Padme lifted her head from the bowl, wiping her lips with a towel. What was wrong with her?
She reached her hands shakily downwards, as her fingers brushed against her stomach. Was it truly possible? Could one night change her life?
"Sola!" Padme screamed, as she sat down onto her toilet seat in the bathroom. This could not be happening.
An older girl, almost identical to Padme, ran in, shutting the door behind her. "I was on the phone with Darred. What is it?" she asked, her lip slightly pouted with frustration.
"I…I think there's something wrong with me," Padme mumbled, as she massaged her stomach. "C-Could you get one of those…tests…from Mom's bathroom?" she managed to say.
Sola gaped at her, realizing what was going on. "Padme, you think you're pregnant? How in Mustafar's fires did that happen?" she questioned, shock clear.
The younger girl stared at the tile floor, almost afraid to utter her response. "I think so…I mean, I've been getting up and throwing up. Not to mention that it's been two months since I've…well…"
"I understand. Let me guess…you don't want mom and dad to know?" Sola filled in gently, touching the girl's shoulder.
Padme nodded, tears welling in her eyes. "Please? It will be easier to hide, especially since I was nominated Queen. Mom and Dad wouldn't even see me as much, and well, I can call you if I need help. Plus, you'll be moving out soon so it won't be noticeable," she begged.
Sola drew her sister into a hug, letting her cry on her shoulder. "Sh…it's okay. I'll take care of this. For now, we ought to get you ready for moving out. It will be less suspicious if we say that they requested you to transfer over to the Palace early, ok?"
Padme lifted her head from her sister's shoulder, giving a small smile. "Thanks," she said.
Sola brushed a strand of hair out of Padme's eyes. "Hey, we may drive each other crazy, but I still love you. Don't you worry, now. Besides, everyone makes mistakes," she said.
Palo sighed, as he scrubbed the durasteel counter. He gazed across the room, watching Treh sweep the floors. Just another hour until opening…
Treh had been kind enough to offer Palo a job after a long conversation. They luckily had the time, and they had become close friends. Treh enjoyed art much like Palo, but he focused more on the art of writing than anything. Palo would often proofread his friend's work.
Treh wiped sweat off his forehead, glancing over at Palo. "Well, Dad said that we didn't have to work for the rest of the day. How about we go experiment with Ger's guitars?" he offered.
Palo looked up, a grin spreading across his lips. "That'd be awesome. I know a thing or two, but I'd like to refresh my memory," he said. The two boys ran out of the cantina, racing off down the road.
The two sped towards a two-story home down the streets, its condition rather fair but elegant.
"Come on!" Treh urged, as they ran up the footsteps to the front door. The door swung open, as they raced up to the boy's room.
After much begging and insisting, Treh's mother had offered to let Palo stay in their home until he was settled onto the planet. He shared a room with Treh, and they seemed to get a long fantastically. Treh was like the brother Palo had always wanted.
They stopped in front of a door that was painted black, much unlike the other durasteel doors. Treh winced, as he pushed it open.
The room was covered in posters and hooks. Hanging from those hooks were various instruments of sorts, but the more popular were the guitars. Awe shone on the two teenagers faces, as they spotted a older teen sitting on a bed nearby.
"What do you want, Treh?" the boy groaned, his fingers gliding across the guitar that sat on his lap. He had dark hair that hung in his eyes, and his clothing style was much darker than most.
"I wanted to snag my guitar back. And Palo wants to give it a shot," Treh explained. He reached for an old acoustic, the strings only fresh from Ger's replacement.
"Take it. Just stay out of my room, okay imp?" Ger responded, standing up and whacking Treh across the back of the head.
"Owww…." The younger boy growled. "My big brother is so annoying…"
"So are you, imp!" Ger's voice carried out to the hallway. Palo chuckled, as the two strode back over to their room.
Treh plopped onto his bed, handing the guitar to Palo. "Go ahead…"
Palo nodded, as he handled it. His fingers struck the strings, the strumming seeming to calm him down. He began to play an old song he had heard on the radio, a smile forming.
"Old Blue Chair…Great choice," Treh mumbled, as he lifted his head from his comfort zone.
Palo lifted his head, as he began to hum to it. "It's my favorite," he commented, as he continued to play until his fingers grew raw. He figured he ought to stop, since it was Ger's guitar, and he probably did not want blood all over it.
"Well, well. Not bad, kid," a voice came from the hall. It was none other than Ger, who leaned against the door frame.
"Thanks," Palo replied, handing the guitar to him. Ger shook his head, smiling. "Keep it, okay? You've got a touch for that old thing," he insisted.
Treh gaped, as the older boy began to walk out. "You never let me keep any of your guitars!" he barked.
"That's because you're awful at it," Ger called, as the snap-hiss of his door being shut was heard.
Treh sat beside Palo, grinning. "You just performed a miracle, my friend," he said, punching him in the arm.
"How so?" the other boy replied, narrowing his eyebrows.
Treh looked shocked above all, as he mouthed at him wordlessly for a moment. Palo could have sworn he resembled a fish out of water.
"One, you earned yourself a guitar. A FREE guitar! And two, Ger NEVER smiles unless we're with Mom. You earned his respect I guess," Treh explained.
Palo nodded, surprised at Treh's words. Perhaps Alderaan would prove to be a home worth his while after all. He had already made friends, caught the attention of a "professional" guitarist, and started a new life.
His thoughts did go back to Padme, but after her words…He had to fight himself from breaking down. He just had to remember that she was better off without him above all.
Hello everyone! First, I'd like to say thanks for the reviews, they were great! Also, here's the next topic: Anidala. Please, just much on your pears (the dining room scene in Ep. 2, lol.) and be content for now. This gift (If you've read the chapter, you've figured out what it is) will be the biggest Anidala shipper, I swear on a stack of force-sliced pears! Please, don't worry, ok? As for all of your guesses on the rest of the plot...Mysteries...
-Fall Out Guirl