Disclaimer: I don't own anything Star Wars. That all belongs to George Lucas. No copyright infringement intended. The only thing intended is good old smut and enjoyment. LOL!

Summary: Luke is asked to help find Mara who has gone missing. When he finds her will feelings be revealed or will they continue to deny what their hearts and the Force already know? R/R

Among The Stars

Chapter 1

Luke stood outside his old home on Tatooine. Though it had been fifteen years since the death of his Aunt and Uncle, he had still kept the moisture farm. He remembered how Leia had said he should sell it. Unfortunately, he couldn't bring himself to do it. `It's a reminder of where I came from,' he argued

With a sigh, he turned and re-entered the house as the twin suns sank into the horizon. He would be returning to Coruscant in the morning. For the past month he had been on Tatooine. After his academy had been opened, he had started feeling homesick. That was three years ago. He sighed again when his commlink went off.

"Skywalker,"

"Hello Luke," came Leia's voice.

"Hello Leia," he chuckled.

"When are you coming back?" she asked.

"I'll be leaving in the morning. I should be back on Coruscant in a week," he answered.

"Are you alright? I know you've been a bit melancholy ever since you opened your academy," she questioned worriedly.

"I'm fine now. I guess I just started missing Ben and Yoda. I needed to come back to where it all began. You know, remind myself of who I am and where I came from," he explained.

"I understand brother, probably better than most. We've all changed in the last fifteen years," she agreed.

"So, how are Han and the kids?" he inquired.

"Han is fine, he's off fiddling with the FALCON again. Jacen and Jaina are looking foreword to you coming home. Anakin is already trying to reprogram 3PO," she laughed.

Han and Leia had been married for ten years now. Their twins, Jacen and Jaina, were now eight and Anakin was six. Luke loved his niece nephews, Han and Leia, but lately he had been feeling a little jealous. He desperately wanted a wife and children of his own.

"Well, tell them I'll see them in a week," he smiled.

"Alright. Don't forget, you promised to have dinner with us after you got back," she reminded.

"I haven't forgotten and I'm looking foreword to it. I'll see you in a week," he replied.

"Alright. Bye little brother," she teased.

"And just who says you're older," he retorted.

His smile faded as he put his comlink on his nightstand. `I know I shouldn't feel jealous of my family, but I can't help it. Is it wrong to want the happiness they have?' he asked himself.

"It's not wrong son. You may be a Jedi Master, but you're also human," Anakin Skywalker said as he appeared before his son.

"Father? What are you doing here?" Luke gaped.

"Son, I know what you're feeling now. I felt the same thing when I saw your mother again just before the Clone Wars began," Anakin replied.

"You did?" Luke asked.

"Yes. The life of a Jedi is not an easy one, as you have found out. You however have not made the same mistakes of the Old Jedi Order. You have realized that a Jedi can love and have a family, and still serve the Galaxy," Anakin answered.

"Yes, but why am I not happy? I thought I could have the family that Han and Leia have with Callista. You saw how that turned out. I'm beginning to think I'm destined to be alone, that the Skywalker name will end with me," Luke sighed as he sat on his bed.

"I don't believe that Luke. I believe you will find a wonderful woman and have children. You just have to be patient my son," Anakin smiled as he sat beside Luke.

"I'll try father. Of course you know patience isn't one of our strong suits," Luke smirked.

"I know," Anakin chuckled.

********************************************************************** **

Mara Jade finished her preflight check list as she waited for clearance from the tower to take off. She had spent the last three days on Sullust on a trade run for Talon Karrde.

"JADE'S FIRE, you are clear for take off," the tower said.

"Thank you control. FIRE out," Mara replied.

Finally she could go back to Coruscant. There was a reception for the Trader's Alliance in two weeks. Though she hated going to those functions, she had promised Talon she would be there.

`At least Karrde promised me a vacation after the reception. Maybe I could spend it at Skywalker's academy,' she thought as she made the jump into hyperspace.

It had been ten years since she first met Luke Skywalker after his X- Wing had been damaged. Since then, the two had become close friends. He had even began to finishing her Jedi training.

`I wonder if he'll be at the reception? I know Solo and Leia will be there,' she wondered as she got up to get something to drink.

********************************************************************** **

"Uncle Luke, when will Jaina and I start at your academy?" Jacen asked as he finished his dessert.

"Don't talk with your mouth full Jacen," Leia chided him.

