Chapter 26
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'Confrontation with Little Red Riding Hoodlum on Bike'
'Crimes and Misdemeanors'
'The Crimson Tide Turns Alone'
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It is soon back to school for the Skywalker twins. Luke has a confrontation with 'Wild Red' in the schoolyard.
Luke is playing on the trapeze. As he lands on the rubber mat, the Youngling realizes he is about to be run over by a crazed cyclist. His flame-haired nemesis is in hot pursuit a tricycle. Luke runs to get out of the way but she keeps after him in the schoolyard.
"Outta my way, Angel hair!" She extends her hand and shoves him. Luke falls back. 'Little Red Menace Strawberry Shortcake' loses control of her 'vehicle and crashes into the pole of a swing set. Everyone in the viewing range of the collision watches as she tumbles off the tricycle. Luke is annoyed that she has tried to run over him but he remembers what his father always tells him, 'Be nice to girls, you're going to be interested in them someday.' This has to be the exception. Luke could never be interested in something so maniacal and evil. The miserable little creature!
As the Good Samaritan Youngling walks over to extend a hand to help the fallen 'Hells' Angel,' he gets the shock of his life.
"Ow! He pushed me! Waaah!"
The teacher monitoring the recess activities did not witness any violent altercation or assault but just hearing the pitiful cries from the poor defenseless redhead sent her hurrying over to the child to offer comfort. The less than observant Miss Crabtree does not take the time to seek the truth. The Skywalker child had to have done something. Look at who his father is! The teacher gives Luke a disappointed scowl.
"Luke, go sit on the bench. I'll tend to you in a moment. Mara, sweetheart, where does it hurt?"
The crocodile tears are flowing. Luke looks back then slowly takes a seat on the bench near the wall as instructed. The teacher walks over to Luke with Mara Jade in tow.
"So, young man, what have you to say about this?"
"I-I was trying to help her…"
"What do you say when you push someone?"
"I'm sorry? ...But, I didn't do anything. "
One of the student teachers takes Mrs. Crabtree aside and fills her in on Mara's antics. It didn't matter. Luke was already accused.
Mara must have been auditioning for a holovid movie of the week because her Oscar-winning performance was already fooling the foolish. As she is lead off by the teacher, she swings at Luke and socks him on the side of the head. She waits until the teacher has turned her head. Mara smiles back at Luke with that devil-red hair and those exorcist-green eyes.
When Isabel picks up the twins after school she catches the red demon in the act. Mara has continued her torment after school while the children are waiting for their parents. She punches him in the arm. Isabel goes directly to the office. She waits around for a parent to arrive to discuss Mara's behavior but she has to get the children home. Anakin is furious when she tells him what is going on.
"So, Mr. Skywalker, what are you going to do?"
"What do you mean? Aren't you the professional here?"
"You're still Luke's father. I'm just here to make sure you handle the situation properly."
"Properly? Why don't you tell me what to do instead of making me guess? You know I'm going to screw it up and then you'll waste no time lecturing me on proper parenting."
"Mr. Skywalker, that's not true."
"You know it's true. Yes you do. You love to show how smart you are. Little Miss know-it-all."
He gets up from his desk and walks to the window. He turns to look back at her. He's waiting for a response. Isabel does not disappoint. He has struck a nerve.
"There's no need to attack me. I'm here to help."
"What do you need me to do?"
"I want you to go to the school and meet with the headmaster. Something has to be done."
"I was thinking of doing that."
"Well you sure are dragging your feet."
Anakin wags his finger at her.
"Watch yourself, young lady. I'll get on it."
"Thank you."
He changes his tone. He looks deep into her eyes.
"No. Thank You…for looking out for the safety of my children."
A few days pass before there is another incident involving Luke and the school bullies.
There is an 'open class' day when the first, second and third-grade classes get together and work on a project or assignment.
Luke is taunted by some older boys in class when the teacher asks the children to write about things their mothers do for them. As Luke hands in his paper, one of the boys snickers aside to a few other kids.
