Jaina's Journa_Entry_24
"Welcome to the Bachelor/Bachelorette Party"
By Obi's Girl
Note: This is the last fic before 'The Wedding'
Boy, I wish tomorrow were today. Only another 24 hours until I have to walk down that aisle. It's funny. A year ago I never thought this would happen; I almost lost Jag three times now. The first time I was lucky enough to have a premonition before hand so I could save him. The second time, his x- wing was shot down. The hours he was inside that bacta tank, I blamed myself. It was my plan that almost got him killed and the third time, though it wasn't fatal, he almost left me.
I huffed, plopping down on my dresser chair. I've decided, against my own judgment, if something goes wrong, it's just not meant to be. I know. I don't want to leave Jag at the alter, but if some crisis prevents us from being together, maybe that's the Force's way of saying we're not destined to be together. I rolled my eyes, picking up my brush.
Oh screw the Force! I love Jag and I'm not leaving. I smiled to myself, as some COM'd my door. I shrugged, still combing my hair, "Come in!"
Tenel Ka entered, followed by my Aunt Mara (though I could make out three or more people, anxiously waiting outside). That could mean only one thing: Bachelorette Party. I glanced at Tenel. She was keeping her distance, sheltering herself in the darkness. I switched my gaze to my Aunt Mara. Her pregnancy was becoming more and more obvious. I was almost tempted to reach out, using the Force to see the gender but decided against it. "What is it?" As if I had to ask. I knew.
Mara cleared her throat, "I need to borrow you a moment, to look over the decorations. Just go over small stuff; make sure everything's okay. Your wedding is tomorrow, ya know."
I shrugged, standing up, glancing at Tenel Ka. "I know it is. Sure. Why not? I need a distraction."
~~
Wedge cleared his throat, straightening his flight jacket before he knocked on his nephews' door. Tycho and Gavin stood on his right, while Corran stood opposite them. It took awhile, but eventually, Jag answered the door, rubbing his eyes. Because the light from the hallway blinded hi, he didn't see Tycho, Gavin and Corran. "Uncle? What is it? It's late."
He shrugged, "Jag, you're going to be married tomorrow.."
Before he could continue, Gavin thrust forward, taking Jag's right arm. "Which means tonight, we're going to play Devil's advocate and give you some advice about marriage." Jag only shrugged, grabbing a clean shirt, jacket and pants. But halfway through, he fell over his counter top, snoring. Tycho gritted his teeth as he and Corran ran over, helping him up and dragging him out his room.
Wedge shrugged, slapping his face. "This is NOT going to work."
Quietly, Corran threw him a glare, nodding, "It will work." Wedge shrugged again, following the two.
~~
I watched Tenel Ka, as she followed behind Aunt Mara. I know she didn't want to talk about Jacen, but I knew he was the reason for her emotional turnabout. I put my hand on her shoulder, stopping her in the hallway. She huffed, turning to me, placing her hand on her waist. "Jaina we're going to be late. What is it?"
"We need to talk. This can't wait anymore, Tenel. We need to talk about Jacen."
She rolled her eyes, looking away, "I told you I didn't want to talk about it." She huffed, looking at me again, "but I will talk to you when I'm ready to. That's a promise."
I smiled back, "You know I'll be here." We both looked at Mara as she tapped her foot, impatiently waiting for the both of us. I walked ahead, comforting her. "I know what this is about. There's no need to be secretive."
"Just act surprised, otherwise this whole thing will be for nothing. It was your mother's idea." She growled, ushering us into her room. The lights were off as usual, but I knew that was just protocol. As I ordered the lights, my mother, Mirax and Syal popped out from their hiding places, screaming, "Surprise!"
~~
By the time, Jag, Wedge, Tycho and Corran arrived at their destination, Jag was fully awake, well, partially anyway. Wedge glanced back at his nephew. Jag seemed to be somewhere else, probably thinking about the next day and the rest of his life with me. He smiled, stopping in front of the door. As Tycho and Corran stood off to the side, Wedge thumbed the COM and the door swooshed open.
The room was dark as the four of them entered, but once they were in the main room, the lights switched on and Han, Jacen, Luke...and even Valis jumped out, yelling surprise. Immediately, Jag bolted up, fully awake and aware of his surroundings. He even smiled as Han and Jacen approached him. Jag then turned to Valis, the co-pilot he appointed to me and his supposed friend, who was also a good liar, "It's good to see you, bro. Where have you been?" Jag asked.
