Chapter 11 The Race
Padme gasped as Anakin's racer stalled, then exhaled loudly as his engines ignited with a roar. The racers flew across the desert, leaving a trail of dust. Anakin rushed to make up the ground he had lost at the beginning of the race. He expertly weaved through the mass of racers, trying to catch up to the leader- Sebulba.
Jesse couldn't sit still. He stood and even paced. JarJar chewed his fingers, and Padme and Shmi gasped and caught their breaths every time Anakin got too close to another pod. Only Qui-Gon seemed relaxed, but Jesse knew he was meditating, giving Anakin as much help as he could from the stands.
"Here they come!" Jesse shouted as the pods sped by. "Anakin's in sixth!"
Anakin caught up with Sebulba and the two raced neck and neck.
"Sebulba's gonna play dirty." Jesse muttered. He would have said it to Padme, but she still seemed a bit cool. "I'd rather be driving than watching anyday." he said.
Suddenly Shmi gasped. "They're locked together!"
Tension rose as they watched helplessly while Anakin struggled to break away.
"They're nearing the finish line." Jesse said. A little obvious, but he had to say something.
Anakin suddenly broke away, sending Sebulba's pod spinning into a rock. The audience cheered as Anakin crossed the finish line.
Jesse looked at Padme, fully prepared to say 'I told you so', but changed his mind. Instead he hugged her. It was almost as good.
"You go on ahead to the hangar; I'll be right there." Qui-Gon told them."
"Right." Jesse ran toward the hangar with Padme, JarJar, and Shmi close behind. R2 whistled and followed.
JarJar hugged Anakin, and Shmi and Padme followed suit.
"Ah, gee. Enough of this." Anakin protested.
"I won't hug you." Jesse told him. They slapped high-five instead.
"It's so wonderful, Annie. You have brought hope to those who have none. I'm so very proud of you." Shmi couldn't resist giving her son one more embrace.
"We owe you everything." Padme added.
"Come on, let's go, we've got to get these parts back to the ship." Qui-Gon called over.
They walked over to where Qui-Gon was holding the camel-like animals. The parts were loaded onto their backs. More hugs were exchanged, and goodbyes were said. Jesse hated goodbyes. He couldn't think of anything to say so he just hugged Anakin.
"Going back on your word, Jedi?" Anakin tried to lighten up the situation.
Jesse swallowed hard and tried to smile back, but he didn't quite manage it.
"I'll return the eopies by midday." Qui-Gon promised, and they left.
Jesse found himself riding behind Padme. He wondered if he should say something. Finally, he did.
"Padme, look, I don't want to fight. Ok? I know I've been insensitive, and I said I was sorry."
Padme looked around to smile at him. "I know. I've haven't been all that great either."
"So truce? Again?" Jesse held out a hand.
Padme shook it. "Hopefully this one will last longer." She turned back around. "There's the ship."