Heyy, it's been a while. Life got crazy again. And it's about to get even crazier (I'll explain in the end notes). But I got this chapter finished and I had a lot of fun with it. It was a bit of a challenge to write teenage Caleb (Kanan) when we only saw him as a serious adult in Rebels. But in this story, he hasn't been traumatized and he is in his element in the temple among the Jedi. Hope I didn't butcher his character but since it's AU Caleb, I decided to take creative license. Also, I'm really not familiar with Cal Kestis, only what Wookiepedia says, so apologies in advance to any Cal lovers if I got him wrong too.
Summary: Teenage Padawan Caleb Dume finds little Iyla in a tree and a friendship forms as a result. Obi-Wan, Depa, and Caleb find Iyla's fascination and hero worship of the teen endearing and hilarious but Iyla takes it all the wrong way. Misunderstandings and hurt feelings occur but friendship prevails in the end.
Chapter 12: When Dume Met Kenobi
15-year-old Caleb Dume was rushing through the temple hallways dodging Knights and Masters and pointedly ignoring their disapproving glares. He didn't care about decorum at the moment. Master Tavahn had given him ten minutes only to get to the gardens, find his missing datapad, and return to class with it. Of course his Core Worlds Linguistics class was on the complete opposite side of the temple from the Room of a Thousand Fountains where he'd last had his pad. And he couldn't exactly remember where he left it. Was it next to the large stump he'd been sitting on while he and Cal had been trying to Force-skip rocks? Had it fallen out of the bushes where they hid after said rocks hit his grandmaster Windu on the head? Did Cal take it as a joke? Or perhaps it was under the tree where he sat trying to meditate about 'making better choices' when he and Cal were inevitably found out by Master Windu. He sighed in frustration and resigned himself to the fact that he'd have to look in all of those places and would definitely not make it back in the ten minutes Master Tavahn allotted. Seems like he had another lecture to look forward to after class.
Finally reaching the garden, Caleb rushed from spot to spot as fast as possible and was sure to use his manners and be polite when he encountered other people. The pad wasn't in any place he'd thought and he started to panic a bit. His Linguistics essay was on it. It was worth a kriff load of points and would most likely determine his grade for the semester. He did his best to hold back frustrated tears because 15-year-old Padawans don't cry over lost datapads and sat down heavily under a towering tree. He slowed his breathing and brought his hands up to his face to massage his temples. He needed to focus.
"C'mon Dume, get a grip," he muttered to himself. "Stop crying over a stupid essay. Now, focus, use the Force, and find that stupid datapad."
"I sawed a datapad," a voice spoke up.
Caleb's eyes shot open and he looked around in confusion. "Hello?" he asked.
"Hi," the voice said again.
His brows furrowed. "Where are you?" he asked.
"Up here."
He looked up and saw a little girl sitting on a branch in the tree, her head cocked to the side and wide eyes blinking at him curiously.
"Why are you in a tree?" he asked.
"It's a long stowy," she said.
"Ok…so…you said you saw a datapad?"
"Uh-huh. It's over there," the girl replied pointing to a group of bushes to their left.
Caleb ran over and sure enough, there was his datapad lying on the grass. "How did it get here?" he mused. "I don't even remember being here. Unless…maybe I dropped it when I was running from Master Windu…"
"Why was you running from Masser Window?" the girl asked.
"Why are you in a tree?" he asked back.
The girl narrowed her eyes at him and huffed. "You welcome for finding your pad," she sassed.
Caleb rolled his eyes. "Thank you. Now, I really need to be getting back to class. And you should be getting down and going back to the crèche."
"I…I can't," she said biting her lip and looking away.
"You can't? What do you mean you can't?"
"I fink I'm s-stuck," the girl replied with a tremble in her voice.
"Stuck?"
"I can't get down. I'm too s-scawed."
"Well, why did you get up there in the first place?"
"I not mean to! It was a assident!"
Caleb sighed. He really didn't have time for this. He looked back up at the child in the tree and noticed she was hugging her chest and starting to sniffle. He held back a groan and knew he'd regret what he was about to do.
"Do you need help?" he asked.
"You wanna help me?"
"Yeah, sure."
"I fought you had'ta go to class."
"I do. But…you need help, so…I'd like to help you."
"You get me down, pease?"
"Yeah, I'll try. Let me just…uh…" he said then took off his robe and hiked up the sleeves of his tunic. He set down his datapad and started to climb up the tree.
"Be caweful," the girl warned as she watched him.
"Thanks, kid. But I've climbed this tree many times." Caleb pulled himself up to the branch she was on and settled down next to her as she scooted over to give him room.
"You a good climber," she complimented.
"Um, thanks. So, how did you get up here exactly?"
"I not know, Misser…"
"I'm not a 'mister.' I'm just a Padawan. My name is Caleb."
"Peased to meet you Pawana Caleb," she said sticking out her hand.
Caleb smiled and took it. "Pleased to meet you too…"
"Iyla Kemmobi."
"Kenobi? Like Master Kenobi?"
"Yeah, he's my Papa," she smiled proudly.
"Cool. So, Initiate Kenobi," he began.
"I not a nishit yet. I'm only fouw," she said putting up four fingers.
"Ok, so Crècheling Kenobi, what are you doing in this tree?"
"I sawed a pwetty buvverfy but it flied away afore I sawed it all the way. Then it was in the twee and I fought about how I wanna see it vewy bad and then I flied up here too," Iyla said with a shrug.
"You flew up here?" Caleb asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Uh-huh. I feeled the Fowce and it binged me up here."
"Oh, so you Force jumped," Caleb clarified.
"Not on puwpose," Iyla said ducking her head. "It was a assident and I not wanna get stuck in the twee and now I not know how to get down and I prolly gonna be in twouble acause I not go back to the cwush wif the Massers," she said looking teary-eyed.
Caleb saw her starting to cry and rushed to stop the tears. Crying kids always made him uncomfortable. "Hey, hey, it's ok. I'm gonna be in trouble too. We can both get in trouble together," he joked.
"Papa's gonna be angwy," she whispered.
"My Master will be angry too," Caleb agreed. "It's never good to skip class."
"But you not mean to skip class. You was helping me. That's what a good Jedi 'sposed to do."
"I'm not sure my Master or my teacher will agree with you, but thanks."
Iyla smiled then looked down to study her hands. "'I'm not a good Jedi. I runned away from my gwoup. Then I gots stuck in a twee."
"You didn't mean to get stuck in a tree though. And I'm sure you would have been able to go back with your group if you hadn't gotten stuck, right?"
"Yeah, we was all still playing when I goed in the twee but I too scawed to come down when Masser Al-an said it's time to leave."
"See, so you're not a bad Jedi. If anything, accidental Force jumping at 4-years-old makes you a pretty awesome Jedi," Caleb said.
"Really?" Iyla asked with wide eyes.
"Totally. I couldn't Force jump when I was four. Not even accidentally."
Caleb watched as Iyla smiled widely at his compliment, her tears now forgotten.
"So what you do to Masser Window?" Iyla asked.
He stifled a chuckle at her mispronunciation and was seriously considering using the new name next opportunity he could.
"My friend Cal and I were trying to use the Force to skip some rocks across the pond and we accidentally hit Master Windu on the head," Caleb said looking a bit embarrassed.