"You and your sister are still a little young yet. It would be best to wait till you're at least thirteen or fourteen. There's still a lot more you two need to learn first," Luke answered.

"Will you teach us some more Uncle Luke?" Jaina added.

"I tell you what, if your mom and dad say it's okay, you two can come over to my place tomorrow and we can go over some more Jedi history," Luke smiled.

"I see no problem with that," Han nodded.

"I guess so," Leia agreed.

"Can I come too?" Anakin questioned.

"Of course," Luke answered as he ruffled his youngest nephew's hair.

Just then the buzzer for the front door went off. Han went to answer it while Luke helped Leia take the dishes to the kitchen. A few moments later, Han and Talon entered the kitchen.

"Talon? This is a surprise," Leia beamed.

"I wish this was a social call Leia," Talon sighed.

"What's wrong?" Luke asked.

"It's Mara. She's missing. She had gone to Sullust on a trade run. The tower there said she took off a few days ago. Then an hour ago, Coruscant tower received a mayday from JADE'S FIR. I sent Aves out to look for her," Talon explained.

"Is she alright?" Luke demanded.

"That's just it. Aves didn't find Mara or JADE'S FIRE," Talon answered as he ran his fingers through his hair.

"Was she followed?" Han questioned.

"I don't know. I've sent Ghent and Aves to Sullust to back track her steps," Talon replied.

"Well, I'll go get a copy of her distress call and see if Artoo can pick up a second frequency," Leia offered.

"I'll go with you Leia," Luke added.

"Thank you. All of you," Talon sighed in relief.

Chapter 2

Mara clutched her head as she sat up. Her head was pounding and she ached from head to toe. Slowly the fog in her brain cleared. Everything came rushing back to her. She had just come out of hyperspace. She was getting ready to radio Coruscant when it happened. JADE'S FIRE was rocked by a barrage of laser fire. She had managed a mayday before everything went black.

`I hope Coruscant got my mayday. Now, I need to get myself out of here,' she thought.

She tried to use the Force, but it didn't work. Upon closer inspection she saw why. Ysalamiri. She let out a curse as the door to her cell opened.

"Hello Mara Jade," a man hissed.

"Who the hell are you and what do you want?" Mara demanded.

"I'm Gareth. That's all you need to know for now," Gareth smiled twistedly.

"You better let me go," she growled.

"You think Karrde will find you in time? Ha. By the time he finds us, it will be too late. Too late for you that is," he laughed.

Mara kept her anger in check. She glared as Gareth turned and left the cell. She couldn't believe how stupid she had been. She had become so complacent, she didn't bother to see if she was being tailed when she left Sullust.

`Okay Jade, just relax. Talon will find me,' she thought.

********************************************************************** **

Luke sat in his apartment listening to Mara's mayday over and over.

"Coruscant tower this is JADE'S FIRE! I'm under attack! I repeat, I'm under attack!" Mara cried.

"JADE'S FIRE, how many ships?" the tower asked.

"I count at least one cruiser and two fighter, maybe more. They don't look like Imperials. Aahh!"

"FIRE? JADE'S FIRE come in, this is Coruscant tower. JADE'S FIRE do you copy?"

Luke sighed as he got to his feet. For two days now he, Leia, Han, Talon, and the NRI had been trying to locate the group who attacked and kidnapped Mara. So far, they had found nothing. The ships had been flying under false identification.

"Luke? You here?"

"In the kitchen!" Luke called out.

"Any luck with the recording?" Lando asked.

"No," Luke sighed as he fixed some hot chocolate.

"Well, I think I may have something. I was going over the readouts on the ships when it came to me. I know that cruiser," Lando said.

"You do? Who does it belong to?" Luke demanded, his drink forgotten.

"It belongs to a bounty hunter and trader named Gareth Tre'Son. I dealt with him a few times during my gambling days. He used to work for the Empire no he pretty much hires himself out to the highest bidder," Lando explained.

"Where can we find him and what does he want with Mara?" Luke questioned.

"That could be a problem. No one knows where Gareth sets up shop. As to why he wants Mara, he wants revenge. Two years ago, she stopped him from collecting a few Republic ships for the remnant of the Empire. He vowed revenge," Lando answered.

"Did she know him? I mean was he there?" Luke inquired.

"No. She only dealt with his underlings," Lando replied.

"Okay. Let's tell Talon and NRI. We need to find her. It's already been three days. The longer it takes to find her, the less chance there is to find her unharmed," Luke instructed.