"Skywalker's paper should be done in two seconds, 'She's Dead.' Hahahhaaahaa!"
Another boy laughs. "He won't have enough words to make a report!"
All the other children laugh. The teacher doesn't do much to stop them.
"Children, calm down. I will grade the papers, not you."
"How can Luke write a paper? He's making up stuff!"
"Children! Quiet!"
That afternoon Isabel picks up the twins. Luke has managed to hold in his emotions until he sees Isabel. She can see in his face something bad has happened. Luke sobs in her arms. When she sees Leia the mood is somber.
Leia was not in the class as she opted to take the music class. She didn't want to have to write this essay and face the same ridicule as her brother had. She takes Isabel by the hand and tells her everything. She even makes Luke tell her that one of the kids had punched him. Isabel is horrified. She brings the children back into the school.
"Luke, Leia, sits here for a minute, Don't move, please."
The twins obey her.
She walks into the school office to speak with a teacher or vice principal. She is asked to complete a complaint form. It was just as well, because she also happens to confront one of the parents whose son had punched Luke. Isabel approaches the mother of the boy. Leia has described him and provided a name. The woman is in the counselor's office trying to have a disciplinary report against him reversed. Isabel politely asks the woman for a moment.
"Excuse me, Mrs. Haskell; may I speak to you for a minute?"
"Yeah? Make it quick, I've got to go home."
"We've all got to go home. I don't mean to hold you up but it's important that I speak to you…in private."
The woman expels an annoyed sigh then tells her son to sit out in the hall. Little 'Eddie the Monster' is busy karate-chopping pencils on the lower front counter of the waiting area.
"Awww, mom! Geez!"
The boy goes out to the hallway. He sees Luke and grins. Leia has been browsing up at the activities bulletin board so he does not see her. He is about to walks over to Luke.
"Hey, first grade baby."
Leia returns to her seat beside her brother. When Eddie sees her he drops his fist then takes a seat on the bench on the opposite side of the hall. He tries to avoid making eye-contact with her.
Luke Force-speaks to his sister.
"I don't need you to fight my battles for me, Leia."
"I know, but you're my brother. Besides, I can't stand that boy. He tortures pet Scurriers in the science class. He picks on all the little kids."
"Well, he sure is scared of you. What did you do to him?"
"It's my secret. If I told you and Dad found out, you'd be named an accomplice. I can't have that. This is my moment."
"Then it must be bad. You're right. I don't want to know."
Back in the office, Isabel expresses her displeasure with the way Luke is being treated by this older boy.
"Your son has been taunting one of the first-graders. He has been saying mean things and hitting my child."
When the parent asked who she is, Isabel answers
"I'm his mother and I would appreciate it if you would rein in your child. If my son comes home with one more bruise on his body, I'll contact the authorities."
"Right, it's your word against an 8 year old. No one will believe you. The so-called authorities won't do a thing, stop you whining."
"Is that how it's going to be?"
"Tell your kid to stop telling lies about my son."
"Luke never lies. I believe him when he says he's been hurt."
"If it makes you feel better, go tell the authorities. They won't listen to you. They're incompetent, bureaucratic morons."
"I'll let the 'Authorities' aware of your feelings. Just keep your boy away from my son."
Isabel walks out and ushers the twins along.
"Luke, Leia, let's go."
"Okay, "Mom." Luke smiles up at her and takes her hand.
She whispers to them.
"Oh, you heard that?" Isabel's heart is racing. She knew she was wrong to tell the woman that Luke and Leia were her children but it wasn't entirely out of line. They felt like her children. She would do anything for them. Yes, she could get into trouble for it. Her professional judgment is cloudy today. She didn't care. Luke didn't either.
"Yeah. It was cool."
Leia grins.
"You showed her. So, you want me to choke the witch?"
Isabel almost laughs.
"No, Leia, that won't be necessary, but thanks for the offer."
"Anytime."
After a few days no one contacts Anakin after he calls the school. He decides to take action.
Anakin walks into the headmasters' office demanding to be seen. When the secretary comes out, she offers to have him speak to the principal. Anakin says he will speak to both but not just the principal.
