Chapter 35
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'Older & Wiseacre'
'Love Changes Everything'
'Love Puppet'
'Dueling Birthday Twins'
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Birthdays come and go but this one was one of the best. There are lots of friend and treats, but best of all, Isabel is there to keep life simple. Luke and Leia could remain children.
Naboo is not on their minds right now. The twins are thinking of their first big party at home.
The twins had various celebrations at home but always Obi-Wan, Yoda and a stiff-jawed social worker who was there to oversee things. This annoyed Anakin, but it bothered the children even more. It was difficult enough that Anakin had to learn to be an effective parent but it wasn't easy when an employee from the city scrutinized everything he did, how he did it, and for how long. Anakin was already nervous. He made more mistakes and had an uneasy time with Leia. The social worker deal was not helping. Every holiday and birthday followed the same pattern. Anakin felt he was losing out because the Naberrie's got first choice with vacations and celebrations. Anakin was trying to be conciliatory, but he felt he had every right to be selfish too. The twins, after all, are his children.
Now, with no supervision, Anakin could do and say as he pleased. Of course, there is Isabel, but she didn't bother him. He is comfortable with the fact that she is on his side and she cares about his children. He also wants to impress her. She gives him room to make mistakes. This builds his confidence. The judge notices this too. He doesn't hesitate as often when setting rules and dispensing discipline. Being a father is cool.
The night before the party, Anakin stays up late helping Isabel with the little hand puppet napkins. He is actually enjoying himself. Isabel teaches him how to make the puppet and apply the felt eyes and other features.
Luke and Leia could barely contain themselves earlier that evening. Anakin threatens them with 'no party' if they didn't go to bed on time. The twins sulk their way upstairs to their rooms. After twenty minutes of fighting to stay awake, they birthday duo drift off to sleep dreaming of a big cake, fun surprises and all the new friends they have made in school. Sweet dreams indeed!
Anakin checks on them after an hour. They are assuredly asleep. He quietly closes the door of each of their rooms then tiptoes downstairs to sit in the dining room to help Isabel. They behave like children that night, playing with the napkins, which are being transformed into hand puppet versions of beloved children's TV characters.
It is now 10'o'clock and they have completed 25 napkin puppets. They take the rest of the items in the living room to finish. They are both tired and a bit punchy from lack of sleep. , they continue to work. Anakin makes mistakes along the way and has to redo most of his.
"I can't seem to get the hang of this. Why did you choose such a difficult project? The kids aren't going to wipe their mouths with these. They'd as soon use their hands or shirtsleeve before they would think to use a napkin."
It's creative and different, and it adds a personal touch to the party."
"It's a waste of time. You need a degree in geometry and engineering to make these things. My dewback looks drowsy. How come yours looks so much better than mine?"
"You need to put the eyes on it."
He applies the felt eyes then gives her a look as if she must be joking. The dewback is not exactly an endearing creature. Somehow, an illustrator and writer of children's literature decides to create a character based on the slow moving creature. There exists a series of holobooks. The story tells of the adventures of a little boy named Jacen and his pera honey-loving toy Ewok, and their other stuffed animal friends. Dewy is the hapless blue dewback with the loose tail held together with pieces of Velcro. Luke and Leia have the entire series of books. When the film came to the holoplex, the twins were the first to see it. Anakin sat through every single sequel with the children, suffering through every insipid song as the children in the audience sing along happily.
He remembers purchasing the dewback stuffed toy for Leia during his limited visitation days when the twins were still toddlers. The Twi'lek sales clerk in the store recommended it. She tells him it would most-assuredly gain him points in getting his little girl to like him. Anakin looked at the pathetic looking creature as she gift-wrapped it for him. Anakin would look at the stuffed toy and suddenly felt a strange affinity for it. It reminded him of himself, unattractive and seemingly unloved and lacking self-confidence. However, that was then. Everyone loves Dewy and Anakin's kids love him. Dewy however possesses a bigger fan base. Anakin looks into Isabel's eyes.
"I'm an idiot."
"No you're not. You've never done this before. You're going to be a hero tomorrow." She helps to fix the puppet. "Now slide your hand in and you have a nice little dewback puppet. See?"
Isabel has just completed another Boga puppet with colorful felt 'plumage.' She uses a little puppet voice to 'talk' to Anakin. They are slouched on the big sofa performing their own puppet show.
"It's ok; you're doing a great job, Anakin. You made a lovely dewback puppet."
"No…he's ugly…his eyes…" Anakin finds himself speaking in his own puppet voice. "My eyes are crooked, my snout is bumpy and out of shape. No one wants to play with me."
"Aw…poor dewback." Isabel takes her napkin puppet and rubs its head gently against the face of the dewback. Anakin watches. He is mesmerized. "I like you dewback puppet. Don't cry." The Boga puppet hugs the Dewback. Anakin stares blankly as she does this. He finally speaks. He makes a joke in his typical dry, deadpan manner.
"Were you a lonely child?"
She is offended. Anakin presses the index finger of his left hand across his lips to keep from laughing. She squints at him as he is obviously making sun of her.
"No, I was not a lonely child. I had friends. I just wasn't allowed to get my clothes dirty."
"Well…you are much too into these kiddie crafts. Have you eaten today? It's the twins, isn't it? Have my children driven you to the brink of madness?"
"No, why?" She finally has to laugh at herself because she may have just gone overboard with the napkin puppets.
"Those kids aren't going to notice the work you put into this project; and I am the first to admit that I have been no help to you whatsoever."
"Luke and Leia will appreciate them."
"Well, of course, they're my kids. I raised them properly. I threaten them into being gracious. I mean business." He smiles. "So, how many of these crazy things do you…I mean 'we' still have to put together?"
