Modern AU. Padmé is a lawyer who works for Senator John Kerry in Washington D.C. . Anakin is a doctor, gynecologist, came just from Germany and works in Johns Hopkins Clinic in Baltimore. They meet by chance in Washington D.C. The acquaintance begins with a disaster.
I don't own Star Wars, Anakin, Padme or any other characters, unfortunately. Everything is owned by Lucasfilm. I write just for fun only and for free.
Rated with M.… George Lukas didn't give us enough of it ;-)
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I am glad to read your reviews, that makes me continue writing.
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A / N : All charecters, names, actions and processes in this story are fictitious and have nothing to do with reality. Should there be a resemblance, it is pure coincidence.
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A/N : after two more reviews i think i can reward my loyal readers like "ichigo urahara Shihoin" with another new chapter. It will be exciting, have fun..
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Don't do it , Chapter 7
Boston 2010
For breakfest of Thanksgiving morning we had blueberry buttermilk, pancakes or eggs Benedict, both were delicious. Anakin said he'll need to make his workout twice as much for the next few days, but Padme needs to eat for two now. Nothing should be eaten until Thanksgiving dinner, or only a little if wanted.
The food was prepared all the time until the evening. Despite the help that Jobal had, there was plenty of work for Sola and Padme. The gentlemen were busy to pull out the table and to choose the wines in the well-stocked wine cellar of the house. Ruwee showed Anakin the wine cellar, told him about the wines he had, where they come from, which wineries etc. . Anakin liked this part of the house very much and he thought, when they have their own house one day, they will install such a room, insulated and able to maintain a constant temperature. Padme and Sola set the table with Ryoo and Pooja, the girls should learn how to do it right from an early age.
Padme explained to Anakin how the family celebrates, everyone has their own customs, slight variations. With the Naberries, everything was on the table at once, except for dessert, so Jobal took it over from her mother-in-law and will pass it on to her daughters.
The table was set old china of Naberrie family was to be inherited one day, silverware and crystal to. Sola and Padmé have still to agree on what who gets. Tablecloth and serviettes were relatively new, these cannot survive for a hundred years.
For this special occasion, Naberries dress nicely, but not overly elegantly, as when going out. Padmé was wearing a dark blue skirt and light blue blouse with a bow, black high heels. Anakin wore mid blue jeans, white shirt and royal blue cashmere V-neck cardigan with patch pockets, that color accentuated his blue eyes even more.
What was traditionally served was the obligatory oven-roasted turkey, honey-crusted ham, sweet potato casserole, stuffing, Brussels sprouts with bacon, and cranberry sauce. Later for dessert apple pie and graham cracker cake. To drink there was Tuscan Gaja or German Riesling from the Jordan Bassermann winery in Deidesheim. Padme and Anakin drank iced water with lemon.
Jobal and Ruwee watched Anakin's table manners closely. They were perfect. Padmé and Sola were well brought up and had nothing to be ashamed of, but every move of Anakin was natural. Jobal liked that. Padmé noticed that too, only she saw him with different eyes than her mother, she saw him as a whole, as a man.
"Anakin, do you have traditions like Thanksgiving in England?"
"We don't have explicitly Thanksgiving like here, it's not a public holiday, but England is full of traditions." He almost wanted to say we were there before the Americans... We celebrate family holidays like Christmas and Easter with typical English customs and I will want to keep it. Thanksgiving is a nice holiday, we will celebrate it too." He looked at Padmé.
"How is Christmas and Easter celebrated in England, tell Anakin."
Then Anakin had to tell everything in detail, some things that didn't know like Green Thursday, Good Friday, Easter egg painting, Easter parades, Easter egg hunts, Easter egg bumping and others. Padmé liked what she heard.
"When our son is older, we will always fly to England at Easter time and experience these customs authentically."
"Our son? That will be a daughter." He smiled.
"No, I feel it, it will be a boy, with blond hair and blue eyes….like yours."
"I want a daughter with dark hair and brown eyes."
Everyone looked amused and then Ryoo said:
"Why do you have to argue, you can have both."