Iyla put her hand over her mouth and gasped. "Was he vewy supew mad?"
"He wasn't too happy about it. Cal and I hid in the bushes then ended up running away. That's when I lost my datapad. I came back to find it after I got to my Linguistics class and realized it wasn't in my bag. It has my essay on it, you see. And it's very important to my grade."
"What's a ezzay?"
"It's like a report. Lots of writing and research and stuff. It took forever."
"Ohh, I like writing. I can do all my letters and some words. Masser Al-an says I gots good penaship," Iyla said proudly.
"That's good, kid," Caleb smiled.
"So…we get down now?"
"Uh, yeah, sure. Let me just think for a moment…" Caleb said surveying the area and how high off the ground they were. "Hmm, maybe we can-" he was interrupted by the comm unit he'd tucked in his belt. "Caleb Dume," he answered.
Depa Billaba's tired voice sounded over the comm. "Padawan, where are you? Master Tavahn said he sent you to find your datapad nearly 30 minutes ago. You've missed your entire Linguistics class. I thought you had an essay due today."
"I do, Master, but I-"
"That your Masser?" Iyla asked curiously. "What her name?"
"Master Billaba," Caleb said quietly then put his finger to his lips.
"Masser Blababa?" Iyla said excitedly. "Hi, Masser Blababa!"
There was silence for a moment then a confused, "Iyla…?"
"Yeah, it's me, Masser Blababa. I'm wif Caleb in the gawdens."
"Why are you in the gardens?" Depa asked suspiciously.
"I was looking for my pad, Master. I must have dropped it when Cal and I were runn-I mean, leaving the garden after we hit-I mean lightly tapped Master Window-Windu while we were Force skipping rocks."
"There's a lot to unpack in that sentence, Caleb, but we'll get to it later. There's a group of us who have been looking for Iyla. So stay put and we'll be right there."
"That won't be hard since we're in a tree," Caleb mumbled.
"I'm sorry, did you say you're in a tree?" Depa asked. "Why are you in a tree?"
"It's a long story," Caleb and Iyla said at the same time.
Depa sighed. "Just…stay put," she said exasperatedly before ending the call.
"I can feel my Master coming," Caleb remarked after sitting in the tree with Iyla for nearly 15 minutes. The little one was now partially slumped against his side with two fingers in her mouth. "There's another presence with her too."
"Papa?" Iyla asked as she perked up and wiped her fingers on her tunic.
"I dunno. Most likely."
Caleb could feel the girl's sudden flare of anxiety and felt her stiffen up next to him. "He's gonna be mad," she whispered.
"Don't stress kiddo, I'm sure he's just happy that you're found and ok," Caleb said trying to be reassuring.
Iyla didn't seem very comforted by his words but nodded slightly.
"Padawan?" Caleb heard his Master call.
"Over here, Master," he called back.
Both children looked down to see Depa Billaba and Obi-Wan appear underneath the tree with puzzled expressions on their faces.
"Papa?" Iyla asked leaning over to see him. She wobbled a bit and Caleb stuck out his arm to hold her steady.
"Whoa, kiddo. Careful," he commented.
"Hello, dear one," Obi-Wan replied. "Are you alright?"
"Uh-huh. But I'm stuck, Papa."
"Stuck in a tree? And you've got a Padawan stuck up there with you?" he asked amusement filling his voice.
"Caleb's not stuck, Papa. He comed up to help me. But then Masser Blababa called and tolded us to stay here acause she was coming."
"That's right, little one. I did. And you both did so well in listening to me," Depa said.
Caleb inwardly scoffed at being praised for staying put like a youngling, but he reasoned that the praise was more for Iyla than himself. And Iyla was a youngling. She needed reassurance, comfort, and praise for simple things.
"We get down now, Masser?" Iyla asked.
"Yes, of course. I think we need to get more information from you both and that would be a lot easier if you weren't in a tree," Depa replied.
"But how we gonna get down?"
"Well, we have a few options," Obi-Wan began as if he was starting a monologue for a Senate or Council meeting. "I can Force float you down-"
"No! Too scawy!" Iyla protested shaking her head wildly.
"I can jump up to get you-"
"You too heavy!" she replied. "We gonna fall."
"Then I guess the last option would be for Padawan Dume to help you down. If he's willing to, of course," Obi-Wan said looking up at Caleb.
Iyla turned her big blue eyes to the teen next to her and bit her lip. Caleb looked at the imploring akk-pup eyes and smirked. This kid knew how to use those things as a weapon. "Will you help me, Caleb?" she asked sweetly.
"Yeah, sure. That's why I got up here after all," Caleb smiled.
"We gonna Fowce jump?"
"Uh, I'm not quite good enough for that yet. At least not with someone else. How about we just climb?"
"I'm to scawed to climb and I dunno how," Iyla sniffled.
"Get on my back and I'll carry you down. I'll go slow and I won't drop you."
"Pwomise?" she asked.
"Promise," Caleb smiled.
Iyla looked down at Obi-Wan with anxious eyes, her fear starting to leak out into the Force around her.
"It's alright, little one. Master Billaba and I are right here to help if you need it. But I'm sure you will be fine."
"Yeah, we'll be fine. Don't worry. I'm an expert tree climber," Caleb said, winking at her.
Iyla still looked anxious but latched herself on to Caleb's back anyway, her hands fisting tightly in his tunics. She pressed her face to his shoulder and screwed her eyes shut. Caleb could feel her fear and tried his best to send her feelings of peace and calm through the Force and was happy to feel her relax a little against his back. He made his way down easily being careful not to jostle Iyla too much or hurt her on any branches.
Obi-Wan appeared next to them as soon as they got to the ground and helped Iyla off of Caleb's back. It was a bit difficult though as she was still latched on pretty tightly.
"You're alright now, darling. You're safe on the ground," Obi-Wan said as he ran a hand through her hair.
Iyla peeked up at him and she slowly started to pull away from Caleb's tunics. "Safe?" she asked.
"Yes, love. Padawan Dume brought you down safely. You're not stuck anymore."
"Caleb saved me?" she asked with wonder-filled eyes.
"Caleb saved you," Obi-Wan confirmed with a smile.
Instead of letting go of the teenager, Iyla tightened her grip and brought her hands around his stomach.
"Fank you for saving me, Caleb and making me not stuck no more! You a good Jedi!" she said.
Caleb let out a pained grunt. "Thanks, kiddo. And no problem," he replied.
"Alright, Iyla. That's enough. Caleb needs to breathe," Obi-Wan chuckled pulling her away from the wheezing Padawan.
"I'm proud of you for helping a crècheling in need, Padawan," Depa said. "But I think it's time for an explanation."
"Yes, Master."
Obi-Wan and Depa led the kids to a grassy area nearby and sat down with them. Iyla planted herself in Obi-Wan's lap and leaned back against his chest.
"Alright, so. Who would like to start?" Depa asked.
"Maybe we should start with how Iyla got stuck in a tree," Obi-Wan replied tilting his head to look down at the 4-year-old in his lap fiddling with the hem of his robe.
"It was a assident," she said.
"I hope it was, little one. Because this is the third time you've failed to make it out of the gardens and back with your Crèche Masters when you're supposed to. And this is the third time people have had to come searching for you," Obi-Wan said with some disapproval in his voice.
