𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝙠𝙮𝙡𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙣.

o3. shift

CHAPTER THREE
'SHIFT'

❝ we were born sick
you heard them say it. ❞

— TAKE ME TO CHURCH, hozier

:･ﾟ✧:･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧:･.:

ANDROMEDA SHIFTED AWKWARDLY in the presence of her uncle. When it was just the two of them, he went by Uncle Luke. In front of her peers, he was Master Skywalker.

It had been two weeks since that night that Andromeda crawled in the bed of Ben Solo. Every night since, they had spent it the same. No words were ever spoken about it, but Andromeda knew they didn't need to speak of it. It just felt right. It felt like home.

"Andromeda," Luke began, sitting in the chair that was adjacent to his desk. The uncle - niece pair sought a private audience in the sanctuary of Luke's hut. "There is no reason for you to be here."

"I still have more learning to do!" Andromeda argued as she sat on the floor, crossing her legs.

Luke sighed, rubbing a finger against his temple. "I have taught you everything I know. You have been here much longer than anyone. It's time for you to move on."

Andromeda shook her head, her mind trailing to Ben. What would happen to them if she left? She was running out of time; her uncle wouldn't let her stay forever. All she wanted was time. She needed it: with Ben.

"Please, uncle." A lasting plea left Andromeda's lips in a hushed whisper.

"I know you only want to stay because of Ben; but be wary. There is a shift in the force. Something is happening. I need you away from here." Luke concluded. "My word is final. You shall graduate the next fortnight."

"What is concerning you?" Andromeda questioned, her heart slowly sinking into the acidic pit of her stomach.

Luke shook his head, "Don't worry yourself with that. Now, go."

Andromeda's eyes remained fixed on the floor as she stood, exiting the hut.

A lone tear fell from the pool of water in her eyes. Wiping it away harshly, she ran right into the back of someone who she desperately needed to see.

"Ben." She breathed, a sigh of relief escaping her lips.

Ben turned around, looking at her broken stature. The pull towards the dark had been strong as of late; he couldn't take it anymore.  He spoke nothing, ignoring her tear as he walked away.

Andromeda's lips parted slightly as he stormed off, another tear streaming down her cheek.

The sky was setting, signaling an early night for her, for she had far too much on her mind.

Around her, people were training loosely with others or enjoying their company. She sighed, heading towards the hut to sleep. Ben must have caught wind of her departure; he must be furious with her. That's what she kept telling herself. If only she would have taken the time to follow him, to ask if he was okay. She would come to regret that decision for the rest of her life.

"Andi?" A voice called from behind.

Andromeda turned around to see Kayla dressed in her sleeping attire.

"You alright?"

At the mention of someone caring for her wellbeing, the floodgates opened and the tears began to fall. Kayla engulfed Andromeda tightly, rubbing her back with her left hand. "Oh, Andi." She breathed.

"Uncle's making me graduate and Ben won't talk to me." It was a muffled answer against the crook of Kayla's neck; but it was an answer nonetheless.

"Oh, honey, no," Kayla soothed, moving her from her chest to head to her bed. As they sat down, Kayla shook her head. "I'm sure Ben's just going through something. He's been agitated all day."

Andromeda sniffled, wiping her tears. "What if he never speaks to me again? Where will I go? I have no one outside of this planet."

"Wait for him." Kayla smiled, "Go to Leia."

"Do you think he'll want to be with me when he graduates?" Andromeda questioned.

Kayla nodded, "Of course! He's so in love with you he just doesn't realize it yet. Men are slow."

Andromeda giggled, taking her friend's hands in her own. "Oh, stars, where would I be without you?"

"Lost." Kayla giggled. She held up her pinky, latching it with Andromeda's. "I don't want you to forget about me either."

Andromeda faked a gasp as a look of shock dawned on her, "I could never!"

The two giggled as Andromeda stood, "I'm going to call it a night. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight, Andi." Kayla smiled, throwing the blanket over her as she laid down.

Andromeda moved to her own bed, lying down with a smile as she faced her friend. Her eyes fluttered shut as her mind wandered. Half of her wanted to lay in Ben's bed and wait for him, but the other half silently wished he would crawl in hers. The two women were the only people in bed, as many were still out in the yard, their laughter a constant in Andromeda's head.

"Hey, Andi?" Kayla questioned, pulling Andromeda from the brink of sleep.

Andromeda hummed in response.

"Wait for me, too." Kayla stated, although it sounded as more of a question.

"Of course I will." Andromeda smiled, "I wouldn't function correctly without you."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

rensapprentice