"Minnie, when will you be done?" Mickey sat across from me on the kitchen table.
I scribbled down on my journal, "When I'll be done, obviously."
"But you've been doing homework all day. Why not take a break?"
"There is no time for breaks," I looked into my book, "I must learn."
"All day? Even Jackie's a little worried over you," he stood up and walked over to me, "Let's take a break," he tugged on my arm.
"I said no!" I jerked my arm back, standing up and gathering my books. "And no means no," I walked past him to Rose's room, "I have to learn. I have to learn. I have to learn."
3'rd POV.
Mickey, holding a phone to his ear, looked around the Tyler's apartment in case Joy were to walk out from Rose's room.
"Hello?" he heard the familiar voice answer.
"Rose?" He walked into the kitchen, still glancing back just in case. "Put him on. It's urgent."
There was a slight wait on the other line before finally, the Doctor came on. "Hello?"
"Doctor, you might want to come around," Mickey looked straight ahead, "For once, I need you to take notice of her. It's Joy."
Joy's POV.
"Dammit Mickey," I muttered as I rushed down the school hallways, "Made me late for a stupid sandwich," I burst through my class doors, "Sorry for being late!"
"I'll have to speak to you about that, then," a familiar voice replied.
My eyes shot up, "Doctor?"
"Teacher," he pointed to my empty seat, "I assume you sit there?"
I looked at him for a moment and nodded, "Yeah..."
"Well, hurry up!" He smiled like an idiot then turned to the board. He had scribbled the word 'Physics' everywhere. "Did I say Physics?"
"Yes," I said serious, plopping down on my seat, "What's the lesson for today?"
"I was in the middle of asking a question, Miss Souza. Two identical strips of nylon are charged with static electricity and hung from a string so they can swing freely. What would happen if they were brought near each other?"
Super easy, I thought, but he picked Milo instead. "What's your name?"
"Milo."
"Milo! Off you go!"
"They'd repel each other because they have the same charge," he answered.
"Correctamundo! A word I have never used before and hopefully never will again," the Doctor leaned back on his desk, "Question two, open for anyone, I coil up a thin piece of micro wire and place it in a glass of water. Then I turn on the electricity and measure to see if the water's temperature is affected. My question is: How do I measure the electrical power going into the coil?"
"Measure the current and PDs in an ampmeter and a voltmeter," I answered, catching his eye.
"One for Miss Souza," he nodded, "True or False: The greater dampening of the system, the quicker it loses energy to its surroundings."
"False."
"What is a non-coding DNA?" He started moving up to my desk.
"DNA that doesn't code for a protein."
"65,983 time 5?"
"329,915."
"How do you travel faster than light?" He frowned, as if this was just wrong.
I tilted my head, staring right up at him, "By opening a quantum tunnel with an FTL factor of 36.7 recurring."
I awaited for another question but it never came.
I supposed the warm up was over.
~/~
French fries. That's what I wanted. French fries.
I grabbed a tray for lunch and went along the line, getting small portions of what ever they served. I blinked when I saw Rose behind, acting like a dinner lady. She stared but didn't say anything and I didn't make the effort either. I went along the rest of the line then sat at an empty table.
"Joycelin?" Darien came by. He was a friend from one of my basic classes, "Hello," he sat down across from me.
I smiled, "Hello."
"I heard you might be advancing to the higher classes again. Good job, Souza."
"Thanks," I bit down on a fry, "I do my best."
"I was thinking we'd celebrate. Mary and I want to invite you for some smoothies," he leaned forwards, "How about it?"
"No thanks, I've got to study. Have fun."
"C'mon," he reached for my hand, "We really want to take you out. Please?"
I stared into his blue eyes, "I don't know..."
"I'll pay for a double?"
In the end, I nodded, "Okay...but I have to be back to finish my study."
"Alright!"
"Fry?"
He shook his head, "Nah."
"Miss Souza, can I have a word with you?" the Doctor came by the table, acting properly for the first time.
"No," I replied.
"Miss Souza, it's important," he insisted, becoming serious.
"I'll see you later then," Darien stood up and walked off.
"Joy," the Doctor sat down, "What's going on?"
"You tell me," I shrugged, "I'm in school and you're posing as my Physics teacher."
"You're in school?" he raised an eye brow, "Why didn't I know this?"
"Because you never asked?" I snapped, looking away with irritation.
"I'm sorry," he said, realizing his fault...one of many, "I guess...I just never thought to ask."
"Yeah," I muttered, "What are you doing here? It's been months since you and Rose came by."
"I got a call..."
"You gets calls? Who would call you?"
"Does school make you meaner or...?"
I bit on another fry, "I get cranky when I don't eat and I'm made late and an alien is posing as my teacher."
"Hm," he reached for my tray and grabbed a french fry. When he bit down, it didn't look like he liked it, "They taste somewhat...strange."
"They taste just fine. At my old school they served mystery meat. Do you know what that is?" He shook his head. "Neither do I," I grabbed another fry.
"Joy, those questions earlier...how did you know the answers?"
"I just did. You always say I'm clever. Why wouldn't I know them?"
"Well because..."
"Because you think I'm stupid," I spat, standing up.
"What!? No!" he jumped up to his feet.
"It's alright, I'm learning, and I'll keep learning to know new things and be as clever as you are!"
"Joy what's wrong with you?" he asked, sounding helpless.
"Miss Souza," Mr. Wagner, one of the teachers, walked up to us, "Milo has failed me. You will join my class now."
I smiled, "Thank you."
"Follow me," he gestured then walked.
"Joy, don't go," the Doctor grabbed my arm.
