Left in the Shadows

Shmi: “Petra, enough daydreaming.”

Petra: “Huh?”

(Petra was 15 years old…Anakin was 5. Petra’s mind had been in the sky for the last few months, and Shmi was at the end of her rope finding out why.)

Shmi: “You didn’t connect the cable like I told you too.”

Petra: “Sorry…I thought I did.”

Shmi: “Alright, enough. Why the absent minded-ness lately?”

Petra: “Nothing…I just…”

Shmi: “You’ve been thinking about Zett, haven’t you?”

(Petra blushed. Her mother knew her too well. The looks Petra had when talking about him, or the way she looked at him had told Shmi the obvious…Petra had a crush on him.)

Petra: “Yes. How did you know?”

Shmi: “It’s fairly obvious. The way you look at him, or how you look whenever he’s brought up in a conversation.”

Petra: “Are mothers always that smart?”

Shmi: *laughing* “Most of the time. But it’s only natural…you’re at that age now.”

Petra: “What’s love like?”

Shmi: “Romantic love?”

Petra: “Yeah.”

Shmi: “I don’t know, sweetie. I’ve never been in love before.”

Petra: “Never, ever, ever?”

Shmi: “No. But I’m sure that once it happens, its coming is unmistakable.”
 
C-3PO: “Shall I switch the power converter?”

Shmi: “What?”

C-3PO: “I said, ‘Shall I switch the power converter?’”

Shmi: “OH, yes. I’m sorry…my mind must have been drifting.”

C-3PO: “You miss them, don’t you?”

Shmi: “Yes…I wish I could see them now. Petra is probably married and has a family by now.”

C-3PO: “I’m sure they’re alright.”

Shmi: “I hope you’re right.”

(Little did Shmi know, but Petra had tried to reach her by letter several times before, but they were undeliverable. By a sheer miracle, one week later, one of Petra’s letters reached her mother.)

Cliegg: “Shmi, you have a letter.”

Shmi: *puzzled* “From whom?”

Cliegg: “Doesn’t say. Here.”

(He hands her the letter. Shmi gasps when she sees the handwriting.)

Cliegg: “What’s wrong?”

Shmi: *her hands shaking* “Nothing. It’s a letter from my daughter.”

(Cliegg is surprised because Shmi didn’t tell him about Petra and Anakin; Shmi sees his expression.)

Shmi: “I’ll explain later.”

Cliegg: “Alright.”

(He walks off as Shmi excitedly opens the letter. Just seeing her daughter’s handwriting again was wonderful in and of itself.)
 
The Letter

Dear Mom,
I’ve tried several times to reach you, but I haven’t been able to. I hope this letter finds you somehow. By now you’ve guessed that I’m alright and still alive, and Anakin is alright as well. He’s growing up so fast, and it won’t be long before he’ll be grown-up. These last three years have been somewhat difficult for me, but I’ve had a wonderful source of support: my husband. Yes, mom, I’ve married. I married not long after we left Tattoine. Qui-Gon’s apprentice is the one whom I’m married to. Do you remember Qui-Gon? I’m sure you do. Sadly, I have to say he’s not with us anymore as he was killed on Naboo not long after we took the Queen back home. I’m sure you’re puzzled and intrigued, but I can’t go into detail at the moment. IF you’re wondering if Obi-Wan (he’s my husband) and I have had or are planning to have children, don’t’ wonder any longer. We have a son, Zett, who’s two years old now. I never thought that after Zett’s marriage I would be able to fall in love again, but I have. It’s such a wonderful feeling knowing I’m loved and cared for. Obi-Wan is a Jedi which means our marriage is secret, but being alone with him at night is rewarding. Right now though, he’s away on mission and won’t return for another two weeks. I’ve not approached him about coming back to Tattoine to free you, because I fear he’d refuse me. Don’t’ get me wrong; he’ll do anything I ask of him, but he fears going out in public with me. It’s not that he’s ashamed…Jedi are forbidden to love and marry, and he is following his order’s mandate. I admire and respect him for that. Mom, once he returns from the mission, I’ll approach him about coming to Tattoine and freeing you. I want you to share our life and happiness. Nothing would make me happier than to have you living with us. I’m sure Zett would love to have a grandmother, and Anakin would be more than thrilled at having his mother back home. And Obi-Wan would love to meet you; I think you’d love him at first glance. Needless to say, I’m still homesick…not for Tattoine, but for you. My heart ached something awful those few months after we left. I felt so inadequate to take care of Ani the way you had. It still aches whenever I think of you. I’d love to tell you more about Obi-Wan, Zett, and our lives, but Anakin is due home from training any minute and I have to get dinner started. He’s my comfort and joy when Obi-Wan is away…Zett and he both are. I love you mom. I hope with everything that’s in me that you’re safe and that this letter reaches you soon.

