Monday, October 15th
This was a day Lux wasn't looking forward to at all. He had postponed this event as much as possible, but he couldn't bear to see Obi in such a state anymore. She had grown deaf and blind. Her limping made her near impossible to take out for a walk. The worst part is that she no longer had control over her natural urges, so they would have to clean up her mess all over the house. It was time. Lux had made arrangements to have the day off in order to do what was necessary. He took Obi into the car… one last time.
As the veterinarian did her work, Lux stood by her side. "It's ok, girl. It's ok. You'll… you'll just sleep… forever and ever." He petted her until he could no longer feel any life in her. He left the veterinary office with the biggest lump in his throat he ever felt. He had to stop halfway towards the ride home, to release his emotions. Lux cried for several minutes, recalling all the moments they shared together… since he brought her home in Summer '87. He recalled how Mina instantly took a liking to her. How she saved the family from having their car stolen. It had been a wonderful 14+ years. There were no regrets, despite knowing it wasn't going to last. He took a deep breath. "Ok… enough of those blasted emotions, time to head back home."
As he entered the house, the eerie silence hit him like a wall of bricks. She was gone. As he made his way to the kitchen, he noticed her bed, by the patio doors in the back. Unable to keep his emotions in check, he wept some more. He spent the majority of the day in the living room, reading the newspaper. Trying desperately to distract himself. It wasn't going to be easy once the kids got back home.
As Daniel entered, he whistled. The dog didn't come to him. He noticed his father reaching for several tissues. Mina came in, calling out to her dog. "Obi ! Obi ! Come see us ! Come on !" She turned to her father, the look on his face told her everything.
"I… I'm s-sorry, k-kids… S-she's g-gone. I had to d-do it." Lux wept some more, this time joined by his children.
When Ahsoka came in, it made for the most heartbreaking scene the children ever witnessed. She reached out to Lux, holding him as tightly as possible, sobbing loudly. "She's in a better place now, Lux. She's no longer suffering. I hope you told her "Thank You" before leaving her to rest."
Lux wiped the tears from his eyes. "I did, 'Soka. I did. I didn't think it was going to be this hard to say goodbye. Looking back… we had wonderful years together. The children enjoyed her as they grew up. It was worth it. Totally worth it."
Saturday, June 22nd, 2002
With time, even the hardest of emotional wounds heal. The parting of Obi was a major hit for the family. They couldn't bear to get another dog afterwards. But they did acquire a cat. A Maine Coon they named "Aayla". She wasn't as close to the family as Obi, but when she wanted attention, she definitely got it. Today was a big day for the Bonteri Family, Mina was finally graduating from Manhattan High School. They were on their way to the ceremony. Mina certainly looked awkward in her robes and the hat was almost impossible to place because of her montrals.
They were going by alphabetical order, so Mina would be amongst the graduates over the first hour. Everyone cheered for each student as they received their diplomas from the principal and the school district official.
"Travis Blank, graduated with Honors !" The Blanks were obviously very proud of their son.
When it came for Mina's turn, the entire crowd cheered for her. "Mina Bonteri, graduated with Honors !" Mina walked to the podium, shaking hands with the officials, holding her diploma and smiling towards the camera. Ahsoka wiped her eyes with a tissue. She welled up with pride. She accomplished her task as a mother to successfully raise her daughter to adulthood. Daniel would make her proud as well in a couple of years.
After the ceremony was over, the Bonteris and Blanks decided to celebrate their graduates at Ahsoka's place. Lux fired up the barbecue and made hot dogs for everyone. Kayla and Jim were invited for the party. Over the evening, they sat around a fire, sharing stories of the children's misbehaving's. When Ahsoka recounted her tale with the laxatives, Kayla laughed so hard and was unable to reach the bathroom in time. In a few days, both Mina and Travis would be looking into the many colleges and universities they could apply to for a secondary education.
Wednesday, July 21st, 2004
The family were getting ready to celebrate Daniel's 17th birthday. He had just graduated with Honors a few weeks back. For his birthday, all that he wanted was a good meal with good company. So they went to the Thai restaurant Mina had gone with Travis over their first date. Chicken Pad Thai was his meal of choice. Water definitely helped with the spices present in the dish. As they returned home, Ahsoka stumbled a bit when she entered. Lux quickly raced to her. "Are you all right ? A sudden lack of balance or what ? You didn't drink at all tonight."