That was said so sweet to, but at that point no one knew how right she was. Anakin had already grown fond of these two girls and hoped to hold his own soon.
It was a nice evening and Anakin was glad that her family welcomed him so warmly, not treated him like someone who just made their daughter pregnant. He enjoyed seeing Thanksgiving celebrated and was determined to keep the day going with Padmé. There will be a nice mixture of traditions.
After the opulent meal and when the girls were in bed, the adults still sat there, talking about family. Anakin still had to tell what her family wanted to know about England, Germany and... politics. Anakin remembered Padme's warning and deftly dodged all questions of the well-known attorney Ruwee Naberrie . Padmé was proud of him, just smiling mischievously, which her father was aware of, knowing Anakin was being prepared for this. However, he had explained to him the political situation in Great Britain, the efforts of the Labor Party and the Tories, how the European Union works and, above all, why dissatisfaction with the EU is growing in Great Britain now and it could happen a rupture now, because in Downing Street the conservative Prime Minister David Cameron has been in office since May. Anakin honestly said he always voted for Tories, but as for the EU, he's pro-Remain. He said that without EU benefits he would not have been able to study in Germany so easily. Perhaps he wasn't aware of how his stay in Germany had shaped him. He spent eleven and a half years of his adult life in Germany and that left its mark. He was still British, but not quintessentially, he appreciated the continent.
"One day, when our children are older, that we can leave them here, I will show you Great Britain and Germany, maybe we will take a trip to Paris, Rome, Venice... what do you think?"
"Children?"
"We don't want to stay with one child, at least two...but as the saying goes, one for me, one for you and one for the nation. In our case it means four children, Angel."
"You are joking."
"No, no jokes, Angel, and we have help here, isn't it Jobal?"
"Sure." Jobal said and smiled.
Everyone was amused except Padmé.
"I think I'm going to bed now, it's late and I've eaten a lot, so I hope I don't have to put it in reverse now. Good night." She felt a slight nausea.
"Then I have to go too, I can't leave Padmé alone. It was a nice evening, thank you all and good night."
He put his right hand on her waist and they left. The family watched them go and the future in-laws were pleased with what they saw, he will be a good father and a good husband to their daughter, if it comes.
Padmé has put on the nightgown, Anakin thought unusually, she usually went to bed naked.
"Angel, do you have problems, are you sick, nauseous?"
"It's not bad, I think I ate too much."
He undressed, laid his clothes over the chair, pulled off his pajama bottoms and got into bed with her.
"Come to me my Angel, put your head here on my chest, so we both feel good. I hope the nausea won't bother you any longer."
He kissed her face and stroked her hair until she fell asleep. He was still awake and thinking, as a gynecologist, that things could get much worse. There are women who get really sick, can't keep what they eat, even lose weight, torture themselves endlessly. It would also be bad for him if he had to experience this, because it is not the same as knowing something from the books or hearing about a woman's life, as having to hold the head of own woman over the toilet every morning, as long as she is throwing up the entrails. He'll see what brings tomorrow morning. At some point he fell asleep too.
The next morning, Padmé woke up with no complaints. That was good, he thought. So far she hasn't thrown up once. They showered together but he didn't want to push. From now on he will let her take the initiative, if she wants he will give her what she needs. That morning in the shower, all she wanted was to be kissed.
The whole family had breakfast together. Padmé had the idea to take the girls for a walk on Boston Common. This was good for everyone, especially Padme who needed a walk and fresh air. Girls ran all the time, and Anakin could imagine what it would be like to have kids of his own a few years from now. He was firmly convinced that in a few years he would be father of at least two children. Padmé wasn't, she was still thinking about her career.
The next two days passed that way and her family was happy to have them all around. On Sunday afternoon Padmé and Anakin said goodbye, took a taxi to Logan International and flew to Washington D.C. They stayed at her apartment, wanting to spend that one night together before Anakin leaves for work in Baltimore on Monday morning.
Then his iPhone rang.