Your Loving Daughter,
Petra Skywalker Kenobi


(Shmi’s eyes were brimming with tears when she finished the letter. When her children left, they took a part of her with them, and she felt as if she finally had a window into their current lives. It seemed like such a long time ago, but in reality, it hadn’t been that long ago.)
 
(Shmi is cleaning up as Anakin bursts through the door, followed by Qui-Gon and Petra.)

Anakin: “Mom, he sold the pod. Look at all the money we have!”

(Anakin pulls a bag of coins out of his pocket.)

Shmi: “Oh, my goodness, That's wonderful.”

Qui-Gon: “And Anakin and Petra have been freed.”

Anakin: “What?!?”

(Petra has a look of knowing everything that’s going on on her face)

Qui-Gon: “You're no longer a slave.”

(Anakin jumps for joy. Petra doesn’t know whether to feel happy or sad. Shmi is stunned.)

Anakin: “Did you hear that, Mom?” (to Qui-Gon) “Was that part of the
prize, or what?”

Qui-Gon: “Let's just say Watto has learned an important lesson about
gambling.”

Shmi: “Now you can make your dreams come true, Ani. You're free! You’re both free!” (turns to Qui-Gon) “Will you take them with you? Is he to become a Jedi?”

*I was really going to wait until tonight to post more, but my internet has kept kicking me off and on so I will have to post whenever possible. this flashback is from A Brave Spirit, part 1*
 
'tis ok. Not much has happened.

Qui-Gon: “Our meeting was not a coincidence. Nothing happens by
accident. You are strong with the Force, but you may not be accepted by
the Coucil.”

Anakin: “A Jedi! You mean, I get to go with you in your starship and everything?!”

(Qui-Gon kneels down to the boy while Petra looks on)

Qui-Gon: “Anakin, training to be a Jedi will not be a easy challenge.
And if you succeed, it will be a hard life.”

Anakin: “But it's what I want. What I've always dreamed about. Can I go,
Mom?!”

Qui-Gon: “This path has been placed for you, Ani; the choice to take
it is yours alone.

(Anakin thinks, looks to his mother and then to Petra, then to Qui-Gon.)

Anakin: “I want to go.”

Qui-Gon: “Then, pack your things. We haven't much time.”

Anakin: “Yipee!!”

(Anakin hugs his mom and starts for the other room, then stops. Shmi, Petra, and Qui-Gon give each other a knowing look. Anakin has realized something.)

Anakin: “What about Mom? Is she free too? You're coming, aren't
you, Mom?”

Qui-Gon: “I tried to free your mother, Ani, but Watto wouldn't have
it."

Anakin: “But the money from selling...”

Qui-Gon: “It's not nearly enough.”

(Shmi comes over to her son and sits next to him. Taking both of his
hands in hers, she draws him close; with her other hand, she takes Petra’s hand and pulls her close as well.)

Shmi: “Ani, Petra, my place is here. My future is here. It is time for both of you to let go... to let go of me. I cannot go with you.”

Anakin: “I want to stay with you. I don't want things to change.”

Petra: “Both of us do, Mom. I’ve never been alone outside of Mos Eisley.”

Shmi: “You can't stop change any more than you can stop the suns from
setting. Listen to your feelings; Ani, you know what's right. Petra, you have to listen to your heart. You and Ani have the chance for a new life; a new beginning. Don’t regret that by leaving me. I trust you with Ani’s care and well-being. You must be the one to raise him as Qui-Gon trains him as a Jedi.”

Petra: “But, Mom, I’m so scared. What if we never saw you again?”

Shmi: (takes a deep breath) “Petra, sweetheart, this is the chance for you to find out what is out there for you. You must not be afraid.”

 
(Anakin and Petra take deep breaths. Anakin drops his head, as Petra places a hand on his shoulder and drops her eyes to the ground. Qui-Gon and Shmi exchange a look of concern. When Anakin raises his head up, and Petra focuses her eyes on both of them, there are tears in both pairs of eyes.)

Anakin: “I'm going to miss you so much, Mom...”

Petra: “Me too Mom. I love you.”

Shmi:”I love you, Ani, both of you...now hurry.”

