A/N: IMPORTANT NOTE, PLEASE READ.

Soooo... this chapter touches on something that I am passionate about and while Fanfiction is meant to be more of an escape from harsher realities, this was something I really wanted to include for some personal reasons. This is a trigger warning that domestic violence is mentioned, more implicit and not described in any detail, but it is clear that the subject matter is of that nature. I put a line before and after a specific incident is described for those who do not feel comfortable reading that so they can skip over it.

For those in the US, this is the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233. You are not alone.

On a less serious note, instead of doing my research methods homework I worked on this instead because research methods is mean and I'm awful at it. Fanfiction is much better than homework. I hope you guys are doing well and staying safe. As always thank you for your support.

Oh and totally unrelated question, would you guys want a sequel to this or have it be one big story? Cause here's the deal, I have like three big segments of this story and don't know if it should be one giant story or three regular sized stories. Let me know what you think :)

Summary: Padme Amidala built bridges with people, especially with her 4th grade students. When new student Ahsoka joins her class, she is ready to start building a bridge to the young girl. Anakin Skywalker doesn't trust easily, especially when his little sister is involved. But he's drawn to the 4th grade teacher and willing to trust Padme with the darker battles his family is facing.

Chapter Eleven

Padme Amidala had always been a morning person, she loved getting up early, starting the day with the sun. It had served her well over the years, but sometimes even the morning person slept a little later than normal. Today was one such day, she wasn't upset thought since she still had plenty of time to get to school. Most mornings she would make herself breakfast, but as she was running a bit late, she decided to just head and stop at her café. Placing her order on her phone before she even got in the car so it would be ready by the time she got there. The wonders of technology would never cease to amaze her.

Padme parked her car out front and made her way inside, ready to wait for her food and drink to be ready then she could get to school with time to spare. Standing off to the side where the online orders would be placed, she waited and took out her phone to give herself something to do. Her planner was the first to come up, reminding her of her date tonight with Anakin.

The last two dates they had been on had been absolutely blissful. The two were getting along great, she had never been so happy and was certain this was the honeymoon phase, but it felt so much better than that. Tonight they were going to the movies, he hadn't told her what they were seeing, but she had a feeling it was the new movie she had been talking about. Her food and drink were brought over to her, she took them gratefully and made her way back to her car.

"Padmé, wait!"

Padme felt ever muscle in her body tense, her heart froze before it started to pound too hard in her chest. She felt cold and it had nothing to do with the chilling air of November. Putting on her blank mask, she turned to the sound of the voice to see someone she didn't want to see ever again.

"Take one step closer and I will call the police," she said coldly, her brown eyes narrowed.

"I just wanted to talk," he said, hands raised in surrender to show he meant no harm.

Padme didn't believe it, "I have a restraining order and it's nowhere near close to expiring, so I suggest you walk away now before I report you for breaching it. Leave Rush."

"I'm not here to hurt you," Rush said earnestly.

Padme scoffed, "Because you've done enough of that already. Walk away."

Rush didn't move from his spot, "I'm worried about you and that new family in town the Skywalkers right-"

"Stop talking," Padme interrupted firmly, "I do not care what you have to say about them."

"You should know there's more to their story," Rush told her softly.

"And whatever that more might be, I'll hear is from them. Go away Clovis, now," Padme snapped at him, her voice had risen in volume.

Padmé got her car door open and set her items down, but before she could get in her car, Clovis was on the other side of the door. A pulse fear went though her followed by a wave of anger. Her mask was broken, if looks could kill, he would have died on the spot.

"I'm just trying to look out for you Star," Rush explained.

"Don't you 'Star' me, I don't need anyone least of all you looking out for me," Padme shouted at him, the control she had vanished. "You disgust me. I am not your fiancée anymore, you have no right to invade my personal life and so help me if you dare to breach the restraining order again I will not hesitate to drag your ass to court again where you will serve jail time rather get a simple slap on the wrist. Do I make myself clear?!"

Padme did not wait for him to answer, she got into her car and slammed the door closed as hard as she could. Not wasting time, she backed out of the parking lot and away from him. She thought by the time she made it to the school her heart would have settled and her emotions no longer running so high, but she was wrong. So very wrong. By the time she made it to her classroom, the anger had yet to leave her and all she could feel was rage, sorrow and the lingering of fear.

