-CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX-

My normal schedule resumed, and Ben requested Tobi as his apprentice.

She was happy with him. She flourished even more under his care and instruction.

He came over to eat with us a few times.

But Luke was over for things all the time. Whether it was dropping off files, or eating with us, or delivering the twins and Micah back. We were both lonely for people in our age brackets. But feeling alone together is better than feeling alone…alone.

Luke was missing Mama Frida more than ever. I know Ben felt guilty about being against the marriage for so long, but I don't know why they didn't marry in the year we had been on Naboo hiding.

Markus spent a lot of extra time at school to use their computers and schematic programs.

Tobi went on her first mission to Mustafar. She was excited. Ben was nervous.

"She's a big girl. She can handle herself, Ben."

"I'm still responsible for her well-being."

"And she's responsible for yours."

"I doubt she's going to have a Jin incident."

"Maybe and maybe not. Jin is one of a kind, I'll give you that."

Micah was learning with remotes, and the twins were learning some of the tricks I learned early on.

Kendra was showing no signs of Force besides the ones she had exhibited at birth. I was glad of the possibility of having a child who didn't levitate its baby cereal and drop it on my head.

But, I digress. My eight month old daughter was happy. She had forgiven me for her four month abandonment.

But her eighth month of living out of my womb was a cause for sorrow for me, marking the anniversary of my husband's sacrifice. I remembered how poorly I repaid that sacrifice. I do even today.

But on that first year I was totally miserable. Luke took the children out for an outing to the Coruscant Zoo while I meditated before the ashes of my husband.

I stayed in front of them for hours, just meditating, thinking about that day, wishing that I could get a verbal acceptance of my silent apology.

When Luke brought my children back, it startled me, and I then realized I had ben levitating a few feet, and had fallen hard on my rump.

"You okay?"

I rubbed my backside, "Everything by my pride. Did they behave?"

"Yes. They did as a matter-of-fact."

"Good. Will you be staying for dinner?"

"No. I need to be getting on home. But, if you would join me tomorrow night it would please me."

I frowned. "We'll see."

He nodded and left.

"Mama, why did Luke ask you on a date?" Markus asked.

"Because he is an adult. I don't think I'm going to go. Too much effort to keep in not awkward."

"Luke likes you like that, Mom?"

"I'm afraid he might."

"Go!" Micah said.

"Micah, why should I go?"

"Because you are sad. Luke is sad. You could be sad together, and maybe make a happy."

"We'll vote. Even the twins."

We voted on paper slips. Three votes Yes. Three votes No.

"Okay…it's a tie."

"Who in their right mind would vote yes?" Tobi growled.

Micah and the twins raised their hands.

"Why you three little devils…"

"It's for your own good, Mama."

What would Darryl want me to do?

My mind went flooding to how I felt about Darryl, and how I felt about Luke.

"Kids, I just don't know what to do."

"Luke is nice," Rube stated.

"Yes, he is nice, but I don't' love him the same way I loved…"

"Love Daddy," Tobi finished.

"Exactly."

"But you do love him?" Micah scowled.

"Luke raised me. He's more like a father than a potential husband would be."

My comlink went berserk.

"Asenath, get up here!" Luke's voice bellowed.

"Markus, Tobi, you're in charge. Stay here. Markus, get out Darryl's blaster, code is DES, and Tobi get your real saber. Micah and down, do as they tell you. Micah, use Markus' stun gun."

I ran to the lift and rode up the five floors. The doors opened on a bloody scene.

Dismembered sith lay everywhere. Their bodies already beginning to rot. Written in blood upon the wall was:

Sing my praises bitches.

Love your pal,

Jin

"Why?" Luke managed to mutter.

"Because he has to do it his way or no way. Pack a bag and send a droid cleaning crew up. You can stay with us for the time being."

"Thanks."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ /\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Luke had to stay for three days. The carpeting had to be replaced. The walls needed to be stripped and re-painted. The furniture replaced. It had become a huge redecorating fiasco.

Luke slept in my bed, and I slept with the girls on the floor. I liked being so close to Kendra, but I realized she often woke up the other girls, but they thankfully didn't seem to mind.

Once Luke's apartment was deemed fit to live in, he moved back. It had been updated in a really weird way.

The walls were light pink. There were statues that were nude. There was a unique selection of art placed upon the walls. It looked like an art museum.

"Ummmmmmmmmmmmm…"

"Don't. Say. A word," Luke groaned.

"Bantha."

"I said not a word."

"Get it re-done."

"You don't need to tell me twice. Let's get out of here."

Luke re-called upon the droids for a more, classy, normal approach.

This time he stayed with his sister.

(I assume Han yelled at him for being a pedophile and cradle robber again).

I realized it was time to make my position of "you are more like a parent than a dating prospect, because that would be creepy" known to Luke.