I glanced back, "Doctor, I have to go work now," I took my arm and followed Mr. Wagner.
As we walked down the hallway, we bumped into Mr. Finch and a brunette woman.
"Miss Souza?" Mr. Finch asked, "How well do you think the improvement to the school lunch was?"
"Good," I nodded, looking at the woman since I figured the question had been asked for her, "Very good. You should try the french fries."
"American," Mr. Finch explained, "She means chips."
"Yes, quite aware," the woman nodded, her eyes fixed on me, "What's your name?"
"Joy."
"And...do you feel like you're working too hard?"
"No. I'm working too little."
"But are you-"
"Excuse me, but we do have to go to class now," Mr. Wagner said.
I nodded, "See you around," I walked off.
~/~
"Joy, I've made your favorite," Jackie was placing plates of pasta on the table, "Do you think Rose and the Doctor will be eating with us?"
"Not sure," I said, reading a book.
"Mickey!" She called, "Mickey! Come and eat!"
Mickey walked out from the kitchen with a laptop in hand.
"Can I use my computer now?" I asked, "I need to do homework."
He stared as he placed the laptop on the living room table. The doors opened and in came Rose and the Doctor.
"Well, we've got a few things," the Doctor shut the door.
"So did I," Mickey said.
I looked up and found both staring at me. "What?" I asked, irritated with the silent stares. The Doctor walked up and snatched my book. "Hey!" I reached out but he raised the book up.
"It's for your good," he nodded.
"You're using your height against me," I frowned, "That's for homework."
"You can do homework later. Now go and eat."
"I'm not hungry."
"Joycelin, go and eat."
"Oh, you learned my full name now?" I snapped, "When the hell did that happen!?"
"I told him," Mickey stepped up.
"Huh, right, because that's the only way," I muttered, crossing my arms and looking down.
"Minnie," Mickey grabbed my hand, "Please, come and eat. You're not yourself and..."
"I don't need it!"
"Has she been acting like this for long?" Rose frowned, looking me over.
"I'd watch it Rose Tyler," I warned, "I just have to learn. I gotta learn."
"Then you should eat," Mickey walked me to the table, "Because you can't learn with an empty stomach. It's pasta, your favorite meal."
I sighed and sat down, looking at my plate with disgust. They didn't understand. I needed to learn and learn...I just needed to.
"I think we need to talk," the Doctor said, slowly sitting across with Rose beside him.
I didn't reply anymore, my eyes falling on my lap. I felt weird now...woozy. The feeling of learning seemed to decrease, but then my guilt started rising. The guilt that had started building up even more since I received the call.
I reached for the glass beside my plate, my arm trembling and spilling some of the drink. "I...I don't feel so good," I let go of the glass, startling everyone as it shattered on the floor.
"Joy!" Jackie exclaimed as I leaned back on my chair, nearly falling to the side. "Get her to the couch!"
Mickey and the Doctor helped me from my seat to the couch.
"Everything's..." I looked around, swallowing hard, "Everything's so...weird."
"What do you feel?" the Doctor questioned, "Tell me?"
"I look at things..." I took in a shaky deep breath, "And I know things...I'm not stupid, Doctor. I'm really not."
"Of course you're not," he put a hand over my shoulder, "But you realize now that there's something wrong with you? All that knowledge you know...you can't know. It's beyond human education."
I nodded, "Okay..."
There was a knock on the door and Jackie rushed to get it open. "Hello, Darien."
Mickey went by Jackie, "Sorry mate, Joy's sick. Think you can reschedule that date?"
I shut my eyes, "I'm a mess."
"We're going to figure this out." the Doctor assured, "Just watch us."
~/~
"I still say you should've stayed home," Mickey said. We walked along the school hallways in the plain dark. "You should rest."
"I'm fine now," I looked around, "Besides, if these people are doing something to my brain then I wanna know what it is."
"Well, we'll make sure to stop them."
"Good, because I don't know how long I'll last in a good condition. Tonight, I feel fine, but tomorrow is gonna be another day," I stopped by my phyisics class and opened the door, "Come in."
"What are we doing here?" Mickey asked.
"Well, this is where I suddenly become a know it all," I walked down the tables, "So this is the place where I should start looking."
The Doctor, Rose, Mickey, and I had snuck into the school via TARDIS to find out what exactly was going on with the students' sudden knowledge acceleration. I had practically forced the Doctor to take me with them. According to them, I should be in bed and resting. No way! Some aliens were messing with my head and I'd like a word with them. We all split up, and Mickey and I had gone to the physic's class, since that's where I seemed to know more than I should.
Mickey walked to the cupboards, "Maybe there's something in here," he opened them and out came dead rats inside pouches. I jumped when he shrieked.
"Mickey!" I rushed to him, "It's okay, they're only rats," I held one of the pouches up but that made him yell again. I giggled, very amused by his girlish yell. "Are you quite done now?"
The Doctor, Rose and a woman burst through door.
"It's okay!" I quickly exclaimed. "Just an accident." I waved one of the pouches.
"I was investigating..." Mickey said as the Doctor took one of the pouches from the floor, "I opened the cupboard and..."
"And you decided to scream," the Doctor stood up.
"It took me by surprise!"
"Like a little girl?" the Doctor raised an eye brow.
"It was dark!" Mickey snapped, "I was covered in rats!"
"Nine, maybe ten years old," the Doctor swayed his head, mocking poor Mickey, "I'm seeing pigtails, frilly skirt."
"Oi," I threw the pouch in my hand to the Doctor, "Stop it," I bit my down my chuckle. I walked up to the two, "He said it was dark and it was."
