Loving Skywalker - Book (3)

Ben's Training

Rainas POV.

Raina placed her hand on her growing bump which she was now unable to hide. Thankfully her Jedi Robes were perfect for the size of her belly during the second term of her pregnancy. Raina turned around to face her class of small younglings who were sitting criss-cross on the floor.

"Alright, we are going to do some simple meditations to close our class today."

She sat down on the floor and cris-crossed her legs. "Now, everyone to close your eyes."

The children did so, squeezing their eyes shut.

"Very good." Raina closed her eyes as well. "Now slowly breathe in...and out. Now again."

The younglings obeyed. She felt calm wash over the room.

"Now, picture this room and each person within it. Feel the force flowing through and around each of us. Feel its peace. Feel it within yourself. Deep within you. Holding and binding you together. Rest in in it."

After a moment of silence she slowly opened her eyes.

"Very good. Slowly rejoin us and open your eyes."

Soon all the students were looking at her seeming more at peace.

She smiled at them. "You all did very well today. You are learning quickly. I know Master Skywalker will be very impressed with your progress."

She paused locking eyes with Gwynn Astril a female Jedi knight who was seated at the back of the class. Luke had decided it would be a good idea to have Jedi knights serve as escorts for the younger groups to and from their classes. It was a way to help them practice leadership and assisting those younger than them. It also served as a way for them to review some prior teachings as well.

"You all are dismissed. May the force be with you."

"And with you." They all answered.

Gwynn stood and went to the door. "Alright, it's time to line up!" She smiled.

Raina liked Gwynn she was always so kind to everyone around her especially the children. "Say thank you, Master Raina."

"Thank you, Master Raina!"

Raina smiled with a small laugh as she stood. "You're welcome. Have a good rest of your day!"

She placed her hand on her bump as they all patted out of the room. Hopefully she would have her own running around the temple soon. This time had to be different.

At lunchtime in the cafeteria Raina and Luke sat across from each other with their plates of food in front of them.

"So the end of term challenges went well?" Raina asked.

Luke nodded. "The older younglings did very well and so did the padawans. I believe a few of the older ones are almost ready to enter knighthood"

"That's great! I know you're very proud of them."

Luke nodded bringing his fork to his mouth, but she could see something hiding behind his eyes.

Tilting her head she decided to question him. "What is it?"

He looked at her hesitantly, and lowered his voice. "It's Ben."

She furrowed her brow. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing really. He's doing very well with his training. Excels in his classes."

"Did he have trouble with the challenges?"

"Not at all. He passed with flying colors."

"Then what is it?"

"I just don't feel like he's ready yet. There's something holding him back. I can feel it. He's still filled with fear."