Chapter 25: Unexpected Needs
"So why ya gotta stand there
looking like the answer now?
It seems to me - you'd come around
I need you now
Do you think you can cope?
You figured me out - I'm lost and I'm hopeless,
bleeding and broken- though I've never spoken
I come undone…" Mad Season(Matchbox Twenty - Mad Season)
The mood was somber in the transport. Well, maybe not somber as more clinical and disassociated, Ja thought. He glanced at the people around him. The EMH's were following their procedures, checking vitals and doing a rudimentary assessment of the damage. The CSF guard that took Master Jinn's place was leaning back as best he could in the cramped cabin with his eyes closed. He obviously was not too thrilled about being here. Huffing slightly at the lack of feeling amidst the group, he wondered if he would ever get like these healers. I suppose that's why I never took a job in a Center. Too many of my colleagues lose sight of why they became healers in the first place.
A soft pained whimper caught his attention and Ja looked down at the prone form. The young man still looked considerably pale, sweat beading on his brow - which was furrowed even in sleep - and looking rather vulnerable in Ja's mind. Over the past few hours, the rogue slowly grew on the Healer. And with everything he had witnessed, Ja knew why. The boy was special. He couldn't really explain it any other way if he were asked, but he knew it. Staring down at the pirate, he hoped that everything would eventually work out. He knew Qui-Gon was desperate to be with the youth and it seemed that he was not the only one. Many of the Jedi looked at him with compassion in their eyes.
His thoughts wandered back to when they arrived on Coruscant. While most of the passengers were departing the Norelwind, the EMH team came to the small brig to collect their patient. But they had not the only ones. Just behind them, two robed figures moved silently into the crowded room. Not fully understanding why, Ja could sense the tension in the room spike at their arrival. Never intending to eavesdrop, Ja heard the Jedi speaking in hushed tones. How those moments seemed so long ago already.
~~
"Masters," Qui-Gon greeted. They bowed slightly in response. "Do you see now, that Obi-Wan Kenobi is still alive?"
"We see a young man who may be Obi-Wan, but there are still too many questions that need answers." Mace replied. He glanced down, expecting Yoda to nod agreement when he found the little green being was no longer at his side. Looking around quickly, he spied the ancient Master walking to where the Healers were working.
Yoda had been reclusive since the initial revelation was imparted. But when Mace decided to meet up with Adi and Qui-Gon the tiny Master came along. Mace noticed that Yoda's ears would twitch occasionally and his frown seemed to deepen. Now, the little being had made his way over to the sleeping form in the middle of a flurry of activity. Being so small, his presence did very little to disrupt their job. For a number of moments he just stood looking at the boy. Then he lifted his tri-fingered hand and placed it gently on the moist brow and closed his eyes. Almost a full minute later, a concerned gaze emerged. Yoda didn't bother turning around as he spoke, "Obi-Wan Kenobi, this is." He lingered a moment longer, patting the boy's hand briefly before turning and walking out of the room.
Mace, as well as the others, had watched on silently. But when the little green Master abruptly left, Mace automatically followed. There was something in the ancient voice that troubled him. This discussion was over for the time being, but Mace would not let it go for long. Obi-Wan had been moved from the cot onto a gravsled and they were ready to leave. The group slowly made their way out.
~~
Ja remembered seeing the strange petite creature walk up to the boy. But the look in the dark eyes once he determined that the youth was who they thought it was, made the healer once again realize that there was so much more to the story than he ever imagined. Maybe that was part of the reason he accompanied the boy. Not only to ease Qui-Gon's frustrations but for curiosity's sake as well. He wanted to know what could have placed the young man in harm's way and kept him there even after he had been freed. Ja was no fool. When he examined the rogue in the medbay on the Zenah he recognized the marks of torture.
Vicious lines cut, healed and re-cut again. Smooth spots of skin indicating burns of some kind. Even what he figured were claw marks and teeth bites could still be found on the young body. What made this knowledge worse was the simple fact that all these markings were old - years old - which meant that he was even younger when he was subjected to such atrocities. Ja shivered with rage and sympathy. He could feel the sting in his eyes again as he gazed at the sleeping rogue. It was then that he realized that his hand gently smoothed back caramel bangs. Feeling suddenly uneasy, he glanced up to notice the confused looks regarding him. Cautiously, he removed his hand under the EMHs scrutiny.