"Can we focus?" Rose snapped her fingers, "Does anyone notice anything strange about this? Rats in school?"
I shrugged, "Maybe we were gonna do a dissection soon."
"You're the student I spoke to earlier today," the woman I had forgotten for a moment spoke up. That's when I recognized her as the brunette from earlier. She seemed confused as she stared at me. "But you lied. I went through the student records. You're name's Min-"
"Hold on there," I raised my hands, stopping her before she said anything she wasn't supposed to, "Who are you?"
"Sarah Jane Smith," she held out her hand which I shook, "Journalist and old companion of his," she gestured to the Doctor.
"Really?" I asked, looking between the two, "Oh it's like a little reunion!"
"Can we focus?" Rose said, angry if I should add. "Rats in school?"
"Obviously they use them in Biology lessons," Sarah Jane shrugged, "They dissect them. Or, maybe you haven't reached that bit yet. How old are you?"
"Excuse me, no one dissects rats in school anymore. They haven't done that for years. Where are you from, the dark ages?" Rose glared.
My eyes widened slightly and I took steps away from the two. Clearly, they weren't getting along. I suspected it'd have something to do with Rose's jealousy that seemed to just pour from her glares and snaps.
"I think we should move on," I suggested.
"Agreed," the Doctor quickly rushed out of the room.
I don't think I've ever seen him run that fast. When we caught up with him, he had masked his fear of the women with a questionnaire for me.
"Joy, how long have you been going to this school?"
"About a year now."
"And how long has been Mr. Finch been here?"
"About a few months. Not a lot. But the changes he's made...Wow," I nodded, "Really good. I'm getting perfect scores now."
"And when have you ever gotten perfect scores?"
I frowned, "I told you I wasn't stupid, Doctor."
"I know, but c'mon, perfect scores every time?"
"...it's happened only these last couple of months," I admitted quietly, knowing very well I couldn't very well be THAT smart.
"Alright then, we should check his office," the Doctor nodded then turned to a new hallway.
"I don't mean to be rude or anything, but who exactly are you?" Rose asked Sarah Jane.
"Sarah Jane Smith. I said this already," she snapped.
"Do you mind if I call you Sarah?" I asked, making the two glance back, hoping it distract then from an oncoming arguement, "I've always liked that name."
She nodded, smiling warmly, "Sure."
"The Doctor's never mentioned you," Rose spat, making the arguement return.
"Oh, I must have!" the Doctor put in a word, "Sarah Jane! Mention her all the time!"
"Hm, hold on..." Rose paused, "Oh wait, nope. Never did."
"Not even once?" Sarah Jane frowned, "He didn't mention me once?"
"Did he, Joy?" Rose glanced at me.
Instantly, I grew nervous. I wanted no part in this argument. "Well, I don't-"
"Look at that, she says no," Rose walked ahead of us all. Sarah Jane followed her, ready to continue this.
"The hostility is at its peak," I stared after them, frowning. I hadn't liked the way Rose pinned me in between them and much less how she answered for me, fueling Sarah Jane's irritation.
"Ho ho!" Mickey placed a hand over the Doctor's shoulder, "The missus and the ex. Welcome to every man's worst nightmare!"
That blew me. Mickey walked ahead as well.
"Mickey!" I exclaimed, "Wait-"
"Joy, stop them," the Doctor pulled me back, "I don't even know what's going on, just stop them."
I stared and saw he was genuinly scared. "That's what happens when you get around," I muttered, a teasing smile plastered on my face.
"What?" He demanded.
"Nothiiiing..." I walked ahead.
"Why do you keep doing that!?"
"Doing what?"
"Acting all mysterious and leaving me with a sense of a fault?"
I turned around, crossing my arms, "And have you realized the fault?"
He frowned, looking indignant of even having a fault, "No."
"Hm, well then I uses there's nothing to talk about here," I turned and continued walking, "And if you wanna end the ongoing feud between the women, I suggest you start by talking to Rose. Sarah Jane seems like a nice woman who shouldn't have to deal with a teenager's jealous remarks."
~/~
We arrived at Mr. Finch's office and the Doctor began sonicing the door. "Maybe those rats were food."
"Food for what?" I asked.
He opened the door and peered inside, "Joy, I think you might want to stay on the good side of your teachers."
"What? Why?" I pushed him aside and looked inside. I gasped when I saw...Bats? "What the-"
Mickey pulled me back, "No way are you coming back here!"
We immediately rushed out of the school into the parking lot.
"But those were teachers!" Rose exclaimed, "You have bats for teachers!" She looked at me.
"When Finch arrived, he brought with him seven new teachers, four dinner ladies and a nurse. Thirteen. Thirteen big, bat people," the Doctor shook his head, "I need the TARDIS. I've got to analyze that oil from the kitchen."
"You found oil?" I asked.
"I think I might be able to help with that," Sarah Jane started leading the Doctor towards her car, I assumed, "I've got something to show you!"
We followed them and joined them just as Sarah Jane was opening the trunk of her car. There was a tin dog inside which looked pretty lifeless.
"K9!" the Doctor exclaimed happily, "Rose Tyler, Mickey Smith, Joy Souza, I'd like you to meet K9," he gestured to the tin dog, "Well, K9 Mark III to be precise."
"Looks kind of disco..." I remarked.
"Oi!" the Doctor frowned, "In the year 5000 this was cutting edge!"
"Okay... but why is he lifeless?"
"Yeah, why is he?" the Doctor tilted his head.
"One day he just...stopped," Sarah Jane sighed.
