The Penpal Paradox/Chapter Twelve

"Your mother tells me you're dating a Jedi," her father happened to mention while she helped him in the backyard vegetable garden. Padme loved the smell and feel of the pungent soil beneath her hands and had helped him out here often as a child.

"Not dating, just exchanging letters," she corrected him.

"You do realize…" Ruwee began, but she cut him off.

"That's how you and mom fell in love. I know," she said.

"You never can tell," her father teased as he pulled some weeds. "But a Jedi, Padme. Are you sure that's such a good idea? He'll be traveling a lot and called to duty any time of day. I imagine it would be similar to being married to a physician or perhaps a smuggler."

Her father was typically quiet by nature and preferred hugs to lectures, but on this subject, he apparently wasn't about to let his wife have the final word. "Whatever you decide, just remember your mother and I only want what's best for you. If you're happy, then we're happy too."

She may have inherited her stubbornness from her mother, but Padme was hoping she had inherited her father's good nature. She took the time to squeeze his hand fondly.

Just a few days ago, Padme would've felt his warnings were way out of line. Recently, however, things had shifted. She and Obi-Wan were speaking less and less about their daily activities and more about their developing relationship.

He was nineteen now, just five years her junior – far less disgusting according to Dorme. Padme looked forward to his communications not only to hear about what he'd been doing, but it did her heart good to hear how much he enjoyed hearing from her as well. In fact, he had recently admitted that he couldn't wait to hear her voice and see her face with his own eyes. Did she have a recent photo she could send?

It took a while, but Padme finally dug one up from in her mother's collection of memorabilia. It had been taken during a family outing in the Lake Country just prior to her move to Coruscant. She was twenty-two at the time, had enjoyed a little too much sun and drink, but seemed to be having a marvelous time. Her smile was wide and her eyes danced with happiness.

In just two years, her life had changed, though in some ways it remained the same. She was still a servant to the public and still single. The biggest change, she supposed, was her physical address. Moving away from her family had been difficult. If it hadn't been for Dorme, she would've died from homesickness – or at least felt like it. Even with Dorme as her roommate though, something was still missing. She was lonely.

But then Obi-Wan's letter arrived. What she had initially found to be impossible, soon became remarkable, and ultimately, pleasurable. His last letter, she actually printed out so it could be reread on a whim. The crumpled parchment was tucked deep inside the bodice of her gown next to her heart.

"I'm going to go wash up these veggies for dinner," her father announced, breaking into her thoughts.

"Okay," Padme acknowledged before receiving a kiss on the cheek. "I think I'll stay out here a little while longer and enjoy the flowers."

She waited for the older man to disappear into the house before seeking a peaceful and private refuge, taking a seat on a padded swing near the millaflower bushes. Their sweet fragrance immediately put her at ease.

From her bosom, Padme retrieved the wrinkled paper and read Obi-Wan's words one more time:

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Core/Frego/Kenobi,ObiWan

370219/22:02/039

Dear Padme,

I received your photo. Thank you for sending it. Since I'm safe within the confines of the written word, I'll be brave and tell you what a gorgeous young woman you are. If I'd known earlier, I would've been more charming and possibly flirtatious even. Instead, I will hope that revealing my true self will be enough to influence you into believing that I'm a man of integrity and worthy of becoming more than just a friend.

It's rather ironic that it's this form of communication that has brought us together. If I had met you in person, more than likely, I would've let you pass by. I would've been too embarrassed and shy to say anything to you.

And yet, at this point, I would give just about anything to be able to hold your hand, hear you say my name, or be so bold as to kiss you. Would you allow me to?

These are the thoughts that plague me and keep me from sleeping as I should.

Qui-Gon and I are currently protecting a witness from Frego and are escorting her to Coruscant where she will testify against her family. We'll be there tomorrow and I foresee no further trouble. For once, it seems we've been given a mission that doesn't want us dead.

The problem with that is, I have a lot of extra time on my hands; time that is spent mainly thinking about us.

Lena is the name of the girl we're escorting and my Master has accused me of becoming infatuated with her. The reason why I stare at her so often is that she reminds me of you. Her looks, her attitude. She's even interested in pursuing politics as a career.

But she's not who I want.

You and I have been writing letters off and on a little over six years. Is it still too early for me to say how I feel about you? Or do I need to wait a while longer? I'll let you decide. You seem more mature than me about such things.

In the meanwhile, know that you're on my mind and in my heart, and I'm so looking forward to the day we actually meet face to face.

Take care Padme. Hope to see you soon.

Love, Obi-Wan