Valis shrugged, "After I heard you and Lieutenant Solo were engaged, I rushed back from Chiss. Your father recalled everyone who was stationed on Coruscant, to re-group, give mission report. I told him since you were engaged, it would be better that I go in your place, so you could stay with your fiancée."
"Thanks, Valis." Jag managed, turning to Jacen, Han and Luke. "Where's Anakin? Isn't he one of the Solo men?"
Han laughed, scratching his chin, "Anakin's still too young to be attend a Bachelor party; still too young to have a girlfriend, too." Jacen nodded, and Han rolled his eyes, extending his hand to Jag, "Welcome to the family, Jag!"
Jag looked at him suspiciously before taking his hand, but Han pulled him into a hug. Jag looked worriedly at Jacen as the boy pried him off the Colonel. Han smiled, patting his shoulder, "I'm just warning you right now, kid. You know if you ever do anything to hurt Jaina, I'll kill you. Well, before I order her brother's to, anyway."
"Well, that's reassuring. I'll be sure to remember that.dad." He stammered, still shaking Han's hand.
~~
I smiled over at Tenel Ka, as Mara handed me a drink from the bar. Tenel Ka, as usual was quiet and stoic but since my wedding was tomorrow and she would most likely bump into Jacen again, I knew she had to be thinking about him. "Did you have a part in any of this?" I asked, biting my lip.
She shrugged, turned to me and rolled her eyes, "Not really. Bachelorette Parties are not customary on Hapes; they're uncivilized. They have the tendency to get out of hand."
I raised my eyebrow. I knew exactly what she was talking about but I didn't want to say anything. I laughed, watching my mom and aunt Mara talk. I 'hmmd' looking back at Tenel Ka, whom was looking at the various family photos on the mantle. Earlier, I told Tenel if she ever wanted or needed to talk, I would be here and that I wouldn't force her. But her silent reverie gave me this strong feeling she needed to talk, or maybe that was me being overly concerned.
The problem with Tenel Ka is that sometimes, no, most of the time she doesn't freely express herself the way Anakin, Jacen or I would. She keeps to herself, even her tightly locked emotions. The only time I saw her let her emotions run free was in her quarters. But even then, she wasn't ready to talk. Now, I didn't know what she was feeling or thinking --- and it was driving me crazy. Even if she wasn't ready to talk to me, I couldn't just leave her alone.
This couldn't wait any longer. I bit my lip, standing next to Tenel Ka, looking down at the frame in her hands. It was of Jacen, of course, so I knew she had to have been thinking about him. That was it! I tried smiling at her, but she didn't seem to notice or maybe she did, she just didn't acknowledge my presence. Finally, she turned to me and gestured we go into the next room. I nodded, following her.
~~
I bit my lip again as I closed the door behind us, glancing again at Tenel Ka. For the first time, I noticed that instead of wearing the Dathomerian skins I was used to growing up, she was wearing a simple loosely fit sundress. Her hair which was usually confounded with braids were replaced her loose curls, framing her face and a jeweled headband. Tenel Ka, like me, wasn't used to wearing dresses for formal matters but somehow, she managed. Well, on the outside anyway. "I'm sorry for bothering you," I mumbled, "Look, I'm sorry if I pushed you before to talk about Jacen. I didn't mean to; I was just concerned."
Tenel Ka turned to me and for the first time, I saw the true pain behind her eyes. "I've loved Jacen for as long as I can remember; even when I did not know the feeling myself. I knew I loved him," she paused, "I won't lie to you, Jaina. Jacen has always been a part of me, as I am sure he has felt the same way about me at some point." A smile curled her lips, remembering the brief time Jacen was there to make her laugh, as well as the many times she imagined herself in his arms.
I shrugged, interrupting her reverie, "I know about the special bond between you two. But just because Jacen has found someone else doesn't mean you can't still be good friends."
Tenel nodded, her smile fading, "He's changed; things are not like that anymore, Jaina." She shifted her weight, "Your brother is in love, Jaina, but it's not with me. I respect Jacen; I will not destroy his happiness. It would not be fair to him, or Danni Quee."