"I don't know. Twenty…twenty-five…"
"What? You're crazier than I first realized. Get a highlighter and draw the faces on those napkins…Isabel, you work too hard. You need to be more of a slacker like me."
"But I like doing this. I just want everything to look nice."
"Show off."
"You're just jealous!"
"Snob."
"Lazy oaf!"
"Ooh…those are fighting words. I toss my dewback napkin and challenge you to a du-el, Madame! En Garde!" He has the puppet on his gloved hand too tight. When tries to shake it off, it flies across the table. "Oops!" He catches it.
Isabel hits him with one of the unfinished puppets. Anakin laughs.
"Girls can't fight…well, Jedi chicks can, but you other girls fight like this." He flails his arms around in a spastic manner. Isabel stares for a moment as if she is about to kill him. She finally breaks into a smile as he mocks her. She decides to retaliate. Her boga puppet 'attacks' his fragile-looking dewback and knocks one of the already loose eyes off its face. Anakin backs away.
"You attacked me! That wasn't right."
"Oops. I'm sorry."
"You will pay. Look, its eye is dangling off of its face. This means war. Boy, if that judge hadn't confiscated my lightsaber…Oooh…you're a lucky lady, that's all I've got to say."
"I said I was sorry."
He glares at her as she covers her head. She sits in the corner of the sofa. Her feet are resting on the coffee table. Anakin reaches for her feet using the puppet. The puppet "bites" her toes. Isabel giggles and screams.
"No! Get away! Don't!"
Anakin looks. He is sure she has lost her mind now but then he realizes something. A devilish smile forms across his face.
"Don't what? This?" He attacks her feet again. "Or…this? …Hmmmm…Oh, I see…you're ticklish. Aha!"
"Stop! No! Stop! Please! Help!"
"Shhhh! You'll wake the children. Who are you calling? The droids? Threepio is a coward and Artoo can't be bothered. I'll stop if you apologize."
"For what?...oh…oh…Ok...I'm sorry. I apologize…stop!" She tries to shield herself and falls off the sofa. Anakin stops short of laughing. He has never seen Isabel like this. It is strange but also delightfully amusing.
"Ooops! Are you okay, Milady?"
"I'm okay. I'm wedged between the sofa and the coffee table. I can't get up."
"You've fallen and you can't get up? Hmmm…are you old?"
What?"
"It's a joke. Never mind. Give me your hand, I'll help you up."
"This is embarrassing."
"It is, and you're not even drunk. You're pathetic." He pulls her up onto the sofa.
"Thank you. Oh, Geez, there's so much to do. I need to get serious."
"You're tired."
"But I need to finish …"
"Don't make me inflict the Dewback puppet foot torture on you. He's right here."
"You're not a nice man."
"Obi-Wan never told you how cunning I can be."
"He told me enough. He said you were twisted and evil."
"He said that?"
"Maybe…"
Anakin sits on the sofa beside her. He is quiet now. He turns to her.
"But I am nice." Before he can think, Anakin is doing what his subconscious tells him. He kisses her. In this moment, Isabel does what her subconscious tells her. She kisses him back; they are still donning their hand puppets. She uses hers to smooth his hair away from his face after their skurrier play. Anakin gently caresses her face. He whispers to her.
"I knew you liked me."
"It's getting late. I need to finish these."
"It is late, but don't worry about it. Get some sleep."
Morning -
Dawn comes at 5:55 the day of the twin's birthday. The morning sun is poking through the fluffy clouds of the bright blue Coruscant sky. Isabel is asleep on the sofa. Anakin has covered her with a chestnut colored Wampa wool blanket.
When she opens her eyes, she sees him sitting in the armchair facing the opposite end of the sofa. He is attaching the felt eyes, feathers and other features on the remaining Dewback, Ewok, and Boga puppets. He is almost done. She yawns.
"You're finished?"
"Almost."
"I'll help."
"No. Go back to sleep. I'll clean up. We have a busy day ahead of us but everything will be fine. I can feel it."
Isabel doesn't argue. She drifts back to sleep. She will have to get up in two hours to change out of her clothes she slept in, take a shower, and get dressed for the party.
Anakin continues to work on the rest of the napkin puppets. They look pretty good. Anakin is quite proud of himself.
The twins wake up an hour later than usual for breakfast. Isabel was able to catch up on an extra hour of sleep upstairs. She showers and changes into some temporary clothes to tie up loose ends downstairs and to give directions to the caterer and staff after breakfast. She will put on a special outfit later. She notices something as she carries her laundry basket downstairs. That Anakin Skywalker waited until she had fallen asleep on the sofa to sew felt eyes and a dewback tail on her ankle socks. He watched her sleep during the night and her feet were sticking out from under the blanket. When she would curl her toes, the socks turned into some amusing little animal faces. She would have to remember to get even with him later. She leaves the laundry and heads for the kitchen before the children wake up.
The twins lumber into the kitchen and sit at the breakfast table. The droids greet them on the way to the kitchen.
"Good morning Master Luke. Good, morning, Little Miss. Happy Birthday to the both of you. What a glorious day it's going to be; sunny, 71 Fahreheit/22 Celsius, clear skies with 52 percent humidity."
"Thanks, Threepio."
You're quite welcome, Master Luke."
Luke pours just enough cereal in his bowl this morning. Leia is actually calm as she avoids fighting with her brother. Isabel is amazed at the transformation. If this happens because of their birthday, she hopes she can get this to happen daily. She greets them with birthday breakfast hats.
"Good morning, my favorite birthday twins. Here's a little something to start off your day."
Leia hops into her chair.
"Good morning, Isabel"
Luke smiles up at Isabel who is wearing her hair piled up in a loose bun/ponytail.
"Good morning, Isabel. How are you today?"