*Hello Dad, anything new? *
*Anakin, Mom was shot down on the street. Her status is serious, we do not know… *
*WHAT !? *
* Please come home. *
*Oh my god...* he was already crying *...I'm coming.*
He sat down on the sofa, put his head in his hands and said nothing.
"Anakin what happened?"
After a few long seconds:
"My mother was shot down on the street, they don't know if she survive. I'm going to Laurel now to pack some things and then I take the next flight I get, I must fly to London. I'm sorry Padmé, I have to go, I have no choice."
"I'll go with you."
"No Angel, you're pregnant, you can't take it. It's a long flight and then all the fuss there, no."
"I said I'll go with you. Go now, pack your things and I will book a flight for tomorrow."
"It's not good for y..."
"Anakin...I'll come with you."
"OK."
He took his bag which he hadn't even unpacked, told her he'll be back tonight, kissed her and left.
He made decision not to drive too fast, he was so reasonable, his thoughts were with his mother and she was so far away and if Cliegg, who was always such a huge optimist, was worried, then it was really serious. He wondered if he would be there in time to see her alive.
He loved his mother, remembered all the love she gave him. She was alone with her son. He was the only one left after her beloved husband. Anakin was the spitting image of his father, tall, blond with blue eyes. If she dies now, he'll have no one left, he thought. Cliegg was always there for him, he acted like a father, but he wasn't his father. His biological father's family was a mystery to him. The mother had no contact with her in-laws, maybe because she had remarried later? He didn't know, had never asked. It occurred to him now that he hadn't asked enough questions at all. What did he know about his father's parents? Lord Arthur Charles Skywalker of Hoth, an officer, captain in the Royal Navy, probably tradition. His father's mother was of lowly nobility, named Leia. He never saw his grandparents. There was no reason to look for them now, maybe they are no longer alive. His mother's parents died before he was born and his mother had no siblings. Distant relatives? Does not matter. Cliegg and Owen were the only ones who tied him to England, if at all. Yes, he will never forget Cliegg, he will keep in touch with him. Oh, what is he thinking about, as if his mother has already died. Damned.
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Laurel 2010
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Back in Lauren, he unpacked the bag and found the pieces of clothing he saw fit, according to the weather and the occasion. He was prepared for everything. He packed the suitcase in the car, threw everything perishable in the trash, turned everything off and headed to Washington D.C.
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Washington D.C.
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While he was in Laurel, Padmé spoke to her parents and told them what was happened and that they are going to fly to London tomorrow.
She awaited him with a simple meal, she had a pie in the freezer as well as rolls. She had it out of the oven now, warm on the table.
"It tastes great, Angel. Fresh made?"
"No, I had that in the freezer. I didn't have time to cook, I packed. I have everything for every eventuality. Now I can only hope that the nausea doesn't start right now. I still have what you prescribed for me, so far I haven't needed it."
He just nodded, was very calm, which you couldn't blame him for.
"I booked the tickets online, departing Monday 6:25pm with British Airways to London Heathrow, arriving 6:30am local time. I only booked an one-way ticket, we don't know when we can come back. Tomorrow morning I'll call the office and you'll call the clinic about the vacation."
"Let's clean up now, take a quick shower and then we go to bed, I'm tired."
They went to bed, both tired, physically and mentally. He pulled her close to him, her back against his chest.
"Thank you for doing all this for me, my Angel."
"I'll do everything for you, everything you like and need."
"I need you, Angel, so much."
…and started kissing her neck. She raised her arm over her head to tangle her fingers in his hair.
"Anything you need, Anakin."
The lovemaking began. As always, she enjoyed his tenderness and how empathetic he was. The position they found themselves in seemed the most comfortable to complete their lovemaking…..as always with a shattering highpoint.
"I love you, Angel."
"I love you too. Could I make you forget your pain for a little while?"
"When I have you in my arms, I forget almost everything. Thank you for existing."
"I love you, sleep now, we still have work to do tomorrow."
On Monday morning they showered, dressed and went to breakfast together at a small bistro near their apartment. She didn't want to leave anything perishable in the fridge. She went to the Capitol to request a few days off, and Anakin did the same with a quick visit to the clinic.