Suddenly she was no longer in the present, but several long months ago in the past crying her eyes out in a gas station bathroom waiting for her sister to get her or sitting in front of her vanity applying too much make up or feeling she was walking on eggshells because danger was too close. Padme took an uneasy breath as she took a seat at her desk, trying to ger herself to calm down. Her eyes burned and she mentally kicked herself for it, this shouldn't be her reaction, why was this her reaction? Padmé took another breath, it was just as uneasy as the other, but at least it was deeper and allowed more air to get into her lungs.

When the first bell rang signaling for students to make their way to their classrooms, Padme still felt like she couldn't get enough air into her lungs and she wanted to disappear. Part of her was sorely tempted to get into the panic room she had for her students, but she forced herself to put on her mask. Soon as her students came in with their bright smiles, she shoved all the dark emotions she felt down as far as she could and put on a brave face.

Lots of people had a sixth sense, Ahsoka was one of those people, she was sure of it. Whenever someone didn't seem to be alright, she always knew it right away. She could just feel when someone else wasn't themselves, even if they were acting fine, she knew better. Obi Wan told her that she must be an empath, able to gage the feelings of others. It could have been considered a gift. Today, Ms. Amidala was not herself and no one else seemed to notice. The way Ms. Amidala had been giving her lessons, the far off look she had on recess duty, her being jumpy, it told Ahsoka something must have been really wrong. So when carpool came and went, Ahsoka knew that this would be her chance to find out.

"Are you okay," Ahsoka asked when the two were back in the classroom.

Ms. Amidala was caught off guard by her question, "I am. Why do you ask?"

Ahsoka frowned, "You've been sad all day. Did something happen? Maybe I can help."

Padme let out a huff with a smile, "Nothing gets past you does it?"

Ahsoka shook her head, her smile wide, "Nope. Obi Wan says I'm like empath and it's like my sixth sense."

"That's very special," Padme told her, "And it just wasn't a very good day today."

Ahsoka pouted, "Was it cause Steela and I got into a fight? Or when Caleb and Ventress were arguing?"

"It has nothing to do with you kids," Padme assured her, "Just some grown up things. But thank you for your concern."

Ahsoka wasn't satisfied with the answer, but she knew whenever someone said grown up things, it meant she couldn't know about it. On the hand it made her angry because she wasn't some kid who couldn't understand bad things, she'd seen bad stuff already. However right now it just made her sad because if she couldn't know about it, then how was she supposed to help. An idea struck her, she knew exactly what to do, but she wouldn't tell Ms Amidala what it was.

"Would it make you feel better if you told me about that new senator," Ahsoka asked, "I saw a debate last night with Obi Wan."

Padme gave Ahsoka a gentle smile for that. The young girl had taken a minor interest in politics, though she only actually cared about the arguing parts and wanted to learn to argue like that. A few of her students had shown an interest so Padmé said if they get stay on track, she would talk to them about how politics worked and debates.

It wasn't a secret that Padmé found the realm of politics fascinating, her students had pointed out how excited she got when talking about it and made sure to ask her whenever possible. Usually to get her off track, which she never did, but sometimes they were genuinely interested. Padme knew why Ahsoka was asking and was grateful for it. For the duration of their time together, Padme talked about it, answering all of Ahsoka's questions and enjoying the distraction.

Anakin was disappointed as he got home at six. Originally he was supposed to meet Padme in thirty minutes, he'd been looking forward to seeing her all day, but she had texted him earlier to cancel. That something had come up and she couldn't make it. His response was a sad emoji, but that he couldn't wait until the next time they met. Her response was flat. It made his worry sky rocket. Something must be wrong, he just knew it. Was it something he had done? Maybe she was having more doubts about their secret relationship? Did she lose a loved one? Was she in danger?

All kinds of questions and scenarios rushed through his mind, but none of them seemed to make him feel better. His paranoia had shot through him, nothing seemed to calm it down. He took a seat on the couch by the fireplace with a heavy breath, there was likely a very rational explanation as to why she cancelled. Something came up, maybe she had to meet her sister or she called last minute for that volunteer work she does at shelters. It could have been anything.

Pounding feet reached his ears, definitely Ahsoka. While he always had time for her if she needed him, he really wasn't in the mood for any antics right now. As childish as some would call it, all he wanted to do was brood.

"No running!" That was Cody. Obi Wan must not be home.