"I'm fine, Luke, thank you."
"The hat is cool. Thanks."
Leia spreads jam on her toast.
"These are very nice. You actually had time to make them with 'everything else' you were doing yesterday?"
"Excuse me?"
"I mean, you have such a busy schedule, you had time to think about us."
"Oh, well…it was a pleasure to do it, Leia. Are you excited about your party?"
"Yes."
"Yes…but…tell me, is something wrong?"
"Well, Luke and I searched all over the house for presents and we couldn't find any. Aren't we getting anything?"
"I'm sure you are. Don't you want it to be a surprise?"
"Well…"
"Besides, your friends will be bringing gifts with them."
Anakin walks in the kitchen. He is calm and happy. Leia turns all the way around in her seat as her father heads for the island counter.
"Good morning children."
Isabel hands him a fresh cup of jawa.
"Thank you, Isabel. Uhmm, smells great. This is just what I needed."
Leia gives him a suspicious look.
"How come you didn't say 'Happy Birthday, Younglings' as you usually do?"
"You haven't given me a chance, Leia." He takes a sip from his cup then leans over to kiss each child. "Now. Happy birthday, Younglings."
"Thanks Dad." Leia sounds disappointed.
"What's wrong? No birthday energy?" He looks over at Isabel. "They didn't find their presents this morning, did they? You think this day is all about you, don't you?" He winks. Leia looks up at her father.
"Isn't it?"
"Well, yes, but…I thought for once you would think of all those little Jawas who don't get presents." He winks over at Isabel again. He knows his twins too well. Their gifts are stored in a safe place. Leia is upset.
"Daddy, no!"
"Luke doesn't look too concerned."
"He's happy about everything."
Luke responds with a mouthful of cereal
"I like presents." He stuffs his mouth with another spoonful of cold cereal.
Isabel looks at him as she wipes the counter.
"Luke, no talking with your mouth full. Wipe your chin."
"Oh, right. Sorry."
Leia looks around the table. She looks up at Isabel.
"Isabel, you forgot to fill our glasses with the required daily serving of freshly squeezed Felucia orange juice."
"Oh, sweetie, I'm sorry." She grabs the pitcher from the counter and fills their glasses. Leia looks over at her father.
"Daddy, aren't you going to yell at her or something? You usually do."
"No. She knows what's she's doing. She's fine."
"What's the matter with you today? You're usually grumpy and threatening everyone. You look too happy."
"Can't I be happy with my children in the morning?"
"Not that happy. You look as if you've been eating those blue Felucia mushrooms. You're too calm and peaceful."
Anakin spits out his coffee. Isabel hands him a damp cloth to wipe his shirt.
"What? How do you know this stuff?"
"I heard the older high school kids talking outside the ice cream parlor one time. They said it makes you feel 'groovy.' Daddy, what does groovy mean?"
"Sick…violently sick. You stay away from those boys. Boys like that take disobedient little girls for joyrides in beat up old starships and get swallowed up by giant space slugs. Mark my words; it's been known to happen. "
Leia mimics her father.
"Mark my words…blah…blah…blah.' You're funny, Daddy. The boy I'm going to marry is going to have a nice job, a beautiful home, and a glamorous ship to go on vacation trips. We'll go to pretty beaches and visit all of his famous beautiful friends. He's going to respect me for my mind and buy me lots of presents…even when it's not my birthday. You're going to adore him, Daddy."
"Ha! You're looking for a wimp! If you stick out your foot, trip a man like that, and catch him, he'll be a rare find indeed. Poor sap!"
Luke agrees.
"Yeah! He's going to cry!"
Isabel is sitting on a stool at the island counter going over the 'To Do' list for the party. She looks over at Luke.
"Didn't you invite your little girlfriend, Luke?"
Luke is like a bantha staring in the headlights of an Imperial Starfighter. He wishes she hadn't brought this up.
Anakin looks across the counter at Isabel.
"Luke's got a little girlfriend?"
Leia answers.
"Yeah, he's got a wildcat crazy girl in school who likes him."
Anakin thinks for a moment. Isabel explains.
"Leia's referring to the little girl who speaks to Luke in the schoolyard."
Anakin recalls now. He nods with a knowing smile. He whispers across the counter to Isabel.
"Oh...Mara the Menace?"
Isabel is being diplomatic when she says, 'The little girl who 'speaks' to Luke. 'Mara's way of speaking to Luke goes something like this:
"Turn rope for us, Blondie!" and "Blondie, toss that plasmaball at those big kids hanging around outside the schoolyard. The ones with the facial tattoo's. They don't have anyone to play Plasma dodge ball with them."
Luke swallows a mouthful of cereal then speaks.
"I'm never going to marry a bossy, troublemaking girl like that. I'm going to marry you, Isabel."
"Luke, you're so sweet, but I thought we had this discussion. You should at least give those other girls a chance. They have a lot to offer."
"They'll have to be super nice to me to make me change my mind."
"I see you're a man who believes in higher standards."
"Yep! I sure do!"
Leia chimes in.
"I believe in higher standards too, Isabel."
"I'm sure you do, sweetie."
Luke responds.
"Yeah! She believes in being bossy and making all the men in her life miserable. All your husbands are going to jump in the lake because you'll drive them crazy!"
Anakin spits out his jawa again. He starts coughing. Isabel watches him grab a dishtowel to wipe his face. She giggles.
"Just give it up and change your shirt."
Luke sees Leia becoming angry but he keeps pushing her buttons.
"You're going to be in divorce court every day, Leia. Yoda has foreseen it."
Anakin stops laughing and quickly puts on his 'serious father' face.
"That's enough. Yoda has not foreseen anything of the sort."
Luke does an imitation of the diminutive Jedi Master.