He would regret that decision. Only heartbeats after his hand withdrew, murky unfocused eyes fluttered open from under copper lashes. Desperately, they began taking in his surroundings and finding nothing familiar instinct took over. Chaos erupted as the boy began to struggle, trying to free himself, ripping off everything the EMHs had finished putting on. In order to keep him from injuring himself further, they automatically jumped on top of him to stop his struggles. The resting SCF rep jerked awake and began demanding to know what was happening.
Ja was instantly at Obi-Wan's side, reaching for his flailing hand and grabbing it. Pulling the frantic limb to him, he began muttering into Obi's ear, "Obi-Wan, son. It's ok. You're safe. It's me, Ja, from the Zenah. You remember me, don't you? I promise everything will be alright. You need to calm down now, son. You don't want to make it worse, do you? That's it. Relax. I'm here. You need to stay calm, ok?" With his constant litany, gradual awareness returned to the pain-filled gaze and his struggles slowly ceased. "Hey, we're heading to a Center. We're gonna make you better." Ja tried to smile reassuringly.
Obi-Wan turned to look at the kindly healer. He was confused but grateful to find a familiar presence close by. His sleep was troubled, lost in the sea of nightmares he felt he would never escape. So when he awoke the disorientation was to be expected but that didn't make it any less frightening. He focused with his meager strength on the man's face. Swallowing, he managed to croak out, "Qui-G…"
"Shhh, don't try to talk. He wasn't allowed to come, but I was able to sneak on board. Don't you worry though, I don't think he'll be gone for long. I wouldn't be surprised if he was already waiting at the Center for us. So just lie back, sleep and let the healer's do their job, ok? I'll be right next to you the whole time."
Almost imperceptibly, Obi-Wan nodded. Closing his eyes, he easily drifted back into the world of unconsciousness having spent the last of his energy. Ja watched the youth for a few more seconds when he noticed the EMHs returning to their duties.
The CSF man settled back in his seat but didn't relax all the way this time. Not really addressing anyone, he asked, "How much longer?"
"About ten to fifteen more minutes," one of the EMHs answered.
Ja lightly squeezed the hand he still held, "Everything's gonna be alright, kid. You're gonna be just fine."
**
The intense gazes locked and wills battled. Finally, the tall knight broke the stand off. "That will have to wait until I return from the Center."
"No, Qui," Mace stopped him by placing a firm hand on the man's forearm. "We need to talk now. I - we - still have questions." The Council had been struggling with this situation. With Qui-Gon's request feeding the fire, the opinions had been divided and they were not even entirely versed on what was going on. The turmoil had frustrated many of them on both sides and the Head of the Council felt it would be best to tackle the subject immediately to ease the tension. Obviously, Qui-Gon didn't fully share this idea.
"There are others here who are capable of providing answers. Right now, Obi-Wan needs me and that is where I must go." A scowl formed on the leonine features, he was challenging his crèche mate to counter his decision.
A firm voice answered him, "This is not the same Obi-Wan you once knew."
Shaking his head, he broke free of the dark councilor's hold and pointed at the minute Master standing at their feet. "You heard Master Yoda, that is Obi-Wan Kenobi."
Mace was having a hard time keeping his temper. As much as they were friends, there were too many times that Qui-Gon infuriated him. Emotions were inconclusive while they could give a better handle on the situation they were not to be trusted. To his dismay, Qui-Gon was relying on them too much here. Somehow, he needed to make his friend see things logically. "That's not what I meant. He may be Obi-Wan but he is not the same as the initiate he was."
"Of course not, Mace." Qui-Gon placed his arms in the folds of his robe and squared his shoulders. It was a stance he took when he was about to say something that should end a debate. "Back then he was a boy who was cast aside and forgotten. He was left to fend off the galaxy and forced to endure tortures beyond reckoning. How could anyone be the same person they were after such pain?"
Sighing, Mace realized he was not going to get past the stubborn defiance. Still, he appealed to the Knight, "That is why I have questions. I want to know what has happened to him since the Monument, who had done this to him, what horrors he faced. You asked that we accept him back for training, how can I make a decision when I know nothing about the situation."
"That is your concern, now please excuse me, I need to get to Obi-Wan." Honestly, Qui-Gon didn't feel that they should have to debate the subject. It should be obvious what they were required to do. He had spent enough time with Obi-Wan to know he was still a Jedi. In time they would see this as well. But for now, he needed to be there for the boy. Turning, he started walking away.