"I not mean to, Papa. Pwomise!" she said looking teary-eyed.
"Alright, love," Obi-Wan soothed. "Tell me what happened."
"It was still playtime when I sawed a buvverfy wif pwetty lellow and owange wings and I runned after it to see it closer acause it flied away afore I could see it all the way. Then it was in the twee and I fought about how I wanna see it vewy bad and then I flied up to the twee. But it not time to go back the the cwush yet, Papa. It was still playtime so I not leave the gwoup on puwpose!"
"I believe you, Iyla. Now, you said you 'flew' up to the tree?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Yeah. I fought about goin' up to see the buvverfy then I just goed. Like I flied up there! But I not mean to! It just happened," she shrugged.
"Accidental Force jumping?" Depa asked sounding impressed.
"Seems like it. Wouldn't be the first accidental Force thing she's done."
"Sounds like we've got a powerful little one on our hands," Depa said with a smile. "Bound to bring us many great moments in the future I'm sure."
"Bound to bring me endless gray hairs as well," Obi-Wan muttered.
"Are you mad at me, Papa?" Iyla asked looking anxious. "I heard Masser Al-an call for line-up time but I was scawed and stuck and I not know what to do."
"I'm not mad, darling. It sounds like it was a true accident. And you know what I say about accidents, right?"
"Uh-huh. Assidents happen and I'm not bad and it's not my fault and I'm still a big girl and I will make it next time and I not need to be 'barezzed."
"Some of those apply to a different kind of accident, love," Obi-Wan chuckled. "But yes, you're not bad and it's not your fault."
"And you still wuv me?"
"Always, my little light."
"So, now that we've established how Iyla ended up in the tree, I think it's time to hear your story, Padawan," Depa said turning to address a cringing Caleb.
"Yes, Master," he said reluctantly. "When I got to my Core Worlds Linguistics class I realized that I didn't have my pad with me. I told Master Tavahn and he gave me ten minutes to go get it. But my class is clear on the other side of the temple so it took a while to even get here. Then I couldn't remember where it was because I was in a few places before going to class."
"Yes, as you told me. Something about Padawan Kestis and running away and Force skipping rocks that lightly tapped your grandmaster?" Depa said raising an eyebrow.
Caleb let out an uncomfortable and anxious chuckle. "Uh, yeah, well that was definitely an accident. We didn't mean to hit Master Window, I mean Windu, on the head but I might have had a bit too much Force behind my rock skipping."
"You hit him in the head with a rock?" Depa asked pinching the bridge of her nose. "Caleb," she sighed.
"Not on purpose, Master! It was an accident. And don't you agree with Master Kenobi about accidents?" Caleb said looking at her with big pouty eyes.
Depa smirked. "That you're still a big boy and you'll make it next time and you don't need to be embarrassed?" she teased. "Yes, I do."
"Master!" Caleb exclaimed. "You know that's not what I meant," he huffed, arms crossed and a blush rising in his cheeks.
"And you not bad," Iyla spoke up. "You forgotted that part. And it's not your fault. Papa says that too," she nodded seriously.
"Yes, Master. What about that part?" Caleb challenged with a cheeky eyebrow raise.
"Hmm, I'll think about it you little imp," she smiled. "So I'm guessing you never made it back to class because you happened upon little Kenobi here?"
"Yeah, she told me where my pad was because she could see it from up there. Then I was gonna go back to class but she said she was stuck and well, I couldn't just leave a crècheling up in a tree. I had to help her. Even if it meant missing class. I know it's wrong to miss class and I apologize for it Master just as I'll apologize to Master Tavahn too but-"
Depa held up a hand. "I understand, Padawan, and Master Tavahn will too when I explain it to him. We'll go talk to him later and you can turn in your essay as well. I know you worked hard on it."
"Caleb says a ezzay is lotsa writing and it's portent for his gwade. That's why he was sad when he losted his pad and almost cried."
"I did not!" Caleb said looking offended and mortified. "I was just frustrated."
Obi-Wan and Depa chuckled while Iyla gave Caleb an unimpressed and disbelieving look.
"She's got that Kenobi eyebrow raise down already," Depa laughed.
"Yes, it's very disconcerting to see that expression directed back at me," Obi-Wan smirked.
"Papa, now that I not in twouble, can I go play so you and Masser Blababa can have grown-up talk?"
Obi-Wan laughed and tickled her neck. "Alright, little one. Go play for a little bit. Then we'll head to the crèche to explain what happened to Master Alann."
"Kay, Papa," she said jumping up from his lap. She started to run towards the flowers but stopped and turned back to the others. "D'ya wanna play wif me, Caleb?" she asked.
"Uhhh…" Caleb looked towards his Master with wide eyes.
"Go on, Padawan," Depa said cocking her head towards Iyla.
Caleb looked at the 4-year-old's big blue puppy eyes and felt his resolve crumbling. His 15-year-old adolescent pride that bristled at being told to "play" with a crècheling was dissipating in the wake of her adorable head tilt and imploring look. He knew he was finished when she let out a timid "pease." He inwardly sighed. He really was too soft.
"Sure, kiddo. I'll play with you," he said standing up.
Iyla smiled brightly at him and he felt her Force signature light up in happiness. She grabbed his hand and started leading him away chatting excitedly about the game she wanted to play.
Obi-Wan and Depa smiled at them and watched as Iyla tapped Caleb on the stomach and ran away yelling for him to try to catch her. Caleb blinked for a moment in shock then took off after her. The two Masters basked in the sound of Iyla's giggles and Caleb's barely contained playfulness spilling out into the Force around them.
"He's sweet to indulge her. She's pretty taken with him already. I think she sees him as a hero of sorts for saving her from the tree. I'm afraid she's going to try to play with him every chance she gets now. He is allowed to say no, though. Do tell him that. He's not obligated to give in to her every time."
"Oh, I don't know. It seems to me that he's pretty fond of her too. You saw him cave so quickly. That wasn't my doing," Depa replied.
"She does have a way of breaking people down," Obi-Wan agreed.
"It's those big blue eyes. They're irresistible. You're in for a lot of trouble in about ten years my friend."
"Wonderful," Obi-Wan muttered.
"But for now, let her use them to get teenage Padawans to put aside their pride and play tag with her. Might as well use them to her advantage in any way she can."
"Shh, don't give her any ideas, Depa. She doesn't need to know the power those eyes hold yet."
"Oh, she already knows, Obi-Wan," Depa laughed. "She definitely already knows."
The Councilors let their little ones continue to run around and chase each other for a few minutes more, enjoying the warmth and light radiating from the new-found friends.
"Crèche duty today, Padawan?" Depa asked Caleb at breakfast a few mornings later.
"Yeah, but Cal's coming too so it won't be so bad," he replied shrugging.
"Master Alann agreed to let you and Kestis do crèche duty at the same time?" she asked with a raised eyebrow. "Does he forget so easily the trouble you two caused when you were crèchelings?"
"We weren't that bad, Master," Caleb said.
"That's not what your Clan Master said when I talked to him after taking you on as a Padawan."
He gave her a cheeky smirk and continued shoveling food into his mouth as if he'd never eaten in his life. Depa rolled her eyes and huffed out an affectionate laugh.