"Foreseen nothing…yes…yes…"
Anakin warns his son.
"Be nice or no one is getting any birthday gifts today."
Suddenly, a high-pitched whine comes out of Leia. Luke stares across the table at his sister. With her breakfast birthday crown on her head, she buries he face in her arms on the table. She is bawling. Luke is still wearing his crown. He puts his spoon down for a moment. He is waiting for his scolding. Anakin sets his cup on the counter. He does not want to indulge his daughter. Leia had called his bluff on more than a few occasions with her crocodile tears. This time the tears are real. She lifts her head. Tears stream down her reddened face.
"I don't want to be in divorce court! And now, I won't get any presents either. Waaaah!"
Anakin walks over to console her. Luke places his elbow on the table and rests his head waiting for the other shoe to drop.
"Am I going to have to apologize again?"
The telephone rings. Isabel answers. Perfect timing! Little son of the Sith has been spared a tongue lashing. Isabel is speaking quietly into the phone.
"Skywalker residence… good morning…yes…oh, yes sir. Yes, they're here. One moment, please."
There is no exchange of niceties. The voice on the other end of the line sounds business-like, almost abrupt. Isabel looks over at Anakin. He knows who it is. He rolls his eyes then nods to Luke.
"Luke, go talk to your grandparents."
Luke takes the phone.
"Hello? Oh, Hi, Opa, hi, Oma…thank you….Yes…later today….friends from school and Bear-Clan training class…Yes…really…you did?...we'll get our gifts at the party…wow…thanks, Opa…yes...Oma…ok…" He calls Leia to the phone. "Leia, Oma and Opa want to wish us a happy birthday."
Leia wipes her face then walks over to where Luke is. She is still a bit upset. Anakin refuses to turn on the holomonitor because he knows, one looks at Leia's tear-stained face, Ruwee and Jobal will panic and call their lawyer.
"Hello…Hi, Oma…Thank you…I'm fine. No. We're getting our presents all at once…I'm ok…nothing…thank you…we're having breakfast. I'm happy…Hi, Opa…I'm not crying anymore…yes…one minute, please." She hands the phone to her father. "It's Opa. He wants to talk to you."
This cannot be good. Anakin never got calls from the Naberrie's except to find out when the children will be picked up, or dropped off, and at which location. Anakin is not in the mood to listen to a lecture by Ruwee Naberrie. He hesitates for a moment then speaks.
"Hello…Leia is fine. She and her brother had an exchange of words…I am being a good parent…Listen, I don't wish to argue with you…They're children…children have disagreements. They do this all the time. Leia can dish it out as well as Luke,…it's not the first time and it definitely won't be the last. It's children's stuff. If they wish to discuss it with you then fine. With all due respect, Mr. Naberrie, they're my children. I may not have had them around me all their lives but I do know my children…more than you'll ever know them. What's that? Yes, I know you shipped gifts to them… they will get all of their presents at once…They are privileged children, not getting a gift won't stop them from enjoying the day…well, I have set rules in my home and they are able to survive. Yes, they will be at your house on schedule next weekend as promised…."
He breathes a heavy sigh. His morning was going so well. He looks around the kitchen. Everyone is gone. He hears laughter coming from the laundry room. "Mr. Naberrie, one moment… they took off some place. Luke, Leia…"
He walks over to the laundry room. Luke shows Leia Isabel's 'puppet socks' laying on top of the laundry basket. The twins are laughing. Leia answers her father. Ruwee Naberrie can hear the twins in the background. There is no sign of unhappiness, and no more tears. Leia runs to her father and takes the phone. She kisses her father and swings under his arm, making circles around him as she speaks to her grandfather.
"Hi, Opa…yes…I'm ok. Luke showed me something funny…yes…" She giggles. Luke takes the sock and inserts his hand in it. He chases his sister around Anakin. Leia squeals as Luke tries to grab her with it. Leia ducks behind her father. She continues to speak into the phone. "Yes…It's going to be a great party. We're having it outside on the terrace….Luke stop! Daddy, help! Hahahaha!...Oma, Luke is chasing me with a sock!."
Luke continues to taunt his sister and laughs maniacally. He turns on the holomonitor. The first thing the worried grandparents see is Luke's face and the sock he is holding. Leia hides behind her father, using him as a shield as Luke pursues her.
"I'm gonna eatcha! Hahahaha! Get in my belly!"
"Luke! Stop! I hope Mara kisses you today!"
"Well at least someone wants to…blah!" He sticks out his tough. Leia holds onto the belt loop of her father's pants. She speaks to the holomonitor.
"Opa, Luke has a girlfriend!" She pokes out her tongue at her brother. Off camera, Isabel can be heard talking to Luke.
"Luke, the sock…please?" The Naberrie's see Luke handing over the sock. Isabel quickly disappears from view. Leia speaks to her Grandparents.
"Well, Oma and Opa, Luke and I have to get dressed. Daddy's taking us to get new shoes. He says our feet are going to be as big a Gungan's! He's so funny."
Jobal speaks.
"Well, I'm sure they won't grow that large, Leia."
"I know, Oma…it's a joke."
"So, you're alright, Princess?"
"Yes."
"Luke, your hair is growing so long. You'll have to get a haircut when you get down here."
"I like my hair like this. It's like Dad's. Right, Dad?" He holds onto Anakin's other belt loop and almost pulls his father sideways. Anakin resists the 'gravitational pull of the son' and manages to regain his balance. Luke continues to speak to his grandfather. "Well, we have to go now, Opa. We don't want to be late for our own party."
Ruwee waves, but is still unsure of the children's safety. Luke and Leia wave back at their grandparents. Ruwee gets a nudge from his wife.
"Okay, Luke, Leia. Don't eat too much cake and ice cream."