********************************************************************** **

Mara was jarred awake by four sets of hands grabbing her arms and legs. She struggled and cried out, but it did no good. The four men carried a fighting Mara from the cell. Gareth watched as the four men struggled to strap Mara to the cot. He smirked as he saw that each of the men had some kind of injury.

"She's on hell of a spitfire," one of the men grumbled.

"Well, let's see if we can't get rid of some of that," Gareth chuckled.

"Let me go you bastards," Mara hissed.

She saw stars a second later when Gareth's fist connected with her face. Before her vision could clear, he punched her again. Then again and again. Each punch was delivered to a different part of her body. A few minutes later, the four who brought her in, joined Gareth.

For over two hours the repeatedly punched and kicked her. When Mara was taken back to her cell, she was a bloody mess. Her nose was broken, several ribs broken, her hands were swollen, and blood caked to her face and clothes.

"This was just round one Jade. A taste of what happens when you interfere with Gareth Tre'Son's business," Gareth growled before leaving the cell.

Once alone, Mara let out a moan of pain. Somehow she had managed not to let a single sound escape as they beat her. She wasn't going to give them the satisfaction of hearing her in pain.

`Please Luke, find me. I know you're helping Karrde. Please hurry,' she pleaded as she slowly lost consciousness.

Chapter 3

Luke swung his lightsaber to his left, blocking the laser blast. Spinning to his right, he blocked three more. Breathing heavily, he shut down the remotes and his lightsaber.

`Where are you Mara? We're trying to find you. Just hold on,' he thought as he packed away the remotes.

It had been three weeks since Gareth had taken Mara. Every lead they had on him and his group had been a dead end. In the morning, Luke was leaving again to follow a new lead. Hopefully this one would lead to Mara.

"Luke!" Han called as Luke began to leave the gym.

"Han," Luke nodded.

"They found JADE'S FIRE. It was floating dead in space about a day from Coruscant. Talon and NRI are going over the ship now," Han said.

"Where?" Luke asked.

"Hanger bay 243," Han answered.

Luke turned and hurried for the hanger. If there was a clue that would lead them to Mara, he wanted to be there. He reached the hanger and found Talon and his crew.

"Have you found anything?" Luke demanded.

"Nothing that points to Mara. We do know she put up one hell of a fight. The kitchen galley is a war zone. We did find these though," Talon replied as he handed Luke two things.

Luke felt ice clench his heart as he took the objects. Mara's blaster, which she always wore and her lightsaber. He turned and walked onto the ship. When he entered the kitchen galley, he saw what Talon meant.

The two chairs that sat at the Sabacc table were in pieces all around the galley. Eating utensils and flatware were broken and scattered everywhere. He started to leave when he spotted something.

"Talon! Get up here!" Luke yelled.

"What did you find?" Talon cried as he and Aves ran into the galley, the NRI right behind them.

"I found blood. Quite a bit of it," Luke answered.

An hour later, Luke waited with Talon, Han, and Leia for the analysis on the blood Luke found. Finally, a medical tech approached the group of four.

"What did you find out?" Leia asked.

"There were three blood samples. One was Master Trader Jade's. The other two were from two different men," the tech answered.

"There was quite a bit of blood though," Luke said.

"The majority of the blood was Trader Jade's. The amount suggests she sustained some kind of injury on her ship. Not life threatening, but an injury all the same," the tech explained.

This both angered and worried Luke. He was angry at whoever had hurt Mara and worried about what kind of injury she suffered. One thing he knew for sure was, they had to find her and find her fast.

********************************************************************** **

"Hello Jade," Gareth said as he and his four men entered her cell.

"Get the hell away from me," Mara groaned as she struggled against her restraints.

Gareth simply laughed. After he had said his name, she knew where she had heard the name. She had begun receiving threatening messages from him about a year ago. His messages mentioned Valixon 3 and vowing revenge.

"You don't scare me Tre'Son. You think after facing the Emperor that you frighten me?" she hissed.

Her eyes closed in pain as he drove his fist into her side. A second later, she felt her clothes being ripped from her body. Despite feeling vulnerable, she didn't show the fear that was creeping up her spin.

"You think you're so tough. Well, let's see just how tough you are bitch," Gareth growled.

Mara never broke eye contact as Gareth covered her body with his. Her emerald eyes never wavered as he slammed into her unprepared body. As he raped her, she never cried, never took her eyes off him. After Gareth had his turn, his four men had their turn.