A knock at the door ended Caleb's ravenous eating and he jumped up to put his plate in the sink. "That's Cal," he said pulling on his boots.
"I'll just get it then, shall I?" Depa said rising from her chair.
"That'd be great, thanks Master!"
Depa shook her head and smiled then went to answer the door. Cal Kestis stood on the other side looking patient and calm as always.
"Hello, Padawan Kestis. Come on in. Caleb is just getting his bag."
"Thank you, Master Billaba," Cal replied with a respectful bow then followed her in.
"Hey Cal!" Caleb greeted. "Ready to go deal with some ankle-biters?" he smirked.
Depa gave him an unimpressed look.
"I mean…wonderful and bright little future Jedi," Caleb corrected smiling sweetly.
Depa rolled her eyes and ushered him out of the room.
"Don't worry, Master Billaba, I'll make sure he's a good influence on the younglings," Cal said as they walked to the door.
"Thank you, Cal. Keep him in line for me," she winked.
"Him keep me in line? Master, you have it completely backwards. He-"
"Goodbye, Padawan," she said pushing him into the hallway and cutting him off.
The crèche was buzzing with activity when the two teens arrived. A group of Initiates was coming out of the meal room while some toddlers were running around unsteadily in the play room. Caleb and Cal stood in the center and looked around with wide eyes.
"This place is insane," Cal whispered.
"Definitely," Caleb replied.
"Ah! My Padawan volunteers!" Master Alann said from across the room. "Nice to see you, Cal and Caleb. Welcome back to the crèche for the afternoon. Are you both obeying your Masters?"
"Of course, Master Alann. We always obey," Cal smiled.
Master Alann snorted out a laugh and shook his head fondly. "Yes, I'm sure you do. Now, you two are needed outside in the garden. You'll be helping our 4-6s with their beginning kata steps. Master Terrol is all set up for you."
"Sounds good. Thanks, Master Alann," Caleb said then headed outside with Cal.
"We're with the really young ones today. Usually I work with Initiates, not crèchelings," Cal said. "I hope they don't cry or pee on me or something."
"They're not babies, Cal," Caleb said rolling his eyes. "I'm sure they're all properly toilet trained and at least partly emotionally controlled."
"Hope so," Cal replied.
The boys made their way over to a small clearing where a group of 4 to 6-year-old crèchelings were set up in lines on the grass sitting and listening to Master Terrol go over the lesson for the day. Cal and Caleb stood off to the side and waited patiently for him to finish.
"Now, younglings," Master Terrol said. "We have two Padawans here to help us out today. Please welcome Padawan Kestis and Padawan Dume."
"Welcome Padawan Kestis and Padawan Dume," the children repeated.
"They'll be showing us some basic kata moves and going around to help correct your forms. I want you all to pay close attention and be good listeners and learners, alright?"
"Yes, Master Terrol," the group repeated again.
Master Terrol gestured for the two of them to come forward and introduce themselves.
"Hi," Cal said a bit awkwardly. "I'm Padawan Kestis," he waved.
"And I'm Padawan Dume," Caleb said also waving.
"Caleb!" shouted a little voice from the second row. "Hi, Caleb!" the youngling said sitting up taller and waving frantically. "Member me? It's Iyla. From the twee!"
"The tree?" Cal asked.
"It's a long story," Caleb replied.
"Do you member me?" the girl asked again.
"Uh, yeah, hi, kiddo," Caleb said awkwardly.
Her eyes lit up and she smiled widely at him. Cal was trying to hide his amusement at the girl's obvious fascination with Caleb.
"Alright, Iyla," Master Terrol said. "Time to let Padawan Dume get started with helping us."
"Ok, Masser," she said sitting lower and focusing forward.
"Now, let's begin with the kata move we learned yesterday while our Padawan guests go around and assist," Master Terrol said motioning for them all to stand up.
Cal and Caleb walked around the group and corrected foot placements and arm motions, both exchanging amused looks at the unsteady and off-balance group. Master Terrol was trying hard to get them to stay in sync and fluid in their movements but it was more like a mess of flailing limbs and collisions with each other because of lost footing.
"Were we ever this terrible?" Caleb whispered to Cal.
"Well, I wasn't," Cal replied with a smirk.
Caleb made a face at him then turned to a small Nautolan who had somehow gotten twisted in his head tails. After he got the youngling unknotted he heard arguing behind him. He looked up to find Master Terrol to tell him about it but the Crèche Master was busy dealing with another incident farther away. The arguing was growing steadily louder and it sounded like someone had started crying. Caleb and Cal looked at each other and winced. Neither one wanted to deal with a crying youngling, but it was obvious that Master Terrol had his hands full at the moment and wasn't likely to be able to help anytime soon. It looked like they'd have to intervene. They were supposed to be helping after all.
Both teens sighed and headed over to the source of the noise. A small Togrutan was waving her finger at a taller girl with dark skin who had her hands on her hips and was leaning close to her face.
"—watch what you're doing Arie!" the taller girl said.
"Not my fault baby Nobi was in my way," the Togrutan huffed.
"I'm not a baby!" protested a sniffling strawberry blonde girl.
"You're sure cryin' like one."
"You elbowed her in the face!"
"Not on purpose!"
"So, it still hurt her. Look, her eye got poked and she's got a mark on her cheek."
"It's not that bad."
"I'll show you not that bad!" the dark skinned girl launched herself at the Togrutan but was caught by Cal who pulled her back by her tunic.
"Whoa, kid. Bring it down a notch. What's going on?"
"Arie hitted Iyla and she won't say sowwy," A small Rodian spoke up from her place next to the sniffling girl who had a hand over her eye.
"I not do it on purpose!" Arie protested.
"It's still nice to apologize," Caleb pointed out. "Even if it was an accident."
"I wouldn'ta hit her if she not got in my way."
"I falled over doing the kadas," Iyla pouted.
"It's katas," Arie mocked. "You can't even say it right. Stupid baby."
"I'm NOT a baby!" Iyla growled.
"Ok, ok, stop," Caleb said holding out his hands. "Stop yelling and no name calling," he looked to Arie.
Arie scowled and folded her arms.
"Now, let's talk about this. Calmly. Who can tell me what happened?" Cal asked.
Five hands immediately shot in the air and waved around frantically.
"I sawed the whole thing!" A blonde boy said as he waved his hand and bounced on the balls of his feet.
"I sawed it too!" the Rodian said.
"Alright, I get it, you all saw," Cal said. "But how about we start with little miss fight club here," he said pointing to the still scowling taller girl.
"My name is Shona," she said.
"Ok, Shona. Tell me what happened. Calmly," he warned.
"When we was doing the katas, Iyla falled over a little and bumped into Arie. Arie's elbow hitted Iyla's face and Arie got mad that Iyla falled on her."
"She messed up my kata! I was doing good before she pushed me over!"
"It was a assident! And my Papa says assidents happen and it's ok and I'm not bad."
"What does your Papa say about cryin' all the time?"
"He says it's ok to cwy if I gots a owie. And I do. You huwrted my eye vewy bad!"
Arie rolled her eyes. "Then go cry to your Papa about it," she said and stuck out her tongue.
"I can't. He's wif the cowsul in a meeting," Iyla replied and sniffled.