Ahsoka jumped down the last few steps before she sprinted over to where Anakin was sitting in the living room. First thing he noticed he was the hat she almost never took off wasn't on and her 'orange' braids were starting to fade. Even though all the brothers could do her hair, Obi Wan was especially good at it, oftentimes they would take Ahsoka to get it done. This way she could watch and learn from women who had skin and hair like her.

Anakin next noticed she was in her wushu practice uniform which looked like the standard martial arts uniform only it was burgundy red. With Ahsoka busy at practice, Obi Wan working, Rex working and Cody out of the house with Ahsoka, it would have been the perfect time for him and Padme to spend time together. That same disappointment started to crush his chest and he felt pressure building in his forehead.

"Where's the fire Snips," Anakin asked mildly curious.

Ahsoka answered as she walked around the couch to stand in front of him, "Ms Amidala was really sad today."

Anakin raised an eyebrow, he was very interested, but tried to keep his face passive. In order to make sure he seemed not hooked on the next words she said about Padme, he'd throw in a different topic. "Okay? Also, are you washing your face? Your skin looks dryer than normal."

"My face is fine," Ahsoka protested, she shook her head, "That doesn't matter right now. What matters is that Ms Amidala was so upset today."

Anakin shrugged, "Everyone has their off days."

Ahsoka shook her head again, "No Skyguy, this was different. I think something bad happened."

Anakin hated when she said that, she was usually right, "Alright. What do you want to do about it then?"

"I think you could make her feel better," Ahsoka told him with the certainty of a ten year old, "The two of you are always smiling when you get me from school. You should take her out on a date so she can feel better."

Anakin blinked at her before he let out a few soft laughs. That had to be irony. His sister wanted him to take Padme on a date to make her feel better. Considering Padme had cancelled their date, he wasn't sure that was the best idea. Of course he wasn't going to tell her that.

"I'm not sure about that," Anakin told her.

Ahsoka huffed, "It wouldn't have to be like a date- date, it could just be friends hanging out. Come on Skyguy, I think she could use a friend to talk about grown up things."

Anakin thought about that for a moment, maybe he could surprise her with some flowers, her favorite wine and chocolate? She'd also been talking about this spa basket for awhile, he could bring that for her as well. A plan formed in his mind, he'd get the stuff and go to her house. It was possible that she wouldn't be home, so if she wasn't he would just leave the items on the little table she had outside her door with a note.

"Okay," Anakin said with a nod, "I'll do that. Only because it might help make her feel better."

Ahsoka grinned widely, "Yes! You're the best."

Anakin chuckled softly. Ahsoka telling him to ask her teacher out on a date when the pair were already dating was funny to him. When the truth came out, it would certainly be something to laugh about. Not wasting any time, Anakin left the house to get a bouquet of her favorite flower, millaflowers, some cherry wine, the spa basket and a heart box of dove chocolate.

About the time they would have met at the movies, Anakin had arrived at her house holding the flowers in his gloved hand, the wine and chocolate in a basket that was filled with all kinds of spa stuff on his other arm. As he made his way over to her front door, he couldn't help, but to feel like a teenager about to ask her to be his valentine or prom. The thought made him laugh lightly. He'd asked others to be his valentine before, many said yes and plenty said no. He had a strong feeling Padme would say yes. Once at the door, he rang the doorbell and waited.

After a few minutes he wondered if he should ring the bell again or send her a text to see if she was home. However just before he could make a decision the door opened. Padme stood before him still dressed in her work outfit. He was ready to tell her she looked beautiful as always when he noticed her red rimmed eyes, dripping mascara, red cheeks and messy appearance. It was as if she'd been crying for a while.

"Anakin," she greeted, her voice hoarse.

"Angel, what happened," Anakin asked, his tone worried and sincere.

Padmé opened her mouth to answer, but she could barely sputter a reply and she hated it. She hated that it took one conversation to unravel her, that everything she thought she worked through came rushing back all over again. It took a minute to register that she was in Anakin's arms in her house, him whispering all sorts of reassurances into her ear, rubbing her back and letting his fingers stroke her hair. When she took a deep breath he smelled like motor oil, leather and something warm, embers maybe? She wasn't sure and she didn't quite care, she loved the way he smelled. Anakin kissed the top of her head. For the first time since this morning, Padme felt like she could breathe easier.

"Sorry I'm such a- such a mess right now," Padme said as she stepped back wiping the stray tears.

Anakin's eyes shined as he replied, "You have nothing to apologize for. Have you eaten yet?"

Padme shook her head no.

