The last time he had seen her he was elated, it had been some time since their last trip together. But when she saw him she walked straight up to him with a cold look in her eyes, it was a look more terrifying then anything he had seen on her before. She stopped two feet in front of him and in the blink of an eye had drawn her arm back and slapped it across his face with such force that he went sprawling backwards against the TARDIS. All he could do now was stare at her in shock his cheek screaming with pain. What had he done? not even taking Amy and Rory to witness his death and then see him again had warranted that much pain.

"Sorry I'm late?" he finally managed to half joke half gasp.

River gave him a look that made something inside him break, before she walked away, without turning back.

~*~*~*~

The next time he saw her the towers sang and he cried.

~*~*~*~

He had made her a promise, Not one thing, she should have known he couldn't keep that promise. So that night he didn't let her leave.

~*~*~*~

The next day River smiled up at him, "Well what was that about?" she said laughing "I've missed my appointment by now"
he smiled "I know"
That day was amazing. Until about 2 that afternoon. He felt something change before he registered what.
a shadow darkened his face as he realized what had happened.
"Doctor? What's wrong!" River demanded, she looked scared.
"Bella"

~*~*~*~

It had been the happiest day of his life, and that was saying something after 1,100 years. He looked into her face and all he felt was love. This little body that he held in his arms so tiny so helpless. But as she looked at him he saw the promise of hundreds of days to come, running through forests, playing in meadows, running across beaches, learning to walk, running through fields, learning her history, and running. Always with the running.
"Donna" he looked at River gleaming with sweat but beaming, "Let's name her Donna."
"I like Bella better" she said a little tired "But Donna can be her middle name"
"Bella Donna Song" said the Doctor trying it out.
"I love it." she said her eyes showing a blaze of mischief.

~*~*~*~

He remembered it as it happened, it made it stranger seeing as he was living in that same timeline as it happened.

He saw her take off her helmet. saw her shake out her long Strawberry blond curls, they went everywhere. She grinned at him, and in the TARDIS his hearts sank straight to his stomach. Her Hazel eyes shining in excitement.
"Dad what are you doing here?" she asked.
He remembered not recognizing her. at all.
The man-him- and Donna looked at each other before he tentatively asked "Jenny?"
She stepped back looking as if she'd been slapped in the face. "Dad don't know you me?" she asked scared.
"Who are you?"
"Mum said you don't always know her, but I never thought..." she trailed off, her voice cracking on the last word.
"Bella?" asked the pompous looking man, Strackman Lux thought the Doctor as he watched the new memories unfold in his mind.
She spun around composing herself quickly as she did. "Yes Mr. Lux?"
The Doctor stopped the rush of new memories he knew how it went, the only difference was who was in charge.
"DOCTOR!" River screamed in his ear just as he began paying attention again. he looked at her
"What's wrong? What's happening with my daughter?" she said a little shakily.
"I will explain, I promise, but first we just have to get there, now."
he didn't even need to touch a button before the TARDIS was rushing through space to rescue her.