far out of reach and the light faded until she was in a deep, scary darkness.

As she was lying in the unforgivable darkness, she woke up in her bed, traumatized and curious. The breakup had scarred her but she was used to it by now. The darkness was now what frightened her the most because it seemed to extinguish what life she had in her. On the other hand, she did understand what it meant and where it came from. What piqued her curiosity though was the man that had elicited wonderful feelings in her mind and her heart. These feelings she hadn’t felt in at least four months, she was relieved that she still had the ability to feel such things. She wished this man was real because if he was she was sure she’d found her true love. Little did she know, both these wishes would soon come true but they weren’t as happy and clear cut realizations as she expected them to be. As they say, careful what you wish for…

Coincidentally, at the other end of the castle, Keaira was also troubled by the same dream subject as Kerri, her breakup. The source of her dream took place approximately a week before this whole ordeal. Keaira broke up with her boyfriend Jason. He was tall, had short dirty blond hair, tanned skin, very toned, he was so sweet and crazy like she was. Although they were only going out for 2 months, she loved him with all her heart yet something wasn’t right.

Thoughts often came to her that he was cheating on her, which he wasn’t. She also kept thinking that she wasn’t pretty enough for him, rich enough, smart enough, funny enough. In general, that there was no possible way that he would be with her much longer. So she decided she had to end it for him because he must’ve been too afraid to do it himself. He was confused about how everything had turned out and why she was doing this. He had always convinced her that her thoughts were complete bogus but she wouldn’t hear of it. So, in her dream, she relived their whole relationship as well as the day she broke up with him, everything they both said and the look he had on his face. From that moment on, she regretted it but he kept screening her calls and she hadn’t heard from him in awhile, so she busied herself and her mind so that she wouldn’t be bothered by the biggest mistake in her life.

Randomly, her sister came in and told her to stop bothering her to go out all the time…she didn’t know the whole situation because Keaira had never told her. She finally broke into tears, falling to the cold hard wood floor, begging Kerri to stop being so heartless. Kerri acted nothing like her sister would, storming out when Keaira seemed to need her so much. She lay on the ground, rolled into a ball crying her broken heart out. First she ended things with Sam who then dismissed her from his life and now her sister acted as if her pain and suffering meant nothing to her. This was the scene Keaira saw for what seemed like an eternity. Eventually, her sobs became a quiet thoughtfulness.

Suddenly, the silence was broken by the clicking of claws on the ground. She looked up to see her friend running to her side, the wolf she had met earlier that day. She hugged him, consoling herself with his presence, the only living thing that came by her side. Now it was more than his eyes that reminded her of how human he seemed; it was his heart and his silent compassion. Warm, silent tears rolled from her eyes, down her cheek until they reached the floor without Keaira attempting to dry them.

When the last tear was shed and she felt much better and less alone, the wolf walked away. She watched as her friend left her side to continue on with his life. As he walked away, he transformed himself into a talk, slender, dark man. Before he disappeared completely, he shot her one last glance. Despite the darkness that radiated from him, she had no fear of him. His expressions were evil and glum yet there was something about him that made him seem approachable. Even though he was a short distance away, she felt loved by the man and she thought “He will be my savior.”

That thought made her wake in a daze of happiness. She hadn’t been this happy in years. What she thought in her dream was still true in reality… “…as long as he truly exists.” She said out loud. A huge grin appeared on her face and she threw herself into her pillow. That blind happiness quickly left as she raised her head from her pillow and thought: “Here I go again, thinking such a man…ANY man for that matter would love me…There is no way that I will start this again.” She pushed her dream as far out of her mind as she could but there was still a light hope somewhere deep in her mind. Soon enough, she too would see her subconscious dreams come true but it wasn’t going to be as pleasant as she thought it would be, or an easy happiness to obtain.