I know I haven't updated in a while, I started back to school a few weeks ago and things have been pretty crazy, I hope to finish this story soon though, thanks for sticking with my story!

PART 48

Padme looked out the window as she saw two small bodies running towards their small hut, she went out to the front door and ran out to meet Sola and Mara in a huge hug. She had wanted to go with Obi-Wan to Mos Eisely to meet them, but Obi-Wan felt it was safer for Padme if she stayed behind with the droids.

"I've missed you both so much" Padme said she hugged her girls tight.

When Padme brought them into the living room, Mara was excited to see the room all decorated for her birthday.

"Are we celebrating my birthday Mommy?" she asked.

"Yes, since we didn't get to celebrate it together, we are going to celebrate today."

A huge cake that said "Happy Birthday Mara Jade" was sitting on the table, along with all of Mara's favorite foods. Mara blew out the candles as Obi-Wan, Padme, and Sola sang happy birthday to her. Afterwards, Threepio and R2 came out with her gifts, Obi-Wan gave her a heart pendant that had a blue stone in it, the stone came from Ilum, the planet where Jedi's lightsaber's are made. He explained to her the importance of the stone.

Padme got Mara a new dress that was similar to a dress Padme had, Mara often told her that the olive green velvet robe that Padme wore was her favorite dress.

"It's just like your's Mommy!" she said excitedly as she held up the dress.

"That's right honey, I hope you like it."

"Yes, thanks Mommy, thanks Daddy, this is the best birthday ever!"

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"I'm so glad they are back here with us again" Padme said to Obi-Wan as they were getting ready for bed that night.

"Yes, I'm glad they got here safely, I worry with the Empire always on the move."

"So do I, but they are here with us now, how long do you think they will stay with us?"

"Well, when I talked to Mon Mothma's pilot, he said that she will be contacting us in one month."

"A month? That is not long enough Obi-Wan!"

"We have to do what we must Padme."

"They are not going back; I can't be separated from them again."

"We'll talk about it later alright" Obi-Wan said quickly trying to change the subject. He then leaned in and gave her a hungry kiss followed by more kisses.

"You are just trying to avoid the subject" she said in between his hungry kisses.

"I would much rather be doing this than talking right now" he grinned back at her.

She laughed as she kissed him back and gently pulled him down with her onto the bed.

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They spent a lot of time together as a family; Obi-Wan spending a lot of time with the girls teaching them about the force. Sola helping Padme in the kitchen while Obi-Wan worked on specific exercises with Mara. Every evening after dinner they all sat in the living room playing games and telling stories, it was for all of them a happy and relaxing time. Sola and Mara didn't really like Tatooine all that much, both thought it was too hot and that there was nothing fun to do, but because they were with Padme and Obi-Wan it didn't matter where they were, they just wanted to be with their Mom and Dad again.

"'Mom?" Sola asked Padme as they were getting the table ready for dinner one night.

"Yes honey" Padme said.

"Isn't this the planet where my half brother lives? Luke?"

Sola's question caught her off guard, she hesitated before answering, "Yes it is."

"Have you seen him?"

"Yes, a couple of times."

"Did you get to speak with him?"

"I did, I saw him at Mos Eisley and I had a small conversation with him."

"Does he know who you are?"

"No, he doesn't, all he knows is that I'm married to your father."

"Doesn't that make you sad? That he doesn't know who you are?"

"It does, but a lot of my sadness is replaced with happiness because I got to see him again, I never thought I'd get to see him again."

"I wish that I knew him, it's strange knowing I have an older brother I've never met."

"I wish he knew you too, you are a great sister to Mara."

"Thanks Mom, what I feel most sad about though is that Luke doesn't know you like I do, you are the best Mom in the world."

"Sometimes I don't feel like I am honey" Padme said as she looked down at the floor.

"You are Mom, you and Dad both, Chandrila was nice, and I had a lot fun there at times, but it wasn't the same without you and Dad. I don't want to back."

"I know honey, I don't want you to go either, but we are not going to worry about that now okay?"

"Promise me we'll always be together?" A small tear was forming in the young girl's eye.

"I promise honey, I will always be with you, always." Padme said as she held Sola tight her heart breaking at the thought of leaving her again.

She didn't know how much longer she could go on being away from the ones she loved.