Mara bolted for the door immediately as the bell rang. She wanted no confrontation with anyone, so taking the easy way, she planned to just be fast at avoiding them. Sadly she left her speeder at home, hoping to keep in shape for the team she was on.

She passed several apartment complexes, those of the poorer classes, until she entered the viscinity of that where those who lived a higher life settled. She walked into the grand shopping mall, and headed straight for the arcade. In the very back there was a game that was made for you to block shots with a fake lightsaber. It usually helped her with concentration, but it did her no good today, and she stormed away from it in a hurry, knowing she needed to get home quickly before her father realized she was late.

She skidded across the slick floor and headed for the door, before realizing she left her bag back at the arcade. Swearing to herself, she quickly sprinted back to the game she had played, only to see a very familiar face holding up her bag for her. Luke Skywalker wore a smug smile on his handsome features, her black knit bag hanging from his hand.

" You really shouldn't run like that Jade, someone may think you're stealing something." she grabbed her bag swiftly from his grasp, and turned away from him, trying the method of ignoring him, though her plan seemed to be failing miserably. She was so wrapped up in ignoring him, that she ended up ignoring all of her surroundings too, thus causing her to run face first into a pole. She expected him to burst out laughing, or to scold her on what an idiot she was, but instead, he surprised her with kindness. Kneeling over her fallen form, he looked at both of her pupils before turning his focus to the swelling cut on her head.

" That was really painful and embarrassing." Mara said to herself. He smiled down at her, and pulled out a clean hankerchief, pressing it onto the cut.

" You're definatley not the first to run into a pole like that. I kept doing that when I was like fourteen. My mom called it my akward stage; she couldn't walk in public with me without being embarrassed one way or another. I mainly ran into stuff." he paused and looked at her cut again before pressing her hand over where his had been a moment earlier.

" It looks ok. It'll make a hell of a bruise though. Wear a hat tomorow, or get bangs. The hat would be easier." he helped her up to her feet, and then held her up as she balanced herself out. She blushed as she met his gaze with her own, realizing she had been embarrassed around him once again.

" Why were you in such a hurrey anyways?" he asked her, and her eyes widened.

" Oh shit! I'm in trouble." she pulled out her comlink and dialed in her home number quickly.

" Garth, hey is my father home already?" she spoke urgently into her comlink as they walked outside along the buildings.

" He's not? Oh, and he's not coming home at all tonight? Oh, well, thanks anyway. Bye" Mara turned off her comlink and shoved it down into her pocket, closing her eyes for a moment.

" My dad was supposed to be coming home today, and he gets really pissy if you're not on time for anything. But he has yet another political event to deal with. Thanks for helping with the injury." she looked up at him.

" Since you don't have to rush home and run into any more poles, do you want to go get something to drink?" he asked, blinking beneath the sun's harsh light. Mara was baffled by his request, and stumbled backwards slightly as she considered it.

" I can't, thank you anyways but, I'm an Imperial and you're a Lightsider. It wouldn't be right, we're supposed to hate each other." He smiled grimly and rolled his eyes, frustration apparently consuming him.

" Yes, of course. We are supposed to hate each other. Well, good luck with the father issue. I'll torment you tomorow." He waved at her and then turned, walking away. Mara turned in the direction of her apartment, and sprinted off towards it, remembering that she had piano lessons.

000

Garth, or G-26, was their etiquette and butler droid. He opened the door of their grand apartment on the top floor when Mara approached. She smiled and him, saying her praise before walking off to her room and changing into something more comfortable. Her room was large, painted dark green, with a light green carpet. Her bed in the far corner was decorated with black sheets and jade throw pillows. A wooden book case was set against the wall on the opposite side of the room, filled with many books, the top shelf holding many old carefully constructed porcelain dolls. Beside her book case was a trophy case, filled with man awards from over the years. Mara draped a blanket over it, feeling sick just looking at it at the moment. She pulled on a pair of slippers and walked back into the den, waiting for her instructor to show.

A/N: I'm so sorry that its taking me so long to write the chaps. I hope you enjoy it. please review.