"Why didn't you repair him?" I asked.
"It's not like getting parts for a mini-metro! Beside, the technology inside him could rewrite human science. I couldn't show him to anyone," she shrugged, gazing upon her tin dog sadly.
"Ooh, what's the nasty lady done to you? Eh?" the Doctor spoke ridiculously.
'Wow,' I mouthed.
"No offence but could ypu two just stop petting for a minute?" Rose snapped, "Never mind the tin dog! We're busy!"
I entered the Chip shop with a hot coffee in hand. The Doctor and Sarah Jane were sitting at a table working on their tin dog.
"You're not gonna be sleeping tonight," the Doctor warned as he worked.
"Haven't done so anyways," I walked past them and sat down with Rose and Mickey.
I hadn't been able to sleep since Finch had arrived and now I suspected it had to do with his new curriculum.
"No chips?" Mickey gestured to the ones Rose was practically shoving down her throat.
"Noo thanks..." I said slowly, "Are you alright Rose?"
"Fine. Just fine," she looked down and saw she was out of fries, "I need more chips," she stood up and walked towards the counter.
I sighed, "Mickey, I know this isn't any of my business but...what you said back at school...the one with 'the missus and the ex'...do you...do you realize what..." he began nodding his head. "But Mickey-"
"It's time to face reality, Joy," he shrugged, "It's not doing me well."
"I'm sorry," I frowned, "I really wish things hadn't turned out like that."
"Trick is, you haven't fallen in love yet," he sighed.
"Did you fall in love?" I frowned. If he had then it must be painful letting it all go, especially since neither had openly ended their relationship.
"No," he answered, a wave of relief washing over me, "I was talking about her. Minnie, for future references, don't fall in love."
I smiled, "I'm not going there. I want to travel."
"Like?"
"Well, London's definitely out. Maybe France? I'm still saving some money though. I want to finish school."
"Two more years," he reminded me of that lovely fact.
"If I hadn't fallen back so much with those six months, I would have a year left..." I frowned.
"Got more chips," Rose returned to her seat.
"You might want to slow down," I suggested very quietly, not wanting to upset her even more than she already was.
"Yeah," she said absently. She continued shoving them into her mouth. Mickey reached for some but she smacked his hand. "Get your own."
"Guess I will..." he made a face, standing up, "Be back."
"Rose," I reached for her box of fries.
"Am I pretty?" She blurted.
"What?" I blinked.
"Am I important?"
"Wait-"
"Will I be forgotten too?"
"Rose, slow down." I raised a hand, stopping any more ridiculous questions from being asked, "Here, maybe you should take this," I handed her my coffee and took away her fries.
She smiled dimly, "Sorry."
"No, don't worry," I reached for a french fry, "And to answer you questions: Yes...except for the last one. You're very pretty, you're very important and will never be forgotten."
"But, what if he won't even remember my name anymore?"
"Trust me, he'll remember you," I assured, "It's not like you're using a different name or anything..."
"Yeah..." She glanced at me, "Joy, there's this question that's been bugging me ever since you last came with us on the TARDIS."
"Shoot," I took another french fry.
"Who's Minerva?"
I coughed, choking on my fry. "Uh...I told you, a sister."
"But..."
"Rose, it's not important. It's really not."
"But it's not the first time I hear it. And besides, Mickey keeps calling you-"
"It's not important," I repeated, staring dead in her eyes.
She nodded and didn't say more, understanding the topic was off limits. Truth fully, she wasn't the person I wanted to tell my story to. At least not the first anyways.
"Rose, bring me the oil!" the Doctor called.
"Boss is calling," she muttered and took the oil to them.
I shook my head and followed, Mickey joining just as we heard K9 actually speaking!
"Confirmation of analysis: Krillitane Oil."
"They're Krillitanes," the Doctor's eyes widened.
"And that's bad?" I asked.
"Think of how bad things could possibly be and add another suitcase full of bad," the Doctor breathed, "It's very bad."
"Well, what are they?" Sarah asked.
"Composite race. Just like your culture is a mixture of traditions from all sorts of countries-people you've invaded or have been invaded by, you've got bits. The Krillitanes are the same. An amalgam of the races they've conquered. They take physical aspects of them. They cherry-pick the best bits from the people they destroy. That's why I didn't recognize them. The last time I saw them, they looked just like us except they had really long necks."
"Oh my god they're after us," I said quietly, placing a hand of my cheek, a bigger realization hitting me in the face, "After me."
"I will not let them get you," the Doctor assured, "No one."
"But they're already doing it! And I can't even feel it!"
"We'll stop them," he promised, serious, "I'm not letting my friends get hurt, do you hear me?"
"I need air," I muttered and walked out.
I thought being clever was supposed to get me out of trouble, not in.
A few minutes later, they walked out, Sarah Jane holding K9 and Mickey beside her. He walked over to me and held out his phone.
"What?" I asked.
"It's for you."
"If it's her, I don't really feel-"
"It's not," he smiled, "I think you'll like this one."
I looked from the phone and him, suspicious at his smile. It wasn't mom, that much I knew. I took the phone and walked a little to the side, just as Rose and the Doctor were exiting the shop.
"Hello?" I quietly answered.
"Minerva? Is that you?"
I gasped, throwing the phone on the ground. The wind made my hair cover my face for a moment and I thanked it for covering my terrified expression. I bit my lip, debating rashly whether I should grab the cellphone or not.
I started sniffling; I couldn't.
I just couldn't.
"Minnie?" Mickey called, "What's the matter?"
Everyone looking at me now only made me feel worse.
