AN: Doctor Who belongs to BBC

Chapter 1: 12

(Doctor's POV)

I know going to Wilf's funeral is colossal risk. Granted in this regeneration there's absolutely no way Sylvia would recognize me, but there's still Donna. Regardless I how I now look Donna recognizing me is still a dangerous possibility. If she does…I don't think I could handle any more guilt.

But, I can't not be here either. I gave my life, well one of them anyway, for this man. It seems only right to be here to say goodbye. I stand off to the side trying my hardest to scan the crowds for her. I see Sylvia at the head talking, shaking hands. Crying. As I look I realize that Donna's not here. I don't see her fiery hair nor do I hear that distinctive voice. Taking a breath I follow suit with the other mourners. I walk up to Sylvia and hold out a hand…only to be promptly slapped across the face. Everyone else steps backs from the two of us. Sylvia comes in again, and I flinch a bit.

"You have some nerve being here, Doctor," she whispers. Putting emphasis on that last word. Letting me know she knows who I am.

I freeze. I actually freeze. No, it's impossible. She shouldn't have known who I was. Do I visit her later in my time line? Do I actually mange to make her life worse then I already have? Is my fault Donna isn't here?

"Leave, now. We can talk later. I haven't moved, meet me at the hill where…you know," she whispers again.

I comply. It's funny that hill's where I parked the TARDIS anyway. I sigh and return to her to wait.

Rather then wait inside, who knows where I could end up if she decides to act up again, I sit outside. I look up at stars, the same ones Donna and Wilf must have always seen. I am so focused on the stars I don't see Sylvia sit down next to me. I stay silent, too afraid to talk. It's funny The Doctor, the great warrior, the Oncoming Storm, is still afraid of mothers.

Sylvia speaks first. "Jack mentioned you could do this, change your appearance. I would never have imagined it could be anything this drastic."

I start to about when her and Jack could have talk about this, but Sylvia keeps talking.

"Some time after your little adventure with my father…something started happening to Donna."

I can feel both my hearts leap into my throat at the mention of Donna's name. "What…what happened?" I manage to croak out.