Arica was sitting in her tree house thinking when she heard "Arica. Arica are you here?" it was Jareth and he was looking for her. Not feeling like company but knowing that he wouldn't leave her alone. "I'm up here." She called walking up to the ladder of vines to see her best friend.

Jareth carefully climbed up the vines taking in all the flora and fauna he could take in Vines and flowers of every color imaginable- covered Arica's tree house that was designed like the ewok village on Endor. But had a bit of Yavin four in it as well. "Wow you told me it was beautiful, but not this beautiful." Arica smiled, grabbed onto his hand and helped him up. "Thanks." Jareth replied ducking his head as a bird flew over head and a vine wrapped around his waist. Arica saw this and grinned. "The plants and animals like you." "Really? How can you tell?" Jareth asked trying to dismantle himself from the vines. "They told me. Besides, that vine would have eaten you alive if it didn't." Arica replied as the reached out and wrapped her into its vines as well. Having his best friend so close started having an effect on Jareth and he started wiggling out of the vines. Arica noticed said something to the vine and the vine slowly let go. Once he felt that he could breathe again Jareth walked over to the red pool and relaxed. Knowing that something was up Arica walked over to her hammock and sighed. "So. I thought you weren't coming back until next week." "Yeah well, my mom decided to bring me home early because my dad is leaving in the morning." "Yeah I know." Arica replied laying on her stomach and stroking her pet fire lizard with her fingers. Jareth turned. "You know?" "Yeah. My mother is going with him." Jareth thought a moment then sighed. "Arica, You don't think . . . " Getting what her best friend was talking about she shrugged. "I don't know Jareth. All I know is she cares about your dad more than she does me." Alarmed Jareth moved his feet out of the pool. Climbed into the hammock, and held his friend close. "Why do you think that?" "She promised to help me with my dance routine, but your father needs her somewhere else so she's going with him instead of keeping her promise to me." Arica replied bitterly laying on her back signaling Jareth to join her. They sat in silence for a moment then Jareth looked at his best friend. "You're right. They have been spending a lot of time together. I wonder." "Wonder what?" Arica asked rolling onto her stomach and looking at her friend. "Arica. Do you think my dad and your mom ever? You know." "Slept together?" Arica finished. "Yeah." "I don't know, but from the way they've been acting lately I don't doubt it. My mom and Dad hardly do anything like that anymore. "Tell me about it. My mom and dad hardly talk anymore." "Yeah. Your mom used to be the one your dad would take on these trips." Jareth nodded. "I know. And it's really beginning to freak me out." Arica nodded. "I agree." Jareth rolled onto his stomach and was about to be quiet when he noticed a small datacard in Arica's back pocket. "Arica, what's that?" "What's what?" "This." Jareth replied taking the datacard out of her pocket and placing it in her hand. "Oh that. It was for my mother." "Really what is it?" "My new song. That I specifically wrote for her for mothers day." He sat up "May I hear it? Please Arica." "Sure." She replied taking his reader and putting the datacard in. Jareth put on the headphones and together they listened.

They listened for awhile then Jareth grinned. "Wow Arica. That's a great song." He replied taking the earphones off and handing Arica's stuff to her. "Really?" Arica asked. A look of surprise covering her face. "Yes. You could make a killing sending in your recordings." Arica blushed. "You really think so." Jareth took her hand and nodded. "Of course I do. Arica. I wouldn't say it if I didn't." "I guess. Do you think my mom will like it?" "If she doesn't, she's crazy." "Well not that it matters. She probably won't hear it anyway. She doesn't have time." Jareth squeezed her hand sympathetically and gave her a quick kiss. Arica smiled and returned the kiss. Jareth was about to go for another when Arica got up and grinned. "You know. I think you're right Jareth. Maybe I would become famous." Jareth grinned. "Yeah. Think of all the parties you would go to and all your adoring fans." "Yes. And guys sending me gifts and vying for my attention." Jareths smile disappeared "Wait a minute. I don't like the sound of that." Arica turned around "Why?" "I just don't." Jareth replied giving Arica a look. Arica studied him for a moment then grinned. "Well well. Do I detect a note of jealousy?" "Yes." Jareth replied taking his friend into his arms "I have enough competition with Jori around." "Competition. Jareth what in the world are you talking about?" Realizing that Arica was about to discover his secret Jareth backed off. "Uh. Never mind." Arica gave him a curious look then shook her head. "Whatever Smugglers boy. Now are you ready to take a swim or not." Arica asked taking of her clothes revealing her swimsuit underneath. "I guess." Jareth replied stripping down to his shorts. Arica jumped into the pool and Jareth followed her.

Jareth stood there for a few moments then suddenly he felt two hands grab onto his ankles pulling him under. Jareth went under for a moment then popped back up "Woman, what are you trying to do. Drown me?" "No." Arica replied swimming over to him and giving him a hug." Jareth looked at her and she grinned. "Come on Smugglers boy. Ill race you." Jareth nodded and together they raced to the end of the pool.