"You have not been dismissed yet, Master Jinn." The formality stopped the man in his tracks. He didn't turn, simply listened. "I need you to be rational, Qui. You are allowing your emotions to cloud your judgement. This matter needs to be discussed immediately. From what I heard the Healer's saying, Obi-Wan will be immersed in Bacta for at least 10 hours. He will not need you there for that time."
Glancing over his shoulder, his face hard set with determination. "Perhaps not, but he is not in the Bacta yet. And until he is submerged I will be by his side." With that, the intimidating man turned and walked to where a waiting airtaxi sat.
"Qui-Gon!" Mace all but shouted. At a light touch on his leg, he looked down.
Placing his gimmer stick back in front of him, Yoda watched Qui-Gon go. Sighing, he said, "Let Qui-Gon go you must. Correct he is. Need him Obi-Wan does. Return Qui-Gon will on his own. Until then wait we will." Some of the anger fled at the Master's gentle prompting, but it still left the dark councilor feeling dissatisfied.
"Masters, I can give you my report in the meantime as well as my Padawan, Master Tahl and Padawan Eerin." Adi spoke up for the first time. She wanted to help out as best she could. Having sat on the Council for years now, she knew how Mace could get especially when butting heads with one of the most obstinate Knights in the Order. It was a peace offering at best, but at least it was something to begin with.
Nodding, the Jedi Master agreed, "Yes, we would appreciate your candor in this matter." They were about to walk off when another voice entered the mix.
"Excuse me, Masters, but I would like to set up a time to get a statement from your people." The authority in her tone and her attire clearly indicated that this was the SCF Official in charge.
"Of course, Official Martorana." Adi addressed her with respect. "If it would be acceptable to you, please have someone sent to the Temple. There were many children involved but we can determine who might be of assistance to you later."
Fama gave a curt nod. "That wouldn't be a problem. I'll send some of my people over shortly. Thank you Masters." Her business settled, she wandered off more than likely to find others from the incident.
Mace announced, "We should return to the Temple now. We have things to discuss about the Kenobi situation." The group began heading for a Temple transport. As they walked, Bant hung back slightly. Seeing this, Tahl moved over to her Padawan recognizing the troubled expression so many often missed.
Hushed, she asked, "Is something troubling you, Padawan?" They continued to follow the others.
"Why do they talk of Obi-Wan as if he were not a living breathing human being? Hasn't Obi been through enough that he shouldn't have to deal with one more humiliation? As much as I am grateful for learning of his existence, I'm beginning to think he was better off with the Pirates. At least they seemed to care." Tahl placed a compassionate hand on her charge's shoulder having heard the hurt in her voice.
"You should not judge them so harshly. You must understand they have much to consider in their position. Their loyalty must first be to the Order, not to the individual. I know that is difficult, and I would prefer their methods to be different as well, but we must accept it for now. Perhaps they will see the truth soon enough to correct their assumptions before more damage can be done."
"I hope so Master, or I will have lost Obi again."
**
"I am looking for Obi-Wan Kenobi. Do you know where I can find him?" Qui-Gon asked the receptionist. Glaring at the man briefly she checked her systems.
The stout little humanoid announced her findings in a crackling voice. "I have an Obi-Wan Kenobi listed for Sector 4 Level 8 Restricted area. He is just being brought in now. May I have your clearance code?"
"Clearance code?" The Knight questioned. He miscalculated the fact the Obi-Wan was still in SCF custody and would obviously be kept separate from the other patients. The receptionist cute through his thoughts.
"Yes, I told you the area he is in is Restricted. You must provide a clearance code before you will be permitted to visit the patient. So please state your clearance code." She stated this as if he should have known and then sat waiting impatiently for his answer. She knew one wasn't coming of course, since he didn't even know he needed one, but gave him a chance anyway.
Qui-Gon had had enough. He didn't have time to play these bureaucratic games. He needed to get to Obi-Wan now. Focusing his gaze on the woman behind the desk he waved his hand slightly. "You don't need my Clearance Code."
"I don't need your Clearance Code," she repeated automatically. Qui-Gon stifled a smirk of satisfaction and continued his influence.
"You should inform them of my arrival."
"I'll let them know you are on your way up. I don't think you need to deal with checking in twice. Just follow the orange line on the ground and once you get to the lift press for level 8. To your right there will be another desk. One of the healer aides there will take you to Kenobi." She smiled friendly enough, not realizing she had been manipulated.