"Okay…Bye!"
Leia waves.
"Bye Oma. Bye, Opa!"
Luke disconnects the conversation and hands the phone back to his father.
"Leia, we're going to eat so much cake and ice cream, we're going to burst."
"Cool! Hey, Dad, we'll be right back. We're going to get dressed so we can go shopping for new shoes."
"What? What are you talking about?" He starts to follow them out of the kitchen
Luke and Leia appear shocked at this apparent change of events.
Leia realizes that her plans on selecting her favorite new sneakers with the fluffy pink boa pom-pom shoelaces are dashed. She looks up at her father with sad eyes.
"But, Daddy, you said…you said we were getting new shoes because are feet are growing like Gungan flippers."
"That's okay, sweetie. When you go to Naboo next weekend, you'll be able to swim the depths of Otoh Gunga and live amongst the Gungans. Why should I spend good money on footwear you can't use?"
The twins are stumped. Two little mouths drop open but words fail to come. Anakin stands in the kitchen doorway looking back at them. He finally speaks.
"Well? Pick your bottom jaws up from the floor and let's go shopping. Hurry up and get dressed before the Gungan shoe sizes are all gone." He grins down at them waiting for a reaction. Leia squints and scolds her father.
"Daddy, that wasn't funny!"
"You kids can't take a joke. Why would I let my most favorite big-footed children go without shoes? I've got the Judge, Isabel and your humorless grandparents riding my ass as it is! Hurry up and get dressed."
Leia heads for the stairs. She turns around to speak to her father.
"And just for your information, I have a pair of beautifully-formed petit feet. Luke's feet are in pretty good shape as well."
"Ok. You made your point, 'Senator' Leia."
The twins run upstairs. Luke reaches the top of the stairway first and speaks to his sister.
"Wow that was close. I thought we were really going to go barefoot for the rest of our lives...like the little people with hairy feet in that book we read in school."
Leia rolls her eyes.
"Oh, Luke, you're so gullible. Those people are from Middle Earth. They make enough money from the cookies they bake to buy shoes. "
"Oh. I'm glad they don't live here. I'd hate to get a cookie with hair in it."
Anakin turns back towards the kitchen door. Isabel is clearing the table. He speaks to her.
"Well? Are you going to yell at me?"
"No. At least you're not losing your temper. You're doing great. You have a warped sense of humor but it got their attention."
"I'm taking that as a compliment since you don't dispense them that easily." He leans over the counter as she continues to clear the breakfast dishes. "So, uhm…can we talk a little later…about last night?"
"Sure, after the party."
"I wanted to make sure we're okay. I hope I wasn't being inappropriate…"
"We can talk later. You had better go. The caterers are on their way."
"Oh, sure. See you in a couple of hours."
"Enjoy your shopping."
They exchange awkward smiles. Anakin leaves the kitchen and looks out on the terrace. The caterers are just arriving. Artoo joins Anakin at the entrance as they wait for the children. There is a gentle breeze blowing through his hair.
"She's the consummate professional, Artoo. Still, she's got a lot of spirit. I don't know, whaddya think? You think a PhD. and a guy like me... "
Artoo beeps and whistles.
"I know but…I really like her and I know she likes me…Yoda says I need to be patient. (sigh) Where are those kids?"
Anakin spends most of the morning in the Youngling Bear Clan Shoe Shop. Anakin tells the twins they need to select a pair of dress shoes as well. He sees them eying the casual and sports shoes. Leia has the store clerk checking the scanner for her size in the white Jedi-Girl sneaker with the pom-poms. She is almost in tears when the clerk is about to tell her that her size is not available. Anakin warns her to be flexible. Somehow, today the Jedi spirits were smiling down on her. The clerk is able to get the last pair from a store on Selvaris. A shipment of other shoes is due from the location anyway. The clerk meanwhile fits Luke with the new Padawan Sprinters in navy with the white Jedi emblem on the sides.
By the time the twins are fitted for new dress shoes and school shoes, Leia's sneakers arrive. Each child has three new pairs of shoes. Anakin remembers to leave several pairs of restored and cleaned shoes that the twins have grown out of in the past year. The shoes are collected for refugees in the distant Minos Cluster. Anakin was glad to do his part in addition to making generous financial donations.
When Anakin and the children return home, the terrace is transformed into a lovely children's garden party setting. There is a game area to pin the tail on the Emperor. Anakin thought of this. He places the headshot of Palpatine over the face of Dewy the Dewback. The place settings are lovely. There are Jedi unbreakable plates with a napkin puppet on each one. In addition, on each chair, even non-Jedi children can enjoy a party Bear Clan helmet.
The twins are bubbling over with excitement. Isabel suggests they rest for an hour before getting ready. Anakin takes a shower and changes into new clothes. Isabel is the last to get dressed after overseeing the last few details for the party.
Luke and Leia sit on the balcony overlooking the terrace. They anxiously await the arrival of their guests.
Leia is wearing a white sleeveless party dress with a pink ribbon that ties into a pretty bow at the waist. She is wearing white anklet socks and her new white Jedi-Girl sneakers with the pink boa pom-pom laces. Isabel combs her hair into two loops braids with pink satin ribbons to match the sash on her dress. The twins wanted this first big party at home to be special so Isabel does not try to convince her to wear their play clothes.
Luke is wearing navy suspender dress shorts with a crisp white sailor shirt, white socks, and his new navy Padawan Sprinters. Isabel mists his hair to prevent flyaway strands.
Anakin takes one look at his over-privileged Younglings and smiles. He whispers to Isabel, "Now what do we do with them? They're perfect angels. I'm compelled to bow before them. Your mother dressed you like this, didn't she? Don't answer; I'm certain of it. How long do you think they'll stay clean like this?"