Caleb recognized the look in Iyla's eyes and knew another bout of tears was imminent. Time to step in. "Hey, it's ok, kiddo. Master Kenobi won't be in a meeting forever. How about we take you to Master Alann so he can look at your eye? How's that sound?"
"Ok, Caleb. You come wif me?" she asked rubbing her eyes.
"Sure, I'll come," Caleb shrugged.
Cal smirked and looked sideways at Caleb. "Go take your little injured friend and Arie to Master Alann. I'll keep these three entertained."
"Wanna play tag?" Shona asked.
"Umm, ok, who's it?"
"You!" she said hitting his arm and running off. The blonde boy and Rodian girl giggled and ran away as well.
Cal rolled his eyes and sighed then took off after them.
Caleb led both girls inside and searched for Master Alann among the mass of kids milling around. He felt Iyla's hand slip into his and he looked down at her. She gave him a shy smile and ducked her head.
"Is there a problem, Padawan Dume?" Master Alann asked eyeing them suspiciously. If it involved Arie then there usually was. Plus Iyla looked to have been crying recently.
"Yeah, we had a bit of a collision during kata practice. Arie's elbow hit Iyla's face and then they started arguing," Caleb explained.
"She messed me up," Arie pouted.
"It was a assident," Iyla pouted right back.
"Alright you two, enough. Arie, Iyla didn't mean to mess up your kata. And Iyla, Arie didn't mean to hit you. It was an accident on both sides. But you both need to apologize even if it wasn't on purpose."
"But why I gotta 'polgize, Masser? I not do anyfing wrong," Iyla insisted.
"Did you yell at Arie?" Master Alann asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Only a little," Iyla said looking at the floor.
"Yelling at others is not nice, Iyla. Now, apologize. Both of you."
Arie and Iyla glared at each other for a moment. Master Alann cleared his throat. "Girls…" he warned.
Iyla sighed and gave in. "Sowwy, for yellin' at you, Awie."
"Sorry for hitting you and gettin' mad, Iyla. And calling you a crybaby."
"You not call me a cwybaby."
"Oh, guess I was just finking it then," Arie shrugged.
Master Alann shook his head and sighed wearily. "Is your arm alright, Arie?" he asked.
"Yes, Masser."
"Good, return to the garden for free play but check in with Master Terrol before you do," he instructed.
Arie bowed clumsily then skittered out of the room.
"How about you, Iyla? Does your eye still hurt?" Alann asked turning to her.
"Yes, Masser. It huwts lots," she sniffled.
Master Alann knelt down and ran a finger over her bruised eye and red cheek. Iyla winced and started to pull back but Caleb's hand kept her firmly in place. He gave it a light and comforting squeeze.
"Looks like we might need some bacta for that bruise. You took a pretty good hit, little one," he said gently. "Follow me back to the nurse station and we'll get you all patched up," he said as he stood up.
Iyla hesitated and bit her lip anxiously. "But…the baga huwts, Masser. Papa says it 'sposed to make me bettew but it stings when it goes on."
"Only for a moment, child. It will be quick, I promise."
"Can…can Caleb stay wif me, Masser?"
"Iyla, Caleb has duties to attend to outside. He's needed in the gardens. The bacta treatment will be fast and I know you can be a big brave girl for that long. I've seen it before."
"I am bwave and a big girl, but…but maybe Caleb can help me be even more bwaver? I not cwy or nofing I just want him. He's supew bwave and nice and he's my speshul fwiend. Right, Caleb?" she asked looking up at him.
Caleb looked to Master Alann who was trying hard not to smile and laugh at the poor Padawan's panicked expression.
"I'll agree to it as long as Caleb is comfortable coming with us. If he's not though, you need to let him go back outside, Iyla. Understood?"
"Yes, Masser," she nodded. "Will you pease stay wif me for the baga teement, Caleb? You comerble wif that?" Iyla asked turning her big pleading blue eyes to him.
Caleb groaned inwardly and felt his resolve crumbling. Why did she have to be so cute? As if the wide wet eyes weren't enough, she had to go and adorably ruin the big words with her speech impediment. He spared a glance at the Crèche Master who had a knowing look in his eye.
"I pwomise to be bwave," Iyla said when she felt Caleb was taking too long to answer.
He narrowed his eyes at a smug Master Alann and turned his attention back to Iyla. "Yeah, kid. I'll stay," he replied.
Iyla's face lit up in a grin and she gave him a quick side hug. Master Alann chuckled and led them both to the nurse area. He sat Iyla down on one of the cots and motioned for Caleb to sit next to her. Iyla's hand was still firmly holding the teen's and he noticed she had shuffled closer to his side to lean her head against his arm. Master Alann was gentle and quick with the bacta cream and shushed her quietly when she whimpered at the sting. Caleb felt her clinging tighter to his arm and was afraid that he himself would need bacta when this was all over. Finally the cream was on and Master Alann was looking her over for anymore injuries before putting the jar back in a cabinet. He turned around and smiled fondly at the half-lidded girl sagging against Caleb's arm as the Padawan held perfectly still and side-eyed him nervously. He chuckled quietly and ran a hand over Iyla's curls.
"It's nearly nap time, little one," he said softly. "Should we let Caleb go so you can lie down and rest?"
"Not seepy," she insisted stubbornly.
"Oh, I think you are, dear."
"Only babies take naps."
"I love taking naps," Caleb said honestly.
"You do?" Iyla asked sitting up in shock.
"Yeah. Taking naps is the best," he replied. "Am I a baby?"
"No! You not a baby! You big and nice and bwave and cool," Iyla replied looking serious.
"Then naps aren't just for babies, are they? They're for big kids too, right?"
"Yes, Caleb. Big kids take naps too," she nodded emphatically.
"So, maybe you should go take your nap. Like a big kid."
"You wanna take a nap wif me?"
"Uh," Caleb said awkwardly. He should have seen this coming when he started in on the whole 'big kids take naps too' idea.
"Caleb can take a nap back at his quarters later, little one. For now, he only has about 15 minutes left before his and Padawan Kestis' shift is over. He needs to get back to the gardens," Master Alann stepped in and saved Caleb the awkward stuttering and explanations.
"Can I stay up til Caleb and Pawana Kessus is done? Then I take a nap, Masser. Pwomise!"
Caleb watched as the girl turned her big eyes to him as well and he smiled to himself when he noticed the older Master withering under her stare. Clearly he wasn't the only one affected by her charms.
"Alright, young one. You can stay up for 15 more minutes, but that is all. And no complaining when I come to get you for nap time, agreed?"
"Agweed!" Iyla smiled jumping off the cot and tugging on Caleb's hand. "C'mon, Caleb. Let's go find Shona, Flynn, and Nawi!" she said excitedly.
Caleb let himself be pulled toward the door and looked back at the Crèche Master. Master Alann smirked and half shrugged.
"She's hard to resist," he said with a chuckle. "Too much Kenobi charm."
"Tell me about it," Caleb muttered then jerked forward as Iyla gave his hand a hard tug.
Cal and Caleb were panting hard as they lay on the grass surrounded by tiny crèchelings. They'd chased them around nonstop for 15 minutes and were feeling the effects of their constant running. The younglings weren't the least bit tired but allowed their older friends time to rest.
"That was so fun!" Flynn exclaimed. "Panawan Kestus and me maked a good team. That's why we winned all the time."
