Chapter Twenty-Two
One of my oldest friends is a Mon Calamari by the name of Bant Eerin. We grew up together in the Temple and as padawans, were as thick as thieves. She even saved my life once. However, her path in the Force was quite different than mine. She had been called to become a Healer, and it was in the Healer's Wing I found myself this morning.
I was concerned about Padmé and the baby. Things were happening far too quickly. She tried to explain to me that Mer females give birth only after three months, but I worried since she was no longer Mer. I wasn't certain how her new body would handle the stress of pregnancy and wished to confide in my friend.
After explaining the situation with the Jedi Healer, Bant was not only enthusiastic but as usual, was quick to point out my shortcomings.
"She's pregnant and you're practically living together."
No one had ever questioned our living arrangement, and as a matter of fact, even Padmé never discussed it. It just sort of happened!
"I know what you're going to say," I teased. Even though Bant was two years younger than me, she'd always treated me like I was a younger sibling. "Since the prospect of marriage has never been brought up, I didn't think Padmé believed in it. Or maybe her kind doesn't do that sort of thing."
"Obi!" Bant spluttered, her large mouth opening wide in surprise. "You made an assumption! You're smarter than that! How are you supposed to know for sure unless you ask her?"
And as usual, Bant was correct and I felt foolish. I should've at least brought up the matter, especially now that we were having a child together.
"Okay, you're right," I humbly admitted. "I'll ask, but only if you'll make the trip to Naboo for the ceremony."
A large grin spread across Bant's face. "If she says yes, I'll be there. Now, when do I get to meet your better half? I have to see for myself what kind of creature would stoop so low as to want to hang out with you."
I missed Bant and silently promised I'd stop by to see her more often. "That's what I came to see you about, remember?"
The Mon Calamari pretended to be affronted and got busy rearranging her supplies and cleaning the countertops in her examination room. "Fine. I see how it is. You want me to see her on a professional basis only. If that's the case, then I shall charge you the same fee I charge everyone else."
"Bant," I implored, although she wouldn't look at me. "All right. I'll bring her by this evening so you can meet her. Then, perhaps if you wouldn't mind examining her at your earliest convenience? Perhaps tomorrow?"
Over her narrow shoulder, she blinked a large eye at me. "I was just teasing. Of course, I'll examine her and tonight would be fine. Say, 1800 hours? I'll be looking forward to it."
I smiled and turned to leave, although decided to give back some of what she loved to dish out, especially to me. I pointed over at the countertop she had just cleaned as I walked out.
"You missed a spot."
Padmé was nervous when I picked her up after work and told her where we were headed. I tried to explain that Bant was one of my favorite Jedi and would be nothing but considerate and kind. She told me it wasn't Bant she was worried about.
"What is it then?" I asked as we boarded her private ship. I did most of the piloting these days and took it easy. The Galactic City skylanes at this time of day were somewhat of a nightmare.
"I didn't want to tell you because I didn't want you to worry, but it's the podling."
It had taken some getting used to hearing her speak of our child using Mer terms, but I realized it was just an old habit. "What do you mean?" I asked just as a crazy driver exceeding the speed allowed barely missed hitting us and most likely would've if I hadn't given them a little bit of a push.
"I'm not sure. I just have a feeling that certain things should be happening by now and they aren't. Maybe it's supposed to be different since you and I aren't exactly the same species. I mean, not really." She smiled, although it disappeared quickly. I would've held her hand for comfort, but felt the need to keep both hands on the steering mechanism.
"I'm sure everything's fine," I told her calmly, trying my best to be optimistic, although her concerns made sense. "You're a new mother, so you can't be expected to know everything. Let's go see Bant and hear what she has to say."
"Why Bant?" Padmé asked me. "I understand you trust her and she's a dear friend, but what can she do for the podling that the other physician can't?"
A fair question. "She can use the Force," was the simplest answer I could supply. "Bant will be able to communicate with the baby on a certain level to make sure he…or she…is doing okay. If anything else is required such as bloodwork or other tests, she can do that as well. All right?"
"Yes," Padmé replied staring out at the passing vehicles, although the apprehension had not left her face.
Bant greeted us as soon as we stepped inside the Healer's Wing, and immediately pulled Padmé into an embrace. As soon as she was released, I noticed tears on Padmé's face.
"I don't know why I'm crying!" she sniffled wiping her tears away with her hand.
"It's to be expected when you're expecting," Bant replied with a wink as she drew us toward her office.
After sitting upon a cushioned couch that encircled nearly the entire room, Bant offered refreshment, which we both refused. Padmé's nervousness was now affecting me and I wanted to get this started and over with as soon as possible.
"I can sense the father's anxiety," the Healer informed us while glancing at me sideways, "so let's begin, shall we?"
Bant took Padmé to a white reclining lounger in the examination room and once she was comfortable, the Jedi Healer placed her long, webbed fingers across the width of her slightly bulging abdomen.
"Relax," she suggested quietly. "This won't hurt you or the baby. Take deep breaths. Good."
The lids of Bant's large eyes drifted shut and I could feel a fluctuation in the energy field surrounding us. I could've joined her in the Force, but didn't wish to intrude. Besides, if Bant had wanted me to, she would've asked. So, I stood quietly to the side and watched her face very closely.
At first, Bant seemed at peace, though her expression soon began to change. It shifted to curiosity, then to unease, acceptance, and back again to peace. In all, the examination took approximately fifteen minutes and Bant emerged looking solemn, having lost much of the playful attitude she'd had earlier.
Now, I was truly concerned.
"Obi-Wan, help her up and then come meet me back in my office. There are a few things we need to discuss."
