Chapter # 7
The ride from the med center felt a bit strained to Luke as he and Rachel chatted amiably. Ben just sat quiet and sullen.
"Ben has plans to enlarge his shop eventually," said Rachel. "The business beside him didn't make it and would be perfect for expansion. Isn't that right, sweetie?"
Ben nodded absently and continued to look out the window.
"That's great, son. You always did have a talent for fixing things," said Luke smiling.
Rachel seemed to be trying her best to draw her husband into the conversation, but he persisted in monosyllabic replies or none at all. Getting out of the rented vehicle, Ben helped Rachel find her footing and escorted her into the hotel.
As they entered the turbolift, Luke could feel Ben's tension flare.
Rachel hung back as if to speak to her husband, but he seemed reluctant to answer. As the turbolift door opened to their floor Ben turned to his wife. "Now is not the time to talk about this, let it go." Ben glanced quickly over at his father.
"I just want to know what has gotten you in such a temper, that's all," she whispered.
"Stop pushing, Rachel," said Ben through clenched teeth.
"Fine, be a snot-nosed gundark for all I care," grumbled Rachel as she walked away from Ben when they reached their floor.
Luke cleared his throat and opened the door to their suite. "Here we are……welcome to Grandchild Haven!"
As they entered, Luke smiled to see all the children safe and sound and having the time of their life. Mara sat crossed legged on the floor with the three youngest ones, playing a game that involved a great deal of giggling.
Tiann seemed enthralled with a rather large telescope out on the balcony, while Nirice was happily chatting on the comm unit with her boyfriend.
"Well, hi everyone!" said Ben.
"BEN!" gasped Mara, as she got to her feet and hurried to embrace him. "Oh son, it's so good to see you." Tears ran down her face as she hugged her only child. "I told myself I wasn't going to do this and look at me crying like a Bothan willow tree. This is not good for my reputation I'll have you know."
"I've always known you had a soft spot for me, Mom," whispered Ben, touching his mom's face tenderly.
Mara wiped her eyes. "And Rachel, I'm so happy to meet you. Luke told me that everything is fine and I passed it along to the kids." She embraced her daughter-in-law gently and smiled.
"Yes, I'm doing great and ready to eat a live nerf if you have one handy," Rachel teased, as her children came and hugged her. Ben seemed calmer now and put his arm around his wife.
"Momma, look at what Grandma got us," said Emia, showing her the mountain of toys threatening to overflow the living room.
Rachel took in the sight and gave Mara a questioning look.
"I hope you don't mind," said Mara sheepishly. "I got a little carried away, but lunch is all ready and we can eat right now it you'd like."
"I can definitely be bought off with food," declared Rachel, shaking her head.
"Right this way then, my lady," said Luke as he offered his arm and led her into the dining room.
"I want to sit next to Grandpa," cried Caleb as the entire family gathered around the table.
"Caleb, you have to wait to see where you're supposed to sit," informed Emia.
"You're not the boss of me, poopy hea…" Caleb stopped as Ben threw him a threatening look.
"Ben, you sit here…" drilled Rachel, pointing to the chair nearest the window. "Caleb, next to Grandpa. Nirice, Tiann and Mara you'll do nicely over here and Emia you and Abby sit…" Rachel looked around the room for the precocious red head. "Where's Abby?"
"Not good," moaned Tiann.
"Has anyone seen Abby?" asked Ben.
"She was just here playing Stars and Comets a second ago," Mara groaned. "My first day on the job as Grandma and I've already lost one."
"Nobody panic," ordered Rachel calmly. "Let's just fan out and find her before we have a replay of last Thursday's Concert in the Park fiasco."
"Concert in the Park fiasco?" inquired Luke.
"You don't want to know," said Nirice, shaking her head.
Luke subtly drifted into the Force, reaching out for his young granddaughter, as the rest of the family began to search the hotel suite.
Sifting through several Force signatures, Luke could feel the shades of energy given off by those around him. Ben intense and closed off, Caleb a jumble of energy with no focus, Emia serious and conscientious. Then he felt Abby's warm cinnamon-like tickle…and his eyes flew open wide.
"STARS! SHE'S ON THE ROOF!"