"I've disappointed her..." I muttered, feeling the same despair I had the last time she called, "I want to go home!"
"Joy, what's the matter?" Sarah stepped forwards.
"Don't," I shook my head, stopping anyone else from getting closer, "I want to go home now," I covered my face with my hands and let out a shaky breath, "I disappointed her. I've disappointed her."
~/~
"I've got to get class now," I quickly opened the door to Sarah's car and got out.
"Joy you're not seriously thinking of going back to their classes?" Sarah asked as she got out of her car as well.
"You should stay here, Rose suggested.
"I've got to go," I shook my head.
"Joy, please stay," the Doctor said, "I am asking you-"
"I can't, you can't understand. Any of you," I hurried into the school. "I have to learn. I have to learn. I have to learn," I mumbled as I walked down the hallways. I had a class already and I couldn't focus anymore. I needed something but I couldn't tell what it was.
"Hey Joy!" Darien joined up with me, holding a box of fries, "Want some?" I nodded, grabbing a handful of them and shoving them down my mouth. "Are you okay?" he looked me over, "You seem a bit frantic..."
"Haven't slept."
"I came by last night and Mrs. Tyler said you were sick."
"Sorry about that. I wasn't feeling well and-"
"No explanations needed," he raised a hand, "We can reschedule."
I smiled, "Thanks."
"Did you understand the physics homework? I'm an idiot when it comes to that."
I scoffed, "It's easy, Darien. A kindergartner could do it."
"We can't all be geniuses."
I smiled triumphantly, "I've learned a lot."
"Miss Souza?" Mr. Wagner walked up to us, "You are needed in the computer class. A new assignment has been created."
"Have to run," I said to Darien then walked to my class.
All pupils to class immediately. And would all member of staff congregate in the staff room.
Break never finishes this early. The students began bombarding me throughout the hallways. I had to hurry up and get into my own.
"Miss Souza, where have you been?" approached me once more, "Your class awaits," he led me into a computer lab where everyone had already taken their seats. I was brought up to the front of the class and sat down in front of the computer.
"Take your places," Mr. Wagner instructed.
"I have to learn," I whispered to myself. I was going to place my headphones on but I didn't. I started looking around and saw everyone typing at light speed. "What's going on?" I whispered, my eyes landing on the large screen at the front of the class.
"Why aren't you working?" Mr. Wagner demanded, walking over to my seat.
"I...I..." I looked around, my heart picking up each second, "I don't...what's going on?" I demanded, weakly.
"Souza," Mr. Finch entered the room. He stopped when he saw I wasn't working like the rest. "What the hell is going on? Why isn't she working?"
"I don't know," Wagner replied, fast, "She just isn't "
"Alright then, makes this easier," Finch grabbed my arm and yanked me out of the room.
"Where are you taking me?" I struggled to get free. "Let me go!"
"You are needed," He said, simply.
"It's Joy!" Sarah Jane exclaimed as we entered as new classroom.
"She may not be a child but she has the soul and brain that we need to conquer this universe. Always yearning to learn and learn. With the Paradigm solved, reality becomes clay in our hands. We can shape the universe and improve it." Finch said, grasping my arm tighter.
"Let her go!" The Doctor ordered. "Right now."
"I'm gonna need her, sadly for you. See, she's gonna help us crack this equation."
"The whole of creation with the face of Mr. Finch? Call me old fashioned, but I like things as they are," he stepped up, "I want her here, now."
"But think about it, Doctor, with a good leader..." Mr. Finch trailed off.
"What, by someone like you?"
"No...someone like you."
I saw the Doctor become quiet and thoughtful.
"The Paradigm gives us power, but you could give us wisdom. Become a God. At my side. Imagine what you could do? Think of civilizations you could save. Perganon, Monsoon, Assinta...your own people, Doctor. Standing tall. The Time Lords...reborn."
I knew nothing of the Doctor's past or his own kind but I could see his own yearn for them. "You can't be serious?"
"With this girl right here, a simple human, we can make the universe ours. You can save them," Finch continued, "And all your friends could be with you, throughout eternity. Young...fresh...never wither, never age...never die. Even this one could survive it all," he pulled me forwards, "So many goodbyes. How lonely you must be, Doctor. Join us."
"I could save everyone..." the Doctor began thinking even more.
"Yes."
"I could stop the war..." the Doctor whispered, looking to the side.
"Exactly, think about it? This one human could bring your entire people back. Every one of your friends could be back. All your friends would stay..."
The Doctor was seriously considering it and for a split second, I believed he'd give in and let them use me. "Doctor...are you mad?" I snapped angrily, "You'd let them take me?"
He seemed guilty once he had fully considered the idea. But he wouldn't say 'no' and that only angered me more.
"No, Doctor," Sarah stepped up, "The universe has to move forward. Pain and loss, they define us as much as happiness or love. Whether it's a world or a relationship...everything has its time and everything ends."
"Out!" the Doctor grabbed a chair and threw it towards a screen.
Sarah Jane grabbed my hand and pulled me away. "I'm gonna kill him!" I yelled.
"Try to understand," she said, calmly.
I rolled my eyes. How dare he consider such a thing? Was I so low on his list that he'd think of using me for his own benefits?
We ran inside the lab room and shut the door.
"Wait a minute; the oil," the Doctor smiled, "Krillitane life forms can't handle the oil! They've changed the physiology so often, event heir own oil is toxic to them! How much was there in the kitchens?"
"Barrels," Rose shrugged.
A pounding on the door begun, causing us to jump in place.
"We need to get to the kitchen. Mickey-"
"What now, hold the coats?" Mickey snapped.
