CHAPTER TEN
Earth
Skywalker Residence
Han and Leia had finally arrived. Luke and Mara's house was the first place they stopped. Han wanted to check on the children.
"Mr. Solo you've come back. I regret to say that Neither Mr. Skywalker nor Mrs. Skywalker are here," a young girl bit her lip.
"It's ok Samantha. Mara sent us to watch the kids. You may leave now."
"Ok. Bye Ben and Ami!" The girl called upstairs. Leia's eyes widen when two children, both blond and blue eyed one boy and one girl came running down the stairs.
"Bye Sammie!" They hugged the girl.
"You be good for your Uncle Han. Your parents should be back soon."
"Ok Sammie!" The children letted her go and ran for Han.
"Uncle Han!"
"Ben! Ami!" Han bent down and hugged both twins. "You've been good for Sammie?"
"Don't be stupid! Of course!" Ben giggled.
"Who's this?" The little girl looked at Leia.
"This is your daddy's sister, my wife, Aunt Leia. Leia, this is your niece and nephew Ben Kenobi Skywalker and Amidala Padme' Skywalker," Han introduced.
"Hello. I'm sorry this is the first time we're meeting each other, but I hope we become great friends in the future," Leia bent down to greet the children.
The children grinned and rushed into her arms, welcoming her as their aunt. They both were so much like Luke. Acceptance, no question asked. "Will you stay with us until Mommy and daddy get home?"
"Well, first I have to go and help your daddy get better, then I'll return. I promise," Leia brushed their hair out of their eyes.
"Come on kids. Let's drive Aunt Leia to the hospital to see your daddy," Han ushered the children out the door.
*
Luke was awake, glancing at a magazine when Leia arrived. She gasps in surprise and just stood in the doorway and watched him flip through the magazine. She couldn't believe that the pale extraordinarily thin man in the bed was once her vibrant brother who sported a healthy tan and was of normal weight. Reaching out through the force, she could tell that he was weakening rapidly. It was a good thing Mara reached her so fast.
Sensing her presence, Luke glanced to the door. His red rimmed eyes widened as he recognized his sister. "Leia…I guess Mara got to you after all."
Leia nodded. "Yes she did. Oh Luke, you look awful."
Luke laughed. "We haven't seen each other in years and one of the first things you tell me is that I look awful."
"Luke…I…"
"Well it is true isn't it? I have looked better…even when Vader cut off my hand. I suppose you have my wife locked up on Coruscant awaiting her execution?"
"I had no choice Luke. If I could let her go I would. For your sake I would, but I can't. I told them not to do anything until my return if it makes you feel any better."
"How can it. The woman I love is waiting to die and there's nothing I can do about it. Not only that, but I will be left alone to raise two children."
"They're beautiful Luke," Leia quickly changed the subject. "They're just like you. So accepting and trusting…"
"Mara adored those kids," Luke thoughtfully replied.
Leia opened her mouth to say something again, but before any words can be said a nurse enters.
"You must be the sister," The nurse nodded. "Would you like to sign the papers authorizing the transplant.
Leia nodded. "Yeah. Sure. I'll be back Luke."
"Leia!"
Leia turned to look at her brother. "Yes?"
"It's good to see you again. I've missed you."
Leia smiled slightly. "I missed you too Luke. Hopefully we can rebuild our relationship after this is over."
Luke only smiled slightly and went back to looking at his magazine.