*Luke! If you can hear me, help me! Please!* Mara pleaded.

********************************************************************** **

Luke came out of his meditative state, gasping. He could still hear Mara's frightened voice calling to him. He took a few calming breaths before he closed his eyes once more and began focusing on her.

*Mara,* he called softly.

*Luke. Help me,* she replied tearfully.

*I don't understand. I've been calling to you for weeks, but never reached you,* he explained.

*I don't know, just find me before they kill me,* she begged.

*Hang on Mara. I'll find you. I swear I'll find you,* he promised.

Luke slowly opened his eyes as he felt his connection to Mara being shut off once more. He jumped to his feet and hurried to his bedroom. He had felt Mara's fear. He couldn't wait till the morning to leave. He had to leave now.

`Father, please lend Mara your strength to hold on. Guide me to her. Please,' Luke prayed as he gathered his things.

Chapter 4

Luke quietly slipped through the corridors of the compound. Despite the ysalamiri, he could still feel Mara. It was as if the Force itself was leading him to Mara, ysalamiri or no ysalamiri. As he entered the compound, he had planted several detonators along his trail. Yes a Jedi was suppose to avoid killing, but Gareth and his group were different. If they weren't stopped now, they weren't ever going to be stopped.

"How much longer Gareth?"

"I don't know Thomas. She's a lot tougher than I figured. Oh well. I give her another week and she'll give up fighting," Gareth replied.

The five men passed Luke. He had to get Mara and get them the hell out of here. Quietly, he hurried down the corridor. Finally, he found Mara's cell. What he saw when he entered had him seeing red and froze his blood simultaneously.

"Oh gods. Mara? Mara, can you hear me?" Luke asked as he rushed to her side.

"L…Luke? Help…I…please…" she replied hoarsely.

"Sshh. It's alright. I'm going to get you out of here," Luke whispered.

Luke wrapped her bloody and bruised body in his cloak after freeing her from her restraints. Carefully, he gathered her into his arms and began making his way back to her ship. He knew Mara was barely hanging on and he had to get them to Coruscant immediately.

He felt her clutch at his tunic as he slipped in and out of the shadows. As he moved, he kept whispering words of comfort to keep her calm. Thankfully, they encountered no one on their way out of the compound and reached the JADE'S FIRE unseen.

"No. No. Don't…leave…please," Mara gasped when Luke laid her in the medical bay of her ship.

"Mara, it's alright. I have to take off now. You're on JADE'S FIRE. I'm taking you home," he assured her.

"Please. Don't…let…them…hurt me," she whispered tearfully.

"They won't," he said.

After she calmed down, Luke headed for the cockpit while Artoo got Mara hooked up to the medical machines to keep her stable till they reached Coruscant. After he took off, he used the Force to set off the dozen or so detonators he had placed in the compound. In a flash of light, the compound exploded.

********************************************************************** **

"Mara Jade is one lucky woman," Dr. Holsten sighed.

"Will she live?" Talon demanded.

"Yes, thanks to Master Skywalker. He told me that her heart stopped twice on the way here. If he hadn't gotten her here when he did, she would be dead," Holsten answered.

"How long will she be here?" Leia asked.

"A while Councilor Organa Solo. Her physical injuries were extensive. It would appear she was beaten and raped for the duration of her capture. If not daily, just about. She has a long road to recovery," Holsten replied sadly.

Talon let out a sigh as he dropped into a chair. Leia sat beside him and placed her hand on his shoulder. Luke was still in debriefing and Han was waiting for him.

"I…I can't believe this happened to her. Mara's sp strong," Talon whispered.

"Talon, she's a fighter. You heard the doctor, she'll pull through," Leia replied.

"Physically yes, but what about mentally, huh? Will she recover from that?" he questioned.

"I don't know. What I do know is that she will need our help and support. All we can do is be there to help her through this," she responded.

********************************************************************** **

Luke quietly entered Mara's hospital room. After the debriefing, he went to his apartment, grabbed a bite to eat, a hot shower, and a nap. He then headed here to see Mara.

"How is she?" Luke asked Talon.

"Resting comfortably. The doctor said she has a long way to go before she's recovered," Talon answered.

"I know, Leia told me," Luke replied.

"Luke, thank you. For going after her, saving her life, and…just thank you for everything," Talon said as he extended his hand to Luke.

"It was nothing Talon. Mara's one of my best friends. I would do anything to help her," Luke nodded, shaking Talon's hand. "Go get some rest. I'll sit with her," he added.

