Chapter 4: Cases & Projects
The rest of the week flew by quickly and for Luke, Leia and Isabel, Friday afternoon couldn’t have come quick enough, for it meant Luke’s week of detention was over and the weekend was nearly upon them which meant more play time together which was usually at Luke and Leia’s grandparent’s house because their mothers had cases, however this weekend was going to be very different from other weekends.
Flashback - Friday morning
“Family trees help us to see who our families are and uncover relatives, we may have never even known about” Anakin explains going on “And as you are all still little, this project will also give you a chance to be creative with your family trees. Make it colourful” he insists. He didn’t see Leia's hand go up till he turns around. “Yes, Leia, you have a question?” He asks her as Leia nods “Mr Skywalker” she speaks in her soft gentle voice “Is it okay if we only show our mommy’s family?” She asks. Anakin hid his smirk as he nods. “Of course, it will show your classmates that there were different types of families, but feel free to ask your parents for help” he explains
End of flashback
As the bell signalled for the end of the day, Luke, Leia and Isabel all filed from their classroom following their teachers up to the car park. Anakin looked out once more for Padme. The last three days Luke and Leia had been picked up by their aunt, their uncle or Satine because Padme was held back at work to his disappointment.
He spotted Satine moving towards them but once more no Padme and he could feel his two friends looking straight at him as she moved towards them. “Hello again” Satine smiled. “My friend is once more held up at work working with our other friend on his case, so I’m picking up the children” she explains. Obi Wan smiles back at her “It’s no problem, we just want to ensure they are looked after” he assures her. Satine nods. “It’s very comforting to know that there are teachers who show concern for their students, I don’t want to even relive last year, seeing my little girl coming to me in tears over a teacher is not what I want to see” she admits
Obi Wan then spoke up “Well, Isabel’s a good kid. She has shown no troubles in class” he assures her. Ahsoka shakes her head. Her friend just looked at any chance to talk with Satine whilst Anakin remained quiet then spoke “Well, then you can tell your friend that Luke and Leia are doing well. Leia’s quite artistic and reading and Luke enjoys sport class” he explains. Satine nods. “I’ll let Padme know and she will be very pleased to hear that. Enjoy your weekend” she says before moving away with Isabel, Luke and Leia. Once again, Anakin missed another encounter with Padme but Obi Wan was seemingly pleased about speaking with Satine.
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Padme leaned back in her chair looking away from the computer screen giving her eyes a break. She had been working with her good friend Bail on their case for the last two hours. He had asked her to join him on the case because it turned out the case required more detail and two lawyers were better suited. It was then Bail entered the office with two cups of coffee for them. “I really appreciate you joining my case Padme. I think we can win this one” he insists as Padme smiles
“I’m happy to help you Bail. I just didn’t realise how much detail was needed here” she admits “Then I feel guilty for putting work over Luke and Leia. How does Breha feel?” She asks referring to his wife. Bail hands her one of the coffees. “She’s coping well. I keep apologising for my late nights but hopefully we’ll finish this case and then family will be first” he promises her.
Padme nods and the weekend was coming up so it meant she could work out arrangements to spend time with her children and work on the case. She was having lunch with Satine tomorrow so she could bring her work with her and while the children were playing she could work on the case. Padme then looks down at one of the file documents, “Hang on a minute” she says as he looks over at her. “Didn’t you say before that your client was no where near the scene of the crime?” She asks him as he nods. “Yes, he told me he was out that night at the nightclubs” he points out as Padme turns the document towards him.
“The witness’s statement taken by the police at the scene states that the assailant was of short builder, dark hair and was dressed in dark blue colours and this witness is a close friend of the client” she reminds him. Bail then realises what this now meant.
“This means our client is innocent and the suspect is still out there” he insists. Padme nods. “This needs to be brought to the court” she tells him. Bail gets to his feet, “I’m going to contact the judge right now to arrange a meeting” he tells her heading out of the office just as two excited voices came running into the office.