"You didn't win!" Shona insisted. "I tagged you! You didn't stay freezed!"
"Cuz he unfrozed me. Cuz he's on my team. That's how you play the game, Shona," Flynn said sticking out his tongue.
"But it's not fair you got a Padawan on your team. I want Padawan Kestis to play with me now," she said jutting out her lip.
"He doesn't wanna play wif you. You cheat."
"I do not!"
"Do too!"
"Do not!"
"Do too!"
"Do not!" Shona said then launched herself at Flynn and tackled him to the ground.
Caleb looked to Cal questioningly, both wondering if they should put a stop to it. But when they heard giggles and laughter they relaxed.
"Ok, ok, stop," Flynn said breathlessly. "You win," he smiled.
Shona laughed and got off of him. "Thank you," she said smugly.
"I think Flynn winned the tag game though," Nari spoke up.
Shona playfully glared at her and started to get up. Nari squealed and hid behind Cal while she giggled.
"You're completely insane, kid," Cal smirked. "You'll make your Master crazy some day."
"Thanks!" Shona smiled and Cal laughed.
"I fink Caleb plays good too," Iyla said from Caleb's side staring dreamily at him as he lounged in the grass.
"He's ok," Flynn shrugged looking a bit jealous.
"He's better than you," Iyla said defensively.
Flynn frowned and crossed his arms.
"Hey, I'm not that great, kid. Flynn's pretty fast and moves well. Those are good skills for a future Padawan to have," he praised.
Flynn grinned and sat up taller. Iyla rolled her eyes and went back to staring at Caleb.
"But you saved me from the twee. Flynn can't do that."
"I can climb trees. I'm good at it," Flynn replied. "Is that a good skill for a Panawan?"
"Definitely," Caleb smiled.
Iyla stayed silent and picked a flower from the grass looking it over and twirling it in her fingers.
Cal's commlink went off and he sat up from his lounging position. "Shift's over," he said.
Caleb sat up as well with a barely concealed groan. "Good, I'm starved."
"Me too. I'll race you to the dining hall," Cal said.
"I don't think I can run anymore," Caleb replied.
Cal laughed and held out a hand for the other boy to help him to his feet.
"You leaving?" Nari asked looking sad.
"Yeah, kiddo. We gotta eat then head to our next class," Cal said. "But I promise we'll come back again. You still need to show me that pond diving trick you were telling me about."
"Yes. You gotta see it," the Rodian insisted.
"I will soon, Nari," he promised with a pat to her head.
"And you'll be on my team next time?" Shona asked.
"Of course."
"And I'll be wif Caleb next time. Then we can see who wins," Flynn said standing up next to the Padawan and putting his hands on his hips.
Caleb laughed and ruffled Flynn's hair. "Sounds good to me," he replied.
"You pwomise you gonna come back soon?" Iyla asked quietly looking mournfully at Caleb.
"Of course, I'm sure we'll have crèche duty again soon. Plus, we'll probably see each other around. Your Papa and my Master are friends after all," he said giving her a wink
Iyla smiled and sighed dreamily. "I picked you a fower, Caleb," she said holding out the bent and crumpled flower she had been squishing in her hands merely seconds before.
Cal bit his lip to keep from laughing and nudged Caleb playfully. "That's sweet, Iyla. Caleb loves flowers," he replied. Caleb glared at him.
"You do? I love fowers too!"
"Yeah, flowers are great. But, why don't you keep it," he said taking it from her hand. "You can put it here," he tucked it behind her ear and settled her curls around it. "That way you'll always remember that were friends." Caleb leaned back and smiled at her.
Iyla touched the flower reverently and her eyes widened in happiness. "Estra speshul fwiends?"
"The most special, ever," Caleb replied seriously.
Iyla smiled widely and threw her arms around his neck. "Fank you," she whispered.
"No prob. Now, you have a nap to take, remember? And these three have some kind of trouble to cause, I'm sure."
"It's what we're best at," Shona nodded.
"I bet," Cal snorted.
"Ok, Caleb. I'll go take my nap like a big girl."
"Good job, kiddo. See you around," he said waving at the group.
"Bye!" the four little ones called with enthusiastic waves to the two teens. As they watched their new friends leave the garden Iyla reached up again to touch the flower Caleb had given her, a dreamy look settled on her face.
Obi-Wan, Depa, and Caleb found Iyla's hero worship and dreamy affection for the Padawan amusing and adorable. Caleb was a good sport and played with her when she asked and humored her when she held his hand and gave him hugs. Depa liked to tease her Padawan about 'robbing the crèche' and not being able to find a girl his own age to treat him as well as Iyla did. Caleb would always roll his eyes and chuckle. Obi-Wan had even taken to fake threatening Caleb about treating his daughter well and playing the overprotective father. All three of them got a kick out of the little one's crush and enjoyed playing along with her.
The only thing was that Iyla wasn't playing. Everyone else saw it as cute and a joke, but not Iyla. She truly believed that Caleb was her special friend and that he cared for her like she cared for him. And her Papa, Master Billaba, and others who humored her just reaffirmed this belief and cemented the reality in her mind. Caleb loved Iyla like Iyla loved Caleb and they were the most special friends ever. He gave her a flower and let her hold his hand. He played with her and gave her sweet compliments. He comforted her when she got hurt and saved her a seat next to him when she and her Papa ate with him and Master Billaba. As far as she knew and saw it, Caleb Dume was her boyfriend and they loved each other.
Another thing that confirmed this thought was when she heard two girl Padawans talking to each other in the garden. They were gushing to each other about their crushes and talking about how one of them got a gift from their crush who said she was special and the gift was a reminder of that. Iyla immediately thought of the flower Caleb had given her and how he told her it was because they were special friends. The other Padawan excitedly told her friend that this was proof that the boy liked her and wanted to be her boyfriend. They then moved on to talking about how one of them got to hold their crush's hand and how he was sweet and liked to sit next to her in the dining hall. All of these things Iyla could say about Caleb and she decided that there was no difference between the girls and their crushes and her and Caleb's special friendship. They were one in the same.
It was this thinking and excitement that led her to talk with Shona, Flynn, and Nari much as the two Padawans had done.
"He gived me a fower and I get to hold his hand when we play. I fink he likes me lots. Papa does too."
"Caleb's not your boyfriend!" Flynn exclaimed. "He's too old. And you're just a little kid."
"I'm a big girl. Caleb said so. And I not care if he's old. He's mushure and big and bwave. And I like him and he likes me."
"He's not that great," Flynn pouted.
"You're just jealous," Shona smirked. "I think Caleb and Iyla look nice together. And he did say they're special friends."
"Yeah, we all heared it," Nari said. "You should make him a pwesent too, Iyla. So he will know you wanna be his girlfwiend."
"Gweat idea, Nawi!" Iyla jumped up excitedly. "I'm gonna make him a pishure!"
"Yeah, you good at drawing. He's gonna love it!" Nari said looking just as excited.
"Let's go draw, c'mon!" Iyla said heading for the art room door.
Shona got up to follow them but stopped when she noticed Flynn wasn't coming with them. "You coming?" she asked him.
Flynn sat with his shoulder slumped and a frown on his face. "No. I don't wanna draw. And I'm tired of hearing 'bout Caleb," he whined.