"Thank you. I appreciate your assistance." Qui-Gon turned to follow her directions and he could hear her access the comms behind him. Quickly, he made his way through the Center, a sense of urgency hastening his steps. In a matter of minutes he was exiting the shaft and making his way to the desk. A rather young healers aide smiled as he approached. "I am here for Obi-Wan Kenobi."
Cheerily, she regarded the visitor. "Yes, I was expecting you Master…."
"Jinn."
"Master Jinn, follow me." She led him down the hall to a room where faint voices could be heard. "Right through here sir." Qui-Gon stepped in to the preparation room. Orderlies and Healers scurried around a medcouch in the center of the room. He could see that they were removing Obi-Wan's clothes and prepping him for submerging. In one of the corners closer to the door, he noted the SCF Official waiting patiently while they worked. Amidst the group he recognized Ja Kohnwei.
At the same moment, Ja looked up and their eyes locked. Quickly, he bent down and whispered to Obi-Wan. Then he hurried over to the Knight, "Qui-Gon, I'm glad you're here. They'll be submerging him in a few minutes so you won't have too much time. But I wanted you to know, he's been asking for you."
The surprise at this comment must have pierced through his normally calm Jedi exterior, for Ja smiled and placed a hand on Qui's shoulder. "He asked for me?" The Knight never expected that. After everything that has happened he would have assumed that Obi-Wan wouldn't want to have him hovering around. It's not like he could do much for the youth right now. His hands were tied. And yet, Obi-Wan had sought him out specifically. His heart clenched at the news.
"Yes," Ja affirmed gently. He knew how much this would touch the older Jedi and was pleased to see he was right. Motioning with his eyes, he said, "you should go to him, they're almost done."
Hastily, the Knight made his way over to the medcouch. The form was so still and pale except where the bruises and scars shone through. The blaster wound had been undressed to allow the Bacta every chance to heal the marred flesh. Automatically, his hand went to hover over the wound to induce some Force Healing. But he stopped in mid motion as he remembered the foul abomination that circled the young man's neck. His hand clenched in frustration and dropped back down to his side. Qui-Gon's other hand came up to caress a sweat soaked brow. He accompanied the motion with a calming tone, "Obi-Wan?"
Ginger lashes fluttered open revealing the pain-dulled eyes. It took a few seconds before they focused on the Jedi. An expression washed over his feature caught in a mix of fear, hope, relief and longing. All of these tied to the man next to him. After the incident on the Norelwind, Obi-Wan had becoming increasingly unstable, not just physically but mentally as well. So much was happening to him and it was hard to keep up with all the changes. Oddly enough he was able to find some semblance of stability when Qui-Gon, Bant and Ja were present. He was already extremely grateful to know that Ja was close by, but he never anticipated the pure relief he felt at seeing Qui-Gon there. His voice barely above a whisper, he croaked, "Qui-Gon…." He was immediately hushed into silence.
"Be still young one. You are safe." He reached down to clasp hands, reinforcing his presence.
"collar……….chok…king…."
The frail words tore at his already aching heart. "I know child, I know." There was no time for him to demand its removal, at best he would have to wait until Obi-Wan re-emerged from the Bacta tank. And even then it will be a lengthy battle he must wage before he can achieve even the slightest of results. "They will be placing you in the tank shortly. I know it will be hard but you must relax. Let the Bacta do its work. Its powers have served millions without the aid of the Force. You will be sedated to smooth the process, do not fight it."
"no…. Bacta…. Please.." Breathing shallow and wallowing in a sea of misery, Obi-Wan couldn't form all the words he wanted to say. He hoped, somehow, the Knight would be able to discern what he was trying to say. He needn't have worried.
Knowing his own aversion to Bacta Submergence, he gathered that Obi-Wan had a similar distaste for it. Sympathetically, he grinned. "I am not fond of the process myself, but it is the only way right now. I cannot effect our Healing techniques with the Collar on. I truly am sorry, Obi-Wan. If you relax this should only be needed once. Then we can see about getting that collar off."
Pleading eyes continued to gaze up at him. If only he could take away all the pain and tell him that everything was going to be all right. Reality battled fantasy and once again faint cultured tones ripped through his soul, "stay…..wait…"
Qui-Gon fought back tears. He needed to be strong right now and he would not fail Obi-Wan again. This torment of what he must do was just another reason to achieve his goal with the Council quickly. "I must go to the Council. I will try not to take long, but I will return before you come out. I promise." Gently, he soothed the distraught rogue.
