Author's Note: Just wanted to make sure everyone knew this is an AU.
Kazzy: Your review made me laugh a bit - regarding Jobal and Sola seemingly not being too worried about Vader. Why did this make me laugh? In this chapter, you will see, that Jobal is indeed concerned.
MistiWhitesun: Thank you again for all of your help! I do really appreciate your time and help. Chapter Six has been updated with your suggestions.
To All Readers: As regards the recent comment about MistiWhitesun assisting me with my writing, I wanted to re-post what she said in her most recent review to be sure everyone sees it: (Hope this is an okay spot to do this. . .)
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A fellow reader mentioned that since my Spanish needs work, I shouldn't be doing this to you. So if you don't mind... (If you do, scold me.)
-Note to fellow readers-
I do this because the writer likes it, I want it done to myself, & every story needs work so readers should point out the problems they see. (English) grammar's my strong point, so I see it. Pardon me if I'm stepping on any toes, but anyone who can't take serious critique on his story has never passed the novice stage. Criticism is not a personal attack. It's lending a helping hand.
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Thanks again for all the reviews!
Disclaimer: The Star Wars Universe was created and is owned by George Lucas, this is just my imagination at work, based on the universe he has created. If this story is similar to another, it's pure coincidence.
Note: Thoughts are in italics. There is a flashback spot, in italics.
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"How long have you known this, Sola?" Jobal demanded to know, now also crossing her arms.
"Padmé told me the other day," Sola began, not seemingly concerned with the issue. "But he's changing, he's Anakin again. That's what she told me. I believed her."
"How do we know that he can't fake being 'himself'?" Ruwee pointed out in a rage of anger. "Sola, you should have told us!"
"I'm sorry," she replied softly, looking down at Sirté; asleep in her arms. "I thought it would be okay. How do you know it isn't okay anyway? As far as we all know, they are coming back here for their wedding."
"I don't know, Sola, but that is besides the point."
"Time will tell," Jobal spoke up, pulling her comlink out. "I have to go pick up Ryoo and Pooja. I'll try calling Padmé on the way."
"Okay dear, be safe," Ruwee replied, kissing her on the forehead. "I'll be back."
As Ruwee headed for the washroom down the hall, Sola and Darred were finally left alone with their new additions. Though the conversation was directed towards someone other than those two.
"Do you think Padmé will be okay? Anakin seemed like a pretty nice guy; if only we had something to talk about," Darred joked, though serious. Sola looked up at him, her eyes clouded with thoughts and possibilities. Biting her lip, she shrugged at her husband.
"I don't know. But Pad is smart, she can take care of herself if needed."
"I hope you're right."
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Jobal continued calling Padmé, to no avail. Out of the thirteen times she had tried to call, she received no answer. She cringed at the thought that her daughter was with a Sith Lord, disgusted with such a thought.
"Grandma!"
Ryoo and Pooja ran up to the speeder as their grandmother parked close to the door. They had both spent the night with a schoolmate, a little slumber party of sorts. "Did you see Aunt Paddy on the news screen?"
"News? Why?"
"Come look!"
Jobal followed the girls into the house where the family was gathered around the holoscreen. The headline appeared at the top of the screen, her heart stopping at the sight.
"Vader Marries Ex-Senator Amidala"
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"I can't believe you!"
Padmé snapped at him as he pulled her down the hallway by her arm. Vader seemed to have the idea that she could not walk on her own; though he knew she might try to escape if left without a secure grip on her.
As they entered the living room, he let her go as he entered his office. She figured he would be coming out for her soon as she waited by the door. She stood on the same spot in which she cried her eyes out a few days earlier.
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"I will not join the Empire."
"You obviously did not hear what I said, Padmé. You do not have a choice."
"What if I changed my mind? What if I told you I was lying, and I don't love you? What if I don't want to be with you?" Padmé cried, worried that it might not matter to him.
"Then you'd be living a lie," he grinned evilly, mocking her. Vader went about eating, as if nothing was going on. Looking up, he notice that she was literally shaking. "Padmé, are you okay?" he asked, sincerely concerned.
"No," she whispered, standing up and heading for the door. "No, I have to go." Getting up, he followed after her, grabbing her arms and pulling her away.
"What are you doing?"
"I have to go, this isn't right," Padmé replied softly, looking anywhere but at him. "I won't allow this."
"Are you deaf?" he yelled, shaking her. Turning away, a tear fell down her cheek. "How many times do I have to say it, Padmé? How many times? You don't have a choice!" She slid to the floor, curling up and holding her legs close to her. While she cried her eyes out, Vader looked more annoyed than sympathetic as he looked down at her. As he knelt down he touched her chin, turning her face to look right at his. Her eyes were a bloodshot red, the tears still flowing down her cheeks. "You're so pathetic," he snickered as she hung her head low. "I'm sorry," he whispered, though not sounding quite so sincere.
"No, you're not," she snapped back, not even glancing at him as she wiped her eyes.
"You're right," he mumbled, standing up straight and walking away.
Hours seemed to pass as Padmé sat alone at the door, just waiting for Anakin to come for her. She wanted him to scoop her up in his arms and hold her tight - and everything to be okay. But that would never happen; she knew that much.
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Deep down, she knew it would be the conflict in her heart and mind that would kill her - it wouldn't be him. Somewhere inside of him, he was still Anakin. That much she knew. He would not kill her.
I hope.
Her comlink - which had been left in her bedroom - was beeping; either with a message or call. She ran into the room, wondering who it could possibly be. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she didn't know how to identify herself. Who am I? Lady Vader; Padmé Amidala; Padmé Naberrie; Padmé Skywalker; Padmé Naberrie Amidala Skywalker; Padmé Naberrie Amidala Skywalker Vader?
"Padmé," she answered, afraid to be specific with names.
"Are you married?"
"Who is this?"
"It's your mother, for crying out loud! Are you married to Vader?!"
Padmé sat on the bed, knowing the answer and yet not sure of it herself. Who am I married to: Anakin or Vader?
"Yes. I am."