"Once the party starts? Ten minutes."
'You're an optimistic one today aren't you?" He looks at her as she watches the twins wait on the balcony for their guests to arrive. "Nice pink dress. Bright."
"Thank you. Nice gray shirt. You could hide out on a cloudy day."
After taking the children shopping for new shoes that morning, Anakin passes the window of a trendy men's clothing store. The android model in the window is wearing black jeans and a gray pleated-front silk shirt. Leia wishes her father would wear lighter colors but this is an exceptionally beautifully made shirt. The price tag was 'beautiful' too!' It is perfect for the stay-at-home dark lord.
Isabel ignores Anakin's backhanded compliment about her raspberry pink slim dress with cap sleeves, draped boat-neck, and two side slits. The dress falls just below the knee. The dress hugs all the right curves. Anakin notices. She walks back inside to speak to the caterers. Anakin finds it amazing she doesn't fall in the Felucia turquoise thong sandals with the kitten stacked heel. She must go shopping for shoes with Obi-Wan's lady friends these days.
Concern turns to excitement as the first guests arrive. It is Leia's friend Fiolla from school and Fiolla's parents. Close behind is Sena Shan and Rocca Tachi from their Bear Clan training class.
The twins breathe a sigh of relief as the party is about to start. Leia jumps up and down.
"They're here, they're here, Luke! Aaaahh!" Leia squeals with girlish glee and disappears from the balcony to go downstairs to greet her guests. Luke rests his chin on the balcony rail. Suddenly he hears someone calling him.
"Hey, Luke! What are you doing up there?"
Luke looks down. Someone backs up so the two get a good look at one another.
"Oh, hi, Kyle. You're the first one here."
"No I'm not. A bunch of girls just came in yapping about their party dresses. Who the hell dressed you?"
"Hey! You're dressed up too!"
"Yeah…My mom told me I had better start looking presentable or no one will ever take me seriously as a Jedi."
"I see."
"She says she's got enough rebels in the family. I've got to step up to the plate. So, aren't you coming down to your own party?"
"Just observing. Want to come up? It's a great view from here."
"Sure!" Kyle runs inside and meets Luke upstairs. He checks out Luke's sneakers. "Hey! Cool! You got a pair of Padawan Sprinters! Those are the coolest shoes in the galaxy! Are they new?"
"Yes." Luke examines his new footwear. He has to admit, there are amazing.
"Luke, you are awesome. So, why are you still up here?"
"I'll wait until more guests arrive. I don't want to appear too anxious."
"Look again; there are tons of people filing in now. Well, if you keep from being anxious, they're going to have the party without you. Luke, I know we're friends and all but there's also cake. I'm going where the cake is."
"I suppose you're right, Kyle. I better get a move on."
Luke is surprised to see so many children at their party. He is surprised to see Nelson, one of the school bullies. He didn't invite him. Nelson actually looks human today. His hair is combed; he's wearing a nice shirt and pants. What a transformation from the disheveled oaf who usually comes to school with his shirttail hanging out of his uniform. Nelson takes his gifts from his mother. He sees Luke. Luke is hoping Nelson wouldn't notice him but he remembers, he is the birthday boy.
"Hey, Luke Thanks for inviting me to your birthday bash. Happy birthday. Here's your gift."
"Thanks, Nelson."
Nelson looks around to take in the atmosphere. He nods with approval. Nice house, Skywalker…I used to imagine you lived in a cave near a swamp filled with snakes and stuff…who knew? This place is ok. So, you want to open your gift now?"
"I was told to wait until all the guests arrive before opening anything. But thanks. I'll open it later."
"Oh…so…where's your sister? I have a gift for her too."
"She's over there with her friend Winter." Luke suspects Nelson has something else on his mind besides just trying to unload a birthday gift. He is about to ask Nelson the burning question but he doesn't want to get a bloody nose on his birthday.
Nelson turns. He doesn't want to hand Leia his gift to her; not with all of her friends watching. He rather prefers a one-on-one encounter with his female nemesis. Someone covers Luke's eyes as he chats with Nelson.
"Guess who, Dude?"
"Uhmmm…" Suddenly Luke smiles and moves the person's hands away. He turns to see Surfer Ken#2 aka Chip Preston Esquire "Wow! Chip! What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to surprise you, little hot shot gremlin! I met up with the Wiz in Mos Espa. He told me you and your twin baby chick gremlin was having a party. Ted and me thought, cha! We love a party; so here we are!"
"Cool!"
"So where's your gnarlatious nanny?"
"She's around. So, are you staying? We have food and cake."
"We're all about grub Surfer Luke, fer sure!"
Surfer Ken#1 appears.
"Hey! It's gremlin surfer Luke! Happy birthday, little dude!"
Luke's surfer friends have made this the best party by far. Valin and Luke's other friends arrive. All the children take their places at the table. Luke remembers one other person. Just as the children are admiring their napkin puppets, another guest arrives. Luke can hear someone apologizing for being late.
"Miss, Im sorry we're late. Traffic was really bad on the road from Coco Town."
Isabel greets the guests at the door. It is Vince Jade bringing his daughter Mara to the party. Isabel smiles as Mara hands Isabel gifts for the twins.
"Mr. Jade, don't worry. We're just getting started. Hello, Mara. You look very pretty today."
"Thank you. Call me Vic. Vince is so formal. Oh, these are for Luke and Leia." He hands her two gifts.
"Well, I'll put this with the other gifts. Why don't you come with me and have a seat with the other children."
Mr. Jade apologizes again.
"Sorry about this."
"It's fine. Come in, please…"
"Oh, I'm waiting for my wife. She's walking in those shoes you women love to wear. She should be up in a minute…"
Just at that moment, Maggie Jade sashays through the door. She is wearing aqua spandex mini dress with a matching push-up bra, a gold belt, and an armful of gold costume jewelry bracelets.
