After our morning meditation Master Luke let the others go and enjoy breakfast while he 'talked' with us about our previous whereabouts. Both Ben and I stood shoulder to shoulder with our heads hung low while Master Luke spoke.
"A Jedi must be in harmony with his or her surroundings, to ignore this creates chaos." -Master Luke sighed crossing his arms- "Both of you, two of my strongest apprentices missing without a trace for a night and day. Where were you?" he asked with hints of desperation.
"Master Luke, please don't be upset with Ben," -I looked up but was unable to meet his gaze- "I went for a walk in the middle of the night and he followed to ensure my safety," -It wasn't a total lie- "before we knew it we were lost." I finished hoping that it would suffice.
"Enough," -He raised his hand- "no lies," he glared.
"Master," -Ben stepped up and pulled me behind him- "I did follow her on her walk and she did think she was lost," -Ben's hand held my hand tightly as he spoke- "I refused to show her the way back. It was my intention that she be scared so she could finally find an appreciation for star charting. I am the one to blame not her."
"Ben," -Master Luke placed his hands on his shoulders- "your heart was in the right place, however, using fear to teach a lesson is not the way of the Jedi."
"Yes Master," Ben's voice was more strained than normal.
"I am greatly disappointed in both of you," Master Luke shook his head.
"Master," I stepped to the side of Ben trying to apologize, his words had stung.
"Not now," -He sharply interrupted- "you will scrub the floors of the temple today instead of training with no contact to the others. Once dinner time arrives you will have finished the floors, understood?"
"Yes Master," I said squeezing Bens hand after he didn't respond.
"Ben?" He questioned.
"Yes, Master Luke," he finally responded.
"Oh and Ben, your hair has gotten out of control," -Master Luke observed- "go fix that now, Chloe will meet you in the temple.
"Yes Master, Sorry Master," he bowed his head and shook my hand off.
"Chloe Have a seat I would like to talk with you further," he watched Ben walk away towards his quarters.
"Yes Master," I sat crossed legged on the floor worried about what he probably knew.
"Chloe, I sense much confusion in you sometimes even fear. This is holding you back in training," he sat down in front of me and gently spoke.
"I don't know what you mean," I tried to lie.
"Yes, I believe you do, tell me where does all this confusion stem from?" he wasn't entering my mind, but I couldn't lie any more my heart was to tired.
"I don't think I'm any good," -I concentrated on my feelings- "It's hard for me to understand why you and Ben, the strongest people I know invest so much time in me," I could feel Ben smoothing his way in my mind, making me slightly dizzy but his presence gave me strength.
"You need to stop doubting yourself, Ben is exceptionally talented, he has not taken keen to any one else because he sees the same potential I saw when you came here two years ago. That is why I invited you to stay and that is why Ben try's to help you. Nothing happens by coincidence," he smiled.
"Ben is talented, he could probably be even better if he didn't have to keep an eye on me," I slouched a bit wondering if Ben could hear what I was saying.
"No, being aware of your safety along with the others makes him better." -Master Luke Smiled- "friends are not a weakness Chloe."
"Yes, Master Luke," I smiled lightly.
"There is something else, I sense it," his eyebrows furrowed together.
"Well I feel guilty not telling you," I sighed.
"Tell me what," he stared.
"Ben offered to help me practice after our lessons, and I accepted," I watched his face for any changes.
"Ah, that should be fine, just as long as you are both careful and come to me should you have any questions." Master Luke lightly laughed.
I was so relieved I leaned over and hugged him, his metal hand patted my back gently. I could feel the warm inviting energy that surrounded Master Luke, But I could also feel Ben's uneasiness. Confused I pulled away and looked around, Ben was nowhere to be seen.
"Is something wrong?" Master Luke stood up helping me in the progress.
"No Master Luke, I should probably go help Ben with the floors," I smiled.
He nodded, and I ran off wondering why Ben would be uneasy, and thankful that Master Luke had not discovered what Ben and I did.