Anakin waits in the administration office until someone has the guts to show their face. Secretaries and counselors scramble frantically around the young sith parent. Anakin takes a seat and waits. He flips through a parenting magazine and flips the pages noisily. He makes just enough noise and causes enough discomfort to make his presence known. He gives the staff his steely-eyed stare.
After an hour, the father of Mara Jade arrives. The other parents, get wind of the nature of the 'sit-down' and either send letters of apology with a promise not to bother the Skywalker children or have promptly withdrawn their children from the school. The only reason Mr. Jade makes an appearance is because he had been out gambling and forgot it was his turn to pick up Mara from school. He has no clue. Unfortunately, he was too early so he winds up being pulled into the meeting.
Anakin, the Headmaster, and the assistant principal are in the office when Mr. Jade arrives. Mr. Jade makes a wisecrack about Luke being a big baby. Anakin counters. "He's only six years old. I don't condone him beating up on girls. Besides, he's just a well-behaved child. I can't say the same thing about your daughter."
"I heard the teacher saw him push her off her tricycle."
"That teacher is blind."
The headmaster tries to calm everyone down.
"Gentlemen, lets be civil adults here. Why don't we just forget this ugly incident ever happened? Let's shake on it. What do you say?"
Anakin is pissed. "Are you on drugs? What kind of school administrator are you?"
"Mr. Skywalker, I believe Mr. Jade is trying his best to apologize."
"Where do you see this? I haven't heard him apologize for anything. Listen, how about I just file a report and withdraw my funding. I put a lot of money in this school. The least you could do is to make sure my children are safe."
Headmaster Pellaeon knows what Anakin says is true. He sighs heavily then looks at the recalcitrant Mr. Jade.
"Mr. Jade, your child has been in trouble on more than a few occasions. She has some disciplinary problems that would be best addressed at home."
"My wife and I think she's doing just fine."
"Mr. Jade, your attitude is not serving you well right now. Mr. Skywalker has a valid complaint."
"Listen, can I go now? I got to get back to work then I have to get back here later to pick up my kid."
The exasperated headmaster gives up. He genuinely feels bad for Anakin but he doesn't seem to be getting anywhere with Mr. Jade. Anakin has had enough of the blue collar father. Jade starts to get up from his chair.
"Can I leave now? The clock is ticking and I really gotta get back to work. I'm gonna get docked if I don't finish paving Intergalactic 95 off Route 66. I get no kicks hanging out here."
Headmaster waves for him to leave. Then gazes apologetically at Anakin. Anakin quietly but determinedly leaves the office a few moments later. He almost has a collision with the secretary who is about to serve tea to the three men. Anakin whips pass her out of the office.
"Excuse me."
She watches as Anakin storms down the hall then pokes her head in the door. Headmaster Pellaeon rubs his head as he sits alone in the office. She doesn't quite know what to do with the tea tray.
"So, they're not staying for tea?"
Out in the parking lot Anakin calls Mr. Jade. Jade keeps walking.
"Mr. Jade, I need to speak to you, please. Mr. Jade!"
Mr. Jade walks faster as he tries to get to his vehicle. Anakin does not want to chase the man so he did what any self-respecting Sith would do. His gloved right hand reaches out and touches the 'runaway' dad. Mr. Jade collapses in a clump on the parking lot.
The next day Anakin is summoned before the judge to answer for his 'assault' on Mara Jade's father.
The judge reads the statements from all parties, including the guard in the school parking bay. She sits in the courtroom and rubs hr temples. Anakin is accompanied by his attorney. She is angry with the Headmaster, Mr. Jade and Anakin.
"Mr. Pellaeon, how many times has Mr. Skywalker contacted you concerning the problems with the kids assaulting his son?"
"Uhm…well, I've been in meetings and have not been able to address the matter until recently…"
"Is that your final answer?"
"I get messages from so many parents, Your Honor…"
"Have a seat."
"Good morning, Mr. Jade, how are you feeling today?"