"Woo! I didn't realize you had an elevator in the docking bay downstairs. I saw this little green fellow bringing up some presents but the doors closed before I could call him." She fluffs her copper red hair. And who are you?"
"I'm Isabel. I…"
Vince Jade interjects. "She's the nice girl who took Mara out for ice cream when we forgot to pick her up from school that time."
"Oh, that! We got this angry note from the school and then the Coruscant Child Welfare Department was parked outside our home for three months. It was a silly mistake. Anyway, how are you?"
Isabel smiles and welcomes them inside. The other parents turn to see what the commotion is at the front door. Obi-Wan enters behind them with Yoda. They are delivering the gifts that were sent earlier in the week. Anakin wanted the gifts stored where the twins would not detect them. Yoda's hut was the perfect hiding place.
Mr. and Mrs. Jade look around as Threepio escorts them to the terrace. Surfer Ted and Chip see Obi-Wan aka 'The Wiz' and offer to help set the gifts on the gift table.
Luke sees Mara. Mara sits across from Luke who is sandwiched between his sister and little Callista Ming. Callista looks angelic in her powder blue party dress. She is wearing a big blue ribbon in her long blond hair.
Mara is wearing a lime green dress with red tulip pockets. She pouts. Luke smiles at her from across the table and waves to her with his Boga puppet. She reciprocates.
Yoda is unloading the gifts. He mutters to himself.
"A good spanking those twins need. Heard them mocking me this morning I did. Spoils Younglings Anakin does."
Surfer Ted looks at the Jedi Master.
"Dude, you don't get presents?"
"I get presents…Peanut butter candy and lots of potted plants. Yes…Yes. A Jedi craves none of these things."
"Dude, start making some demands…You can't live like a monkey all your life."
"Ted, it's monk not monkey. Monkeys are dudes who give up a life without babes and live in trees. Monks eat bananas and ring monastery bells. They're the ones with the big potato sack bump on their back,"
"Oh, yeah…The Toll House cookie dude! Sorry, Bro."
Yoda stares at the two surfers then rolls his eyes. Obi-Wan is having a good laugh and he hasn't had a drop to drink yet.
The cake is brought out and everyone sings a chorus of 'Happy Birthday.' Anakin stands close by as the twins blow out the candles on their cake. The birthday cake is a beautifully designed image of two Younglings in Bear Clan helmets facing each other with lightsabers. While the children and parents enjoy cake, the children are offering their presents to Luke and Leia. Nelson hands his gift to Leia.
"Leia, this one is from me."
"Thanks, Nelson."
"It's a book."
Leia looks at the shape of the package.
"I think I figured that out already, Nelson." She removes the paper and reads the title:
"Why Can't We Be Friends?"
The book has pictures of children from all over the galaxy shaking hands with one another.
"My mom made me buy it. I was going to give you boxing gloves but she said it wasn't an appropriate gift for a sweet little girl."
"Boxing gloves would have been cool. But, you know I could beat you up without them. Thanks, Nelson. The book is very nice."
"You're welcome." Nelson turns to Luke who is opening his gift from Nelson. Kyle and Valin look in the box.
"Wow! Luke, cool present!"
"It is cool. Look, Kyle, it says 'Official Pee Wee Gloves.' Thanks for the boxing gloves, Nelson."
"My mom made…"
"Yes, I know, Nelson."
Mara points to a package with bright yellow paper.
"That's from me. Aren't you going to open it?"
Luke is hesitant. He begins to unwrap the gift, but carefully. "Yes, I don't want to break it."
"It won't break."
Luke is suspicious of the red demon's burnt offerings. He calls for back up.
"Dad!"
Anakin is chatting with some of the parents. Winter's parents and Mara's parents are part of the group, Maggie Jade checks out the dark lord as he accepts compliments for organizing a lovely party.
"Mr. Skywalker, that is a gorgeous shirt. You should open the neck; you have such a nice physique."
Anakin is uncomfortable because everyone in the group is looking at his 'physique.' Thanks to Luke's 'panic-call' to his father, Anakin finds an easy way out.
"Uhmm…I have to go, my son needs …me. Will you excuse me? Luke, I'm coming!"
Vince Jade elbows his wife. "What did you do that for? You embarrassed the guy. I hope he doesn't get mad."
"He seems like a nice man. I'm beginning to think you made up that choking incident last year. He is a looker."
Anakin rushes to his son's aid. It seems they both need rescuing.
"What is it, Luke?"
"Help me…open this gift."
"But…oh…ok." Anakin unwraps the gift. Luke thinks that if there is anything dangerous inside, his father will lash out and choke the entire Jade family as a preventative measure.
Anakin looks inside and removes the contents, setting everything on the party table in front of his son. Three packs of cherry liquorices, two tetra paks of pera juice with straws attached, a tauntaun lunch box, and a book from the Jedi Temple Children's Book Store entitled, 'The10 Most Dangerous Creatures in the Galaxy.' Luke is sure 'The Red Menace' must have a page devoted to her somewhere in this book. He is wondering if the creatures are listed by rank. Anakin feels ridiculous acting as Luke security detail, but he feels his son's fear. Luke is a little embarrassed to have his father there as his personal Swat Team, but better to take precautions. Anakin looks at his son then gives him a reassuring wink. Mara watches, looking shy and quiet. Luke finally lets his guard down.
"Thanks, Mara. It 's an interesting gift."
Anakin leaves the children alone. Luke needs to stop being so afraid of the six-year old. Mara finally speaks.
"Aren't you going to share it?"
"What? But it's a gift…I don't think it's enough candy to go around."