"Get the children unplugged."
"Quickly, before he considers using them too," I snarled.
The Doctor frowned, "Joy-"
"No time to speak, Doctor," I said, moving for the fire alarm, "Gotta save people," I pulled down the lever and sounded the alarms.
We ran out into the hallways while the Krilliantines wailed in pain. Mickey and I ran towards the computer classes.
"Minnie, I'm pretty stupid and very not clever," Mickey said, looking around the room, "Any ideas?"
I looked around and saw many wires along the wall. It led to a socket with a plug inside. "The socket!" I pointed, running over, "We need to unplug it," I started pulling at it.
"I'm not the tin dog!" He exclaimed and ran beside me, helping me pull.
"What?" I glanced, amused at this sudden statement, "You are most certainly NOT a tin dog."
We pulled the plug and made sparks fly out from the socket and the computers turn off.
"Everyone get out now!" Mickey ordered the children.
Quickly, I jumped to my feet, "We did it!" I laughed.
"Minnie!" Mickey hugged me, "We did it!"
"Come on, we have to go!" I pulled us into the hallways.
All the children were crowding at the main entrance, trying to run outside.
"Guys!" I yelled, "Hurry up! Let's go!"
One by one, we got them all out.
"Is that everyone?" Mickey looked around.
"I think so," I nodded, "Now let's go!" We ran outside, pushing the other children as far away from the school as possible.
I saw Rose running towards us and the Doctor with Sarah Jane not too far behind. The school exploded and all the children burst into cheers.
"School is lovely, kids," I teased, beginning to laugh, "Should be so sad..."
"Rose!" Mickey exclaimed, giving her hug.
"You two are alright?" Rose pulled back, glancing at me.
I nodded. She smiled and gave me a hug.
"Joy?" the Doctor called.
I rolled my eyes, "I'm here, not used."
He walked up with Sarah beside him, "I'm sorry...really."
I looked at Sarah and she nodded. I sighed, "Why would you ever consider that? I know I'm not important but..."
"I'm very sorry, I let myself think about it and..." he sighed, staring down sadly, "I shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry."
"What happened that could've made you ever consider it?" I asked, and his face immediately fell, "Got it, bad. Very bad."
"Please, forgive me."
"Am I that unimportant to you?" I frowned, the questioning burning inside my head for such a long time now.
"You are absolutely important!"
"Then why don't you show it?" My voice broke, the small pieces of frustration I had suppressed for so long beginning to spill. I wanted to yell and tell him to finally take a god-damn notice of me...but if I did, he'd only be sorry because I told him and not because he had realized it on his own. I didn't want that kind of apology, I didn't need that.
"Joy, you're important," he began but I rolled my eyes and looked away, "And you shouldn't depend on someone to show it because you know you are."
Oh I hated when he used words like that. Now, I just seemed desperate to get his attention.
"I know I'm important," I clarified, "But sometimes the actions that people take make you doubt it. Sometimes, Doctor, it doesn't hurt to be acknowledged."
He nodded, "Fair enough."
I knew he wouldn't understand anytime soon. Once again, I decided to just let it go...
Being angry wouldn't help me or anyone else. I had many things to be angry about and thinking of this particular situation made it seem so little in comparison to the others. Plus, looking at the Doctor's face made me see he truly was sorry.
And so I gave into his sad face, heaving a sigh, "Well, I probably should have listened too. If I had, I wouldn't have gotten myself into that situation. I should've stayed back here."
"Forgiven then?"
I nodded, "If I'm forgiven too."
He smiled and gave me a hug. Sarah Jane laughed, "There we go! Glad you're all good now!"
We pulled apart and smiled.
"Why'd you change all of a sudden?" The Doctor suddenly asked, becoming serious, "Since last night I noticed you were acting strange. Is something bothering you?"
I stared up, smiling dimly, "It doesn't matter."
~/~
I watched Sarah Jane enter the TARDIS with wide eyes. It was amusing how she was looking around; I understood now why the Doctor liked the bit of 'It's bigger on the inside'. If our faces looked even remotely like Sarah's, I'd love it too.
"Do you like it?" the Doctor asked her.
She turned around, "Yeah! I preferred it as it was but uh...yeah." She smiled.
"I love it," Rose smiled.
"Hey, you two?" Sarah looked at Rose and I. "What's 47 times 369?"
"17,343," I answered as Rose said, "No idea."
We looked at each other and laughed.
"She's just clever," Rose pointed at me.
Sarah smiled, "I see. You'll make a fine companion if you keep it up like that. I bet it ticks him off," she looked at the Doctor.
He looked away, rubbing the side of his neck.
"Anything you'd like to say, Doctor?" I raised an eye brow.
"Me? No...no..." he shrugged his shoulders, "No..."
"I believed so."
"But actually," he said, glancing to Sarah, "We were about to head off, but...you could come with us."
Sarah smiled but shook her head, "No...I don't think I can do this anymore," she replied quietly, "Besides, I've got a much bigger adventure ahead! Time I stopped waiting for you and found a life of my own!"
"Can I come?" Mickey suddenly asked.
We all turned to him, shocked. I noticed Rose wasn't that happy at the question.
"Not with you, I mean," he quickly clarified, "With you," he gestured to the Doctor, "Because, I'm not the tin dog and I wanna see what's out there."
"Oh go on, Doctor," Sarah nudged him, "Sarah Jane Smith. A Mickey Smith. You need a Smith on board!"
"Okay then, I could with a laugh," the Doctor shrugged.