(Anakin and Shmi hug, then Shmi and Petra hug. Anakin runs into the other room, while Petra follows slowly, then stops suddenly and turns around to face her mom.)

Petra: “Mom, I can’t leave you. I can’t take care of Anakin by myself. What will I do?”

Shmi: “You must decide whether or not to let that discourage you from taking care of your little brother. He will need you to take my place. You, alongside Qui-Gon, must raise him the way you see fit. I hope you raise him the way I would have. Now go and gather your things.”

Petra: “Alright Mom. I’m still scared, but I’ll try.”

Shmi: “That’s all anyone can ask of you. Hurry.”

(Petra walks to the other room.)

Shmi: (to Qui-Gon) “Thank you.”

Qui-Gon: “I will watch after both of them. You have my word. Will you be all right?”

Shmi: “He was in my life for such a short time. Even Petra. It will be hard, but I have to let them go eventually.”

(Anakin, Petra, and Qui-Gon start towards the ship. Anakin breaks free from holding Petra’s hand and runs back to Shmi.)

Anakin: (starting to cry) “I can't do it, Mom. I just can't.”

(Shmi hugs Anakin. Qui-Gon and Petra watch from the distance. She kneels down and looks him in the face.)

Shmi: “Ani, remember when you climbed the great dune in order to chase
the Banthas away so they wouldn't be shot... Remember how you collapsed
several times, exhausted thinking you couldn't do it?”

(Anakin slowly nods his head.)

Shmi: “This is one of those times when you have to do something
you don't think you can do. I know how strong you are, Ani. I know
you can do this...”

Anakin: “Will I ever see you again?”

Shmi: “What does your heart tell you?”

Anakin: “I hope so... yes... I guess.”

Shmi: “Then we will see each other again.”

Anakin: “I will become a Jedi and come back and free you, I promise, Mom.”

Shmi: "No matter where you are, my love will be with you. Now be brave
and don't look back... don't look back.”

Anakin: “I love you so much.”

(Shmi sighed. She wondered what Anakin looked like now. Her heart ached desperately to see them. She couldn’t explain it, but she had a feeling she wouldn’t see them again until she was on her deathbed. She searched the letter, trying to find a return address, but was unsuccessful. She sat down on the sand against the building. Petra would wonder whether or not her letter had arrived safely. Shmi wanted to write her daughter; still, beyond all hope she had, she hoped that Petra would be able to convince Obi-Wan to let them come back. Even if she saw them for a few moments, it would be worth it.)
 
(In Petra and Obi-Wan’s apartments, they’re celebrating Obi-Wan’s return home. They had finished the meal and were eating dessert when Petra decided to approach Obi-Wan about her idea.)

Petra: “Obi-Wan, if there was one thing you could give me to make me truly happy, would you do it?’

Obi-Wan: “Of course. What is it?”

Petra: “I want to go back to Tattoine.”

Obi-Wan: “going back to that desert-hole would make you happy?”

Petra: “No. I want to find my mother and free her.”

(Obi-Wan stood up)

Obi-Wan: “No.”

Petra: “Just like that? You haven’t even thought about it.”

Obi-Wan: “I said no, and I mean no. I’m not thinking about it.”

Petra: “Obi-Wan, you are so stubborn!”

Obi-Wan: “I don’t care. We’re not going.”

Petra: “It wouldn’t have to be ‘we.’ It would just be me and possibly Anakin.”

Obi-Wan: *raising his voice* “What did I just say?”

(Petra retreats as the tears threaten to fall)

Petra: “You said no.”

Obi-Wan: “That’s right. And if you try to go to Tattoine, I’ll track you down so fast you won’t have time to blink!”

(He leaves the room, obviously angry and upset. Petra’s tears don’t’ listen to her and they fall down her cheeks. Anakin comes around and wraps his arms around her neck.)

Anakin: “He didn’t mean it.”

Petra: *sobbing* “Yes he did. When he raises his voice like that, he’s serious.”

Anakin: “Maybe we…”

Petra: “No. No, we can’t try to sneak off. He’d be so angry…”

(She starts sobbing again. Anakin kisses her on the cheek.)

Anakin: “Maybe I can talk to him.”

Petra: *slightly smiling* “Thanks, Ani. But it’ll blow over. We’ll work this out eventually.”

(But it never did work out. Petra was too afraid to approach Obi-Wan about it again that she never spoke of it again. 7 years later, she regretted keeping silent. Even though Petra and Obi-Wan’s marriage got stronger and their love went deeper through the years, she still had an ache in her heart whenever she thought of her mother.)
 
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