Oh. My. God.
Just finished watching the conclusion to the Human Nature/Family of Blood episodes. I was blown away.
The first episode I was laughing, swooning, and thrilled, and the second …I felt so devastated for John and Joan at the moment where they saw the life they could have had together, it was heartbreaking.
I dare to say it - I was just a little sorry when the Doctor came back. Is that a terrible thing to say?
It's just that they made such a sweet, lovely couple. In episode one I felt bad for Martha, in episode two, I felt bad for John Smith and Joan Redfern.
They were the most brilliant episodes of television I have seen in a long time. And a masterful performance from Mr Tennant. Aww, he looked was so upset and vulnerable, like nothing we've ever seen before. Those episodes just raised the bar to dizzying heights.
Sorry, just had to share that. They wer the episodes I was most keen to see - and they truly lived up to my high expectations - and even surpassed them.
Ok - sorry about the delay - here is chapter 9.
xoxoxoxox
"Who are you?"
"Doctor, it's me - Rose!" She bent down and kissed him on the cheek.
He shook his head "Rose? Wha- why did you call me doctor? I - I'm not a doctor." he said confusedly.
Rose frowned "wait a minute - what's you name?"
He frowned for a moment, trying to remember for himself "uh - Henry, I think."
Rose looked over at Jack, whose expression was unreadable - somewhere between shock and relief.
Jim, on the other hand looked positively stupefied.
"Oh, I'm so sorry" Rose started "I, we - we thought you were someone else."
Henry's eyes darted wildly from left to right "You still haven't told me where I am - what am I doing here?" he demanded "Why am I lying down like this? Where's my wife? Why are you all around me like this? What the HELL am I doing here?" he demanded, stronger this time.
"Well, you were kinda de-" Jim started,
"De-de-d-" Jack stuttered "Developed an um, injury" Jack replied lamely "We're just here to help."
Jack looked at his watch "we've only got a few minutes left before he reverts back" Jack informed them in a loud whisper.
"Back to what?" Henry demanded, staring at the people around him.
"An um, coma."
Henry's eyes widened.
Rose smoothed Henry's hair from his face. "Do you remember what happened?" she asked gently
Henry closed his eyes for a moment "I, I don't know…"
Jack and Rose both leaned in closer "please Henry, you have to think - what was the last thing you remembered, anything at all."
"Well, I… I remember talking to Laura-" he started
"Laura?" the three said in unison
Henry frowned "Yes, my wife - Laura."
At that moment something clicked into place.
"What where you talking about, when was this, why-" Jack drilled. Rose held up her hand for him to slow down
"Give him a break, he just came back from-" she looked down at Henry's worried expression "Erm, from a long sleep. He just needs a moment to clear his head."
"We're lucky if we've got a moment" Jack snapped, but stopped as Rose took Henry's hand. It felt so cold to the touch. She held it with her own, willing her warmth into him.
Henry looked up at her and smiled.
"Now Henry, what were you talking to Laura about? Was there an argument?" Jack prodded gently as he could.
Henry frowned "Why yes, I think there was I-" he paused "you aren't flatfeet are you?" he asked suspiciously.
"God no" Jack smiled
"Absolutely not" Jim chipped in
Rose laughed "Do I look like a copper to you?"
Henry took a deep breath "Well, we - me and Laura had an enormous deal - real heavy sugar - with a local hood, goes by the name of Mickey Green. It was supposed to make me a very wealthy man.
I had been developing it for so long - and it was finally ready - real premium moonshine - finest in the land.
But at the last minute something went wrong, I don't know - like it became contaminated or something. It'd be a disaster if it reached the public. I told Laura we had better destroy it, but she argued we should simply sell it as planned and leave the country - leaving Green to pick up the pieces. But I knew that no amount of kale would make up for the effect it could have on people…the last thing I remembered was she kissed me - then everything went black."
Rose, Jack and Jim each looked at each other - it was as if a long lost piece of the puzzle had fallen into place. Things were beginning to make sense…
Henry reached into his pocket before shivering. He looked into Rose's eyes.
"Why is it so cold?" he asked weakly.
Rose looked down at him; Henry sighed and closed his eyes.
"Henry?" Rose prompted.
No response.
"Henry?!" She repeated more desperately. "Bring him back!"
Rose could feel tears beginning to well in her eyes. It was strange, crying for a man she'd known for only a few moments, but with such a familiar face…she removed her hand from his and wiped her eyes.
"It's ok Rose." Jack said somberly, and held her shoulder. Jim crouched down and leaned in, picking up what Henry held in his other hand. Jim unfolded the small piece of paper and scanned it.
"Look, it's an address, and the date here is for tonight."
Rose stood up and looked down at Henry's now lifeless body.
"That's great Jim" she said absently. "Jack, before we do anything, can we-"
Jack nodded before she finished her sentence. "He'll get a proper burial, I promise. And you know what we're gonna do? - we'll find the Doctor, bust this thing wide open and get Henry some justice while we're at it."
And with that thought, Rose smiled.
Xoxoxoxox
Ok, things are getting on track again - plot and all.
Oh gosh I'm still so sad from those episodes. I think that was kind of a haunting way to finish - the way he left each of the family - especially Baines.
I didn't get anywhere near as weepy as Doomsday, but I really do feel so sad for John and Joan.
I can't believe there's only 4 episodes left!
Until next time - and thank you so much for continuing to read my story - sorry this chapter was a bit dialogue-y. I'll try to be more atmospheric next time!
