Chapter 10 - Rush Clovis
The meeting ends soon after, and I make my way back to the house. It's only midday, and I feel bad leaving work so early, until I realize it's technically not my work anymore. Though it will soon be, again.
"Padmé!"
I turn to see Rush, wearing a green jacket and deep blue trousers, racing after me. In the daylight his yellow tattoos stand out against his skin. He smiles, his perfect teeth gleaming in the sunlight.
"Rush," I exclaim, stopping so that he can catch up to me.
"I thought that was you," he pants as he stops beside me. "Your beauty is unmistakable."
I blush. "You must mean someone else."
"No," he protests. "I most certainly mean you."
"Flattery will get you nowhere," I grin, elbowing him in he side.
He laughs, and we share a silent gaze. His eyes are so beautiful, the glimmer of the sun cutting into the deep color of his iris.
"It'd seem that you just finished your work for the day," he says, boldly taking my hand. My heart skips a beat for a moment, but I let him.
"As a matter of fact, I did."
"You wouldn't happen to have the rest of the afternoon off, would you?"
"You got me," I grin. "I have absolutely no excuses to stay away from you this afternoon."
He laughs. "Good, because I plan on treating you to a date."
"I'm all for it," I laugh in return.
He tugs on my hand, and I follow him, giggling. We march straight on into the crowded marketplace, the smell of fresh fruit and cooking meats filling the air. He seems to shine in the midday sun, his eyes and teeth gleaming in the warm light.
Blissfully, I squeeze his hand, and he pulls me further into the crowd.
oOo
I return that night dreamily staring into space, completely having forgotten about this morning's meetings. Mother raises one eyebrow at me as I pass her, almost floating across the hardwood floor.
"Did something happen," she asks. "I was expecting you closer to noon today."
I snap out of my daze and look at her, then begin to giggle. "Sorry," I explain, "I ran into an old friend."
A little smirk tugs at the corner of my mother's mouth. "Would this friend be an attractive young man?"
My face begins to flush as blood rushes to it, embarrassment. "Maybe..."
She breaks out into a smile, and begins to laugh. "I knew it," she exclaims. "You've finally landed a boyfriend!"
I punch her in the shoulder, playfully. "I've had other boyfriends before!"
"Nobody that could keep you from your work and your daily routine!"
"Well, he's a co-worker."
"Will we get to meet this mysterious boy," she asks, resting her chin in her hands.
"This is new, mother. Just wait a bit."
She rolls her eyes. "I want to meet this boy sooner rather than later."
I grin. "I'll make an effort."
oOo
The next morning, I have a message from Clovis, inviting me out to lunch with him. I scramble around the house all morning, stressing over what I should wear, what he'll think of me. My mother watches me in awe, dumbfounded that I really do have a romantic interest in my life. When I finally leave the house, I wear a two-piece dress that shows off my midriff, a black ruched top with a crimson skirt patterned with black leaves. My hair is down, and left curly, with a simple red hairband and tiny black leaves and sparkling glitters hanging in my curls. I bounce down the red cobblestone streets, excitement coursing through my veins so fast I feel almost faint.
Rush waits for me at the transport station, wearing a simple white dress tunic and black pants, with black military boots. He wears a golden necklace on his shoulders, with the emblem of Scipio on it, in bright green and gold. He grins as I approach him.
"There she is," he says. "The most powerful woman on the Naboo."
"That's me," I smile, flipping a lock of hair over my shoulder, letting the sun catch the glitter, and sending tiny beams of light reflecting in all directions.
He wraps his arm around my waist and gently kisses my forehead, his smile wide. "Are you ready?"
"Of course," I reply, leaning into him.
He leads me towards the restaurant he set up our date at, and holds the door open for me.
The inside of the restaurant is dimly lit by candles and warm yellow lights. The tables are carved of black marble, with small red tablecloths in the center. Each chair is made out of red Bantha suede leather. He graciously lead me to our reserved table, and pulls out my chair for me. I stare at the leather, which is expertly kept despite the restaurant being rather busy.