“Mommy!” Cried Luke and Leia making Padme smile before she got up from her chair, arms out as they run towards her embracing her just as Satine entered the office with Isabel and James. “How are you both. Mommy’s missed you today” she tells them as Satine then speaks up. “Leia’s artistic and Luke very constructive” she tells her “That’s the message I got from their teacher” she informs her. Padme smiles as Leia nods “Yes and I’m going to use my artistic skills on our project Mr. Skywalker gave us today” she tells her as Luke then adds “We have to show our family trees” he tells her as Padme nervously bit her top lip as Luke then adds
“Don’t worry mommy, we don’t have to show everyone” he cheekily grins making her chuckle right at the moment Bail re entered the office “Good news Padme” he starts to tell her just as Luke and Leia saw him. “Uncle Bail!” They cried running over to hug him. It made Padme smile once more. Bail had only been working at the firm for three years and met Luke and Leia when they were already five years old but in the last three years, they had grown fond of him and wanted to call him uncle Bail themselves. Bail smiles as he hugs them both.
“Always good to see you two, sorry if I’ve been keeping your mom at work” he admits as Luke shrugs “It’s alright, she lets us watch TV late” he cheekily grins. Bail only laughs as Padme spoke up. “Alright, you two, how about you go sit over on the couch and perhaps you can both get started on your projects” she suggests. It was then Satine spoke once more. “Why don’t I take them to go get something to eat and……” she was cut off by her phone ringing. She sighs. “Isabel, take James and go join Luke and Leia, I’ll just take this” she says handing her young son to her daughter and exits the office as Padme then looks over at Bail.
“Did you have any luck with the judge?” She asks as he smiles “He was very surprised to hear what we had found and is arranging a meeting for us first thing tomorrow morning” he informs her. Padme went silent. Saturday morning, usually she tried to never work on the weekends so that she could spend time with Luke and Leia although she should have expected this to happen and it should only be short. “Is something wrong Padme?” Bail asked. Padme quickly shook her head “No, everything’s alright. Tomorrow morning shouldn’t be a problem. I’m sure my parents won’t mind looking after Luke and Leia for the morning” she assures him.
At the same time, outside of Padme’s office
“Nothing you say to me will make me let you meet our daughter after seven years of hearing nothing from you and no support to help raise her!” She exclaims “And I will be taken action against you so that you cannot come near her or be arrested” she warns him. Visula tried once more to reason with her “Please honey, I’m pleading with you. I’ve changed. I want to be a father and help look after my daughter” he pleads as Satine scoffs “Seven years and now you want to help raise her, you broke my heart and you claim you have changed!” She exclaims
“Forget it!” She snaps before she hangs up without him saying another word storming back inside Padme’s office startling both Bail and Padme. “Oooh that man infuriates me so much!” She cries as they look at her confused. Satine sighs “My ex husband claims he has changed and wants to help me raise Isabel and he refuses to take no for an answer” she tells them. Bail then spoke up. “You need to serve him with papers that blocks him from trying to apply for custody” he insists. Satine nodded “Believe me, I will” she assure him “I was able to obtain the appropriate documents this morning and sending them to him” she reveals. Padme tilted her head surprised “You know where he is living?” She asks. Satine shook her head “Not really but I know his parents will” she explains.
Satine then changes subject “Now, how about dinner, my treat?” She asks them looking around. Padme looks to Bail who shrugs. “I think we’re done here for the night, let’s go get something to eat” he agrees. Padme looks over to her twins. “Pack up your things you two, we’re going to get some dinner” she calls over to them seeing all the children excitedly pack up their things and hurrying over towards their parents. Satine took James by his hand before everyone headed out of the office to head out for dinner.