Shona patted his head and smiled. "Iyla's still your friend, Flynn. And she likes you lots too."
Flynn grunted and reached for a set of toy speeders as Shona left to join Iyla and Nari in the art room.
Later that evening after dinner with Caleb and Master Billaba in the dining hall, Iyla and Obi-Wan were relaxing in the Room of a Thousand Fountains. Depa stood with Obi-Wan and talked while Caleb sat with some friends a few feet away from them. Iyla was lying on her stomach at her Papa's feet playing with the grass and the fallen leaves. A loud burst of laughter startled her and she looked up to see the group of Padawans a few feet away now growing larger to include the two Padwans she'd heard talking about their crushes the other day. This triggered something in her mind and she sat up quickly thrusting her hands in her robe pocket and pulling out the drawing she'd made in the crèche that morning. She forgot to give it to Caleb during dinner but she could give it to him now. Then she could meet his friends. They'd be her friends too once they were officially boyfriend and girlfriend.
Iyla smoothed out the picture on the grass and stood up. She took a deep breath and held her head high as she made her way over to the group of teens. Caleb was engaged in a conversation with another Padawan and didn't see her approaching. Cal looked up though and greeted her warmly.
"Hey, mini Kenobi," he said. "How's it going?"
"Hi, Pawana Kessus," Iyla smiled at him.
"Call me, Cal, kiddo."
"Ok, Cal."
"Did you need something?" Cal asked.
"Umm, I wanna give Caleb somefing."
Caleb turned his attention to her and gave her a charming smile. "Oh, hey, Iyla. What's that?" he asked nodding toward the paper in her hand.
"I maked you a pishure at art time. I forgotted to give you it at dinner," she said shyly as she noticed every Padwan in the group looking at her.
"Oh, cool. Thanks," he said reaching for the picture. He spread it out in front of him and studied the drawing. Two figures stood in the middle of a garden full of trees, flowers, and grass holding hands with big smiles on their faces. One was tall with brown hair and the other smaller with curly orange locks. The names Iyla and Kaylub were written in a childish scrawl over them.
"I writed the names all by myself. I not sure how to spell your name but I sounded it out like Papa and Masser Al-an always tell me to do. And I did my bestest penaship. Do you like it?" she asked looking nervous.
"It looks great, kiddo. I love it," Caleb said smiling.
A dark haired teen leaned close to Caleb and rested her chin on his shoulder to see the picture better. "That's a very nice drawing, little one," she said, eyes twinkling.
"Fank you, Pawana…"
"Just call me Zara," she said sweetly.
"Peased to meet you, Zawa. My name is Iyla Kemmobi," she said with a bow and a critical eye at the girl and her close proximity to Caleb.
"She's adorable, Caleb," Zara said looping an arm around his arm.
Iyla's eyes narrowed and she spoke up again. "I drawed our hands togever acause we speshul fwiends. See, like when we play and you hold my hand."
"Yeah, you're right. We do hold hands like that."
"Uh-huh. And I wanna give you a pwesent acause you gived me a pwesent too. Like what we 'sposed to do when we wuv each uver."
"Aww, love you too, Iyla."
"You do?" she asked looking excited.
"Yeah, of course. I love all my friends," Caleb replied looking around the group.
"But we estra speshul fwiends, right? Acasue you my boyfwiend and I'm your girlfwiend. So we wuv each uver even more speshuler."
The group went from cooing and smiling to silent very quickly at her words. Cal glanced at Caleb.
"What?" Caleb asked looking confused. "Boyfriend?"
"Yeah. I heared some Pawanas talking 'bout how boys give girls pwesents and hold hands when they like them. And you gived me a pwesent and holded my hand so that means you like me. And I like you too. So we boyfwiend and girlfwiend," Iyla explained cocking her head to the side seemingly confused as to why Caleb wasn't understanding.
Caleb sat quietly for a moment, his eyes darting everywhere, to his Master, Cal, Master Kenobi, the trees and fountains. Anywhere but at the big blue eyes staring at him with such hope and affection. He took a deep breath and prayed to the Force to be with him as he broke the news to her.
"Um…uh…kiddo, I think we need to talk."
"Bout what?"
"About this whole 'boyfriend' thing."
"Ooh, I see. You wanna keep it a secret. It's ok. We not gotta hide. Papa and Masser Blababa not be mad."
"Uh, no, that's not it. We…um…we aren't boyfriend and girlfriend, Iyla," he said with a wince.
"Yes we are. We give pwesents and hold hands. You gived me a fower and putted it in my hair…and…and you said I'm your speshul fwiend." she said, voice getting less confident as she went on.
"You are my special friend, Iyla. But just my friend."
"But you play wif me lots and let me sit wif you in the dining hall. And you give me hugs when I get a owie and you telled me you like to be wif me."
"I do, but, I didn't mean in that way. I meant that we have fun together and I like having fun with you. Plus, you're only four and I'm 15. That's a big difference."
"But…I'm vewy mushure and you say I'm a big girl. I can write all my letters and some words too. And I get dwessed on my own and eat all my food and…and not need help wif the potty and…" she trailed off as she saw the look in his eyes and the sympathy on his face.
"You fink I'm a little baby," she said with a sniffle. "That why you not like me and not wanna be my boyfwiend. You like Zawa and the uver girls more than me." Tears were pooling in her eyes and she swallowed down a sob.
"No, Iyla. I don't think you're a baby, I just-"
"Here, I take my pishure back. And give you my fower too!" she took the flower from her robe pocket and threw in on the ground then grabbed her drawing and crumpled it into a ball. "We not speshul fwiends no more," she said wiping a hand over her face to dry the tears that had fallen down her cheeks.
"Iyla, kiddo," Caleb said rising from the ground and reaching out to her. "I'm sorry…"
Iyla jerked away from him and took a shuddering breath trying her best not to start sobbing in front of the group of teens and prove herself to be even more of a baby. She stuffed the crumpled picture into her pocket as she turned and quickly ran off.
Caleb swallowed thickly and stared after her, still frozen in his position on his knees with his hand out in front of him. "Kriff," he muttered as he closed his eyes and dropped his arm. He'd really made a mess out of this whole thing.
"Language, Padawan," Depa scolded from next to him. "Little ears are listening. Though I'd say Iyla has most likely heard worse, but still, best to set a good example. Right, little one?" she asked turning to look at the space around her. "Where's Iyla? I thought she was just here."
"She was," Caleb sighed.
"Well where did she go? Obi-Wan said it's getting late and they need to head back to their room."
"She, uh, she ran off, Master Billaba," Cal spoke up when Caleb didn't answer.
Depa looked at her Padawan's guilty face and around at the other silent teens in the group. "What happened?" she asked warily.
"Caleb broke her heart," Cal answered again.
"Broke her heart?" Obi-Wan frowned coming to stand by them.
"I didn't mean to, Master Kenobi. But she was saying we were boyfriend and girlfriend and that she loved me and wanted to always be with me. I tried to explain to her that we're just friends and I was just playing around but she took it seriously and got upset. I wanted to say more but she ran off crying and…"
Depa saw the distress on his face and brought a hand to his shoulder. "It's alright, Caleb. We'll clear this up."
Caleb looked doubtful but managed a small nod.
