My Final Chapter
Prologue – The Stage Is Set
Italy, 1954
"It wasn't often that I listened to him but that day is the reason I started to be just a little more attentive. The Doctor was my father, River Song my mother, we were a family borne and living out of time. Perhaps what was taken could be returned, or maybe it had never been taken at all. I really don't know but he did and I trust him." Sky closed her journal, the one she'd taken to writing in a TARDIS diary just like her mother's tucked safely in her bag. "Last time I saw you too, in your own time at least."
The island of Santorini off the coast of Italy, boasted a lovely view and provided a rare, if meager opportunity to meet some people she'd never really have in her life. Across from her sat Amy and Rory, now middle-aged and greying a little. It was impossible to land in New York with the amount of broken time but here was safe bubble to pierce through and say hello. Young Anthony scampered about, still too young to really take in the complexities of time travel. "I wish we could have seen you one more time before Manhattan," Amy sighed, picking up her coffee. "We spoke of you often."
"Yes," Rory coughed. "Shame. But at least you worked this out. How is he?"
"Last I saw him, he wasn't himself," Sky admitted. "He was muttering about something 'not adding up' but wouldn't tell me what was eating him."
"Does he know where you are in the timeline?" Amy questioned.
"Yes."
"That's why he's nervous, that last entry was rough."
Sky frowned, "How would you know? You won't be there."
"You've already told us sweetheart," Amy waggled her own blue journal.
"Man I was really hoping to keep things here a little linear," Sky groused.
Amy leaned in, "Look I don't care what version of my granddaughter shows up, as long as I keep getting to see you and have summer vacations in Italy."
"Priorities woman, priorities," Rory scoffed.
"What? She came first!"
Sky laughed, "Before I forget," she handed them a stack of photographs and letters. "You know the drill, don't leave these lying around. Burn them if necessary. Everyone sends their regards. I told dad about this but he wouldn't-"
"No he wouldn't," Rory shook his head. "Your father was never good at accepting absolutes and things beyond his control. Unless he can bring us out, he won't come."
"I know, I know. Anyway I should be off," Sky rose and kissed her grandparents. "Love you."
"Love you too sweetheart," Rory embraced her.
"Take care of yourself and that raggedy man." Amy wished.
"I will," Sky promised and left.
Amy and Rory watched her go with heavy eyes. "She'll be okay," Rory assured his wife.
"I know, we know," Amy thumbed her journal. "I just hate being the one ahead."