I nodded defiantly, almost yelling, "But you still love him! You can't just let him go."
Tenel Ka was silent a moment before replying in a monotone and emotionless voice, "I heard Zekk followed you to Coruscant to win you back." Without moving, her cold eyes slowly met mine, "How did you react when he revealed his intentions towards you?"
I laughed, brushing away my bangs, "Zekk's return is not the issue.He's irrational and dumb. I told him if he shows up tomorrow I'd kill him. And you know I'm not kidding about that."
"Fact." Tenel reasoned, "His return affected you, but you didn't allow his presence to sabotage your relationship with Colonel Jagged Fel." Regretfully, I nodded in agreement as Tenel Ka raised her chin, as if to prove something and she did. "Then I will do the same." She paused again, rolling her eyes, "but for your sake, I will talk to Jacen when time permits, but I WILL not force my feelings on him. He deserves his happiness."
"And what about your happiness?" I questioned, crossing my arms.
Tenel Ka was silent again as she started for the door, then stopped, "After the wedding, I'm leaving. I will be returning to Hapes to be with my father and mother. They both need me."
Before I could protest, she left. I rolled my eyes again, falling back on the bed. Tenel Ka still loved my brother, but she wasn't going to say anything about it; not until it was the right time. Well, things can't get any worse.
"Honey, it's time for presents!" mom called from the main room. Oh, I was wrong. It just got worse. I jumped up from the bed, leaving the small bedroom. Mirax, Mara, my mom and Syal were situated around the couch; Tenel Ka hovering behind Mara in the darkness. I wanted to talk to Tenel some more, but I knew it would have to wait until later. Maybe sometime during the reception tomorrow. I smiled, sitting behind the table as Mirax handed a gift to my mom, before finally giving it to me.
Mirax smiled, clasping his fingers together, "I know we're not exactly family, Jaina, but pretty soon, there's gonna be a lot more Corellian blood in your family."
I smiled at her, continuing to unwrap. As I folded the edges of the wrapping paper, I removed the top of the box to reveal lace.and more lace. Oh Sithspawn! This wasn't.I nodded, glancing again at Mirax, "Thanks Mirax."
"Oh c'mon girl, let's see!" Mirax urged as I removed the top of the box completely, removing the lingerie. It was actually quite beautiful and sexy. Syal and my mom only rolled their eyes; the two of them were so conservative, quite the opposite compared to my aunt Mara and Mirax. The two of them always seemed to have a wild side, especially Mara.
"Thanks again, Mirax. It's beautiful." I mumbled, quickly putting the box away. And since we're all woman here, I can pretty much guess what's going to happen next.
~~
I huffed, putting down another unwrapped gift, glancing at the chrono at the same time. It didn't take long to go through everything. Nobody brought anything big. I moaned, rolling my shoulders, glancing at mom and Syal. The two women were talking quietly with one another. Syal leaned over, whispering something to her. Leia nodded, smiling in agreement. Syal stood up, walking through the mass of paper and boxes, kneeling down next to me. "Um - Jaina, I know I'm already giving you a wedding present, a big one tomorrow but I want you to have this." she started, removing a small black box from her dress.
I smiled, taking the box in my hand and opened it. It was small silver ring, two small purple flower diamonds on the sides and in the middle, a white crystal. Syal smiled, turning the ring so the inside faced me. There was some writing on the inside, but it was in old Corellian script. "It's a small poem, written in Corellian script about finding true love." She whispered.
"Syal, this is beautiful but it's too much.I can't accept this." I cried, still admiring the ring.
"I made it. Finding the right alloy wasn't a problem, as much as getting the poem right in Corellian. And finding the right jewels." She sighed, looking at me again, "Jaina, it would mean so much to me if you accepted this ring." She smiled, pausing again, "A long time ago, I decided if Jag ever got engaged I would make his bride a ring and give it to her. I never knew who the love of his life would be, but I still made it, hoping one day I would be able to give it to her. I'm giving this ring to you, Jaina because it was meant for you."
