Bitchin' Mara Jade

Chapter Eleven

Luke was about to go check on Mara when Ben approached him. There was a cat following at his feet which ran to Luke to be picked up. "Hi minion. I think Ben is needing to comb you."

"It's Kylo now. Did you not get the message?" Ben retorted to his uncle. "Anyway where is Aunt Mara. She was bringing me some records from Missoula. I couldn't make it there sadly. I also took the liberty of examining your class schedule and I feel that you should be spending less time on..."

"That's kind of you Ben. But not everyone in the class is as fast a learner as you. I'm sure Mara has your records. I remember she called after being at that person's apartment so you'll all be alright."

"This is why I relied on her and no one else. Mara to knows out to get a job done and she is the only one so far to embrace my change of name other than my grandfather and grandmother who just smiled and said that's nice dear."

"Mara's an accommodating young woman."

"What does she see in you exactly?"

"Ben! You're supposed to be helping your mother!" A male voice scolded and Luke looked up to see Han walking into the hallway.

"It's Kylo!"

"Well Ben, that's nice! Go help your mother!"

Ben groaned and took Minion back from Luke. "Grandfather and Mara are the only ones who understand." He complained.

"Understand what?" Padme asked her grandson as she walked past him.

"My new name."

"Oh what was it again honey?"

"Kylo."

"Kyle is a good name. But I don't think it suits you."

"Kylo." Ben corrected as Padme continued into the hall. "Han. Luke."

Whatever conversation they were having stopped as Padme entered the hallway. "Luke I need you to go into town and do me a favour. I have some things to post."

"Can't Han do it? I was just going upstairs to check on Mara."

"Mara is resting, you said so yourself and besides I need Han to help me fix a cupboard. Your father has been saying he'll help me for weeks. He's been too busy with that crossword book Mara bought him."

"I would be happy to help you." Han said and kissed her hand. "Shall we?"

Luke made a face and sighed.

*

Mara awoke half an hour after Luke had gone on the errand his mother sent him on. She awoke feeling terrible. The only reason she got up was to be sick. After being in the bathroom for half an hour, she rinsed her mouth out with mouthwash and brushed her teeth before rinsing again.

It was probably time to find Luke. As soon as she got downstairs, a pair of arms wrapped around. "Aunt Mara! It's so god to see you awake. Did you know that uncle Luke was mean to me?"

"Hi Kylo. I have your records in the trunk of my car. I wrapped them in bubble wrap. Individually for the journey here."

"Oh aren't you efficient?" Kylo stated as he grabbed her car keys from the bowl in the hallway. "Don't worry I will get it."

"Enjoy them."

"I will. Cassette tapes just ruined the whole atmosphere of records you know?"

"Perhaps. Only time will tell." Mara uttered. "Where is your uncle?"

"Grandma sent him away because he was annoying me."

"Did she?" Mara asked sceptically. "You won't need a hand carrying the boxes?"

"Emmm no." He replied and Mara went to the kitchen. Han was fixing s cupboard door, Leia was doing some paper work, Padme was playing go-fish with Anakin.

"You look terrible!" Anakin told her and Padme slapped him. "I didn't mean it like that."

Mara groaned and sat down. "I feel terrible to be honest."

"Does Luke know?" Padme asked suddenly.

Mara blinked. She hadn't told anyone! How would Luke know. "No. I don't quite now how to bring it up. I mean pregnancy is a delicate matter and we haven't really discussed...you meant does he know I feel terrible?"

"Oh so that's why it looks like you have breasts. You went from an A to a B." Han uttered and Leia drew him a look. "Obvious difference."

Mara put her head on the table and started crying.

"Now look what you have done!" Leia scolded Han. She put a hand on Mara's back. "Never mind him sweetie."

"Hey if you're struggling to tell Luke I can tell him for you." Anakin offered.

Padme laughed. "Usually the rest of the family find out after the father. Now it's the other way around."

"Aunt Mara can you take me into Missoula tomorrow I just found someone who will..." Ben began. He looked confused. "Why is Aunt Mara crying? Why is grandmother laughing? What have I missed?"

"None of your business." Han told him off. "Have you tidied your room yet?"

"I will do it when you stop telling me!" He responded. "and when you start treating me with respect."

"You'll do it now boy." Anakin told him.

"Yes grandfather." Ben responded and left.

Mara brought her head up and wiped her eyes. "I'm sorry." She stood up. "I need to go for a walk and go get some space."

"Alright sweetheart." Padme uttered.

Leia stroked Mara's back again. "If you need anything let me know."

Mara nodded and left.

"I agree with you Han, it was obvious." Anakin said, "I thought she'd gotten plastic surgery."

Padme smacked his arm. "Leave her alone."

Leia rolled her eyes. "Men!"

*

Mara hugged herself as she sat near the garden pond. That was where Luke found her, sitting in the dark. "My mother said I should talk to you. Is something going on?"

"It's kind of complicated." Mara said, looking down.

"You can tell me anything." He picked up her hand. "What's wrong?"

"I ummm I'm.... I need you to know that if you don't want this then you don't need to. I just...."

"You want to move to a place of our own? I know it gets a bit difficult sometimes. Everyone walks in on one another but this is a good home..."

"No I like it here. It's not that. It's....well...I am pregnant."

Luke let out a sigh of relief. "Is that all?! I thought it was something major!"

"Something major! It's easy for your to say. I'm going to have to quit school and..."

"No you won't. I will take care of him or her while you finish college. We can afford for me to go on a sabbatical. My mum and dad are here to help me. I will help out as much as I can except have the baby for you."

"God you're dramatic enough without bearing a child." Mara uttered.

"I'm not dramatic!" Luke uttered. Mara rolled her eyes and then rested her head on his shoulder.