Shift: Chapter Eight

I wasn't sure what to expect when we arrived in Theed, since I had no idea of my history with the Naberrie family. Had they been pleased about my marriage to their daughter or disappointed? Had I earned their respect and love or did they view me as reckless and unsupportive of their daughter, seeing I was away for weeks at a time.

My stomach was doing cartwheels when Padme's parents opened the door, although I found immediate relief with the exuberant nature in which I was greeted. Her mother hugged me tightly and her father shook my hand rather aggressively, something I may have questioned had it not been for the accompanying friendly smile on his face.

"Obi-Wan! It's so good to see you again! Come in!" Padme's mother, Jobal happily requested, ushering us all in and kissing each of the children, while Ruwee pretended to be a magician and pull credits from their ears to give them.

I had never met Padme's parents before – at least in this realm, but they seemed friendly and generous. Most importantly, they seemed to like me.

The reunion was lively and loud, the noise only growing with Padme's sister Sola and her two young daughters arrived. At that point, the embraces started up all over again and I was included once again in the cheerful offerings. It not only made me feel welcome, but part of a real family.

"Come on young ones, it's a beautiful day! Let's go out back!" Ruwee offered the adults some relief and led the children to a grassy area behind the house. The rest of us took a seat around the kitchen table while Jobal poured everyone some type of fruity drink. I hadn't realized how thirsty I was, but the walk from the transport station to their home was long and the weather quite warm. I quickly downed the refreshment, only to have it immediately filled back up again by Padme's mother.

The conversation never lagged between us all. Questions about the children were the most popular topic, as well as an interest in my latest mission. I told a harrowing tale about escaping the mouths of several draigons, but left out any details that wouldn't have applied my time in this dimension.

"Oh, Padme. I don't know how you stand it," her sister, Sola complained. "I would be worried sick if my husband was out risking his life like that all the time!"

Padme smiled lovingly at me which warmed my blood before she replied. "Obi-Wan is serving the Republic and he loves his work. I'm proud of him."

I reached for her hand in appreciation while those around the table agreed that the Jedi were a self-sacrificing lot who was often misunderstood.

"We're not all perfect," I explained. "Sometimes there's one who has a different point of view or opinion and even those who are led astray. But overall, I believe we are helping to preserve all that is good and right within the galaxy."

My little speech earned acknowledgment all around as each family member tapped their glasses together in a toast to me and the Jedi.

This was going much better than I had imagined. Although the visit had been my idea, I was a nervous wreck about halfway to Naboo and even had regrets about the decision. But seeing Padme here amongst her family, I began to understand how she managed to maintain her sweet disposition even during the most difficult times. Right now, for example. A couple of the kids outside were shouting at one another, apparently disagreeing over a game they had been playing. I volunteered to go resolve the situation and joined the five children, listening intently to their complaints.

"It sounds like to me that there needs to be an arbitrator for this game. Someone who would be a fair and just judge."

They all agreed it should be me, but I had other ideas. "Actually, I think Pooja would be an excellent referee." Sola's youngest daughter, aged three years, smiled broadly, her face immediately brightening with my suggestion.

"Why not you, dad?" Lucas asked.

"Because I want in on the fun! I want to play!" I explained.

Once I'd learned the rules of the game they had created, I joined in, kicking the rock they had found to Ben, who kicked it toward the fruit tree near the fence. It hit the tree and Ben's team scored one point. Ryoo, Sola's older daughter, about Ben's age, kicked the rock hard to me, at which point I pretended to miss the next pass, dramatically slipping and landing flat on my back. I quickly glanced up at the windows to the house, slightly embarrassed to see we had an audience. I thought the children would enjoy some foolery, but I hadn't planned on anyone else watching. Padme was chuckling the hardest, although the rest joined in when all five children piled on top of me. I laughed and groaned, teasing them about how heavy they were and that I was going to be squished, just before I began tickling each one of them. The odds turned to my favor, and I soon had them all squirming, giggling, and begging me to stop.

I couldn't recall ever having so much fun. Play in the Temple during my crèche years was enjoyable, but it always had a purpose. Rarely were younglings allowed to interact simply for the pleasure of it. Seeing the pure joy on these children's faces led me to believe that there was something to be said for silliness.

Once we were out of breath, Padme stepped outside to tell the children to go wash up for dinner. They all jumped up and ran like a herd of rabbits frightened by a fox. I, on the other hand, was too tired to move.

"Here. Let me help you up, old man," she teased.

I reached for her offered hand, although an ornery notion filled my head and I pulled her down on top of me instead. We were lying face to face when another idea occurred to me. After quickly checking to make sure there weren't any more spies at the windows, I pulled her close to me and kissed her hard. She seemed surprised at first and then turned the tables on me. Like a starved woman, she ravished my mouth, leaving us both breathless and flushed.

"M…maybe," I stuttered, "we should go inside and check on the children."

There was a sultry look in her eyes I had never seen before, and she leaned down to whisper in my ear. "I spoke with my parents and they're going to take the children into town tomorrow for some shopping, which means you and I will have the house all to ourselves."

I knew exactly what that implied and the thought filled me with nervous excitement. There was one problem: How could I perform as if I'd known this woman in that way for ten years when in reality, I'd only just kissed her? There was no escape this time and no excuses I could make. I was simply going to have to perform my duty as a husband to this incredible and beautiful woman. How lucky was I?