Oh, I just love this woman! Syal by far is the most sweetest, caring and loving woman I have ever known, and she's going to be my mother-in-law. I honestly wanted to grab her in a big hug, and never let go. I sniffed again, taking the ring and sliding it onto my finger, right on top of the one Jag gave me. I cried, tightly hugging Syal as I spotted Mirax and Mara talking in the corner. Mirax had a big grin on her face, as Mara only rolled her eyes. I huffed, letting go of Syal as Mirax walked away from Mara and stood before the front door.
It was time. Mirax cleared her throat, posing in front of the door, "Ahem, may I have everyone's attention, please? Thank you. Some would like to think the evening is finished and everything is over, but there's more. So much more a girl could do to liven up the party. 'Cause honey, it needs it!" she cried, as a tall dark haired man burst into the room, dressed in an NRI suit.
I huffed, rolling my eyes, stood abruptly and walked discreetly towards Mirax. "Mirax, no offense or anything, but I think I'm going to turn in. I have a big day tomorrow."
"But Jaina, this guy gets paid by the hour! You have to stay. Look, he'll only stay for a little bit then he's gone. Promise." Mirax smiled, then frowned, drooping her shoulders, "You really want him gone?"
"Yes, I do." I retorted, glancing again at him, "Gone now preferably. But the evening was still wonderful and I love all my presents.there's no reason to ruin the evening for this sort of thing."
Mirax groaned, nodding to the young man and gesturing he stand by her. He frowned, looking at me, "You're a brave woman, Lieutenant Solo. Colonel Fel is lucky to have you."
I smiled, and then frowned, suddenly recognizing the stripper's voice. No, it couldn't be! But before I could ask, he was gone. Zekk! Oh Sithspit! He was the male stripper.. No, he couldn't, would he? I nodded, glancing at Mirax then back at my mom, Mara, Syal and Tenel Ka. Tenel's face was impassive but I had the feeling she was proud I denied the stripper. Mom and Mara felt the same way - mom who looked like she was about to break down and cry. Syal nodded, clearing her throat, "I guess that concludes the evening. Jaina, need any help with the presents?"
"Yes, thank you. Um, I'm going to turn in now. Can you guys bring them back to my apartment and clean up here?" I asked, grabbing my things. Syal nodded, as mom and Mara began to collect boxes and boxes or presents.
Well, one crisis averted.now, I just have a couple more hours until I have to wake up and get ready for my wedding..
~~
TBC
Note: This is the last fic before 'The Wedding'
Boy, I wish tomorrow were today. Only another 24 hours until I have to walk down that aisle. It's funny. A year ago I never thought this would happen; I almost lost Jag three times now. The first time I was lucky enough to have a premonition before hand so I could save him. The second time, his x- wing was shot down. The hours he was inside that bacta tank, I blamed myself. It was my plan that almost got him killed and the third time, though it wasn't fatal, he almost left me.
I huffed, plopping down on my dresser chair. I've decided, against my own judgment, if something goes wrong, it's just not meant to be. I know. I don't want to leave Jag at the alter, but if some crisis prevents us from being together, maybe that's the Force's way of saying we're not destined to be together. I rolled my eyes, picking up my brush.
Oh screw the Force! I love Jag and I'm not leaving. I smiled to myself, as some COM'd my door. I shrugged, still combing my hair, "Come in!"
Tenel Ka entered, followed by my Aunt Mara (though I could make out three or more people, anxiously waiting outside). That could mean only one thing: Bachelorette Party. I glanced at Tenel. She was keeping her distance, sheltering herself in the darkness. I switched my gaze to my Aunt Mara. Her pregnancy was becoming more and more obvious. I was almost tempted to reach out, using the Force to see the gender but decided against it. "What is it?" As if I had to ask. I knew.
Mara cleared her throat, "I need to borrow you a moment, to look over the decorations. Just go over small stuff; make sure everything's okay. Your wedding is tomorrow, ya know."
I shrugged, standing up, glancing at Tenel Ka. "I know it is. Sure. Why not? I need a distraction."
~~
Wedge cleared his throat, straightening his flight jacket before he knocked on his nephews' door. Tycho and Gavin stood on his right, while Corran stood opposite them. It took awhile, but eventually, Jag answered the door, rubbing his eyes. Because the light from the hallway blinded hi, he didn't see Tycho, Gavin and Corran. "Uncle? What is it? It's late."
He shrugged, "Jag, you're going to be married tomorrow.."