"Uh…well, your honor, I'm still waiting for my workman's comp application to go through…"
"For what, Mr. Jade?"
"For my injuries…my pain and suffering…"
"Oh, are we talking about the little incident from yesterday's meeting, Mr. Jade?"
"Yes, Your Honor."
"I see. I called the attending Emergency Room Physician for a report…" She is reading something from a data card. She then reviews some other documentation. "Mr. Jade, did you tell your boss you weren't feeling well and took three hours off from work before your meeting at the school?"
"Huh?"
"The answer isn't 'Huh?' Mr. Jade. Where were you between 11am and 2 o'clock in the afternoon yesterday?"
"'I ah…."
"Would you like me to tell the court? Don't think I'm stupid, Mr. Jade. I know exactly where you were and it was not paving a highway on Route 66. Let's not play games with me or this court, sir."
"Yes, your honor."
Anakin smirks. The judge sees him.
"Take a seat, Mr. Jade. And take that neck brace off or I'll find you for contempt and report you to the Intergalactic Workers' Insurance Agency. It's a crime to commit insurance fraud. Mr. Skywalker, why are you laughing? I could have you thrown in jail for assault…You know what that means."
Anakin's attorney whispers in his ear. Anakin becomes serious and looks directly ahead. He knows the woman in the robe means business.
"I do. Yes, Your Honor."
"So, have you something to say to Mr. Jade?"
"What?" Anakin gets a cautionary nudge from his attorney. Anakin does not like where this is going."
"I regret I lost my temper and Force-choked Mr. Jade."
The judge looks at the semi-contrite Sith Lord.
"Mr. Skywalker, I'm going to allow your claim against the other parents for the actions of their children. I have overwhelming evidence that these abuses continued after they were brought to the attention of the school, and the board. You have a great support group, Mr. Skywalker. I hope you appreciate them."
"Thank you, I do, Your Honor."
Mr. Jade starts to protest.
"Hey! How come you're not punishing him?"
"Mr. Jade, if you continue to speak out of turn I will find you in contempt and have you spend the night in jail. You're digging a deep trench of problems for yourself. Now be quiet."
"Yes, Your Honor."
"If everyone understands, then this court is adjourned. Everyone out of my courtroom."
After everyone exits, Mr. Jade gets on his cell phone. He is standing near the lobby.
"Hello, yeah, hi, it's me, Vic. I got shafted today man. That judge chick didn't buy the brace getup. Is there a game today? Yeah…I'm in…be there in an hour…The hell with Jabba Paving…I'm gonna be my own boss someday….This working nine to five crap sucks…anyway, I'll be there. Got to think of an excuse to get out of work tonight….Got to make up for being in court. Darned kids…oh, that reminds me. I gotta call my oldest son to pick up Mara at school. Her mother's gone to the mall with her bimbo friends."
Anakin heads home. He buys flowers. Listening to Isabel has paid off. Anakin would have been in the proverbial dog house had he not filed the papers against the school and contacts the child welfare agency. Isabel is surprised when she returns home to find the beautiful bouquet outside her bedroom door. It is signed:
"Thank you, you were right."
A
Several days later, Leia is having her private lessons with Master Yoda at the Jedi Temple. Isabel arrives at the school to pick up Luke. He runs over to her as she enters the play area. There is a teaching assistant watching the children. 'Little Red Fury' sits waiting for her father. She has been relatively good during the past week, only periodically sticking her tongue out at Luke. Isabel is glad to see him smiling.
"Hey, sweetie. How was your day?"
Luke hugs her. Isabel kisses him on his head.
"Good. Is Leia having a good time with Yoda?"
"I think so. Master Yoda might need a couple of aspirin when he's done."
"Hahaha!"
"Well, what's for homework?"
"Geography. We have to name the different regions of Hoth and the creature that live there."
"When is it due?"
"Tomorrow."
"Well, get started as soon as you get home."
"Ok."