From behind him a healer muttered, "It's time." Qui-Gon could feel the tenuous grasp in his hand tighten and knew Obi-Wan disagreed.
"Obi-Wan, remember I will be back as soon as I can." The group began maneuvering the young pirate toward the tank in the back corner. Qui-Gon desperately tried to hold on while they worked but found his grip slipping little by little. Carefully, they lifted the patient up and slid him into the enclosure. He held on for as long as he could. In the end he was forced to let the young man go. Once everything was in place, the healers checked the systems to make sure there were no further complications. Satisfied with their findings the room slowly emptied leaving only two.
Just before entering the tank, the sedative took effect rendering the youth unconscious. Ja and Qui-Gon stood in silence watching the floating form. Now all that could be done was wait. Very rarely did any problems occur while in Bacta and Ja began to think about other things now. Perhaps it was time for him to consider his own situation. Glancing over at the Knight, he cleared his throat. "Qui-Gon, I will need to contact my wife. I'm sure she is worried if the holonet has decided to publicize our situation."
Absently, the man responded, "Yes, of course." A moment later, he managed to break the trance he had been in. Smiling at the Healer, he couldn't help but repeat, "I must thank you again for helping Obi-Wan. You are a gem among your peers." Ja accepted the compliment with a smile. Silence returned. Sad eyes watched a slumbering figure tainted green by the healing liquid. Just above a whisper, his heart spoke, "I do not want to leave him." His hand touched the plexiglass that separated them.
"I know, but you should speak with your Council. Perhaps they can find a solution to this whole collar mess. But for now he's in one of the safest places he could be. The Healer I spoke with upon arrival said that Obi-Wan will have to be in the tank for 18 hours to repair the damage. That should give us both enough time to eat, sleep and think. I know you'll beat me back here, but don't you go thinkin' that my job's done. He still is my patient and I happen to believe in Healer-patient loyalty. Come on, there's not much more you can do here now anyway. Let the healers do their job. And we'll both be here when he comes out."
Sighing, Qui knew the truth in the healer's words. Together they turned and headed for the door. Ja walked through first, and as the Jedi stepped into the doorway, he paused and looked back at the tank. A new sensation flooded him giving him strength and determination. Invigorated, he squared his shoulders and walked out. It was time to talk with the Council.
-------------------------------------------
Sorry for the delay, but this chap just was not cooperating. Finally managed to get something decent written. And here it is. :) OH, and I'm sure you realized that that *big* scene everyone's been waiting for wasn't in here. Yeah, that's because I'm afraid to write it. But I've set myself up for it now and there's no backing out. So stay tuned ok? Anyway, thanks for reading! And a review would be nice. :D
Fudge – Well, Obi is always my focus. If he's not in the chap what ever is going on still pertains to him. And a vulnerable suffering Obi is enough to make anyone's heart melt. :D Thanks, just don't forget that analogy. Remember I usually have specific scenes in for a reason. You just won't know why for a long time. :p
K-Rock – I don't think I ever told you that I liked the new RH chap. I'm actually really enjoying someone else take over the ground work. Really helps me stay focused on the fics I am posting on. :) So thank you very, very, VERY much for helping me out!!! :D I'm so glad you like Mys. I still find it funny, I was only planning on her being a bit part, popping up now and then and that's about it. But many people enjoyed her parts and I actually had a lot of fun developing the char I had to use her over and over. But it's always nice to see people do like her. I think they are starting to figure out at work that I'll get to that once my writing's done. But we'll see. If it stays that way. I hope to see those Obi-Angst/torture sessions soon. ]:D Always love those!! :D Talk to you later!!
