ARCHIVED TWHLAY I:XXIV
ARCHIVED
The Way He Looks at You Series
Act I: The Way He Looks at You
Chapter 24 : The Way He Restarts for You
(Act I Finale)
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I’m entering Kaahlii’s bookshop, the sound of the door chime giving away my return. The little sound also notifies my brain that I may breathe easier while I am here. I could not have known how stressful the journey here would be.
My recent mission to locate Fifth brought me back to this sector. Much to my dismay, they did not find his body in the rubble. I sincerely doubt the Rebellion maintained enough power to kidnap an Inquisitor when they fled. More disturbing, the Jedi’s body and lightsaber were not located; the Rebels are likely the cause.
Knowing the biggest threat to my happiness still walks free fills me with unease. At least I know she is safe in the medical wing, protected at the heart of the Empire. My heart, hidden at the heart, how poetic.
I’ve grown soft since she entered my life; allowed myself to give others grace when I would have previously struck them down. I should have struck down the Jedi, but my little light always blinds my vision. Time apart from her pains me, but I can act without remorse. Once I take care of my light and our future sparks, I intend to eliminate the man who threatens to steal them from me.
Passing through the doorway, the black satchel catches on the door handle, and I am tugged backwards. I wrestle the bag free and enter the cozy store as Kaahlii comes around a rather dusty bookshelf. The placard reads, “Ancient Civilizations” and I am almost drawn to the “Z” section.
“Inquisitor.” Kaahlii greets. “I haven’t heard from you since you left the hospital. Is there an update?”
I frown and shake my head. “Arrangements are being made for when she wakes.”
“Is there an estimate for when she will wake?” Kaahlii quirks an eyebrow.
I don’t miss the look of doubt, but I cannot, will not, lose hope in getting my light back.
“There is not, but she will wake Kaahlii.” I shoot the small woman a sharp look.
She waves her hand and purses her lips before speaking. “What can I assist you with Inqui-”
“Cal.” I correct, softening my expression.
Kaahlii blinks at me a few times. “What can I assist you with, Cal?”
A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth, but I try to maintain a level of professionalism. Instead of answering, I hand her the satchel and wait as she pokes through its contents. She hums her slow exhale before looking back up into my eyes.
“This will take all day. Today is story time.” Kaahlii explains.
“I’ll cover it.” I state. “It was actually…enjoyable last time.”
It’s Kaahlii’s turn to resist a smile, which she disguises with a curt nod. As she walks away towards her workroom, I strip off my Inquisitor armor and stash it under the front desk. I even unclip my utility belt. Attached to my lightsaber, and put it with the rest of my belongings.
The brown smock warms up my otherwise cold monotone clothes and I lift the top book off the leftmost stack. The search for its home takes a while, but soon I have figured out more of the organization system and move with ease.
I’ve almost completed the largest stack when the first story time customer arrives. I’m pleased to see it is the little girl with an affinity for droids and her kind mother. Without hesitation, I approach the pair and beep a greeting at the daughter before reaching to shake the mother’s hand.
The daughter squeals in delight as her mother dodges my hand to pull me into a friendly embrace. I stiffen at the gesture and the woman is gracious enough to hang on until I can relax and squeezing her back. She pulls away from the hug and beams up at me while reaching to grasp her daughter’s hand once more.
“Catalia and I are so happy to see you here again! She has been asking nonstop when the ‘Droid Man’ was coming back.”
I chuckle at both the words and the little girls excitedly jumping at the end of her mother’s arm.
“I’m afraid we didn’t catch your name last time. I’m Rosara.” She introduces herself and sticks out her hand.
I stare at the outstretches hand and wonder if I am to shake it or pull her into a hug.
“I’m Cal. Kaahlii allows me to help here when I am able.” I explain as I shake her hand.
“Cal, it is always a pleasure to see you!” She releases her daughter’s hand to grasp mine in both before releasing.
Her words disarm me; I haven’t been a pleasure to be seen in many years. I give an awkward nod to acknowledge the compliment.
“You’re new to working with kids, aren’t you?” She tilts her head.
I laugh once. “That obvious, huh?”
She laughs with me and Catalia screams, then giggles. “You’ll get better, I’m sure.”
“I hope so.” I reach up and rub the back of my neck. “We’ve got two on the way.”
“Two!” Rosara exclaims. “You are going to have your hands full!”
“I don’t know what to expect. This is quite new.” I admit, feeling more unsure than ever.