Mickey glanced to Rose, "Rose, is that okay?"
"No, great. Why not?" She looked away.
I stared, slightly irritated at her response and attitude. "Well, I think it's great!"
"Well I better go," Sarah pointed, "Joy? Do you mind a minute?" I shrugged and followed her out the door.
"Anything you need?" I asked, stepping out into the park.
"Actually, that's what I'd like to know," she turned to face me, "The Doctor tells me you actually live here. Why?"
"Well..." I shrugged, "I don't..."
"Is it because of him and Rose?"
I looked up and nodded, "I don't hate it but...I don't want to be a third wheel. I feel uncomfortable because I know she flirts with him."
"Yes, but between you and me, I think it's a one way street," she leaned closer, her voice hushing down. "He's not there to her dismay."
I shrugged, "Well, the point stands, I don't wanna be there. He...he doesn't even notice me."
She sighed, "Yeah, I sort of took notice of that."
"It's not fun and I don't have the necessity to be there when clearly I'm not wanted."
"Oh but hold on, who said he doesn't want you?"
"Listen, you're not there, I know he-"
"He may not tell you, but he does need you. And, he does notice you, not a lot I'll admit, but he does. He talked wonders of you last night."
"He does?" I asked curiously, slightly perking up at the idea of him actually talking about me. "He did?"
"Mhm," she nodded, "You're in his mind, sweetie."
"It doesn't seem like it..."
She looked at me a moment, studying my face, "Honey, how old are you?"
I looked around, "It's not really-"
"Joy?"
I looked back to her, "17."
"Where are your parents?"
I looked down "...America."
"He doesn't know, does he?"
I shook my head, "He hasn't even gotten to know me. It's been a year for me and he still doesn't even know my name."
"Ah, now I get that too," she nodded, crossing her arms, "I knew I wasn't mistaken. I saw your record in school. Why the change of name?"
"...to escape people."
She tilted her head, alarmed, "What-what kind of people?"
I sighed, seeing no point in hiding it from her, "My own family."
"And he doesn't know about this?"
"Nope," I popped the 'p', "Not a clue. He doesn't bother to ask."
It seemed like her maternal instincts were kicking in by the look she was giving me. "Joy, if there's anything you ever need, please come to me. You can always count on me."
I smiled, "Thank you."
"And...I know I'm in no place to tell you this, but I will anyways. Try to be a bit more lenient with the Doctor. I know you don't know each other properly and I just want to tell you that he's been through a lot. A really painful past haunts him."
That took me by surprise. I was gonna ask what exactly it was but she spoke again.
"Can I give you some advice?" She asked and nodded. "Tell him how you feel. It's not fair being the ignored one. He should get to know you because I can tell you're wonderful and full of life...and very clever."
I chuckled lightly, "Thanks, Sarah."
"I'm serious," she grabbed my hand, "Because one day...he may not come back and he wouldn't even know what kind of friend he left behind."
I smiled softly, "Thank you," I hugged her.
"You know where to find me now," she pulled back, "You can always count on me."
"Thank you so much," I repeated again. The woman had known me for about two days and already she was acting better than my own mother. "You know something, Sarah Jane? You'd make a really good mother."
"Oh," she laughed, embarrassed.
"I mean it," I gave her another hug, "You'd be perfect."
I heard the TARDIS doors opening and looked back to find the Doctor. "Better leave," I said to Sarah then walked past him into the TARDIS. I entered and saw Rose and Mickey on very distinct parts of the console room.
"Minnie?" Mickey came up to me, "You don't mind me coming along, do you?"
"No, of course not! I think it's high time you see what's out there! It's incredible!" I exclaimed.
"I know what I said at Christmas but..."
I raised a hand, stopping him, "You don't need to apologize. I will be just fine here. Honestly, I think you deserve to see what's out there. The universe is just...magnificent."
He smiled for a moment then grew serious, "You're not coming, are you?"
I shook my head, "No."
"But you could keep me company."
"I'll leave that to those two. I think it's your turn now. The Doctor is no where near realizing how much he's ignoring me and I don't plan on telling him."
"You know that I get how hurt you are," he began and I nodded, "But sometimes I feel like this is more of a pride thing."
"Honestly, at times, it is. But for the most part, I just want to be noticed, you know. I'd like to know that I matter and that he sees I'm here and it's not just Rose he's traveling with."
"So come with us. Together, we'll make him see it."
I shook my head, "No. Apart from that, I think you and Rose need some time together as well. I really think you should both talk about your relationship. If Rose has feelings for the Doctor then the least she could do is have the guts to tell you it's over. And as for you, it's time to move on and say everything you feel to get your closing."
He smiled, "Such a mature young woman."
I laughed, "Oh shut up! I mean it!"
And I did. I believed Rose needed to sort herself out and for that, Mickey had to do something as well. I didn't want to be anywhere near that, honestly. Rose was a very emotional person at times and I felt like the farther away I was, the best. In one of those, she could get to me and make me tell her and the Doctor how I felt and that would only add to the problems.
Wow, all four of us were such a mess...
~/~
"There you are!" Jackie greeted us all with hugs.
"Came for some clothes!" Rose exclaimed.
"Go on. Anyone want a drink?"
"Actually, I've got to go and grab some clothes too," Mickey pointed back to the door, "Be back!" he rushed out.
"Is he...?" Jackie looked at the Doctor and I, "Is he really going?"
The Doctor nodded, "Surprised me."
"It is," Jackie nodded.
"I'll meet you all here in about 30 minutes," the Doctor said, reaching for the door knob, "I know how humans are with their clothes."
"You don't want anything?"