Before he could continue, Gavin thrust forward, taking Jag's right arm. "Which means tonight, we're going to play Devil's advocate and give you some advice about marriage." Jag only shrugged, grabbing a clean shirt, jacket and pants. But halfway through, he fell over his counter top, snoring. Tycho gritted his teeth as he and Corran ran over, helping him up and dragging him out his room.
Wedge shrugged, slapping his face. "This is NOT going to work."
Quietly, Corran threw him a glare, nodding, "It will work." Wedge shrugged again, following the two.
~~
I watched Tenel Ka, as she followed behind Aunt Mara. I know she didn't want to talk about Jacen, but I knew he was the reason for her emotional turnabout. I put my hand on her shoulder, stopping her in the hallway. She huffed, turning to me, placing her hand on her waist. "Jaina we're going to be late. What is it?"
"We need to talk. This can't wait anymore, Tenel. We need to talk about Jacen."
She rolled her eyes, looking away, "I told you I didn't want to talk about it." She huffed, looking at me again, "but I will talk to you when I'm ready to. That's a promise."
I smiled back, "You know I'll be here." We both looked at Mara as she tapped her foot, impatiently waiting for the both of us. I walked ahead, comforting her. "I know what this is about. There's no need to be secretive."
"Just act surprised, otherwise this whole thing will be for nothing. It was your mother's idea." She growled, ushering us into her room. The lights were off as usual, but I knew that was just protocol. As I ordered the lights, my mother, Mirax and Syal popped out from their hiding places, screaming, "Surprise!"
~~
By the time, Jag, Wedge, Tycho and Corran arrived at their destination, Jag was fully awake, well, partially anyway. Wedge glanced back at his nephew. Jag seemed to be somewhere else, probably thinking about the next day and the rest of his life with me. He smiled, stopping in front of the door. As Tycho and Corran stood off to the side, Wedge thumbed the COM and the door swooshed open.
The room was dark as the four of them entered, but once they were in the main room, the lights switched on and Han, Jacen, Luke...and even Valis jumped out, yelling surprise. Immediately, Jag bolted up, fully awake and aware of his surroundings. He even smiled as Han and Jacen approached him. Jag then turned to Valis, the co-pilot he appointed to me and his supposed friend, who was also a good liar, "It's good to see you, bro. Where have you been?" Jag asked.
Valis shrugged, "After I heard you and Lieutenant Solo were engaged, I rushed back from Chiss. Your father recalled everyone who was stationed on Coruscant, to re-group, give mission report. I told him since you were engaged, it would be better that I go in your place, so you could stay with your fiancée."
"Thanks, Valis." Jag managed, turning to Jacen, Han and Luke. "Where's Anakin? Isn't he one of the Solo men?"
Han laughed, scratching his chin, "Anakin's still too young to be attend a Bachelor party; still too young to have a girlfriend, too." Jacen nodded, and Han rolled his eyes, extending his hand to Jag, "Welcome to the family, Jag!"
Jag looked at him suspiciously before taking his hand, but Han pulled him into a hug. Jag looked worriedly at Jacen as the boy pried him off the Colonel. Han smiled, patting his shoulder, "I'm just warning you right now, kid. You know if you ever do anything to hurt Jaina, I'll kill you. Well, before I order her brother's to, anyway."
"Well, that's reassuring. I'll be sure to remember that.dad." He stammered, still shaking Han's hand.
~~
I smiled over at Tenel Ka, as Mara handed me a drink from the bar. Tenel Ka, as usual was quiet and stoic but since my wedding was tomorrow and she would most likely bump into Jacen again, I knew she had to be thinking about him. "Did you have a part in any of this?" I asked, biting my lip.
She shrugged, turned to me and rolled her eyes, "Not really. Bachelorette Parties are not customary on Hapes; they're uncivilized. They have the tendency to get out of hand."
I raised my eyebrow. I knew exactly what she was talking about but I didn't want to say anything. I laughed, watching my mom and aunt Mara talk. I 'hmmd' looking back at Tenel Ka, whom was looking at the various family photos on the mantle. Earlier, I told Tenel if she ever wanted or needed to talk, I would be here and that I wouldn't force her. But her silent reverie gave me this strong feeling she needed to talk, or maybe that was me being overly concerned.