Nat – Oh, you need a fix too then?? It's more than a fix for me. When I read good Obi-Angst I don't need food or water. I'm happy and content and feel wonderful. God only knows why? Anyway, Yeah, we should see that scene very soon. *biting nails* Heh, yeah. *faints*
Dani – Thanks. We'll just have to see if you had it all figured out when the time comes. Bant and Tahl are really interesting to write. They usually hold my insightful moments infused with tenderness. Usually, they are easy to write for me. It's some of the others that give me trouble. :8} Yeah, but that's why Obi's a Jedi. He forgives and cares for others so openly. If he didn't put himself in harm's way for the sake of others, I don't think we would like him so much. Like I said in one of my other fics, Obi is Obi. And I don't think we would want it any other way. ;)
Death Rider – WOW, you are getting serious here! So many reviews!! You sure know how to make a girl happy. lol. You're so evil. I think Obi's been through enough for the time being. But that doesn't mean it's all over either!! Mwahahahahaha ]:D We shall see what the future holds. ;)
YLJedi – Thank you very much. I struggled with it for a bit but I think it came out decently. You are too kind. You don't know how hard it is to keep up with everyone's expectations. I try my best but sometimes I feel like I'm not quite there. *sigh* Curse for a writer, but hey, we live, we write, we move on. ;) Obi-Angst is my forte and I enjoy doing it so much. I'm happy to know I'm only one of many in this venue. :D
flarescence – Thank you very much!! :D Wow, I'm so glad you like this and how it's flowing. Sometimes I feel like we're moving at a snail's pace, but at other times I feel like to move any faster would only take away from the story. *sigh* And thank you for all the lovely criticism. Dialogue is a very difficult thing to write. Sometimes that is what holds me up the most. If I don't like the dialogue I ship the draft off to my betas for ideas and then see how to make it stronger. Their help has made this fic even better than what I intended and for that I am thankful. My chars are a worry as well, I do my best to make them real yet have their own distinct style to them. I don't want them to appear flat or stale, unless they really are not essential to the plot. I used to have a habit when I created a char I would determine their history and background. Now it's just not so feasible. So, hopefully the 'bit parts' people won't suffer too much for it. But I think concentrating on the more pertinent people would be best on this fic. And I am overjoyed to hear that you like my work enough to say you're a fan. It really means a lot to me. I know I say that so often but it's only because it's true. The fact that I can make others happy makes me happy. So thank you!! :D
Amazed – Aww, thanks. :D I'm glad you like it. Series? How did you know? ;) This is only the beginning. I have a rough ideas of a number of stories that will follow this. Eventually I would love to take it up to Episode 1 at least but have the potential to go on. So we'll see what happens. Uh, yeah, that Council scene will have to wait until next chap. I just hope it lives up to the 'hype.' It's not all that strange. As you can see many of us are Angst freaks. For a while I thought I was the only one. Then I found Fan fic and found others like me. I cannot even begin to tell you what a relief that was for me. I think I am a much happier more relaxed person because of it. So don't worry, you'll never be alone in the love of pain, anguish and torment done to our fave chars. ;) Yes, bodies can sometimes be easier to repair compared to the damage of the heart. People as a whole are emotional, and when our emotions are hurt it can take a very long time to heal. Now, shhhhh, that may have come to mind, but I don't want to give away all my secrets. :p Thanks!! It's my nature to question my abilities. I can't avoid that. Although I am coming to accept that I like some of my writing now. ;) But I appreciate the vote of confidence. Hope to hear from you again!! :D
LOTRFaith – I will do my best to remember. Sorry if I don't always e-mail you. My memory is not the best. But I will try. I know, I know, 'Do or do not, there is no try.' But I hate promising something I may not remember to do. Anyway, Obi has been put through a lot. And I do agree with you, Chap 23 is probably one of the most heart-rending. That scene in particular came to me before I got to that chap. My first drafts did not meet my own expectations, but I was finally happy with the results. That scene saved that chap for me. I love it. I really wanted to get that pain of uncertainty out in the open. I wanted Qui-Gon to fully understand what he rejection had caused. And what he must face if he is to win Obi-Wan over completely. Yes, we have all thought those things. I know I have on more than one occasion. Our purpose in life is something we always seek and I can't imagine them being any different. Honestly, the hardest or closest scene to a rather tender time for me was back in chap 9(I believe) when Obi and Bant are talking in the rec room, and he sums up his life thus far in a single word: Alone. Typing those fives letters was hard. But I have come to the belief that writing is somewhat therapeutic for me and sharing Obi's pain brought me comfort and understanding in a way I would never have achieved on my own. So I understand how certain words or lines can touch someone. I am sorry if it was hard to read but I hope that you were able to find the same kind of comfort as I did. I don't feel that I have an ease with words but I do love writing so. I am just happy to share. ;) Thanks again. :D
Jessica – You silly girl. But you have the right idea. The more you pester the more motivated I get. :p So here's that chap!!
And for anyone who's made it down to the bottom, just remember, your thoughts are always welcome. Until next chap!! :D