"No thanks," He said before walking out.
I walked to the couch and reached for my laptop.
"And what about you?"
"What about me?" I focused on my screen.
"Are you going with them?"
I sighed, staring into my screen but not typing anymore. Jackie walked over to the couch and took a seat across from me.
"Mickey told me who called," I looked down, slightly shaking my head, "How do you feel?"
"...I can't...it's...it's worse," I whispered, looking up, "Her voice...it sounded sweet...just like always."
"So then why didn't you take the call?"
"Because I can't," I gritted my teeth, "I just can't."
"You're so angry with yourself, Joy. It's not healthy."
"It's guilt," I corrected, "I'm guilty."
"But I don't even think she's angry with you."
"She has to be," I closed my laptop, "I know she'll never forgive me. I can't speak to her."
"I think you're being completely unfair to yourself."
I swallowed a lump in my throat, "I'm horrible," I shook my head.
"No you're not. If anything, you're absolutely wonderful! You've progressed so much in just a year!"
"You know, I think what affected me more than the other students was the fact that the Krillitanes' stupid toxins mixed up with my intense guilt and just...exploded. I'm guilty, Jackie. And she'll never forgive me unless I prove to her how intelligent I am and how much good I've done."
"Don't say that," she scolded lightly, "You've done very good. If I had a granddaughter like you, I'd be very proud."
"Thanks, Jackie," I opened my laptop again, wiping a loose tear off my face.
"I'll be in the room if you need me again, okay?"
I nodded. I knew I shouldn't do this but I felt the urge. I started watching videos of mine. The ones that showed the happy times I had in the past. No one would be back for a little while. Maybe it would help me...or not.
As I watched the videos, I started sniffling and feeling the tears stream down. I had only intended to watch just one but it became one after the other. I missed the pair so much and seeing how happy we were in the past made me miss it even more. I had to have my hand over my mouth to muffle down the sobs. I heard the door open so I made an effort to move fast and hide my little episode that was going on.
"Joy, are you okay?" the Doctor walked over to me.
I shut down my laptop and wiped my tears off, "Yup. Just fine. Rose said she was almost done and..." I stood up but he pushed me back down.
"What's really going on?" he looked down.
"It's not important," I looked away, "Really."
'Really? So the puffy, red eyes, the red face, and the tears means 'fine' for you?"
"Doctor, there's no point. It's just a girl thing."
"Oh, that was a low excuse," he sat down beside me, "And you know it. I'd like to help you-"
"But you can't," I snapped, "And I'm sorry you saw me like this but there's nothing left to do. Only I can fix it," I stood up, "And trust me, I'm working on it. So go and take Rose and Mickey somewhere fantastic please."
"You're not going are you?"
"I can't."
"Why?"
"Because my job and my school work can't be put off anymore. I'm growing up and I need some steady cash. I can't work if I don't have a degree," I quickly said, having practiced that line ever since the last time he and Rose had stopped by and insisted I accompany them on the TARDIS. Technically, it was true. I did have to think about the future. And while I did that, he'd have time to figure things out.
"I'm sorry I didn't know about your school. I don't know why I never asked," he sighed, "I guess...it just never occurred to me."
"Well, you should know I'm 17 then," I crossed my arms, too irritated with his ignorance to tell him 'it was okay', "One new fun fact."
"Joy, I'm really sorry."
"Yeah," I mumbled, "Anything else?"
"Huh?" He frowned, confused.
I sighed, still not there yet I see. "Never mind. Just take Mickey somewhere nice. Maybe to a new planet...or ...I don't know, just make it great."
He stared, "When you want to tell me, I'll be here. Just a note."
I let my 'serious' act drop, taken aback on his insistence on my earlier cries, "I...I don't need it."
"Is that something you keep telling yourself?"
"Huh?"
"You don't need help? You don't need my help? Or Mickey's? Jackie's?"
"Doctor...stop it," I stepped back, my emotions threatening to resurface again.
"It is, isn't it?" He stood up and took a step forwards. "You think it's fine and you'll fix it on your own? What do you have to fix, Joy? What have you done?"
"I didn't do anything!" I half-shouted, my eyes watering up as I recalled the last time I had said those words.
My mother blamed me...and I defended myself. Because, I hadn't done anything bad. It was her fault.
"Joy," he stepped closer, "It's alright. Whatever it is, I'm sure we can help you."
I shook my head, beginning to sniffle again, "No, it's too late for that. I'll work to fix what matters."
"And what matters to you?"
I looked up at him, swallowing hard as I forced with all my will to keep my tears inside. "F-forget about it..."
"No, don't give me that," he said softly, "What matters to you?"
"Just forget about it!" I exclaimed before bursting into sobs.
He let it go and pulled me for a hug, a tight and secure one. It was his fault I started crying again. I was quite used to keeping all my family issues inside, save for when Jackie or Mickey practically forced me to spill. I didn't want to say anything because I wanted the Doctor to know me first and not my family. I didn't want that look of pity or that shocked look people gave me in the beginning when I was too naive to realize I shouldn't talk about my past. But for the moment, he didn't seem to care what it was that made me cry so much. He just stood there, letting me stain his coat with tears while offering me one of the best hugs I had ever received.
Author's Note:
Was I the only one who was out of fan fiction for almost a damn day? That was so annoying!
Anyways, sorry but the Doctor won't realize much in this chapter, as you can see...
Oh! And a heads up, the next two chapters will be switched up. I tend not to follow the episode line-up at times because that's just now how I imagine it.
Thank you and hope you liked the chapter! Comments are always appreciated :)