The problem with Tenel Ka is that sometimes, no, most of the time she doesn't freely express herself the way Anakin, Jacen or I would. She keeps to herself, even her tightly locked emotions. The only time I saw her let her emotions run free was in her quarters. But even then, she wasn't ready to talk. Now, I didn't know what she was feeling or thinking --- and it was driving me crazy. Even if she wasn't ready to talk to me, I couldn't just leave her alone.
This couldn't wait any longer. I bit my lip, standing next to Tenel Ka, looking down at the frame in her hands. It was of Jacen, of course, so I knew she had to have been thinking about him. That was it! I tried smiling at her, but she didn't seem to notice or maybe she did, she just didn't acknowledge my presence. Finally, she turned to me and gestured we go into the next room. I nodded, following her.
~~
I bit my lip again as I closed the door behind us, glancing again at Tenel Ka. For the first time, I noticed that instead of wearing the Dathomerian skins I was used to growing up, she was wearing a simple loosely fit sundress. Her hair which was usually confounded with braids were replaced her loose curls, framing her face and a jeweled headband. Tenel Ka, like me, wasn't used to wearing dresses for formal matters but somehow, she managed. Well, on the outside anyway. "I'm sorry for bothering you," I mumbled, "Look, I'm sorry if I pushed you before to talk about Jacen. I didn't mean to; I was just concerned."
Tenel Ka turned to me and for the first time, I saw the true pain behind her eyes. "I've loved Jacen for as long as I can remember; even when I did not know the feeling myself. I knew I loved him," she paused, "I won't lie to you, Jaina. Jacen has always been a part of me, as I am sure he has felt the same way about me at some point." A smile curled her lips, remembering the brief time Jacen was there to make her laugh, as well as the many times she imagined herself in his arms.
I shrugged, interrupting her reverie, "I know about the special bond between you two. But just because Jacen has found someone else doesn't mean you can't still be good friends."
Tenel nodded, her smile fading, "He's changed; things are not like that anymore, Jaina." She shifted her weight, "Your brother is in love, Jaina, but it's not with me. I respect Jacen; I will not destroy his happiness. It would not be fair to him, or Danni Quee."
I nodded defiantly, almost yelling, "But you still love him! You can't just let him go."
Tenel Ka was silent a moment before replying in a monotone and emotionless voice, "I heard Zekk followed you to Coruscant to win you back." Without moving, her cold eyes slowly met mine, "How did you react when he revealed his intentions towards you?"
I laughed, brushing away my bangs, "Zekk's return is not the issue.He's irrational and dumb. I told him if he shows up tomorrow I'd kill him. And you know I'm not kidding about that."
"Fact." Tenel reasoned, "His return affected you, but you didn't allow his presence to sabotage your relationship with Colonel Jagged Fel." Regretfully, I nodded in agreement as Tenel Ka raised her chin, as if to prove something and she did. "Then I will do the same." She paused again, rolling her eyes, "but for your sake, I will talk to Jacen when time permits, but I WILL not force my feelings on him. He deserves his happiness."
"And what about your happiness?" I questioned, crossing my arms.
Tenel Ka was silent again as she started for the door, then stopped, "After the wedding, I'm leaving. I will be returning to Hapes to be with my father and mother. They both need me."
Before I could protest, she left. I rolled my eyes again, falling back on the bed. Tenel Ka still loved my brother, but she wasn't going to say anything about it; not until it was the right time. Well, things can't get any worse.
"Honey, it's time for presents!" mom called from the main room. Oh, I was wrong. It just got worse. I jumped up from the bed, leaving the small bedroom. Mirax, Mara, my mom and Syal were situated around the couch; Tenel Ka hovering behind Mara in the darkness. I wanted to talk to Tenel some more, but I knew it would have to wait until later. Maybe sometime during the reception tomorrow. I smiled, sitting behind the table as Mirax handed a gift to my mom, before finally giving it to me.
Mirax smiled, clasping his fingers together, "I know we're not exactly family, Jaina, but pretty soon, there's gonna be a lot more Corellian blood in your family."
I smiled at her, continuing to unwrap. As I folded the edges of the wrapping paper, I removed the top of the box to reveal lace.and more lace. Oh Sithspawn! This wasn't.I nodded, glancing again at Mirax, "Thanks Mirax."
