Chapter 3: Truths and Confessions
Anakin and Obi-Wan were walking through the Temple; suddenly they walked past Fan Shang.
"Shang, may I speak with you for a moment," calls Obi-Wan
The young Jedi walks back to Obi-Wan and Anakin.
"Master Kenobi, Master Skywalker." Shang says as she bows respectfully to her elder Jedi.
"The Council would like you to report to the next session. We have some important issues to discuss," says Obi-Wan. He looks at the young Jedi; she looks nervous.
"Yes, Master, of course. But what does it have to do with me?" she asks.
"We will discuss the matter later. Just promise to attend." Obi-Wan says.
"Yes, Masters. I will be there." Shang says, then bows again and leaves.
"There's something about that girl. I don't think it's right to bring her into this mess." Anakin states.
"The Council knows best, Anakin. They know what they're doing. Even though it may not feel right, things will clear up in the end." Obi-Wan says.
Anakin suddenly knew he had to return home to Padme, he was still worried about the dream he had about her, Padme's protection.
"Master, I…I can't stay at the Temple tonight. I have other matters to attend to," says Anakin, with slight guilt of the truth. Padme's birthing time would come soon. It was important he's there for her, but what about the Jedi? They would find out sometime, or maybe they already knew, they just weren't telling him.
"Anakin, we have to talk. Come," says Obi-Wan, he gestures Anakin to follow him
"I've been very…worried about you. You're always tired and stressed out; meditation doesn't help you relax at all. You always leave the Temple to go off somewhere. And you've been more quiet than usual. And quite frankly I'm worried," says Obi-Wan
"Sorry Obi-Wan, it's just," Anakin sighs. "It's just I've got problems of my own at home." Yes, like how to deal with Padme's death, he thought.
"Anakin, I think it's time I confess what I know," says Obi-Wan sadly.
"What do you mean?" asks Anakin.
"Over the years, I've known." Obi-Wan says, quietly
"You've known what?" asks Anakin. Obi-Wan sighs, he didn't know if he should be telling Anakin what he knows. That he knows that Anakin had been married to Padme and that he knew she was pregnant with his child.
Obi-Wan took a deep breath.
"I've known about you and…Padme," his voice drops softer when he says her name. Anakin didn't know what to say to about that. Obi-Wan was his best friend and now he knew Anakin's deepest secret. And all he could say was, "How?"
"Everyone has known of your infatuation with her since you were a boy. I have sensed your attachment to her, and I have kept it a secret all these years, but recent events could destroy that forever, Anakin," says Obi-Wan in a hushed tone, but no one was around the Temple at this time of night anyways.
"What things are you talking about, Obi-Wan," asks Anakin.
"Anakin, I am talking about the birth of your child." Obi-Wan whispers
Anakin felt like he was stabbed through his heart when those words were spoken.
"Obi-Wan…who else knows?" Anakin's words came out stuttered.
"Only myself and Master Yoda. No one else," he says.
"I was thinking of resigning from the Order before, Master."
"Anakin, you mustn't; we need you. Now is a dangerous time for the Republic. You heard the Council today. We will worry about your problems when the time comes."
Anakin was sure that time would come soon enough. Obi-Wan puts his hand on his friend's shoulder.
"Anakin, we need you, possibly now more than ever," says Obi-Wan.
Suddenly Anakin felt something in the Force and he knew something was wrong.
"I'm leaving for the night, Master. I promise to return in the morning." Anakin says.
"Alright, I'll see you tomorrow. Goodbye old friend and May the Force be with you."
"May the Force be with you Master." Anakin says, and then he rushes off to the docking bay to go home to his loving wife