"Alright. Aves said he'd stop by in a few hours to sit with her," Talon stated.

Luke bid Talon good night and the trader left the room. Luke sat in the chair beside the bed. It tore him up to see Mara Jade so broken. Next to Leia, Mara was the strongest woman he knew. When Leia had repeated what the doctor had said about her injuries, he felt so helpless.

"You're safe Mara. They won't hurt you again. I promise," he whispered as he gently held her hand.

"Luke. Don't leave me," she pleaded in her sleep as a lone tear slid down her cheek.

"Don't worry. I won't leave you Mara. I'll stay at your side and help you through this," he vowed, wiping away her tear.

Chapter 5

Mara slowly opened her eyes. It took her a moment to quell the panic that rose in her chest. After she calmed down, the pain kicked in. Her eyes slammed closed and a moan escaped her lips.

"Mara, you alright?"

"Luke?" she asked weakly as her eyes opened again.

"I'm right here. Are you alright?" he answered.

"I hurt," she whispered.

"Sshh. Do you want me to call the doctor?" he replied gently.

"No, just…will you…" she couldn't finish the sentence.

"Will I do what Mara?" he questioned.

"Hold me. Please," she said.

Luke moved onto the bed and being carefully of her injuries, laid her in his arms. She curled her fingers in his tunic and laid her head over his heart. Softly he stroked her hair as he held her.

"I was so scared. I just knew they were going to kill me," she expressed.

"Don't think about that now. I made sure they can't hurt you or anyone else again," he retorted as he laid his head atop hers.

"What did you do?" she inquired.

"I blew up the compound. Gareth and his men were still inside," he sighed.

Something in Mara broke. She clung to Luke as she began crying. Luke just held her close and began singing a lullaby his Aunt Beru used to sing to him. He sent feelings of comfort to her through their bond. She was asleep within minutes.

********************************************************************** **

Dr. Holsten looked over his datapad once more as he stood outside Mara's room. He was surprised that she was beginning to heal so quickly. He entered the room and froze at what he saw.

"Master Skywalker?" he said in confusion.

"She wanted me to hold her. She's asleep now," Luke explained.

"How did she seem when she woke up?" Holsten asked.

"Scared. Dr., I've known Mara for ten years an I've never seen her this terrified," Luke answered.

"She was beaten and raped viciously for a month. I'm surprised she even let you touch her," Holsten replied.

"How can I help her?" Luke sighed.

"By doing what you've been doing for the past week. Being there for her. That will help her get through this," Holsten smiled. "Now, I need to examine her,"

"Mara. Mara, wake up," Luke whispered.

"Ugh. Ooohhh," Mara moaned as she woke up.

"Good afternoon Ms. Jade. I'm Dr. Holsten. I've been watching over you since you were brought in," Holsten said.

"Hi. How…how bad off am I?" she questioned.

"Well, you were pretty banged up when Master Skywalker brought you in. I won't get into specifics, as I'm sure you remember what happened to you," Holsten stated.

"Yeah," she nodded, shivering slightly at the memories of her month long torture.

"It's alright Mara," Luke replied gently as he held her close.

"You are recovering. Ahead of schedule I might add. You will still be here at the medical center for another several weeks," Holsten reported.

"What about my mental injuries? Even I know I suffered because of this," she inquired.

"Once you're on your feet, I recommend you speak to a friend of mine. She deals with victims of this sort of attack. She can help heal those injuries," Holsten answered. Mara nodded. "Now, I need to examine you. Just to see how you're healing," he added.

Mara nodded. Luke climbed off the bed and started to leave, till Mara grabbed his arm in a death grip. Luke looked at Holsten. Holsten nodded his consent for Luke to stay.

Throughout the exam, Mara kept her eyes clutched shut and clutching Luke's hand. Luke placed his free hand on her forehead and whispered soothing words to her to try and keep her calm.

"I'm all done Ms. Jade," Holsten announced.

"What's the verdict?" she asked.

"The injuries from your rape are fully healed. Physically there was no lasting damage. Your ribs are nearly healed. Your left ankle, which was broken, is healing nicely. The same goes for your right leg. I'd say in about three weeks you can leave. Your ankle will still need to remain in the cast for another four to six weeks," Holsten reported.

"Thank you," Mara nodded.

Holsten smiled gently and left. Mara sighed as Luke continued to hold her hand. She turned and looked up at him. He smiled softly down at her.