"Oh c'mon girl, let's see!" Mirax urged as I removed the top of the box completely, removing the lingerie. It was actually quite beautiful and sexy. Syal and my mom only rolled their eyes; the two of them were so conservative, quite the opposite compared to my aunt Mara and Mirax. The two of them always seemed to have a wild side, especially Mara.
"Thanks again, Mirax. It's beautiful." I mumbled, quickly putting the box away. And since we're all woman here, I can pretty much guess what's going to happen next.
~~
I huffed, putting down another unwrapped gift, glancing at the chrono at the same time. It didn't take long to go through everything. Nobody brought anything big. I moaned, rolling my shoulders, glancing at mom and Syal. The two women were talking quietly with one another. Syal leaned over, whispering something to her. Leia nodded, smiling in agreement. Syal stood up, walking through the mass of paper and boxes, kneeling down next to me. "Um - Jaina, I know I'm already giving you a wedding present, a big one tomorrow but I want you to have this." she started, removing a small black box from her dress.
I smiled, taking the box in my hand and opened it. It was small silver ring, two small purple flower diamonds on the sides and in the middle, a white crystal. Syal smiled, turning the ring so the inside faced me. There was some writing on the inside, but it was in old Corellian script. "It's a small poem, written in Corellian script about finding true love." She whispered.
"Syal, this is beautiful but it's too much.I can't accept this." I cried, still admiring the ring.
"I made it. Finding the right alloy wasn't a problem, as much as getting the poem right in Corellian. And finding the right jewels." She sighed, looking at me again, "Jaina, it would mean so much to me if you accepted this ring." She smiled, pausing again, "A long time ago, I decided if Jag ever got engaged I would make his bride a ring and give it to her. I never knew who the love of his life would be, but I still made it, hoping one day I would be able to give it to her. I'm giving this ring to you, Jaina because it was meant for you."
Oh, I just love this woman! Syal by far is the most sweetest, caring and loving woman I have ever known, and she's going to be my mother-in-law. I honestly wanted to grab her in a big hug, and never let go. I sniffed again, taking the ring and sliding it onto my finger, right on top of the one Jag gave me. I cried, tightly hugging Syal as I spotted Mirax and Mara talking in the corner. Mirax had a big grin on her face, as Mara only rolled her eyes. I huffed, letting go of Syal as Mirax walked away from Mara and stood before the front door.
It was time. Mirax cleared her throat, posing in front of the door, "Ahem, may I have everyone's attention, please? Thank you. Some would like to think the evening is finished and everything is over, but there's more. So much more a girl could do to liven up the party. 'Cause honey, it needs it!" she cried, as a tall dark haired man burst into the room, dressed in an NRI suit.
I huffed, rolling my eyes, stood abruptly and walked discreetly towards Mirax. "Mirax, no offense or anything, but I think I'm going to turn in. I have a big day tomorrow."
"But Jaina, this guy gets paid by the hour! You have to stay. Look, he'll only stay for a little bit then he's gone. Promise." Mirax smiled, then frowned, drooping her shoulders, "You really want him gone?"
"Yes, I do." I retorted, glancing again at him, "Gone now preferably. But the evening was still wonderful and I love all my presents.there's no reason to ruin the evening for this sort of thing."
Mirax groaned, nodding to the young man and gesturing he stand by her. He frowned, looking at me, "You're a brave woman, Lieutenant Solo. Colonel Fel is lucky to have you."
I smiled, and then frowned, suddenly recognizing the stripper's voice. No, it couldn't be! But before I could ask, he was gone. Zekk! Oh Sithspit! He was the male stripper.. No, he couldn't, would he? I nodded, glancing at Mirax then back at my mom, Mara, Syal and Tenel Ka. Tenel's face was impassive but I had the feeling she was proud I denied the stripper. Mom and Mara felt the same way - mom who looked like she was about to break down and cry. Syal nodded, clearing her throat, "I guess that concludes the evening. Jaina, need any help with the presents?"
"Yes, thank you. Um, I'm going to turn in now. Can you guys bring them back to my apartment and clean up here?" I asked, grabbing my things. Syal nodded, as mom and Mara began to collect boxes and boxes or presents.
Well, one crisis averted.now, I just have a couple more hours until I have to wake up and get ready for my wedding..
~~
TBC