|| Uninvited || An Anakin Skywalker Story

Chapter Thirty Two

Hello readers!

**I posted a chapter last night, so make sure you read that one before beginning this one**

This will be the last chapter before a bit of a time jump. So even though this might feel like the end, I promise it's not :) 

Love you all! Please let me know what you think. 

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I only saw Anakin once since that painful night in the training room.

I was cleaning up after a dinner shift and saw him from a distance, walking through the dining hall towards Obi-Wan who was sat enjoying a tea. I almost dropped the forks I held in my hand at the sight of him. From across the room, I could see the dark shadows under his eyes and his features were pulled together in a strained, almost angry expression.

I could tell he hadn't been sleeping. Much like myself.

If he knew I was there, he didn't let on. He simply just bent down, whispered something to Obi-Wan who proceeded to let out a deep sigh and get up to follow his former padawan out of the room.

Other than that, it was as if Anakin had completely disappeared from my life. Despite looking, I didn't see him anywhere. His absence hurt. I hardly even saw Obi-Wan or Ahsoka who would throw me a wave the rare times we'd cross paths. I wondered what was going on the keep them away from the temple. And I couldn't help but be concerned for their safety.

But as soon as the concerns would spring up in my mind, I worked to push them away. I needed to move on, and they are more than capable of taking care of themselves.

Instead, I threw my focus into the upcoming banquet. The dress code was formal, so Rala and I had been scouring the shops for something that was equal parts cute and affordable. Not an easy task when searching for gowns.

We were currently at a small shop just on the outskirts of the city, we had spent the day going through racks and racks of dresses. Rala had scored a gorgeous red velvet number that fit her like a glove. She insisted we hit up one more place to try to find my dress.

Rala hummed softly as she flicked through the racks. I smiled at the sound of it. Being around her was very soothing. I've never had a close female friendship despite so desperately wanting one all these years. So, I was very excited about our budding relationship.

Suddenly her humming stopped, and she let out a small gasp. "Kels!" she exclaimed. I snapped my head up in her direction and saw her pull out a midnight blue dress and hold it up for me to see.

"Oh wow." I whispered as my eyes scanned the dress. The way it caught the light brought out the rich color and soft sheen of the fabric.

"You need to try this on." She said, thrusting the dress in my direction. I took it from her hands and relished the soft feel of silk. I smiled softly and allowed Rala to shoo me towards the dressing room.

I quickly slipped the dress on and to my surprise, it fit perfectly. Looking at myself in the dusty mirror, I couldn't help but smile. I really loved how it looked. The elegant tie detail in the front perfectly balanced the low cowl which exposed my back (Editor's Note: I am imagining something like the Estelle Blue Maxi Dress from your somnia).

Pulling back the curtain, I was met with Rala's smile which quickly morphed into a full-on gape as she took me in.

"You like it?" I asked her, biting down on a smile.

"I love it." She said, scanning the dress with wide eyes.

"Yeah, I think this is the one." I said, turning to look back in the mirror.