Chapter 2:
Committed
The next morning, Shmi was the first up, no surprise. Then Annie, then the rest of us. I couldn't stop thinking about last night. And I could tell Shmi was thinking about it, too. She was more than likely hoping neither I nor Obi-Wan saw them like that. Neither of us told them we saw them.
Breakfast went by fairly quickly and no one really talked. Annie, Jar Jar, C-3P0 and R2D2 left for an "adventure" right after with no one knowing where they would go. Obi-Wan and I barely spoke to Shmi or Qui-Gon at all. None of us knew if that was purposeful or accidental. I knew I didn't want to ask. What if Qui-Gon didn't know and that's why Shmi woke up early?
I left the room and went outside for some air. I couldn't take it anymore. When I got outside, I looked and I saw Annie looking at the broken ship. I could tell he was upset and mad at himself for not being able to fix it. I slowly walked over to him.
"It's broken." He said probably hearing my footsteps in the sand.
"I know. It's sad huh?" I asked politely.
"Yeah. I don't think I will be able to fix it. Maybe Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan ca-"
"I don't think it's that simple, Annie. We were hit pretty hard and by the looks of it, I don't think even the best repair droids in the universe can fix it." I interrupted. I looked down at him and his head slumped down even more as I said the harsh, sad words. I sat down next to him and put my arm around him. "But I'm sure everything will be fine. We've got two Jedi Knights here. A protical droid. An awesome R2 unit. A future space pilot and Jedi Knight. And me; a simple girl who knows a few things about self defense." He looked up when I said "future Jedi Knight." I could tell that he was getting more confidence.
"Yeah, I guess you're right. We should be fine." He said sounding pleased with what I had said about him. "Hey wait a second! What about Jar Jar? He's here, too."
"Oh, yeah. Jar Jar. Well, he's….he's just…well? Okay I honestly don't know anything good about him. Only bad stuff like his clumsiness, his copying, and his constant blabber-mouth!" we both laughed until we were on our backs gasping for air.
That evening, I decided not to go on the walk with everyone else. Annie wanted me to come, but I decided I was too tired. After they all left, it felt good to be alone, but something was missing. I didn't know what it was, but I couldn't get it out of my mind.
The only thing that was constantly stuck in my mind was what Obi-Wan had said the other night: "I know I cannot stop him, but I thought he knew better. I thought wrong." I have no idea why, but I think it sounded more like something Qui-Gon would say to me not the other way around. It's weird to think about and I don't know how to get it out. Maybe…
I hear something. Or someone. It's getting closer. Okay I have no idea what to do. Do I run? Try to fight? This can't be good…
"Ahh!" I screamed at the same time Obi-Wan did when we ran into each other. We both fell to the ground. He immediately got up and helped me back up.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Padme. I had no idea you were there. Are you okay?" he asked politely.
"Yes, I'm fine. Are you okay?" I asked right back.
"Yes, I'm fine." He responded.
"Why are you here?" I asked impolitely.
"I, ah. I umm… I felt like something was missing, so I told them I'd come back here with you. You know to make sure you, ah, stay safe." He said; his voice cracking.
"Uh huh. Sure. Now what's the real reason?"
He sighed. "Honestly?" I nodded. He sighed again. "Okay. I couldn't stand to be away from you and leave you here all alone."I think my mouth just fell open. If it did, I can't remember how to close it. Oh no.
"I d-don't know what t-to say…" I stuttered like an idiot.
"Don't…" I didn't understand what he meant until he placed his arms on my shoulders, leaned down slowly and pressed his soft, cool lips to mine, ending our conversation.
We were both exhausted a few minutes later. Lying there wrapped in each other's arms. Neither of us expected it to be like this. Especially here. Being together filled my heart with happiness and joy. By his expressions, he was feeling the same. I turned to rest my head on his chest. I then took my fingers and ran them up his chest, behind his neck, and twisted my hand into his hair, grabbing his braid behind his right ear and pulling it to the left.
"Padme?" he asked quietly in a tone no higher than a whisper.
"Yes?" I asked in the same tone.
"I love you." He said in a voice higher than what it had just been.
"I love you, too." I said. I then propped up on my left elbow and leaned to his face and once again pressed my lips to his, ending another conversation…
I heard something just to the left. I quickly leaned off of him, turned to the left and lay down. Then, out of nowhere, Shmi was standing in the "doorway", mouth hanging open, and a shocked look on her face. I felt my face turn into a bright red tomato. What have I done? I thought.
I pulled the blanket we were under up to my neck. Obi-Wan did the same. No one said a single word, but all that wanted to be said, was shown on her face. Just a short seven seconds later, Qui-Gon walked in. His expression the same as hers. No one said a word. The first person to move was Qui-Gon, motioning his padawan learner to the other room. Obi-Wan looked at me with his face blank. He got up, blanketed his body, and walked out. After it was just Shmi and I, I realized that Qui-Gon never looked at me once. I could feel my face turning as red as the inside of a fire.
"What…what was that?" Shmi asked obviously not knowing what else to say with having no experience with this. I still couldn't find my voice. "Okay, I'll talk. What were you thinking!"She exclaimed.
"I don't know." I answered finding my voice.
Meanwhile…
"Obi-Wan? Do you know how disappointed I am of you? You completely humiliated me. I have worked for over twenty years teaching you this. You are not allowed to fall in love, no matter how hard it is to try not to. I can't even tell you how upset I am with you."
"Master-" Obi-Wan tried to explain.
"No." he interrupted. "I talk you listen. Okay? That, that took place in there, was a disrespectful act on the Jedi Council. If we ever were ever to get off this planet, you would be banned from finishing your training. This upsets me on so many levels. If the council found out, you would be suspended, I would be in trouble for letting it happen, and both of us would be ashamed and embarrassed to ever show ourselves in public ever again."
"Master? Hear me out, please. I am really, truly, sincerely sorry for the shameful act I have put on both of us. And Padme. I don't know what I was thinking. I wouldn't be surprised if you never gain back my trust. I am ashamed and never expected it to happen. I cannot tell you how embarrassed I am, as well. I do not know how to get you to forgive me."
Qui-Gon leaned down and put his hands on his young padawan's arms, then bent down to see him eye-to-eye. "Obi-Wan? Don't you see? I am not mad. I am just upset that you went and acted like those lessons never happened. Although I do not like the choice you made, I am still grateful that you know it was wrong. I am also proud that you stood up and fought for what you wanted even though you knew it was wrong. Like me. Which means you did pay attention to my lessons. Which makes me proud. And I will gain back your trust. It just will take a little time."
