Entry 12

I went to Anakin Solo and Tahiri Veila's wedding today. Despite the fact that Anakin and Tahiri have been inseparable for years and Anakin wanted to be married more than anything—he had what I would call a tiny 'episode' while at the altar. He was standing next to Tahiri, holding her hands and suddenly his eyes glazed over and he started sweating. Then he started to sway. My Uncle Luke was officiating and he hesitated and whispered something to Anakin. There was a pause in the ceremony as Jaina came up with a glass of water for her brother. I am pretty sure he was about to pass out. Maybe he drank a little too much after we took out those swoop gang members at the Red Rancor.

He drank the water and gave the audience a lopsided grin as he put his hand up in an 'I'm alright' gesture. Tahiri appeared more amused than upset. The rest of the ceremony went well. They exchanged rings, they kissed, my mom cried, Aunt Leia cried, Aunt Mara didn't cry, but I am pretty sure her eyes were misting up.

After the ceremony we went to the reception, which was at my parent's restaurant, the Manarai. My parents closed the restaurant to the public just for this special occasion. There was plenty of food, an open bar and a live band. Jaden, Ben and I walked toward the refreshment table just as Karrde's two daughters grabbed flutes of sparkling wine off the beverage counter and walked away like they belonged there. But they didn't belong there…we all knew they were way to young to drink.

"Wait right there," I said as I took the alcoholic drink out of Zylie's hand. Ben assisted me by confiscating the other drink from Zylie's sister Valla.

"Give that back to me, Ben Skywalker!" Valla said.

"You're not of drinking age," Ben pointed out.

She crossed her arms across her chest as she glared at my redheaded cousin. "I'm seventeen. Next year I'll be legal."

"Yeah," piped in Zylie. "And I am a very mature twelve year old."

That comment made me laugh in her face. She turned bright red and glared at me.

Ben drank Valla's confiscated drink as he smiled. "That may be so, but until you are both eighteen you have to get your drinks from the kids' table."

"You guys are jerks," Valla said as she scowled at Ben.

"Yeah, I can't believe you're named after my father," Zylie added as she looked in my direction. The girls both stalked off, but not before Zylie made an obscene gesture to me.

I turned to Jaden and Ben. "Did you see that?" I shook my head. "Gods, I feel sorry for anybody who dates those girls."

Ben laughed. "I know."

In reality I wouldn't mind dating Valla. She is only a year younger than me and she has a quirky personality that I like. Also, it doesn't hurt that she is very easy on the eyes. She has her mother's good looks and trim body, but she has the dark eyes and hair of her father. Zylie looks like a miniature version of Valla, but she is a little more hotheaded than her sister…and sarcastic. Despite her quarrelsome attitude, I am sure in five or six years she will be turning heads.

Jaden returned from the beverage table with a mixed drink. "Ben, just a heads up," he said. "Your baby sister Hanna is drifting over to the alcohol."

I laughed as Ben ran his fifteen-year-old sister away from the adult beverages, while threatening to tell their mom."

Valin Horn wandered up to where we were standing. He's carrying a mug of ale and sporting a smirk on his face. "You guys want to see something pathetic?"

We're guys…of course we want to see something pathetic. He signals for us to follow him and we end up lurking behind some curtains covering the large balcony windows. The doors to the balcony are open so we can see outside.

There sitting on an ornate marble bench is Tenel Ka and Jacen. They are whispering to each other and laughing. Valin turns to us, "Do you think he'll try to kiss her this time?"

Ben shook his head. "No, but I wish he would. I am pretty sure that much sexual tension can be fatal."

Jaden and I laughed, but then dived behind the curtains when Jacen looked up.

"Okay, I'll put down twenty credits that he'll get the kiss," I told them. "I mean the guy is in his early twenties. He can't possibly be that shy." I looked at my brother. "Didn't he date anybody at the Academy before he was knighted?"

"Lusa?" Valin offered referring to the female Chironian that attended the academy with us.

I have to cover my mouth with my hand to hide my laughter. "No Lusa had a thing for Raynar."

Ben gave me a curious grin. "How would that work?"

Jaden made a face. "Please Ben, don't put disturbing xenosexual images into my mind…but to answer your question…I assume it would involve a step ladder."

Valin laughed and snorted his ale up through his nose.

"I'm just kidding, guys," my brother said. He turned to me and grinned. "I'll take that bet. I think Jacen will wuss out."

So we watch and I am positive I am going to win. The proximity of the two Jedi were getting closer and closer. Jacen turns to talk to her and their faces are centimeters apart from each other. Then he leans in—and I just know I won twenty credits—and then he turns away with a nervous cough.

I swear Tenel Ka looked mad. I don't know why she's waiting for Jacen to make the first move. She is a descendent of a Dathomir witch. She should just dress up in leather, grab Jacen, claim him as her mate, toss him on the bed and then ravish him. Ha! I'm sure he wouldn't mind.

My brother is holding out his hand. "Pay up." I glowered at him as I reached into my pocket and pulled out a twenty-credit chip.

Well, that was a bust.

Fortunately, after dinner I did find a few nice, non-related, ladies to dance with me.

Now that Anakin is married, he will be moving out of the bachelor quarters… and I can move in with my brother and out of my parents' quarters. Yeah! No longer do I have to live under their watchful eye.

Party!