"How about we do this. I have this lovely basket," Anakin said as he bent down to pick up the basket, "In here are some spa treatments, the Naboo beach ones you talked about before, to help you relax. Take these and spend as long as you like just letting out the tension. I've also been told I'm great at giving back massages, so don't be shy if you want one. While you treat yourself, I will make you a fantastic dinner."

"Ani, you don't, you don't have to, to do all that," Padme said softly.

Anakin replied swiftly, "Tonight I am but your humble servant milady. Anything you wish is my command."

He took out the wine and chocolate and gave the other supplies to Padme for her to inspect. A moment later, her brown eyes lifted to meet his blue ones and he could tell she liked it which made him feel pretty smug and relieved. Part of him was worried he would have gotten the wrong one, so he was definitely pleased to see he had gotten the right one.

"Thank you," Padme said, genuinely touched by it.

Anakin kissed her forehead, "Of course. Now off you go madam senator, I've got a great dinner surprise for you."

Padmé wiped at her eyes with a smile, "Don't start a stove fire like last time."

"That wasn't my fault, your pan was just defective," he said with a teasing grin.

Padme rolled her eyes, he blames everything, but himself. Still amused, she disappeared into her room to do as he asked and try to relax. About forty minutes later, Anakin was finishing up a lovely set up of Italian cuisine that could be smelled throughout the entire house. There was traditional spaghetti and meatball along with chicken alfredo, he had made some garlic bread and caesar salad as their side items. Dessert would come later and they had some red wine to top it off. When all the food was ready, Padme emerged from her room and entered the kitchen dressed in some lounge clothes. Yellow leggings and an orange top, the combination looked like a sunset if Anakin was being honest, but she looked beautiful. Her cheeks were rosy, her eyes no longer as red. There was still some weariness there, however that was to be expected.

"It smells wonderful," Padme said coming over to him, "Anything I can do to help?"

Anakin smiled at her, "I have everything taken care of. All you have to do, is exist."

Padme rolled her eyes, but she loved it. Anakin had really out done himself tonight, the food was incredible, he spent the entire meal making her laugh, telling her the most outrageous stories from work or about his brothers. He was currently telling her about one of his managers at his shop who had been causing trouble and Anakin had to step in like a hero, she knew this story was exaggerated, but she enjoyed it nonetheless. For the hour it took them to get through the meal, Padme remained mostly silent and Anakin didn't push her to speak, filling the silence for the both of them. It was when dinner ended, the leftovers stored and dishes cleaned did some silence settle over them before Padme started to speak.

The two of them were sitting on the couch, his arm wrapped around her as she rested against him. The Real Housewives of Felucia was on and though Anakin didn't care for the show or knew a single thing that was going on, he enjoyed listening to Padme explain to him what was happening, who was who and the drama that this girl caused with that girl. There was a lot more going on than he would have guessed, the second episode he found more entertaining now that he knew their names. After a two glasses of wine and the third episode started did Padme begin to talk about what was floating around her mind.

"You're probably wondering what that was about," Padme said softly, not looking at him.

Anakin squeezed her shoulder, "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

"I just don't want you to look at me differently," Padme admitted, she turned her gaze to him and he saw how vulnerable she felt in her eyes, "I want to tell you, but I'm worried about your reaction."

"I promise you, whatever it is I will not judge you," Anakin told her sincerely, he brought his hand to her cheek as he continued, "I'm here for you Padme. In whatever way you need. I know we haven't been together that long, but I love you and nothing will change that."

Padme wasn't surprised to hear that, she was relieved to hear it and she felt her heart swell, "I love you too."

Padme leaned forward, closing the distance between them and giving him a soft kiss that he returned. It was short, painfully short, but nonetheless sweet and gave Padme the confidence she needed so that she could tell him the truth. As they pulled slightly apart, Padme searched his eyes for any deception, for any clue that this wasn't real and found none. All she saw in those brilliant blue eyes was love and concern, it was enough to make her want to cry again, but she forced herself to remain composed. She was going to need that composure if she intended to tell him her story. Holding his hand tightly, trusting in his words, she made her decision.

"I never did the whole dating around thing in high school, I went on maybe two dates then and a few more in college, but they never went anywhere. It wasn't until college that I had a serious boyfriend, I met him my sophomore year in a polisci class. Rush Clovis, junior," Padme said softly, saying his name made her stomach knot and throat tighten, "We became fast friends and then we dated. It was… perfect on paper. He was charming, headstrong, he seemed to care deeply about others. But there were things… Little things, I realize now they were warning signs, that came up, but what couple didn't get into arguments or have problems? It was normal. Things were good between us, we became a power couple. He asked me to marry him after graduation and I said yes."