"We should be getting back to our rooms too," Cal said standing up and looking around at his fellow Padawans. "Good luck, Caleb," he said patting his arm.
Caleb vaguely acknowledged them with a slight wave still looking forlornly at the empty space Iyla stood moments before, blue eyes tinged red and a heartbroken look on her face.
Obi-Wan looked in the direction Caleb was staring and walked off to go find Iyla. He followed her sobs and her sad Force presence to a shaded area under a tree. She was curled up in a ball crying into her knees. Obi-Wan sighed and sat down next to her.
"Oh, little one," he said as he started to rub her back. Iyla hiccupped and climbed into his lap burying her face in his robe.
"It's alright, my darling. You're ok," he soothed.
"C-Caleb not my speshul f-fwiend no more, Papa. He finks I'm a b-baby and he n-not like m-me," she sobbed.
"That's not true, love. Caleb likes you very much. He's very upset that you're so sad."
"But he not w-wanna be my b-boyfwiend. Even after he g-gived me a fower and l-letted me hold his h-hand."
"Caleb is a very nice boy, Iyla. He was just being kind and friendly. He didn't mean to hurt your feelings, sweetheart."
"Well he did! I just wanna be his girlfwiend acause I wuv him lots but he said I can't," she sniffled.
"You're much too young for a boyfriend, Iyla. And Caleb is a Padawan. He needs to focus on his studies and becoming a Jedi. I think Master Billaba would agree with me on that," Obi-Wan said running a hand through her hair.
"I definitely would," Depa said as she walked up to them with Caleb trailing behind.
"But you and Papa was saying Caleb and me was good togever and acting like we was vewy speshul fwiends. And the Pawana girls said boys give girls pwesents and hold hands wif them when they like them. So I fought…"
"You thought it was real," Obi-Wan sighed. "Oh, darling. I'm sorry. We didn't think about your feelings when we were joking around. I should have been clear and more aware of how it affected you."
"We didn't mean to give you the wrong idea, little one," Depa said sitting down across from them. "We were just messing around with Caleb. Teasing him."
"I not fink it's funny," Iyla said as she wiped her eyes.
"I know, love. And we're sorry," Obi-Wan said hugging her closer.
Caleb sat next to his Master and looked at Iyla sadly. "I really am sorry, Iyla. I didn't mean to make you think we were boyfriend and girlfriend. I just thought we were good friends."
Iyla avoided his guilty gaze and fiddled with the hem of Obi-Wan's robe, focusing her eyes on her lap.
"I do care about you, kiddo. A lot. I have fun when we play together. I enjoy talking to you at dinner. And I really did like your drawing. You're very talented," he said again trying to catch her eye.
Iyla ducked shyly and settled further into her Papa's arms. "Fank you," she said quietly.
"I'd like to have it back, if you don't mind. It's the nicest drawing anyone has ever made for me." He didn't mention that it was pretty much the only drawing anyone had ever made for him. "Can I keep it?"
"I squished it," she replied.
"That's ok. I'm sure I can smooth it out," he smiled. "So, can I have it back?"
Iyla nodded and reached into her pocket to take out the ball of paper. She handed it to Caleb and he took it in his hand careful not to crumple it further or rip it.
"Thanks, Iyla," he said.
"Welcome," she replied.
"Oh, I, uh, got something for you," he said taking out a small pink daisy from his belt. "I'd like to be your friend again, if you'll still have me. I picked this for you. A new flower to represent our new friendship. Not boyfriend and girlfriend. Just Caleb and Iyla. Two very special friends who like to have fun together and spend time with each other. And help each other find datapads and get down from trees," he smirked.
"You still wanna be my speshul fwiend? Even after I yelled at you and cwied like a baby?"
"Sure, kiddo. I still like you. You were just upset and mad and that's alright. Plus, I nearly cried over a lost essay, so I think we're both even there," he winked.
Iyla giggled and took the flower from his hand.
"Does that mean we're friends again?" he asked.
Iyla nodded and smiled. "Yes, Caleb. We fwiends again."
"Good," he smiled.
"Well, now that we have all that sorted and I'm not about to gain a son-in-law, we should be getting home. It's nearly bedtime for a certain little light," Obi-Wan said smiling fondly at the drooping girl in his lap.
"Not seepy," she yawned.
Obi-Wan laughed and stood up with her in his arms. "I'm sure you aren't, darling," he chuckled.
"I need to head to bed soon too, Iyla. I'm pretty sleepy myself," Caleb said standing up next to Depa.
"Yes, it's almost Caleb's bedtime," Depa said in a teasing tone.
"Yes, Master. And I'll go to bed without fuss because that's what big kids do, right?"
"Yes, Padawan. All big kids go to bed on time and without fuss," Depa agreed with a discreet wink at Caleb.
"Ok, I go to bed when Papa says. Acause I'm a big kid, too," Iyla insisted.
"Thank you, my obedient big kid," Obi-Wan said tickling her neck.
Iyla giggled and laid her head on his shoulder.
"Say goodnight to Caleb and Master Billaba, dear," Obi-Wan instructed.
"Night night, Caleb. Night night, Masser Blababa," Iyla said with a wave.
"Goodnight, little one," Depa replied.
"Night, Iyla," Caleb said. "Hope we can play together again soon."
"Maybe we can climb a twee," she suggested.
"I'm not sure that's a good idea, love. Given that last time you got stuck," Obi-Wan said.
"It's ok, Papa. Caleb can get me down," she said confidently.
Obi-Wan shook his head fondly and bowed to the Master-Padawan pair before heading back toward the temple, his quiet debate with her about the dangers of climbing trees fading away as they walked.
"I feel like there's going to be a lot of tree climbing in my future, Master," Caleb said falling into step with Depa as they too turned to leave.
"Well, look on the bright side, Padawan. It's better than dating a 4-year-old," she teased.
"I don't know. She did have me nearly won over there for a bit."
"It's the eyes," Depa smirked.
"Those big akk-pup eyes," Caleb agreed.
"It's a family trait. Dang Kenobis."
"Does Master Kenobi use his like Iyla does?" Caleb asked half-jokingly.
"Oh, Padawan, you have no idea," Depa groaned and Caleb laughed at the image of esteemed Jedi Master and Councilor Kenobi turning his big blue eyes on his fellow Jedi to get what he wants.
So, life update time: On February 1st I will be taking on a long term subbing position for our Kindergarten teacher who is going on maternity leave. That's part of why it's taken so long to get this chapter written. I was preparing and talking with the teacher, etc.. So, I'll be the full time teacher for all of Feb and March for a group of 20 5-year-olds. Needless to say, I'll probably be pretty tired. Especially because I'm not full time now and have been able to rest and write on my off days. Well, no off days for 2 months starting in a week or so. I'm really really hoping I'll still find time to write, and I'm sure I will, but probably won't be posting chapters often. I'm excited for this opportunity because being a full time teacher has been my dream since I started my credential program 3 years ago and this can open up a door to a full time position next school year. So I really want to do well and give it my all to make a good impression.
Anyways, all this to say, I will still be writing when I can, but chapters might not be posted very frequently. But rest assured! I am still going to write and I won't be abandoning this story at all, just slowing down a bit.
Thanks to you all for being so supportive, encouraging, and loyal even through my long hiatuses (hiatii?). You are all amazing!