Isabel sees Mara sitting on a swing. The schoolyard is quickly emptying out. Isabel carries Luke's book bag as she opens the door to the YUV. As she fastens Luke into his seat she looks back into the schoolyard. Mara is still sitting outside. The Teaching assistant is checking her watch hoping to leave herself. Isabel sits behind the wheel. Luke waits for her to start the vehicle.
"Isabel, why are we still here?"
"Hold on a sec, Luke." Ten minutes pass. The teachers' assistant disappears inside the building. Isabel calls the office. There is no answer. She does not see anymore vehicles in the teacher's parking lot. She calls her boss. "Hi, Lily, is Lara there? Put her on the phone please? While you're doing that, would you please look up the name Jade, first name is Mara." She waits a few minutes. Luke can see Mara waiting outside on the swing. Isabel asks the clerk to find a home number and call. There is no answer. Finally Lara picks up the phone.
"Isabel? Hi, what's going on?"
"There is a child out here and no one has picked her up."
"I'll keep trying her house. I'm checking on some other things. Show your badge and tell the school you're picking her up."
Isabel hangs up and locks Luke inside. She calls the assistant who tells Isabel the offices are closed. And that the school is closing early for a teachers' forum across town. Isabel tells her that she is taking Mara with her. She approaches Mara.
"Hello, Mara. My name is Isabel. Who is scheduled to pick you up?"
""My father."
"What about your mother, sweetie?"
"She's working."
"How would you like to come with us? I'll keep trying to call your parents. I don't want you to be out here all alone. How does that sound?"
Mara nods 'Yes.'
Isabel takes her bag and helps her into the YUV. Luke's eyes widen as Isabel fastens Mara into Leia's car seat. Mara looks over at Luke and smiles. Luke opens a book but keeps an eye on her.
"Isabel, can I sit up front with you?"
"No you may not. Mara, can I trust you to be nice to Luke?"
"Yes."
"Do you like ice cream?"
"Yes."
Luke chimes in. "I like ice cream. What about me?"
"We're all having ice cream."
They arrive at the ice cream parlor. Luke clings to Isabel. Isabel walks with a child on either side. Luke orders caramel fudge and Mara orders Strawberry. Isabel has Felucia tropical mixed fruit sorbet.
Luke sits close to Isabel and watches his little strawberry ice cream-eating red nemesis across from him. She gets a call .Isabel is slightly amused as Luke stares at Mara. Isabel manages to get a dialogue going to ease the tension.
"Mara, you have beautiful hair."
"Thank you. My little brother has red hair too and so does my mother; but my older brother has dark hair like my father."
"I see."
Luke rolls his eyes as the 'red devil' speaks. The children wash down the ice cream with water. Isabel makes them use the refresher when they finish eating. This is perfect timing because Mr. Jade finally makes an appearance. He thanks Isabel. It is an awkward moment for Mr. Jade. He is surprised that child who has been tormented by his daughter is from a nice family. He thought they would be hostile towards him but he feels nothing but positive energy. Isabel hands Mr. Jade Mara's school bag.
Mara gently pokes Luke in the arm. Luke pokes her back. Mr. Jade shakes Isabel's hand.
"Thank you for going to so much trouble. Sorry I was late."
"Oh, it was no bother. Luke and I were planning to come here. Your apologies should go to your daughter. She's very beautiful and quite brave. She's a real trooper."
"Well, thank you again. Mara, say goodbye to the nice young lady."
"Goodbye." She smiles sweetly.
"She's shy." Isabel looks down at Luke who gives her an incredulous look. Luke finally waves. Vic Jade leaves with his daughter. Isabel hugs Luke. "Ok, Romeo lets get home and get your Hoth assignment done."
"Ok. I had fun today. Thanks for the ice cream."
"You're welcome, sweetie."
As Isabel and Luke leave to go home, Luke looks up at her.
"I'm sure glad that's over."
"Oh, Luke, it wasn't so bad. Maybe she secretly likes you."
"No…she's just crazy."
To be continued… 'The Sith Barbecue'
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Attention Readers: It might take 24 hours or more for the next chapter. In the meantime, I hope you're enjoying this heart wrenching story of rebirth and forgiveness.
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