PART 45
"Happy Birthday my darling girl" Padme said as she looked at a holographic image of her daughter.
"Thanks Mommy I miss you" Mara replied waving back.
"I miss you too, I love you so much."
"Hi Daddy" Mara shouted as she saw Obi-Wan come into view in front of her.
"Hello; how's my girl today?"
"Great! Everyone is throwing me a big party, and I had a huge cake with my name on it!"
"She got a LOT of gifts" Sola said behind Mara's shoulder.
"Remember to thank everyone Mara" Obi-Wan said.
"I did Daddy, lots of times" Mara replied quickly.
"That's my girl."
"When are you coming to see us?" Sola asked.
"Soon baby, hopefully you two will be coming to see us on Tatooine" Padme said.
"When?" both girls said at the same time.
"Patience you two, soon we will all be together, and we'll have our own birthday celebration for Mara here" Obi-Wan said.
"We get to celebrate my birthday again?" Mara asked, her eyes lighting up.
"Yes, with a cake and everything" Padme said with a big smile on her face.
"I can't wait! I hope it's tomorrow!"
"Well, it won't be tomorrow but soon, you two better get going, we'll see you soon." Padme said sadly, knowing she had to finally end the transmission.
"Bye Mommy, bye Daddy" both girls said as they waved goodbye.
"Bye, I love you" Padme said her voice quivering.
"Bye, take care of each other, may the force be with you both" Obi-Wan said.
"Bye" Sola said then ended the transmission.
Obi-Wan turned to see Padme crying uncontrollably. He wrapped his arms around her protectively and said, "Mara really seemed to be enjoying herself, and this is the first time neither one cried."
"Yes, they seem to be adjusting, it's me who can't adjust" Padme said through her sobs.
"It's not just you love."
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The next morning Padme woke to find Obi-Wan getting dressed. "Are you going to visit Owen and Beru again today?"
"Yes, I'm hoping maybe I can get Owen to allow Luke to come visit before Mara and Sola arrive, things could be complicated if Luke saw them both here."
"Yes, but I want Luke to meet them."
"I know, but I don't think Owen would allow it, not now anyway."
"I don't understand why he's being so difficult."
"Luke's getting at an age where I'm sure he's asking about his father and mother, and Owen knows if Luke meets you he'll become attached."
"I'm not going to tell Luke I'm his mother if that's what Owen is afraid of" Padme said, irritation growing in her voice.
"He'll become attached to you anyway, you are kind, gentle, he will naturally feel drawn to you through the force."
"I want to see him so badly Obi-Wan."
"I know sweetheart, I've sensed you're frustration since we arrived here, just be patient, you will see Luke, I promise."
She nodded as he bent down and kissed her, "I better go, I'll be back soon."
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When Obi-Wan arrived at farm, Owen had gone with Luke into town, Beru invited him in and prepared tea.
"So how is Luke?" Obi-Wan asked as Beru handed his tea.
"He is doing well, he's been asking a lot about his father."
"What does Owen tell him?"
"Not much, just that he was once a Jedi and that his father is dead."
"And his mother?"
"Owen says she is dead as well."
"It's probably best that way."
"Yes, Owen and I both think it is best he knows as little about his parents as possible."
"Even though Padme is living so close to him?"
"Yes, I know you mean well Obi-Wan, but Luke can never know who Padme really is, for his own safety she needs to remain a stranger to him."
"All I am asking is that she see him once, Beru, Padme's dying wish is to see her son."
"She said that?"
"She never had to; I can feel her feelings through the force."
"You better go, Owen will be back soon."
"Alright" Obi-Wan said as he rose to leave.
"Luke gets home from school at the same time everyday, before he does his chores he is allowed some free time, he usually spends it outside."
"Thank you" Obi-Wan said he turned to leave.