That was news to Anakin, not what he expected, but he remained quiet, not wanting to interrupt her. He noticed her expression turned to one of anger and regret.

"We moved in together for our engagement period and that was when I started noticing more things… Our arguments would end up with him screaming at me and me screaming back, only for him to just yell louder, harsher. He would, he threw things, broke so many things. Every other day it seemed like some new fight, some new problem, something else I did wrong and more broken things everywhere. But he'd always apologize after, buy me the nicest flowers and prettiest jewelry. Like a fool, I always forgave him because I was certain I loved him and he loved me…" Padme visibly swallowed, this was going to be the hardest part. "Our wedding day was still months away, our fights got worst to the point… He... he hit me, shoved me down. I didn't fight back… He would storm away, then return with some gift and I accepted it thinking it was one time. But it kept happening and I knew something was wrong, but I did nothing."

Anger flooded Padme's senses, she hated that she hadn't done anything sooner, that she hadn't paid attention to the warning signs, that she had just let it happen. The memory of his hands on her, the bruises he left that she hid. If only she had acted different, only she had fought back sooner she could have saved herself so much pain. It didn't matter what anyone told her, she had been weak then and she felt weak now. She was strong, she was supposed to be stronger than that, but she let it happen. Therapists told her it wasn't her fault, that it was never her fault, but she got herself into the position right? How could she possibly be blameless? Her eyes burned with angry tears that she wouldn't shed.

Padme let go of his hand and brought it up to her temple, she moved her hair for a moment then showed it to him. There was a spot where the hair was much shorter and he could see the spot of her scalp and the scar.

"One particular night, he'd been upset and I'd pushed him in the argument," Padme said letting her hand fall, "He hit me so hard, I tried to run, to move, but I wasn't fast enough. I never seemed to be fast enough… He got a good punch to eye, the force of it knocked me down, hit my head on the coffee table… The wooden corner cut open my head and the glass pieces shattered everywhere… It was so lucky my neighbors were home, they called the police when they heard us shouting before. They had arrived shortly after I went down…. Next thing I knew I was in the hospital, my sister by my side along with parents. They each had the same question, why didn't I tell them and my answer was, I couldn't…"

Anakin felt his heart break. That never should have happened to her, she was meant to be cherished and treated like a queen. No one deserved that. He forced himself to remain calm, it would do Padme no good for her to see him angry and lose his temper, not when that was something she had to fear for so long. If he ever saw this man, it would be a fight on the spot. No one deserved to be put through that. Putting your hands on the people you love was never alright.

Padme took a steadying breath as she continued, "After that, I knew I couldn't stay. I threw away the ring, the wedding was off and I got a restraining order. It's been one year since it was filed, give or take some weeks… This morning when I stopped for coffee, he was there and- and I just, I shut down. Just the sight of him and it- it all, it just all-"

Anakin saw Padme's struggle for words and just pulled her into his arms, to hug her, to remind her that she was no alone, that she was never alone. A shuddering breath left her as she wrapped her arms around him, tears slipping down her cheeks again.

Anakin combed his fingers through her hair, "I am so sorry. He never should have put his hands on you. He was wrong, it's his fault, not yours. Never yours. If you know nothing else, know that you are not to blame."

Padme hugged him tighter, she couldn't find it in her to speak.

"You are so beautiful and worthy of the very best this world has to offer. I cannot say I am the best, but I will spend everyday of my life trying to be. He will never hurt you again, I won't let him," Anakin said, his voice filled with so much passion it caught Padme by surprise, "I will never, ever hurt you Padme. I know my words mean nothing, but I will prove it to you. You are safe with me."

Padme took in his scent, she felt safe, she believed him as she pulled back, she told him, "I know you aren't Clovis. I've learned my lesson."

Anakin kissed her forehead, "You shouldn't have had to go through that. I am so sorry you did. You deserve only the best and greatest things this world has to offer. I love you, so much and to know that you have this pain, it hurts. So know that I will do everything in my power to help you, in whatever way you need."

"Just hold me, for as long as you can," Padme whispered.

Anakin brought her back into his arms, "I'll hold you for as long as you'll let me."

And all night, he did hold her in his arms and she had never felt quite so safe before.