Snowhere to Go: Chapter Two
I was beyond excited to be with Padmé again. It had been years since I'd seen her. Ten, to be exact. The last time I saw her was at the Unity Day Celebration in Theed. I'd dreamed about her several times in the past few years and in those dreams, she always appeared as an angel. During the celebration, she was radiant and dressed all in white. That's how I remembered her. She smiled at me then in a way similar to how my mother used to, but different at the same time: Caring, kind, and loving.
During the lift ride to her apartment, Master Kenobi suggested I calm down. My nervousness was buzzing along our training bond. I couldn't hide it. Seeing her again felt like visiting home – a place my mother had always tried to keep as welcoming and comfortable as possible.
When we entered the apartment and I saw her, that's immediately the way I felt - like I was home. Warmth spread through my body and colored my face. I grinned stupidly from ear to ear and she smiled back, even though she wasn't directing it at me.
I had learned a lot since coming to the Jedi Temple and becoming Master Kenobi's padawan learner. There were procedures of decorum in society each system deemed important. Galactic City was no different. So, of course, Padmé was going to address my Master first. He was the older of the two of us.
"It's so good to see you again, Master Kenobi. It's been a while."
It's been ten years! I wanted to shout, but I held my tongue. I hadn't yet been addressed. But wait…Why was she blushing? Perhaps the environmental controls in her apartment were set too high, or maybe she was dressed too warmly. It seemed pretty warm in here to me.
Hold on. I missed something. What were they talking about?
"…and when he tripped on your gown during the turn of that last waltz…"
What waltz?
"And you kept him from falling into the Turuvian pudding? You saved him so much embarrassment, Obi-Wan! The entire planet of Xalaxia has you to thank for that! You prevented a galactic crisis!"
"Honestly I was trying to save you the embarrassment. Not him. Senator Xolta literally has three left feet. I was astonished you managed to dance with him at all."
Wait a minute! Padmé and Master Obi-Wan attended a dance? Together? When was this? Where was I? I don't remember him mentioning anything about a dance! I'd heard enough!
"Hello, Senator." So much for decorum. Master Kenobi could drill me about the rules later.
"Anni! My, you've grown."
Another stupid grin spread across my face, but I couldn't help myself. She was so beautiful. "So have you. Uhm…grown more beautiful…I mean."
Way to go, Anakin. I chided myself. Nice save. I wondered if that door on the other side of the common room led to a closet I could hide in.
"The Chancellor mentioned a committee meeting on Alderaan. Do you expect trouble?"
As usual, Master Kenobi stepped in to save me from making a fool of myself. More than I already had, of course. And yet again, the Senator's face took on a rosy tint. It was charming, but I was beginning to wonder what it was all about.
"Uhm…no. Not necessarily. I just…uhm…"
"There are reports of Separatist attacks all over the galaxy," her handmaiden stepped up to say. This young woman's lack of propriety didn't earn any looks of distaste as mine had. "The Chancellor thought it was necessary to assign extra protection for the Senator. With the upcoming vote and all."
"Oh yes," Master Obi-Wan agreed. "The Military Creation Act. Of course, we'd be happy to escort you. I just didn't realize the Separatists had caused any trouble in this area, or anywhere near Alderaan for that matter."
A moment of silence passed, which was rather uncomfortable – even for me. I usually never noticed such things. Master Obi-Wan says my focus is always wandering too much for the study of specific details like that.
"Dormé is correct," the Senator finally spoke up. "One can never be too safe. If it's all right with you two, we can leave within the hour. My personal security has already prepared the ship."
"As you wish," Master Kenobi replied with a respectful and quick bow.
I didn't know what to think. It was a confusing exchange all around. What was even more confusing was the fact that I could've sworn I saw the Senator pinch her handmaiden's arm as we all headed toward the lift.
Something wasn't right.