The Secrets We Keep

Author: LVB

Summary: Back briefly in Coruscant during the Clone Wars, Anakin notices his wife is acting strangely. What is Padmè hiding?

Disclaimer: Star Wars belongs to GL and LucasFilm Ltd. All rights reserved.

A/N: OK, this is important (hence the bold). From now on the story does get a little intense, earning its PG-13 rating.If you've all read the last chapter, you can probably guess what I'm talking about. So this is a warning. In no way am I endorsing or opposingabortion. I'm not taking any sides over the controversial debate, this was just an idea that I thought I could explore. Any flames regarding the matter will be ignored and deleted. You've been warned.

Sorry about that, it had to be said. So what did we all think of the trailer? Wow or what! And thank you to all those who have reviewed, I am so thrilled to be getting lots of encouraging feedback!


Ch 6: Screaming on the Inside

"So basically, I was right. The stress got to be a little too much for my body to handle. The doctor has made me take more official leave from the Senate. I've got two weeks off. Which I will gladly be taking."

Anakin looked down at the proof his wife had provided for him. There it was, in black and white. The doctor himself had said she would be fine and that she just needed a timeout. Yet something didn't quite add up. A gut feeling told him that there was something his wife wasn't telling him.

He looked at Padmè, who had changed back into her more casual clothes. There was something different about her. Although she appeared to be fine, his connection to the Force and to her, made him think differently. She could put on her act as she had been trained – she was a politician!

But something was hurting her. Inside she was screaming. Anakin decided not to push it.

"I'm just glad you'll be alright Padmè. I was really worried." He swept her up in a hug and began to softly kiss her. He had missed this. "I don't know what I would have done if something was seriously wrong," he murmured into her lips.

Please stop, Padmè silently pleaded.

He began to deepen the kiss. It was passionate and longing; the kiss of a husband who had been separated from his wife for too long. Despite the sadness she was trying to hold inside of her, Padmè responded. She had missed him too. She just wanted to enjoy this moment with her husband, without thinking of the pain and the sorrow she would have to hide from him.

"How many days do you have on Coruscant?" she asked her husband.

"Five days," he replied. "But I have to stay here on Coruscant."

"That's fine. I can organise to return to Naboo after your five days are up. I'll tie up some loose ends, so to speak. At least we can keep to ourselves for these five days. No interruptions."

Anakin grinned.

"Well, I can think of how we could spend that time."

They began to kiss again.

Suddenly, Anakin's hand felt drawn to Padmè's stomach. He gently placed it on her stomach and let it rest there only for a second.

Padmè gasped and stepped back. From the look on her face, Anakin could have sworn she had just seen a ghost.

"Padmè?" he asked hurriedly.

She placed her hand over her mouth then made a quick dash to the refresher. Anakin raced after her and arrived just as she had finished.

"Angel, are you sure you're alright?"

Padmè looked at her husband. He stood there with a look of wildfire in his eyes.

She knew he could sense her inner pain and confusion. Yet he kept silent – for now.

"I'll be fine, Ani. I'll be fine."