The Child That Changed Everything

Chapter 20

She heard the specific song stop, everyone clapping and cheering. They all went back to talking, one of the bands playing a more upbeat tune. She felt the familiar presence of her father's come closer, their Force signatures radiating happiness.

"I haven't danced in years; be glad you did not see it Amidala."

"Nah, you were fine, that uniform probably made it harder to move."

Amidala smiled, rolling her eyes knowing her fathers were staring at each other with hungry eyes. It couldn't have been that bad though, with Kylo being great at martial art and fighting, and Hux had been to function after function that required dancing, she was sure they looked elegant.

"I'm sure you were fine. Better than what I would have done. I uh.......I wanted to talk to you both about something. Something that I have been thinking about for some time."

She was nervous. She could hardly see their expression. She felt their confusion, but she knew she wanted this. She felt Kylo's hand take hers. A reassurance that everything would be ok.

"I think I want to stay on Naboo. Leia told me she could get me started on the apprentice legislature, and I'll still keep up my meditating. I know you both talked about traveling for another year, but......I want to stay."

In an instant, she felt their arms around her. She hugged them back, feeling the Force surrounding them.

"Amidala love, we, we think that would be a great idea. We want you to feel like you have a true home, not some ship.......... Are you sure you'll be okay while your dad and I are gone? I don't want you to feel like you have to do this."

She smiled, stepping back and sending her father's reassurance through the Force.

"I'm sure. I love you both but there are people here I don't want to say goodbye to again. I'm tired of leaving."

She searched out Paige's life Force for resurgence. She didn't know if her fathers knew, but she didn't care. She sensed Kylo's presence in her mind. She wasn't worried, she knew he was just checking for himself.

"I have trained you well Amidala. You have finally matured, I fear. I only wish you could stay a child."

They all laughed, going in for a hug. She clung tightly to them, melting into her fathers presence. She was scared, but she knew this was the right choice. She would miss them, but she also knew this was the right choice. She would miss them, but she knew they could handle themselves. No evil in the galaxy left to fight.

"Ok. we'll talk with Leia. Just don't get into too much trouble while we're gone........Oh and don't spend too much time with that Paige girl. You are only fifteen."

She felt her cheeks get hot, turning her head in the other direction so they wouldn't see.

"You take care as well. I don't know what you will do though if there's another Space Worm incident. I wouldn't let Papa fly without me there."

She recognized Kylo's laugh but didn't hear Hux's. She knew he was scowling at her.

"Those Space Worms came out of nowhere! Honestly. And we got out, twice might I add."

"I don't think that's something to brag about, love. And we? Amidala and I basically used the Force to get us out, you couldn't even get the hyperdrive to work."

"Well, if your father hadn't built it that way, maybe it could have been avoided."

Amidala drowned them out. Some things never change, and probably never would. Some part of her would miss their constant bickering. She was taken out of her thoughts though by a bright, lovely, warm presence.

It was Paige.

"Paige, it's good to see you. I remember you being so small. It has been some time. Amidala hasn't stopped talking about you. She-"

"Papa! I'm sure she doesn't need to hear about all of that."

She prayed her face wasn't turning red. Just her luck that her fathers would make it their business. She was surprised though Paige spoke to all of them.

"I was going to ask if Amidala wanted to dance. With your permission of course sir's."

Amidala rolled her eyes at the endearment. She knew how much Paige was afraid of them. She could sense her fear through the Force, but she had asked anyway. Her fathers would know that it meant something. She turned her head in their direction, squinting her eyes just enough so they would get the message.

"I suppose..........it would be fine. We'll talk later about arrangements. You too have fun."

She sighed, quickly giving her fathers both a hug. She then felt Paige take her hand, leading her off away from them and into the open with everyone else. She let Paige lead, letting her position her hands. Amidala was shaking, Paige only held onto her tighter.

Amidala turned her head in the direction of her fathers. For a split second, she could see them smile warmly back at her. The Force let her see them both happy for just a few seconds and then it was gone. She had never forgotten them to begin with but seeing them happy stirred something inside her. She felt tears in her eyes, and she smiled back at them, turning back to Paige to focus on her. Never in a million years did she think this would be the outcome of her life, but she was glad it turned out this good.

-"Don't you see. We don't have to run anymore. I have brought peace to the Republic. - Anikin Skywalker (Revenge of the Sith)