Rosara notices my discomfort and reaches out to squeeze my hand once. “Let’s talk after story time. I can tell you everything I’ve learned from this one.”
“I would really appreciate it. Preparation is key.” I watch as Catalia pulls her mother towards the reading area.
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You hear a steady and irritating beeping nearby that aggravates the ache in your head. Opening your eyes makes it worse, but you lift your hands to rub the sleep from your eyes. You feel wires follow your movements and fain more insight on your surroundings.
With clear vision, you glance around the sterile room until your eyes slide across a green-skinned man sitting opposite you. Your pulse quickens and you can feel the blood pound in your ears; increasing the pain.
“Finally awake? You’ve kept us all waiting.” Fifth Brother sneers.
You sit there silent and wide-eyed, waiting for the Inquisitor to speak again.
“Pregnant with the Jedi’s child? Belonging to Thirteenth? Quite the predicament.” He mocks. “And all those secrets about the Rebellion in your head.”
You wince, but try to maintain eye contact with the cruel man. He smirks in response and looks over your body, that is thankfully covered by a blanket and gown.
“I was interested in you before, but now you are actually interesting.” He studies you.
Your lips part, unable to find words. Pieces are missing, and you can’t quite remember the event that brought you here. Being alone with this man is terrifying and you long for the safety of before.
If only the man you love were here to protect you. Though maybe it’s for the best that he’s not here. There is no telling what the Fifth Brother has planned for you. How he might use your loves one against you to get the information he seeks.
You’d prefer to go down alone that to watch others suffer on your behalf. There can’t be more sacrifice to protect you; not again. Fifth doesn’t seem to mind your silence; instead amused by the fear so clearly etched on your features.
“Worry not, Pet. I won’t take your secrets just yet. I’m sure you will give them freely when the time is right.” He threatens. “I’m a patient man, and I’d rather not be on Thirteenth’s bad side.”
Your eyebrows painfully furrow at his confusing statement. He rises to his feet and strides out of the room, closing the door with the faintest click. You sit there paralyzed, listening for his fading footsteps.
Once you feel sure he has left, you tear the wires from your body and leap to your feet. There is a folded stack of black clothing on the bedside table. The dress is a logistical nightmare to hurry into, but you manage. Clasping the woolen cloak around your neck provides a familiar sense of security.
You swing open the door and make your escape, grateful your books are near silent. You break into a run, desperate to get back to safety, to your home with him.
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I’m glad to be back at the hospital. The time away was too long. Story time went well, better than last time. Being much less guarded, I found it easy to narrate the stories for the children. I made silly faces, pointed to the pictures, and gave each character a unique voice. I’ve gotten the hand of entertaining children; a now necessary skill.
Rosara and Catalia stayed late while I worked at the bookshop. Rosara gave me a surplus of knowledge on how to care for little ones while Catalia undid all my work. I learned vital information from one and patience from the other.
It scares me to know how little I knew about children; I would have accidentally given the infants water. Besides the life saving advice, she also provided a handwritten list of necessary supplies. All items now crossed off and purchased.
I also bought my light new clothes during the spree. She deserves more than one article of clothing. While in the boutique, something drew me to a dainty necklace with a large stone in the middle. That necklace now sits in a small box in my pocket.
The gold chain has once broken and repaired with an identical link containing a tracker. Kaahlii and I agreed taking a risk with three lives isn’t an option. Even if my light isn’t yet awake, I will still adorn her neck. She deserves to wake to something beautiful.
There’s a pang in my heart knowing she may never wake, may never wear the new clothes, never know our children. I push the distressing thoughts away and trust in the Force to bring her back to me. The Force gave me my light for a reason. It will return her to me, I am sure.
I am pulled from my thoughts when I hear the faint padding of footsteps moving hastily in my directions as I round a corner.
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I look down at my light, confused by her thoughts. There is a sense of déjà vu and I can feel panic creep in at the worst-case scenario.
“Easy on the eyes?” I say, tilting my head.
Her eyes widen in horror, and I feel a pang of guilt for causing more distress after all she has been through.
“You said that the first time we…” I trail off and probe her mind.
I find nothing but my worst fears inside. I’m not in there. There’s no memory of our time together. She has forgotten. I feel my heart split and I tighten my grip. I’m not about to lose her again.
There is no option but to start over, so I darken my eyes to her favorite expression and lower my voice. “You aren’t going anywhere. I’ll be keeping you.”
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