Chapter 21

"They took it fairly well." Gracelin commented.

"Yeah, I'm glad. " Jacen said as he closed the last packed box.

"When are they coming?"

"Dad's bringing the Falcon tonight. We should be in Corusant by tomorrow afternoon. You know we'll have to go downstairs to leave."

Gracelin smiled sarcastically, "Can't we just go out the balcony like before?"

Jacen couldn't help but chuckle, "No."

"I know I need to speak with her."

"Then go do it." Jacen encouraged.

Gracelin wanted to argue the point with him but it was no use. She took a deep breath before walking out of her room and down the stairs.

Gracelin found Nomica in the kitchenette sipping caff. Her mother's eyes widened when she walked in. She spoke up before she could say a word. "I want to talk to you and I don't want you to say anything. Just listen, okay?" Gracelin sat at the table across from her.

"Okay."

"Yesterday, Luke, Javon, and I all met up. We wanted to know the truth. We had test ran. I had my blood tested for a midi-chlorian count. Luke said it was fairly high. And with what I taught myself and Jacen taught me, I would be able to come to the academy and help with training." Gracelin had told her mother that part first, mainly trying to avoid upsetting her.

"We also had blood tests ran. Luke's not my father. In an ironic sort of way it's funny. The lie you thought you were telling me was really the truth."

"What?" Nomica's voice was barely above a whisper. The color was gone from her face.

"Javon really is my father." Gracelin stood up and began to walk away. She turned back before leaving the room. "Jacen and I are leaving tonight. I don't hate you, Mom. I may not fully understand what happened and it's probably best I don't. I'm hurt, I'm angry, and I'm disappointed. I can't stay here, it hurts too much.

"I don't want us to become like you and Grandfather did." Gracelin's voice cracked and tears were waiting to break free. "I just need time." With that she left. Leaving a tear-streaked faced Nomica alone.

Gracelin walked into Sabè's room. She had been sick and the healers had told her to stay in bed. Jacen followed behind Gracelin warily. Gracelin had refused to leave the planet until the two met, plus she had promised Luke.

"Hi, Sabè. I promise I won't be long."

"You don't have to rush."

"Well, I'm on a tight schedule. I came to say goodbye."

"What are you talking about, Gracelin?"

"Sabè, this is Jacen, my husband. And that's his uncle, Luke. I'm going back with them to Corusant with them."

"No offense, Knight Solo, but why can't the two of you live here?"

"Sabè, it was my idea. Plus, it'd be easier if we stayed near the Solo's and Skywalker's."

"Your mother, huh? And why would you need to live near anyone at all?"

I didn't tell you? I'm pregnant! That's why we're moving. Plus you, Kristea, and Greyton are all I have left on Naboo."

"What about working your way up to the Senate?"

"Jacen's mother use to be a Chief of State. I'm sure she'd have some advice for me. Maybe, I'll change that dream. Master Skywalker has said I have great potential as a Jedi Knight."

Sabè looked at Luke as if she had just noticed him. "Skywalker? Any relation to an Anakin Skywalker?" Gracelin felt something wash over Jacen bus he quickly blocked it.

Luke quirked his brow, "Yes, he was my father. Did you know him?"

The elderly woman smiled at Luke, "Only a bit, I knew Mrs. Skywalker much better."

This time Jacen spoke, because Luke seemed to be speechless. "Mrs. Skywalker? I didn't know he was married."

"Don't feel bad Master Skywalker, not many knew. We hid her pregnancy so no one knew. We were told that you died along with her, but I didn't believe it."

"May I ask how you knew my mother?"

"We were the best of friends. I also helped that we worked together. Mostly as her handmaiden and body guard."

"Senator Amidala?" Gracelin spoke up. My idol for the past seventeen years was Luke's mother?

"Gracelin that park you love to go to, isn't it dedicated to her?" Jacen asked. All her received was a nod, she too was speechless.

"Maybe you should take Master Skywalker to the gardens." Sabè suggested.

"I would love to go but I'm afraid time won't permit it." Luke had finally regained his Jedi calm. "Maybe another time, one when you can accompany us."

"Is that it?"

"Yep, that's it."

"Its going to be weird here without you." Greyton admitted.

"Will you do me a favor? Look after Mom. She's not going to do well once I go. She's acting fine know but it'll change. I'm going to try to send her a message this week."

"That'd be good. I'll take care of her, I promise."

"Oh, and once the baby comes, you two have to come visit. She might not want to but, please, make her."

"I will. Where's Jacen?"

"He and Luke went to meet Jacen's father. I'm suppose to meet them at the hanger."

"Are you going to say bye to your mom?"

"We already talked and said our goodbyes. I'm not sure I can do it again."

"Understandable." Greyton took a step forward and hugged her. "I'll miss you, Sweets."

"I'll miss you, too." She pulled back and walked toward the fully loaded speeder. "You know, it doesn't matter what those tests said, you're the closest thing I've had to a father." She shrugged her shoulders, "I love you Greyton and I couldn't have asked for a better Dad."

"I love you, too, Sweets." He looked as if he was getting choked.

Gracelin smiled and got in the speeder and left before she broke her resolve not to cry.

"How mad was she?" Jacen asked as he sat in the cockpit of the Falcon, with Han.

"She wasn't mad; she was actually a bit relieved."

"Relieved?"

"You know your mother. She's very, well, um, proper. She was happy to hear you were married after that little incident at home. But she was a little upset that we weren't there."

"That's what Gracelin and I've been thinking about. Instead of having another wedding, what about just a party? Mom can invite all her dignitaries, it'll be class, and probably cost less credits."

"I'll talk to her. But, Jacen, if she wants a whole wedding I'm not arguing with her."

"Dad, just remind her that we don't know how things will be in a few months. With Gracelin being pregnant she may not want to get fitted for a wedding gown."

"I'll remind your mother how she felt being pregnant, you might not have to worry about the wedding."

Jacen laughed at his father's comment.

"You two didn't bring much of her stuff."

"There wasn't much she wanted. I wish I could help her with her mom but she says there's nothing I can do."

"Jacen just let them work on it. You got to let them fix it."

"I know. I just don't want her to stress out over it. She's been through so much the past few days; the stress isn't good for her or the baby."

"You worry too much Jacen. Your mom was stressed during both of her pregnancies, and look at you." His dad gave him a once over glance. "Oh, wait, that might not be the best example."

Jacen rolled his eyes at his father. "Thanks, Dad. Thanks, a lot."

Han just patted Jacen on the back and laughed, "Anything for my boy!"

A/N: I'm so sorry about how long its been taking me to update. i've had serious writter's block. but now my muse is back! I think it thought that since it was spring break it could go on vacation too. I also want to thank you guys for reviewing. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Dont forget to keep letting me know what you think.