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It was an unusual night for Anakin, Obi Wan and Ahsoka. Usually it saw her see Anakin and Obi Wan head out to the night clubs to meet girls but tonight she found them at home catching up on TV instead. Ahsoka re entered the living room with a bowl of popcorn and joins Anakin on the couch. “I have to admit you two really are in love because you are doing everything you can to avoid other women” she teases as Anakin stares back at her
“And you just love to taunt and tease us don’t you?” He asks “And don’t think I don’t know about your little crush on the teacher’s aide working with the fourth years Lux” he smirks. Ahsoka glares back at him, gasping in horror. “I do not have any crush” she quickly replies as Obi Wan chuckles as he enters the room. “You can’t lie to us Ahsoka, I saw you when you were out on playground duty, Lux came over to talk to you and you barely said two words before trying to distance yourself even more” he reminds her
Anakin raises an eyebrow towards her “No crush huh?” He asks her seeing Ahsoka go quiet and instead eat more popcorn as Anakin grins looking over at Obi Wan “It seems we have our own teasing we can do” he suggests before he feels a handful of popcorn thrown straight at him which only made him laugh harder. Even Obi Wan chuckled once more as Ahsoka remained quiet and watched the movie.
She had hoped her secret feelings for Lux had gone unnoticed by her friends because they were too busy crushing on Padme and Satine but clearly they still had time to notice her changes in behaviour ever since she met Lux two days ago
Flashback - Wednesday afternoon
Anakin had taken the class outside for sports and had asked Ahsoka to head down to the library to borrow some books for the reading corner. Ahsoka had collected a decent collection of books which had grown taller since she started searching through the shelves. Luckily she had taken one of the book trolleys to use. She was about to reach for the last book when a voice stopped her
“Probably wouldn’t take that book” they tell her as Ahsoka looks over her shoulder “And why shouldn’t I?” She asks as the figure reached over her for the book “Because it’s the one I need” they admit taking the book from the shelf. Ahsoka gasps “Hey!, I am sorry but that book is……” her voice trails off as she turns around seeing a tall, brown haired young man, about the same age as her smirking down at her.
He was gorgeous! Ahsoka hadn’t really shown an interest in boys and she was living with two men so she felt like one of the guys but she had a fair few dates over the years and now she was finding herself speechless and lost for words. The young man smiled down at her “Sorry, but perhaps this means we have a good taste in books” he suggests. Ahsoka shrugs
“Well, I need it for the classroom” she insists as he shakes his head “Little bit advanced for second graders isn’t it?” He asks her. Ahsoka thought for a moment and then looked over at her trolley of books. “You’d be surprised at how some second graders are skilled readers” she argues before she goes on “But I’ll let you have the book because I think if I had one more book, I’ll be collecting the from the floor” she jokes. He laughs “Thanks….” He pauses as Ahsoka adds “I’m Ahsoka” she smiles as he nods “I’m Lux” he replies.
End of flashback
Anakin laughed once more as Obi Wan quietly sniggered taking a sip of her drink. Ahsoka rolled her eyes “You two are only trying to distract me from your own crushes” she reminds them before she gets up to exit the room as Obi Wan looks over at his friend. “She’s avoiding it” he points out as Anakin smirks “Of course and we also can have a little fun” he points out.
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Saturday morning came quicker than expected for Padme, which meant no Saturday morning sleep in and Luke and Leia spending the morning with her parents before she took them out for pizza for lunch and to the park where they would meet up with Satine, Isabel and James.
Now Padme stood outside her parent’s house, her mother stood on the front steps as she knelt before her two children. Luke and Leia were a little upset that they couldn’t spend the morning with their mom but she had promised them the rest of the day which they couldn’t wait for. Padme gave them each one last hug goodbye before she looked at them once more “Okay you two, now I want you to be good for your grandparents. Not tricking them into eating too many sweets" she points out. Luke sighs “But grandpa was the one who started giving them to us” he giggles as Padme raises an eyebrow at him “Uh huh” she only replies as Leia then taps her mom’s shoulder
“Don’t worry mommy, I’ll be good” she promises as Luke scoffs. Leia always did that where she would make out she’s the good one when half the time she suggests the mischief. Padme then got back up to her feet. “I’ll see you both in a little while, be good” she enforces once more before they watch her get into her car and reverse down the driveway and drove down the road. Luke and Leia then raced up towards their grandma. “Grandma!” They cried “Can we make a cake?” He asks as Jobal smiles down at her grandchildren.