"You know, Padmé," Rush says, as he hands me a glass of sparkling wine, "I think we are a perfect match." He smiles, tipping his glass at me.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you are powerful and beautiful and kind, and I am rich and handsome and considerate, I believe that we would make a lovely couple."
I laugh nervously. "Are you implying that you intend to marry me, Rush?"
"Of course."
"And what about love, Rush?"
"Whatever do you mean?"
"Well, Rush, I want to know if you love me."
"Of course I do, Padmé," he says, sipping his wine.
I feel unnerved. It seems strange that if he loved me so much that wouldn't list that with the reasons he wants to marry me. But I must give him the benefit of the doubt.
A waiter finally arrives, and we can move on to small talk, like complimenting the food and talking about work.
oOo
As we leave the restaurant, Rush takes hold of my arm, not unpleasantly, but his grip is strong enough keep me with him.
"What is it," I ask, trying not to let my concern show on my face.
"Come back with me, Padmé. I want you to come to my hotel."
I shake my head, knowing what he wants to do to me. "I'd rather not, Rush. I want to wait until I'm married, first."
"What difference does it make if you know you'll be marrying me?"
I struggle against his grip now, trying to break free, but he only strengthens his grip, making it impossible for me to rip free.
"Let go, Clovis," I demand.
"Keep your voice down, you'll make a scene."
"Let go!" I let out a loud yell. About twenty heads in the square turn to face me.
"Hey," an elderly gentleman yells, "let the girl go!"
Several women approach Clovis from behind, their arms crossed and sour scowls etched across their faces.
"Back away," Clovis spits. "This is none of your business."
"Isn't that the senator from Scipio," asks a middle-aged woman.
Rush begins to sweat now, realizing he's been beaten. He loosens his grip on my wrist, and leaves a painful red mark behind.
"You don't belong here," a young man says, ready to fight Clovis off. "Go back to Scipio where you belong."
"I don't know if that kind of behavior is legal on Scipio, but here, that is a serious offense. It's best if you just get away from the girl now," an elderly woman says.
Rush shrugs his shoulders, but holds his head high, cutting through the crowd of people. He waves gently at me as he goes, while I stand there, frozen, as soon as he is gone, several women come to my side with tissues and kind words.
Good things can never last forever, I suppose.
oOo
I arrive home that night, battered from the day. My mother looks at me, concerned but not afraid for me, as I walk straight up to bed.
"Did you have a good day," my mother asks.
"No," I reply, quietly. "I'm very tired, I'll be going to bed now."
She looks at me, her bottom lip pouting in pity. "alright, dear, I'll see you in the morning."
oOo
Two months later.
As I walk through the streets of my home, music follows me. Choirs of children sing a celebration song as I walk, and young men and women shower me with confetti and festive ornaments, sometimes sweets. It's a bit like my coronation parade, except this time, I can show my emotion. And today, I'm one of the happiest girls alive. The streets are lined with spectators, who look on gladly.
At the end of the street, Queen Jamilia waits expectantly, a smile across her face. Jamilia is much more emotive than Amidala ever was. Perhaps because the Queen behind her didn't need to hide from people trying to kill her. To her right stands Chancellor Palpatine, dressed in fine red robes, with a perfect and practiced smile on his face. To the Queen's left is Senator Clovis, who will be escorting me to Coruscant. He smiles brightly at me in his intricate deep green clothing, adorned with gold finery. I smile back at him. After the incident at the restaurant, we decided to keep it casual and just stay as friends, and I couldn't be happier. I still really like him, so it's good that he's not completely out of my life.
I'm careful as I walk not to tear the intricate gown I wear, a crimson dress with deep red embroidery. The collar of the gown extends past my ears, and the bottom sort of fans out, then is covered by a sheer fabric which connects to the embroidery.
When I approach the staircase of the palace, I get down onto my knees with the help of a certain palace guard, and bow my head to the Queen
"Former Queen Amidala," Jamilia begins, "do you accept the role of senator for the Naboo?"
"I do."
"Welcome the new senator for the Naboo, Senator Padmé Amidala!"
The crowd begins to roar, and music swells, as children toss confetti and festive treats into the air. I soak in the happiness of my people, the trust they put in me. I feel the weight of this new burden, and accept it.
This is what I was meant to do.