A New Years Wish

Chapter One: The Dress

A/N: So I wanted to write a New year's eve story for the Labyrinth, and this is what I've come up with, So just so you know this probably wont end on new years eve… it will probably finish later on.

Just so you all know I do not own the Labyrinth in any way, shape, or form… I just like to barrow the characters for a tinny bit of time.

Also Note I have never been to the Small town I mention, so I'm making everything up except for any big land marks (ie bodies of water or towns around it)

So that's that… Enjoy the show!

Sarah watched as her small home town became ready for the New Years Eve festivities. It quickly changed from just another small town in northern New York and then into a winter wonderland filled with silver tinsel. Like everyone in this town she was ready for the celebrations. But unlike every year before Sarah longed to be with someone she cared deeply about during the change from this year and into the next. Too bad she knew that the one special guy; and too bad she knew that he didn't want her again. She never said his name any more, not since that night she wished her little brother away to him.

Sarah sighed as she walked through the streets of Cassadaga; she clutched onto her travel mug as she watched people busy themselves with work. Sarah couldn't help but smile even in her slightly somber mood. As she walked down the streets Sarah waved to every person she knew; which in other words was everyone she passed. Here in Cassadaga the saying 'it takes a village to raise a child' was true; she had been raised or somehow helped by every person in this town. She had grown up knowing every man and woman behind the counters in stores, and most of her teacher had gone to school with her own father (so when someone use the term 'I'll tell your dad' you knew they meant it.)

The early morning sun was beating down on Sarah as she walked into Mrs. Jinks' costume shop. She had been working here since her trip into the labyrinth; but she had been going in there since she was just a little girl. She had always loved to dress up in the beautiful dresses and costume jewels. She knew every inch of the store like the back of her hand, so she was one of the best to ask where something might be.

"Sarah you're late." Mrs. Jinks said without looking up from dusting by the ancient register. Sarah sighed softly; even if she was a minute late she would get a scolding from good old Mrs. Jinks.

"Sorry Loretta, I was distracted by everything going on today." Sarah smiled and went behind the counter with her older friend. They had always been close, like Sarah Loretta Jinks was a dreamer. The older woman looked over to the younger one with a knowing smile.

"Ever since you were a little girl you have always been distracted with the set up for New years eve." The old woman looked up as the little bell on the door rang out; alerting the two that they had a potential customer; they only got enough money to keep the shop afloat and give Sarah a mediocre pay check. The customer was a short plump man whose gray head of hair was balding. This was no customer; this was the man that had been married to Loretta since the day she turned eighteen forty seven years ago. The older woman smile and walked over to her husband.

"Loretta, my dear, you look stunning. Are you ready to go?" Mr. Jinks asked as his wife walked to his side; she took the man's out stretched hand in hers with a smile.

"Now Sarah, you know the drill, Lock up at five, put the money in the safe, vacuum the carpet in here, and-"

"Put the key in your mail box at home; I've worked here for six years, I've got it Mrs. Jinks." Sarah said with a smile. She watched the two start to leave the store for their Holliday just like every year; but Mrs. Jinks turned around quickly before they walked out of the door.

"Oh Sarah; I almost forgot to tell you in the back I have a gift for you; It's on the mending table. I know you weren't planning on going to the masquerade ball, but, I thought this might change your min. I remember being your age and the ball being one of the best times of my life." She said softly with a glance to her husband. Sarah sighed slowly, knowing full well what her employer was trying to do.

"I told you I wasn't going with David Herbing." Sarah paused looking for an excuse. "Anyways I have plans." Sarah quickly added to get the older woman off of her case.

"And that is reading that silly read book of yours. Sarah for six years you've done the same exact thing for every single New Years eve. When I was your age all I wanted to do was go to this. This year Sarah no excuses, you're going one way or another. You're like a granddaughter to me; I don't want to see you miss out on anything." With a sweet smile Mrs. Jinks and her husband left the store and scampered off to their Holliday. Leaving Sarah grumbling as she leaned against the class counter alone.

Sarah stayed out front for a few hours; few customers came to pick up a few last minute pieces of costume jewelry for the big parties that dotted through the town. Slowly curiosity got the best of the girl and she closed the store and hour early, leaving a sign saying there was an "emergency". Sarah quickly shut off the lights and made her way to the back room. There her eyes rested off a full length poufy white dress with gold and silver designs on the bodice and skirts. Sarah could have sworn she had danced in this dress before, but it had been a dream caused by a peach. The only thing that kept her throwing the dress away because of the memory was the fact that unlike the dress from the peach this dress was strapless and modern (ish). The bodice to it had the look of a corset and then the taffeta skirts exploded from where the corset would meet her hips. The dress was absolutely beautiful, Sarah couldn't lie about that.

Delicately Sarah picked up the silky white mask lying next to the dress; there was nothing wild or fancy about it. The mask was just a simplistic white, nothing more nothing less. The only problem Sarah had with all of this was the fact that she didn't have a date. She knew it was too late to go and find one, after all the ball was in only a day. Normally Sarah would have no problem going stag, but for some reason she did right now; Sarah didn't want to be alone any more.

And with all her might, she wished for one night and day she could have the Goblin King By her side.

Just so you know Comments are always nice and loved. And they are always rewarded… so why don't you write a little 'how do you do?' and press review. -J