“Of course we can" she smiles leading them inside the house to start the morning of fun and games hopefully with little mess.
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Saturday mornings for Anakin, Ahsoka and Obi Wan usually consisted of sleep ins however this particular Saturday found Obi Wan up and heading out for an early morning run, Ahsoka catching up on her shows and Anakin still asleep in bed. However, not for much longer, Ahsoka slowly tip toed into the room, smirking as she moves over towards his bed, air horn behind her back.
She slowly moves it towards Anakin who is sleeping on his stomach and half out of the bed. She slowly moves the airhorn closer towards his ear then presses it hearing it go off instantly waking up Anakin, he stumbles and falls from the bed as Ahsoka only begins to laugh. Shaking his head, Anakin then looks over at her, seeing her continue to laugh. He climbs back into bed, sitting on the edge running a hand through his messy blond hair.
“Really, Ahsoka?” He asks her “It’s Saturday and it’s been a long week” he groans as she continues to laugh “Yes, but why waste a beautiful Saturday inside and in bed” she insists. Anakin groans throwing the pillow over his head “Teach a class for five days a week of seven year olds then tell me I can’t sleep in” he moans however Ahsoka squeezed the air horn once more causing him to jump sitting up right in bed.
Ahsoka shrugs “I’ll keep doing this till you get up out of bed” she warns him “Besides it’s a nice day and I thought we’d all go rollerblading down at the park” she suggests heading out of the room leaving Anakin sitting in bed, sighing. So much for a Saturday sleep in.
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Whilst Anakin had been trying to have a sleep in, Obi Wan had headed out for a morning run followed by a light breakfast out at his favourite diner. He had just finished placing his order when he spotted someone he didn’t expect - Ms Kryze with her two young children Isabel and James. He attempted to keep out of sight however it wasn’t long before Isabel sees him “Hi Mr Kenobi!” She chimes waving excitedly over at him. Satine appeared to be talking on the phone. She gives him a gentle wave however Isabel grabbed her little brother’s hand and moved over towards him.
“Mommy said after breakfast we can spend the whole day at the park” she tells him “So I’m gonna pick flowers for her” she adds. Obi Wan smiles down at the little girl “I’m sure your mother will like that very much” he replies “And what’s your favourite thing to do at the park?” He asks as she grins “Swings! My friend Leia and I like to see who can swing higher” she tells him. James was hiding behind his little sister as Obi Wan looks over at him “And what does your brother do at the park?” He hears as Isabel answers “He plays in the sandpit” she says.
“For the last time Vizsula I don’t care what you say, if you continue to call me, I will charge you with harassment” Satine warns hearing him trying to argue back as she cuts him off “No! You will never see her!” She snaps “And try anything……..” Her voice trails off as she realises where her children had ran off too. She sighs “I gotta go” she tells him hanging up as she moves over towards her children who seem to be making Obi Wan laugh.
“I am so sorry” Satine tells them taking James’ hand in one hand and Isabel’s in the other as Obi Wan shook his head smiling “Don’t worry about it, they were just telling about how they’re going to the park today” he replies. Satine softly laughs “Still, Isabel knows better than to run away for me” she tells her. Isabel is quiet as Obi Wan chuckles. “She’s a sweet girl” he admits before he notices the frustration on Satine’s face. He tilts his head “You look a little flustered there, is everything alright?” He asks as Satine shook her head “I don’t want to trouble you with my dramas regarding my situation”she hints and Obi Wan then knew she was referring to her ex husband.
It was at that moment the waitress brought over Obi Wan’s breakfast. Satine smiles once more “We’ll leave you to your breakfast Mr Kenobi” she says. He grins “You can call me Obi Wan" he tells her. Satine fights the redness in her cheeks “Well, we’ll see you at school Obi Wan” she tells him before heading out of the diner with Isabel and James. Isabel waves back at him “Bye Mr Kenobi!” She chimes. Obi Wan chuckles to himself watching them leave then starts to enjoy his breakfast.