Mina tugged at her mother's arm. "Mom ! What was that ? I felt something… I don't know how to explain it… But it was a feeling of great sadness."
"There was a disturbance in the Force, Mina. It's as if millions of voices suddenly cried out and then… nothing. Something terrible has happened." Ahsoka let out a gasp. "No ! Alderaan's been destroyed… by the Empire !"
Lux almost lost his balance himself, quickly sitting in the reclining chair. "Everything happens for a reason, right ? We had thought of settling on Alderaan after leaving Arda. I guess Life had other plans for us. We were meant to live through these dark times."
Monday, September 25th, 2006
This was a day Ahsoka had been waiting for the longest time. Mina had finally turned 21. So she was legally old enough to drink. Ever since she was 16, Mina had been offered to participate in festivities… in moderation and only in company of her parents. So she already had a taste for most beverages. She still didn't click with wine, but it would happen with time. For her 21st birthday, Ahsoka offered to take Mina on a Pub Crawl. Meaning they'd stop at a random bar/pub, have a drink, move on to another one, have another drink and so forth. It was a great way for Mina to really taste all the different types of beers and hard liquors. Ahsoka offered to pay for the drinks while Mina would cover the cab ride back home.
At first, they stopped at a typical bar and took a plain American Ale : Miller. It didn't taste much, but it was refreshing. Afterwards, they discovered a German-themed pub. They enjoyed a glass of Wheat Beer with a serving of German sausage. Their third place was a Irish-themed pub, to where Mina was introduced to the world-renowned Stout : Guinness. She wasn't a fan of it over the first glass, but the second one was more pleasant.
Over their fourth stop, they headed into a bar which served mostly hard liquor. Ahsoka challenged Mina to a contest of whom could down the most shooters of a liquor of their choice. Mina was curious and chose Tequila. Her father had told her about Ahsoka's weakness to it. Ahsoka took the challenge anyways. Mina had been able to down 6 shooters while Ahsoka drank 10. While they were going for their fifth and final destination, the alcohol hit Ahsoka like a wall of bricks.
"H-hey… *hic* Ha-have I ever told you how pr-proud I am of… of y-you ? *hic*"
Mina rolled her eyes. "Yes, Mom. You tell me everyday. Seems you've had your fill for tonight. You sure you want to stop at another one ?"
Ahsoka hiccupped every few moments. Bystanders were quite amused as "The Friendly Alien that saved New York and the World from the Evil Cyborg from Outer Space" was absolutely and totally… wasted !
"Y-you know t-that I'm pr-proud of you… huh ? *hic* Shouldn't have drank all that Tequila… My head is *hic* shp-shpinning Ooooohhhh… *hic*"
Mina was quite buzzed, but nowhere near as drunk as her mother. "Mom, you're rambling. Ok, let's take a break before we enter the last pub, ok ? I'll get you a glass of water."
"*hic* N-never mind the w-water ! G-get me *hic* a Rum & Coke inshtead ! *hic*"
Mina shot a smirk towards her. "Ok, I guess you enjoy your hangovers." Mina dragged her mother into the pub. With some difficulty, Ahsoka managed to sit straight on a stool… but not without tumbling off of it a few times first. As Ahsoka savoured her Rum & Coke, Mina chose a Scotch on the Rocks. She was given a dram of Auchentoshan Three Wood. It had a sweet, fruity taste to it. Mina took her time to sip her drink, but Ahsoka was struggling to order herself another drink. Mina took notice and quickly downed what was left of her Scotch, giving a burning sensation in her throat. "Ok, Mom. It's time to go. I'll get us a cab." Ahsoka drunkenly followed her daughter out of the pub. She was so drunk, she nearly crashed into a waitress delivering drinks to other patrons.
After the longest 10 minutes Mina ever had to endure, she managed to get a cab. Her mother was moaning during the entire ride. "Hey, you asked for it ! You could have declined the Tequila challenge."
