Chapter 3

A few days later, found Anakin in the Chancellor's office. He was meeting with several major senators discussing last minute issues concerning the Clone Wars. As they talked Anakin was struck with awe at how well the Chancellor seemed to be able to hold his audience's attention. They seemed to agree with everything he said. Never before had he seen someone with so much authority over those around him.

Ever since the older man had taken notice of his abilities when he was nine, Anakin had always viewed him with utmost respect. Now he had another reason to be grateful to the man. Palpantine had seen the Jedi overlooking his talents, and had stood behind him in his decision to leave the order. He didn't think Anakin had done the wrong thing. As he had said just the other day, "Anakin, you did what you needed to do. They don't understand because they expect you to be perfect, to never make a mistake. So when you act like a human, they hold you back. And when you did well, they found some reason to discredit it."

In Anakin's opinion the Chancellor had hit the nail right on the head. The council had always held him back. Obi-wan had as well to a lesser degree. Everyone expected him to be perfect, to always do everything just right, to never make mistakes or do something wrong. Why? Because they believed he was the answer to a prophecy made long ago. Palpantine had been the first person since Qui-gon to accept him for who he was. It was okay to make a mistake every now and then. For the first time in a very long time, he felt comfortable being himself.

The meeting ended that day, and Anakin was given the rest of the day off. The sun was just beginning to set, when Anakin arrived at Padme's apartment. He strolled inside calling out, "Padme?"

He heard his wife call from the back of the apartment, "I'll be right out Anakin."

Anakin walked out onto the balcony and gazed out across the city. Large ships were gliding slowly in and out of the planet, while speeders rushed about the busy skyways. The light of the setting sun reflected off their hulls, temporarily blinding the man on the balcony. The buildings reached up higher and higher until the clouds hid their tops from view. An arm about his waist brought him out of his reverie. "I've missed you."

Anakin turned around giving his wife a kiss on the cheek. "I missed you too. I just decided to check in on you and the kid."

"Well we're both doing fine." She asked seeing a disquieting look on her husband's face. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"You haven't told your family yet have you?"

Padme looked down at the floor, "No. I'm just not sure how to tell them I ran off and got married."

Anakin teased, "Come on that's not fair. I told Obi-wan, and believe me that wasn't easy."

Padme smiled slightly, "I'm sure it wasn't, but."

Anakin cut her off, "I tell you what. I'll stay here in the living room while you call them. If you get into major trouble, I'll come to the rescue."

"Alright, but you stay right there on the couch." She dialed the number to her parents' house and waited for them to answer. When they picked up the receiving end she called, "Hi mom."

"Padme, it's so good to hear from you."

"Mom, I actually called to tell you something."

Mrs. Naberrie's gazed at her daughter through the view screen. "Yes?"

Padme didn't know any other way to tell her mom what was going on except to come right out and say it. "Mom, I'm married."

Shock filled the woman's voice, "What?"

Anakin decided he needed to give his wife a hand. "Um, hello Mrs. Naberrie. I guess you're wondering what your daughter is talking about. Well you see, I married your daughter."

The conversation then turned down a very bumpy trail. It took a half hour to convince the Naberrie family that they were serious. When the truth that Padme was married sank in then the discussion turned to telling them about the pregnancy. The parents weren't very happy with this revelation especially Mr. Naberrie, but that didn't surprise Anakin too much. When the two finally ended the very difficult conversation an hour and half later, they agreed that they had come away without too much damage.

Little did they know that more damage had been done than expected. A hooded figure standing in the elevator pressed the down button, leaving the unsuspecting couple alone. The creature was crafty and well versed in how to hide his presence. He had nearly been caught. Anakin had thankfully been momentarily preoccupied.

As he entered his office, Darth Sidious was now very concerned. He needed to turn the young man to the dark side faster than anticipated. Somehow he needed to find a way to kill Padme and the child, which could destroy him. He sat up late into the night plotting to destroy the senator and her unborn child.

A/N: Thanks to all of my readers especially those who have left reviews. I hope you all enjoyed Chapter 3. Chapter 4 should be up in the next couple of days. Don't forget that I love to hear from you in my reviews.

God Bless

MusicDreamer