The Turn-around (Sarah/Jareth one-shot)

The turn-around

"Well, I'll let you have a moment to yourself then." Karen says as she smiles widely, draping my wavy hair over my shoulders delicately. "This is so exciting!" she just about squeals as she hurries out of the room, closing the door behind her. I hear her heals clicking loudly on the tiles in the hallway until the noise fades away in the distance.

As soon as she's gone, I heave a deep breath. "Exciting..." I breathe out to myself as I cast my eyes on myself in the tall mirror. I don't think I've ever looked as beautiful as today, if I do say so myself. But that's the whole purpose of a day as today, isn't it? To feel beautiful. I look like a faery princess, even more so than in that crazy dreamworld Jareth tricked me into years ago. I must admit, it was difficult to reach a certain standard when he set the bar so high. It was hell to find the right dress, but I was determined to do better than him.

I rake my eyes over the long flowing wedding gown. The fabric is not heavy despite the many layers. Always the rebel, I opted for something different than the traditional white gown. The top layer is the color of blue hydrangeas with a matching delicate fabric flower at my waist. In my hair is a simple crystal ornament, catching the light every now and then, sparkling in a way that could give Jareth's crystals a run for their money. On my feet is a set of pale blue high heels.

Looking up to my face, covered in a natural tone of make-up, I tilt my head at seeing the crease between my brows. A frown sits there as if it's right at home. Bugger. 'The happiest day of my life.' At least that's what it's supposed to be. If that's true, than why am I having such a hard time feeling it?

I force myself to smile brightly in an effort to pump myself up for the big moment. In about an hour, I'll be Mrs. Sarah Smith. From one common surname to an even more common one. I groan as my smile falters.

"Why can't I be as happy and excited as everyone else? I'm supposed to be the blushing bride here, so where are those damn butterflies?!" I rant to myself. Sometimes I can't believe myself. I really am difficult. I don't even understand myself half the time. Isn't this what every girl dreams of? I wish my friends were here. They could lift my spirits anytime. 'I wish...'

Being too pre-occupied, I only just notice the big blue eyes staring at me from around the corner of the door. "Oh Toby!" I exclaim, startled, turning to the nine year old. I blush, ashamed that he saw my breakdown from the looks of it.

He steps in the room, closing the door behind him. "I'm sorry about that Toby. It's just the nerves that are getting to me." I say, making up a quick excuse. I purse my lips as his usual smile doesn't return to his face. Instead he looks down at his feet, picking at his nice suit while he's at it. I recognize the nervous twitch of him immediately. He always does that when he has something serious to say. It usually means trouble.

"Okay Toby, spill." I say, putting my hands on my hips, ready for whatever he's about to throw at me. He glances up at me, grimacing. "It's difficult!" he exclaims, a hint of desperation and anger in his voice. I blink at him in surprise. I never heard him use such a tone before. What got him so upset?

I crouch down in front of him, putting my hands on his shoulders after whiping a tiny white feather from one absentmindedly. "What's the matter Toby? You can tell me, you know you can." I encourage him. He releases a shaky breath, like whatever it is that he's about to say will make the world come crashing down.

"It's Daniel." he utters out, his voice breaking. "Hm?" I hum, imagining the face of my future husband in my mind. "What about him?" I ask. I know Toby never did like him much, no matter how hard Daniel tried to be nice to him. I wonder what went wrong between the two of them. Maybe he's just sore about there being another man in my life, taking in time I could have spent with him instead.