As they arrived home, Mina paid the cabbie and brought her mother to the entrance. It was pitch dark, neither saw where they were going when suddenly… they heard the loudest cat screech in their lives. Ahsoka had stepped on Aayla, whom was sleeping on the floor, by the staircase. Mina struggled to bring her mother up the stairs, but it was a no-go. "Ok, Mom. You'll sleep on the couch for tonight." She placed her on the couch and Ahsoka was out like a light.
Over the following morning, both ladies endured their hangovers. Ahsoka's was much, much worse than Mina's. The latter didn't need to throw up upon reaching the bathroom. By the end of the afternoon, Ahsoka was back to normal. Mina had recovered by Noon. She would definitely remember her first Pub Crawl while Ahsoka blacked-out by the time they reached the final pub.
Wednesday, December 24th, 2008
The family were enjoying the typical Christmas Eve dinner. Fondue with their choice of sauces. Now that Daniel was 21, he could also partake in alcohol like the rest. He quickly took a liking for red wine. As they were sharing several bottles of New Zealand Pinot Noir, Daniel had already downed 4 glasses in the first hour of dinner. To say that he was joyful was an understatement. Travis had been invited for dinner this year. He had hoped so. He had been planning to ask Mina a very important question that night. The two had been dating for over 8 years, so it was finally time to move to the next phase.
As they ended their dinner, they all gathered to unwrap their presents. As Mina sat on the couch, Travis reached for a specific small box he had hidden amongst the other presents. He opened it and knelt to Mina, presenting it.
Mina blinked for a few moments. "T-Travis… w-what are you doing ?!"
"Mina Bonteri… you know that I've been fond of you, heck… since we were like 2 years old or something… Over time, we got closer and closer. Now I realize that I cannot continue going on in Life without you… Will you marry me ?"
Mina's eyes soon became filled with tears. She hesitated for a few moments. "Yes, Travis ! Yes, I will marry you !" She leapt to his arms, hugging him gently, sobbing lightly.
As Ahsoka wiped her tears, she heard a disembodied voice calling out to her. "Ahsoka… Ahsoka…"
It came from the Master bedroom upstairs. She quietly made her way. To her shock and surprise, Anakin's Skywalker's Force Ghost was sitting on her bed.
"Anakin…" She could no longer hold her tears. So he had become one with the Force.
"My, you've grown, Snips… And I have to say, you and Bonteri did really well raising a couple of kids… Didn't know you had it in you." His smile turned to sadness. "Ahsoka, I am SO sorry for having caused you trouble. As Vader, I was unable to control my actions. I… I never meant to betray the Order… or Obi-Wan… or even you. I guess I let my anger take control of me."
Ahsoka blinked a few times. "I know that you didn't mean these things, Anakin. And… I forgive you. From what I can sense, you've redeemed yourself… Have you fulfilled the Prophecy of the Chosen One ?"
Anakin nodded. "Yes. Palpatine was causing suffering to my son, Luke. I couldn't take it anymore, so I grabbed Palpatine and tossed him into a nearby power generator shaft. My action did have a cost, however. Palpatine's Force Lightning caused my suit to fail. But at least, I was able to see Luke with my own eyes before passing. He was right about me, Snips. There was still good in me… even if I didn't see it as Vader."
"You were always a good person, Anakin. I'm glad that you finally came to your senses. I'm also very happy to see you… one last time in this life. Go on, see the others and tell them I miss them. I'll see you all later… I'll see you all much later." Ahsoka wiped the tears from her eyes.
"I've always been proud of you, Snips. You are a great Jedi. May the Force be with you." Anakin's Force Ghost dissipated into the air.
She made her way back downstairs. She took a quick glance at her family. She no longer felt doubt or regret for leaving the Order. It was worth it in the end.
And there we are ! I truly hope you folks enjoyed reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. It's been quite the roller-coaster ride. I would like to extend my thanks to Lux's Sister, David Davies 5851, Johnt12345, Ahsoka101, LegoRyan4579, Darth Cody and Guest for their input, suggestions and reviews. You folks are so awesome ! Don't be shy with those reviews.