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When lunch time rolled around, Padme was feeling very good about earning the rest of the day off. Despite having to go into work to meet with the judge regarding their client, Bail and her actually feel like they had accomplished their job.
Flashback - 3 hours ago
“What you both have brought to me is damning evidence, very damning evidence for the prosecution” the judge reveals after he finishes reading through the file. Padme places both hands on the desk “This proves our client is innocent and the police acted too rashly just because he knew the victim” she states as Bail goes on “Some of the witness statements don’t match the description of the suspect, our client was no where near the scene of the crime” he points out
The judge places the folder back on his desk “You both have done very good work with this and Monday morning in court, I’ll bring this to the court’s attention and if the prosecution can’t argue or provide their own evidence against your client, he could walk a free man” he assures them. Padme and Bail both smile in relief as the judge gets up from his seat
“I’ll see you both on Monday” he tells them “Now go enjoy the weekend” he tells them and exits his office. Bail turns to Padme giving her a friendly embrace “I think we did it” he tells her as Padme breathes a sigh of relief “I think we have and I cannot wait to see the prosecution’s faces on Monday” she smiles before they both headed from the office and Padme was looking forward to spending the rest of the day with her children and best friend
End of flashback
When Padme arrived at the park and parked her car, Luke and Leia were eagerly getting out having spotted Isabel, James and two more of their friends, “Mommy can we go play?” They chimed as Padme smiles “Of course but don’t wander too far from the play area” she warns them watching them run off towards their friends and the play equipment just as Satine moved over towards her to help her with the food.
“You will not guess the morning I had” Satine breathes as Padme tilts her head at her friend “Everything alright with Vizsla?” She asks as Satine shook her head “Just wait till he receives the papers to be served” she admits “But on a lighter note, we were finishing up breakfast at the diner this morning and Isabel spotted her teacher Obi Wan and…..” She was then cut off by Padme giggling “Did you just call him Obi Wan?” She asks. Satine freezes before she tries to defend herself “That means nothing. He said I could and well we’re both adults so it’s perfectly normal” she explains “He may be handsome but I’ve been through too much and besides he’s Isabel’s teacher” she reminds him adding “And before you start with me, I’ve seen the way you look when you see Luke and Leia’s teacher” she warns her. Padme goes quiet however Padme argues back “He may be cute but my focus is my job and Luke and Leia, I can’t keep having my heart broken” she confesses. Satine gives a small smile before she picks up one of the food bags to carry over towards an empty picnic table. Padme was about to pick up the second food bag when she heard a voice
“Need a hand?” They asks as Padme turns finding herself standing before, Luke and Leia’s teacher Anakin Skywalker. He smiles down at her before reaching for the food bag. “Looks like someone’s having quite the picnic” he notes taking notice of the nearly overloaded bag. Padme smiles “Well, there is six people and four of them are children who eat quite a lot” she points out just as Anakin had a thought. “Well, are you up for three more people, Ahsoka, Obi Wan and I just came down to enjoy the day and some roller blading, but we don’t mind joining you?” He asks. Padme nervously bit her top lip - just minutes ago she was defending herself against having any crushes for this man and here he was offering to help asking to join them for lunch.
Anakin spoke up once more “I’m sorry if it sounds like I’m being intrusive” he tells her as Padme quickly shook her head “No, of course not and I think I may have brought a little too much, so if you’re hungry, you can help carry the bag over towards our table” she tells him closing the car door and moving over towards where Satine was setting up leaving Anakin to follow her.
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But not before Ahsoka could roll over towards him on her roller blades “Inviting yourself to lunch?” She asks “I thought you didn’t have any crushes on her” she points out as Anakin shrugs “I was offering to help her and noticed she had quite of food” he simply replies “You don’t have to join us” he tells her as Ahsoka chuckles
“And miss you and Obi Wan become lost for words around them?” She laughs “Not on your life” she adds “I’ll go get Obi Wan and meet you over there” she says rolling away to find Obi Wan leaving Anakin to head over towards Padme and Satine with the food.