"Not with them… with me! Didn't your dad teach you how to share?"
Luke is annoyed by the pushy little redhead.
"Would you like some licorice, Mara?"
"Why, yes, thank you, Luke." He hands her one of the packages. " I sure could use a pera drink to wash it down." Luke hands her one of the tetra paks of pera juice.
"You want anything else from the gifts you gave me?"
"No, this will do. Thanks." Someone approaches them. Mara does not want any intruders.
"Hello, Luke."
"Hi, Callista. Thanks for the Jedi history book. It's the best…book on the Jedi masters I have ever seen. The holographs are cool!"
"We're playing pin the tail on the Dewback. Want to join us?"
"Luke and I are having a moment here. Can you come back later?"
Callista is stunned. There is someone else there watching. It is Maggie Jade.
"Mara, you apologize at once. That was not a nice thing you did just now."
"I'm sorry, Callista. You can sit with us."
Maggie watches her daughter. "Now that's better. Everyone play nice. Better yet, why don't the three of you go play the game?"
As the children hurry over to join the others, Anakin walks up beside her.
"You handled that well."
"Listen, I love my daughter, but I know she can be a little demon. Her father spoils her and I know I could be a better mother. The social worker told me so." She shrugs with a smile. She is embarrassed but not too embarrassed to flutter her false eyelashes at him. He politely excuses himself.
"Well, I must go check on the punch bowl." This sounds stupid because the caterer is staffing the beverage table. It is the first thing he looks at while he tries to get away from Mrs. Jade.
The party ends late in the afternoon. The children are having such a great time; Anakin lets the party to continue for another hour. Luke and Leia are at the front door thanking their guests and handing them goodie bags. Leia is collecting the napkin puppets. Anakin tells her to stop.
"But, Daddy, they're from the party."
"There are extras. Don't be a bad host. Give them back to the children. You've got tons of nice presents today, you, and Luke. Go on."
Leia obeys her father. She returns one of the puppets to Nelson. He winks at her as he is about to leave with his mother.
"Thanks. Cool party. See you in school, nemesis."
"Thanks for coming, Nelson."
The guests all soon gone. Obi-Wan pats Anakin on the shoulder.
"Good show, Anakin... The parents seemed to enjoy themselves as much as the kids."
"Obi-Wan, they enjoyed it because you slipped all your mini bar samples in their bags. Are you trying to get me in trouble?"
"Relax, I told them it was from me. I have to catch up with Yoda. He's got the keys to my speeder. He can't drive worth a crap."
"Thanks for all your help, Master."
"May the Force be with you, Anakin."
"Good night, Master. May the Force be with you. I've got to get my children off their sugar high before they kill one another."
"They'll be fine. A good night's sleep and they'll be good as new by morning."
Anakin goes upstairs. Luke and Leia are playing with the boxing gloves. They are jumping on the bed.
"Luke, why don't we trade?"
"No. I like my boxing gloves."
"Take the book."
"No!"
Anakin walks into the room.
"I'm confiscating the boxing gloves if the two of you aren't out of those party clothes and washing up for bed."
Leia bounces on the bed.
"It's still early. You said we could stay up late. Birthday rules, Dad."
Luke chimes in.
"It's Saturday film night, Dad."
"Well, what are you waiting for? Get a move on!" The doorbell rings. Anakin leaves but warns the twins one last time. "You had better be ready or no film."
Anakin hurries downstairs and opens the door. It is Obi-Wan.
"Sorry, Anakin. I forgot something." He heads out to the terrace. The surfer 'Ken's 'are helping Isabel clean up the party decorations. "Gentlemen, your ride home awaits."
"But, Wiz, dude! We're trying to chat with the Nanny babe."
"Next time. Let's go."
Chip and Ted bid farewell to Isabel. She gives them each a kiss on the cheek.
"Thanks for helping. It was good to see you again."
"We're not worthy!" The two surfers bow before her. Isabel is amused as they back away awkwardly through the door. Obi-Wan ushers them out as he says goodnight once more. Anakin is alone on the terrace with Isabel.
"Long day."
"It was but what a great time the children had. They love you for this. Leia told me this was the best party by far. Anakin, you should be proud."
"I had you to help."
"You pulled your weight. They appreciated it."
"Uhm…I'd like to talk about last night."
"Maybe another time. This is movie night after all. They didn't open your gifts."
"They're wired. I'll do it in the morning.. Thanks again, Isabel."
"You're welcome."
Anakin goes upstairs to give the twins another warning.
The three finally settle down for a night in front of the plasma for their Saturday evening movie festival. Leia is in her baby doll nightie resting on her father's lap. She has a napkin puppet on each of her small hands.
Luke is lying close to his father on the sofa. His feet are resting against the pillows. He is wearing his gift from his surfer friends. It is a t-shirt with their logo 'Tuskin' Rayders'. Anakin hears the sound of cellophane while he is watching the film. Luke has a pack of cherry licorice from 'Red Menace Mara.'
"Excuse me, hand it over. You know the rules, no candy before bed, and no eating lying down."
Luke hands over the booty of treats. Anakin tosses the package on the table behind the sofa." Don't forget to brush your teeth before you go to bed tonight."
Before coming downstairs for the film festival, Leia speaks to her father. She apologizes to him for her behavior earlier when she tried to collect the puppets from the children as they left the party. She tells her father she likes the puppets so much because he made them and she didn't wish to part with them. The two that were left over will do fine. Anakin smiles at his daughter and smoothes her soft brown hair. She is a year older and wiser. 'Apology accepted.'
The next morning they will be full of energy to enjoy their Youngling Speed Bikes stored in the parking bay. Anakin also wants to talk to Isabel. He can be patient one more day.
To be continued… 'Something is Happening'