As the World Falls Down

Chapter 17: Speechless

There were no words for what I felt. He liked my mother; was it wrong that I liked him? That's like having a thing for your father, right? But another part of me knew that I had heard the stories and longed for the man standing before me ever since I could remember. I didn't believe that he was real, but now I knew, and I knew what I wanted. 

"Jareth?" 

"Yes, Lauren?"

"Yes. I want to rule the Underground with you." He started to speak, but I stopped him. "But I need to know something first."

"Anything you want to know, I will tell you. Please just ask."

"Do you see my mother in me? Is that what you see when you look at me? Please don't lie."

His expression was unreadable as he started to reply. "Lauren, I want you to know this. At first, I did see your mother when I looked at you. as I've grown fond of you, that's all gone away. Your mother was a young girl that really never wanted to know that I was real. When she wished her brother away, it  was done in a moment of drama, of curiosity. When I showed up, I could already see in her eyes that she wanted to take it back. I was greedy, and I forced her to go on a nightmarish adventure. She believed that she liked me for some time until she saw who I really was. It's different with you. She told you the stories, most likely to teach you a lesson about being careful what you wish for. But instead of being terrified when you discovered the truth behind the legend, you accepted it. You accepted my moods, my absence, and your eyes still show that you aren't repulsed by me. I want you, not someone in my past." Before I could say a word, he embraced me and the smell of cinnamon was strong in the air. He was so gentle, such a beautiful being. 

"I want you, too," I breathed, and I leaned in to kiss him.