When Anakin was back, they ordered a taxi to Dulles International. At the airport they bought something to eat, Anakin was upset, wasn't very hungry, Padmé wasn't either, but for other reasons.
At 5:30 p.m. they handed over their suitcases, checked in and went to the gate. At 6:15pm they sat in their seats and waited for the take off. When the flight altitude is reached they will have dinner and then they can try to sleep. It's going to be a short night, they'll reach London in just over seven hours and it will be 6:30 there.
The food, like all economy class food, is rather modest. Anakin was just poking around, so was Padmé. They let their backs down and tried to sleep. Anakin rested his head on her shoulder and she rested her head on his. In this position they fell asleep.
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London 2010
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They woke up when the captain announced the approach to London Heathrow.
With over eighty million passengers a year, London Heathrow is the busiest in Europe and the seventh busiest in the world, so it's no wonder it takes some time to get your luggage, go through passport and customs control and finally get out to take a taxi. They got on the first one they found, it didn't matter if it was a Black Cab or a Mercedes, the main thing was to get home.
"11 Eldon Road, please."
"Kensington, isn't ist?"
"Yes."
Kensington, aha, so the most expensive plaster in London, Padmé thought, but she said nothing. They got off in front of a beautiful house, OK. in a row of beautiful houses. The whole street was beautiful, she loved Boston, but here… she could live here, she thought.
The taxi driver gave them the suitcases, they pulled out the telescopic handle and pulled them behind them. They walked to the front door and Anakin unlocked the door with a key that was on his keychain.
"Dad?"
"Oh boy, my boy..."
The older man started crying. They hugged and stayed that way for a few long seconds. Then Anakin pulled away, turning to face Padmé standing behind him.
"Dad, this is my girlfriend Padmé, she's from Washington D.C."
"You've never brought a girl or woman home. So this has to be serious now."
"Nice to meet you." Padmé said
"Come my child." He gave her a kiss on the cheek
"Yes Dad, it is serious. We are expecting a baby."
"Oh... Mom needs to hear that. Leave the suitcases and everything here, we're going now. She's in Royal Brompton Hospital, she was shot down in front of Guillam Coffee House...she just wanted to get some sweets for us on the way home...Anakin..." he cried again.
"It's okay Dad, don't cry. We're going now."
Cliegg wiped his tears away, put on his coat, they went outside and got into his 3 series BMW which was parked in front of the house and drove off.
Clieg knew where to go, so they looked for the elevator and Cliegg pressed the button number three. Four young, heavily armed police officers were sitting in front of the room. It looked like Anakin wasn't surprised, but Padmé was. Employees at New Scotland Yard, what. It dawned on Padmé and Anakin knew what he didn't want to know, what he never wanted to know.
"You know me, this is our son and his partner."
Cliegg explained it to the guard. They entered the room, Shmi was lying there, looking like she was unconscious. Anakin moved close to the bed.
"Ani? Are you?
"I'm here Mom."
"Ani my son..."
"Mom, look, this is Padmé, my girlfriend...from Washington D.C."
"You're serious, aren't you?" she smiled slightly.
"Yes Mom, we are expecting a baby, you will be a grandmother."
"Come closer Padmé, I want to see you."
Padmé approached and Shmi grabbed her hand.
"What are you doing Padme?"
"I work for the government."
"For the government...aha...then take good care of yourself, Anakin and your child...the world is...dangerous, Padmé."
"I will, I promise."
"Ani my beautiful boy, I'm so proud of you...I spent not so much time with you, I always had to...hide you...but hopefully they're satisfied now. I love you Ani..."
The hand she was holding his with went limp.
"Mom, Mom, Mom! No !
When only a straight line continued on the monitor, the doctors and nurses with defibrillator stormed into the room and ordered everyone out.
They went out and waited impatiently in the corridor. Padmé held Anakin's upper arm, he was shaking. After some time, what felt like an eternity, the doctors came out, faces pretty sad. One said to Cliegg and Anakin.
"I'm sorry. This was the second time, there was nothing we could do. My compassion."