"Luke, why are you here with me?" she blurted out.

"Mara, you're my best friend. I promise I'll help you as you recover. That and I want to be here," he answered.

"I don't deserve you," she whispered as she turned her head away from him.

"Listen to me," he started as he climbed on the bed and gathered her into his arms. "You are a good person. You have a lot of people who care about you. Me included. That day you found me ten years ago, was the best day of my life. You know why?"

"Why?" she asked, burying her face in his chest.

"Because I met you," he replied.

Mara clung desperately to him as she let her tears fall. Luke just held her. He knew in that moment he would do anything and everything in his power to keep her at his side.

`I love you Mara Jade,' he thought as he rested his head on hers.

Chapter 6

Mara ran through the Imperial Palace. The empty Imperial Palace. Behind her she could here the footsteps of her pursuer. Where was everyone? She rounded the corner and jumped into an open turbolift. She thanked the Force as the doors closed behind her.

When the doors opened, she quietly exited the lift. She was in the gardens at the top of the building. Silently, she moved through the gardens. She let out a breath of relief as she rounded a pillar.

"Hello Jade,"

Before she could scream, the man's fist connected with her face. Mara fell to the ground. As her vision cleared, she saw Gareth kneeling over her, pinning her arms down and sitting on her legs.

"You can't get away now bitch," he smiled evilly.

"No! Help me! Someone!" she screamed as she began to struggle.

"Good bye Jade," he said as he pulled out a vibroblade.

********************************************************************** **

"NOOOO!" Mara screamed as she sat up in bed, gasping and covered in sweat.

She ran a trembling hand through her hair. She turned on her light as she got to her feet. Ever since she had starting seeing Holsten's friend, Layana, the nightmares had begun. That was two weeks ago.

`I have to get out of here,' she thought as she pulled on her clothes and boots.

She grabbed a duffle bag and began throwing clothes into it. She grabbed her blaster and lightsaber, then without a look back she fled her apartment.

********************************************************************** **

Luke exited the kitchen and headed for the living room. He sat on the sofa and picked up the datapad. He began going over the reports that Corran had sent him earlier that day from the academy.

`Damn. I can't get Mara out of my head,' he thought as he sat the datapad down again.

Though she was fully healed physically, he knew she was a long way from being healed mentally. He could sense that she was pulling away, except from Layana. He looked up when his door buzzer went off.

"Who could that be?" he wondered. He got up and opened his door. "Mara? What are you…what's wrong?" he asked worriedly at seeing her trembling and clutching a duffle bag at her side.

"Can…can I come in? Please?" she pleaded.

Luke ushered her inside. Mara headed straight for the sofa. She sat down and brought her knees to her chest, hugging them tightly. Luke walked over and sat beside her.

"Mara, talk to me," he said.

"I…I saw Gareth. He…he killed me," she stuttered.

"Oh Mara. Gareth can't hurt you," he sighed.

"I saw him in my nightmares. I keep seeing him chasing me then killing me," she replied.

"Listen to me, you're safe here," he assured her.

"I don't want to stay alone at my place. I know talking to Layana helps, but I can't handle being alone," she whispered.

Luke pulled her into his arms. Mara clutched him and buried her face in the crook of his neck. He gently stroked her hair.

"I have no where to go," she cried.

"Yes you do. You can stay here if you want," he offered.

"I can?" she asked hopefully.

"Yes. You can stay for as long as you need to," he answered.

"Thank you," she sighed in relief.

********************************************************************** **

The sun rose over Coruscant. Luke smiled as he watched the woman sleep. After he told Mara she could stay with him, the two had gone to bed. She had fallen asleep, held tight in his arms.

`She's having such a hard time. How do I help her with her nightmares?' he wondered.

"Umm. Hey," she smiled as she looked over at him.

"Hey. How did you sleep?" he asked as he sat beside her.

"I slept wonderfully," she answered.

"Good. So, what were your plans for the day?" he questioned.

"I have an appointment with Layana at 1100. After that I'm free," she replied.

"Well, after your appointment, perhaps we could go for a walk in the park or something," he suggested.

"I'd like that. Um, would you do something for me?" she said nervously.

"What is it?" he inquired.

"Well, Layana has suggested that you sit in on one of our sessions. I guess I'm asking you to come with me," she explained.

"Is that what you really want?" he asked. She nodded in return. "Then yes. I'll be there with you," he replied.