Chapter Nine

Qui-Gon's generosity extended far past what Obi-Wan had expected. The older man seemed more than willing to spend his entire afternoon and early evening strolling along several paces behind the young people as they leisurely made their way along the darkening streets of Naboo, the night glowlamps flickering on as workers returned from their jobs and shops began closing down.

Obi-Wan was even more surprised when they arrived at Padmé's home and his Master stopped down the alley, turning his attention away in order to give them a chance for a moment of privacy.

"I had a wonderful afternoon." Padmé began, toying with the fingers that were gently gripping her hand while staring up into the needy gaze above her, more than willing to offer the handsome young Jedi what he obviously desired.

Their kiss was sweeter than before in the gardens when passion had overcome them. This gentle brushing of lips left her feeling light-headed and giddy, and Padmé wanted nothing more than to pull Obi-Wan into her home and let him continue his delicate explorations. But the main reason she couldn't was suddenly standing between them, glaring at them both.

Obi-Wan pulled out of the kiss and bowed his head quickly in greeting to Padmé's older sister, but Sola did not return the gesture.

"I believe it's time for you to be going now, Padawan Kenobi." The words were spoken evenly although a bit unfriendly, matched by a playful quirk of Padmé's brow.

Obi-Wan boldly placed a quick peck on Padmé's cheek before hurrying down the steps. "I'll see you soon." He said before returning to join Qui-Gon.

Padmé smiled as she watched him go. Even the way he walked away was attractive. But her smile slowly disappeared as she turned to face the stern countenance of her sibling.

"Where have you been all afternoon?" Sola demanded as Padmé brushed past her and entered their apartment.

"I told you I had a council meeting."

"You haven't been at a council meeting all this time."

Padmé hung up her cloak and walked to the small communication alcove to check her messages.

"Answer me." Sola demanded once more, quietly, but sternly.

"Why?" Padmé retaliated, spinning toward her older sister. "Why should I? You aren't my mother, Sola. You aren't even my guardian anymore. Not since I turned eighteen, and that was five months ago! I'm a big girl now!" Sarcasm crept into her words. "I don't need a babysitter."

"You are my responsibility!" Sola argued, immediately calming her voice, so as to not wake the children sleeping upstairs. "Don't let this infatuation ruin everything we've worked so hard to achieve."

"What?" Padmé asked incredulously. "What are you talking about?"

"Your involvement with this Jedi Apprentice can come to no good! He's not the one for you, Padmé. You can do so much better."

"How do you know that? Who do you think you are, some kind of relationship guru? How do you know who's right for me?"

Sola took a deep breath and reached out to grab a hold of her sibling's hand, gently easing her into the room to have a seat on the sofa littered with toys.

"Mother knew. Before she died, we talked about it. How she knew you had a purpose in life. You were meant to do something very special, Padmé. To be someone very special. I promised her I would make sure that you would be. Obi-Wan Kenobi is not good enough for you."

The young woman sadly shook her head. "But I love him, Sola."

The announcement shocked Padmé's sister, although she didn't show it. It seemed a bit early for such a strong emotion, but young crushes such as this one usually burned most brightly at the beginning before distinguishing itself into a bitterly cold ember that caused more grief than one would expect. She would not allow Padmé to be a victim of such a thing. Nor would she allow Padmé to be kept from achieving their goals.

"All the more reason for you not to see him again." Sola pointed out. "He's distracting you from your responsibilities and from your duties. Did you know that The Theed Tribunal reporter came by earlier to do a cover story on you? It would've been great publicity for the election, but I couldn't find you anywhere."

"I'm sorry." Padmé responded gloomily. Perhaps Sola was right. Ever since Obi-Wan had shown up, she had been a bit scatterbrained. It seemed all she could think about was those beautiful eyes his, that big, bright smile, and how she could possibly find time to be with him again.

The Naboo Election was the last thing on her mind.

"We've worked too hard to miss this opportunity, Padmé." Sola insisted solemnly. "It's what Momma always dreamed about for you."

"I know." The younger woman agreed with a sigh, squeezing the supportive hand that still held onto hers. "I won't see him again, Sola. I promise."

"Good girl." The older woman grinned widely. "Did you have anything to eat? I saved some supper for you."

……….