The Heart of Destiny
Author: Laura Kenobi
Disclaimer: Unfortunately for me, I don't own Star Wars. I do, however, own any original characters, planets, etcetera that I created for this story.
Archive: Please contact me first!
Comments/Reviews: You can email me through my profile, and you can always leave a review!
Author's Notes: ((italics)) represents thoughts and / italics / represents communication through the Force.
This story was first published in its original version beginning on June 21, 2001. In July 2005, I decided that since four years had passed and my skills as a writer had undoubtedly improved since this story was first written and posted, it might be refreshing to return to this story and give it a fresh look and an update. For the most part the overall story remains the same - my goal has been to improve on and expand on the original, so I hope the result will prove enjoyable to all of you who are wonderful enough to read and review. The version of this story below is the updated version. Call it the "Special Edition" version of this story.
Summary: Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn start out on a mission, and a lifetime of memories follow.
Chapter Ten
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Gwen had been feeling sick for a couple of weeks, and had not told Obi-Wan. It had become increasingly worse, so she decided to visit the medical unit in the Naboo palace, worried she may have picked up the illness while on a previous mission.
But what the doctor had said had nothing to do with a virus.
She was pregnant! Pregnant with Obi-Wan's child!
((The timing could not be any worse.)) She decided, her happiness momentarily fading.
Obi-Wan had been unusually tense for days, ever since he had gotten the note as they arrived. He still hadn't told her what it had said, trying to save her the worry, she knew.
This would be something else for him to worry about. Gwen knew he would worry about this more than anything else. She wondered if she should keep it a secret, but decided that she couldn't lie to him. She needed to tell him; it was his right to know.
She shook her head. It mattered little now that he would worry. She was on her way to tell him, and it was too late to change her mind.
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Obi-Wan was restless. It had been a week since he had received the threatening note written in blood. Nothing had happened yet; Obi-Wan thought it may have been the most non-violent week he had ever experienced.
Anakin had proposed to Padmé, much to her delight, and their marriage was scheduled for the following week. Very soon, Obi-Wan thought, but it was meant to be. He had never been so sure of anything. They were meant to be together.
((But why?)) he pondered. No answer came to him.
"Obi-Wan?"
Gwen stood at the door. He had agreed to let her and Anakin out of his sight for a short period of time, although it was against his better judgment. He was glad to see her standing there, looking beautiful as always.
"You look beautiful."
"We really need to talk," she ignored his compliment, entering the room and sitting down beside him at the table.
"I just want you to know that I don't want you to worry about this... you have enough to worry about right now," she began.
Obi-Wan smiled encouragingly at her, but raised an eyebrow. "I'll have to decide for myself whether I need to worry." The comment was half in jest, and half serious. He knew he would probably worry.
The answer did not satisfy her, but she continued.
"Obi-Wan... I'm – I..." Obi-Wan wondered briefly how worried he needed to be. Had she received a note like his?
"Obi-Wan, I'm pregnant."
Obi-Wan found it surprising that his jaw didn't hit the floor. ((Pregnant?))
He stuttered for words, but couldn't find the right ones. He leaned over and lifted her chin, looking into her expectant eyes.
((Pregnant... I'll be a father...))
"I... I don't know what to say. This is... surprising." He said, realizing instantly that it was the wrong thing to say. She looked scared.
"Very exciting, but surprising," he added, trying to redeem himself. A broad smile split his face. Regardless of the situation, he couldn't help but be happy. Happier than he had felt in some time.
"A child," he breathed into her hair, "our child." He laughed uncertainly, and felt his wife's laughter on his neck.
"I wasn't sure if I should tell you... you already have so much to worry about."
"No," he said, pulling back and looking into her eyes again, "I'm glad you told me. We'll be fine. You'll be fine. Better than fine!" He allowed his excitement to surface momentarily. "I promise."
He leaned over and kissed her, and Gwen wondered if perhaps all the evil would just float away...
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"Master! How am I supposed to survive this? I'm terrified!" Anakin Skywalker looked like he was about to go jump off a cliff into an erupting volcano. Obi-Wan laughed, remembering.
"You'll be fine, Anakin. Trust me. I was just like this when it was my wedding day."
Anakin smiled sheepishly. "Do you think Padmé is as nervous as me?"
Obi-Wan remembered the same question coming from his mouth, and Qui-Gon's assurance. "I'm certain of it."
Anakin laughed. "Then I feel sorry for her!"
Obi-Wan grasped his apprentice's shoulder warmly. "You'll be fine, Padawan. Just stay calm. Padmé will love you the same no matter what. Remember that."
"Thank you, Master."
"It's the least I can do, Anakin." Obi-Wan smiled broadly. ((The least I can do...))
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End Chapter 10.
The next chapter will be longer! Thanks for reading! - Laura