Cliegg sat in a nearby chair and buried his face in his hands. Anakin froze, leaning against the wall, his face frozen. Padmé was still holding his upper arm. They didn't know how long they stood there until Anakin said:
"She's gone, let's go now."
Padmé felt something like she really wasn't there anymore, like Shmi's soul had loosened and slipped away. She didn't say what she was feeling, it was so bizarre, she didn't want to be thought crazy, yet she was almost certain Anakin was feeling the same.
At home in the drawing room, they sat in silence for a long time. Padme hugged Anakin and told him how sorry she was. She made tea and Cliegg drank a single malt whisky.
"Those damn bastards..." Cliegg began
"You knew it, didn't you, you knew everything... all the time."
"Yes. You never asked, Anakin and it was better for you that way, the less you knew the better for you."
"I've known it Dad, since I was a boy. I just didn't want to admit it, somehow it didn't fit into my simple life... that my mother was an agent. But now Dad, please tell me everything, now I want to know."
"Good."
Clieg took a long gulp of the whiskey and began.
"Your mother started her studies at Bristol University in 1976. There she met her great love, Jonathan Evans….."
"Uh,...you mean the Jonathan Evans...the Jonathan Evans, Baron Evans of Weardale, General Manager of New Scotland Yard?"
"Exactly him. They fell in love with each other and stayed together until graduation, then they broke up. He was associated with the Security Service prior to graduation and finally joined in 1980. He got her in this mess. She would have done anything for him."
"Uh... am I his….?"
"No, you are not. In 1980 your mother met your father by chance. He fascinated her, like all other women, he was devilishly good looking, was the most eligible bachelor in the Royal Navy, much more and... maybe even more. He was a playboy, a womanizer, no woman could resist him, including your mother. She got pregnant. His family was urging him to get married, just no illegitimate children...not worthy of his status, you know. She wasn't happy with him. He continued on his circles of conquest. Well, he didn't live long enough to continue this charade of marriage. He fell a few days before your first birthday."
Cliegg picked up his glass again and took another long sip.
"Keep telling, Dad."
"In 1986, a mutual acquaintance introduced me to your mother, perhaps with ulterior motives, if so I am grateful to her. I had been a widower for a year back then. We started dating and found that we were a pretty good match. After half a year we got married. We shared a quiet love, we needed each other and we could give another what we needed, what was important. I am grateful to God for all these years together. When your mother joined the security service, she actually worked managing the country's criminal database, I don't know how long. By 1980 she was already in counter terrorism, mainly IRA...and everything and always in cooperation with Evant. I'm sure you remember how many times she had to go away on business when the three of us, you, Owen and I, stayed alone. Those were missions...in Ireland. Later, when in 1999 Good Friday Accords reduced IRA activity, although it never entirely stopped, work shifted to international terrorism al-Qaeda and Islamic terrorism in general. Evans went to MI5, was promoted to Expert and I think he dragged your mother with him. He always pulled her with him..."
"You mean she was still with him..."
"I don't know, Anakin, I didn't want to know either. She was always a good wife to me and I think I was a good husband for her, she could always lean on me, always count on me."
"Why you didn't have children?"
"Two little children were enough. She loved Owen and I loved you... and we didn't want to endanger any more children. We just thought it was a shame you and Owen never saw each other as brothers."
"How have you endured this for almost thirty-five years?"
"You get used to it. In the beginning I was afraid something could go wrong, I would stay alone with two little children. Later, after the IRA era, things calmed down and we sent you to private schools and boarding schools and we were glad you studied on the continent. And Anakin, please don't believe fairy tales, IRA is still active, not like in the past, but it was never completely destroyed. Stay in USA and never come back, except for a short visit."
Padmé listened to the story without a word. What did Anakin's mother say again? The world is dangerous…..no, she thought, rather evil….and she has to bring a child into this world.
Late that evening she called the parents and informed them that Anakin's mother has died. They condoled him and promised to see each other as soon as they came back.
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When the next chapter will be uploaded you can see on agenda of my profile.
Thank you for reading and stay true to me.
Best regards from Germany RNK