Chapter 10
She didn't want to think about it…how he planned to fix her. She would convince him that she was capable- that she could do whatever he wished- that she would do whatever he wished. Who knew what he would do to "fix" her? A shiver ran down her back.
"I'm fine, sir," she said carefully, "there's-there's nothing wrong with me. I'll just go begin my work."
He put a hand on her shoulder. "No, Rose. You need a lie down- let the antidote start working, eh? Come on- I'll help you to your bed." He tugged gently at her hand and she slid off the table, following him through the hallway.
The heavy wooden door creaked as it opened and she entered her room. She walked towards the double bed, the Doctor directly behind her. A vague recollection of the room lingered in the recesses of her mind as she studied the carved headboard, the nightstand, and the pale blue squashy chair.
The Doctor's hand on her shoulder made her jump, and she turned. The rest of the room was not as it used to be- the adjoining bath was missing. The space had been filled with a large old-fashioned claw foot tub. Steam floated up from perfumed water and a translucent curtain hung from a pole, closing off the bathing area for privacy.
"Looks like the TARDIS thought you could do with a soak," he smiled at her. "You can manage it from here?" he questioned.
She nodded briefly. "Certainly, sir."
The ship hummed a bit louder, causing him to pause momentarily. The old girl seemed concerned about Rose. He reconsidered.
"On second thought, perhaps I'll stay. Go on, Rose. Have your bath. I'll be right over here if you need anything."
The Doctor sat down on her bed, smoothing the duvet before putting his boots up onto the mattress.
Obediently, Rose walked to the far corner of the room, carefully studying the bath. The water looked warm and inviting. She turned to look back at the Doctor, hesitating.
"'S alright, Rose." He nodded a bit.
She took hold of the translucent curtain, drawing it across the area, giving herself a bit of privacy. Rose pulled the gray dress over her head, allowing it to fall to the floor. Slowly, she stepped into the bath, letting out a tiny sigh of pure pleasure as the water enveloped her tired body. For a few moments she lounged, allowing the perfumed water to relieve a bit of the tension that had built up since returning with the Doctor.
Once submerged in the warm water of the bath, she noticed a pale pink bar of soap, and picked it up, running it gingerly over her arm. She bit her lip, looking over her body. Bruises marked the inside of her arms and legs, the angry purple, green, and yellow marks marring her skin. Her knee was swollen, the area red and warm to the touch and her thighs ached. She cocked her head thoughtfully, trying to remember how the bruises got there, why her knee was injured, and why her legs were hurting, but came up with nothing. She shifted slightly in the bath, noticing a twinge of discomfort in her private bits, too. A nagging sensation of fear and shame pricked at the back of her memories.
Don't go looking for trouble, girls. The matron's voiced sounded in her head. If you're meant to remember something, you will. If you can't remember, there's a reason for it.
She swallowed and pushed the misgivings aside, focusing on her bath. She slid down, her knees bending and toes touching the tub as her head went under the water, wetting her hair, then came back up. The water ran in deft little streams and drips down her face and back. Rose reached for the shampoo that the TARDIS had provided and poured some in her hand. It smelled fresh and clean- like the sea after a storm, she thought, all bright and crisp, with the wild bits gone- tamed by the wind and thunder, only a serene calmness remained. She felt a little better.
As she lathered her hair, a sound caught her attention. It was quiet-very quiet; and then slowly, it grew louder. Humming- someone was humming. It couldn't be the Doctor…it was a woman. It was quiet and serene and it seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere all at the same time. She sat perfectly still, listening carefully. It was ancient, lovely, and seemed to be tinged with sorrow. Rose felt her breath hitch as she picked up on the sadness, the song causing her own eyes to sparkle with unshed tears. She grasped at the side of the tub, intent to hear every note as the mournful melody filled the air.
It ended as abruptly as it started. She sat in the warm water, feeling confused. A dollop of suds ran down the side of her cheek and Rose brushed it away, wanting to hear the sound again- the beautiful, peaceful song.
She heard the mattress creak, and the Doctor tentatively spoke. "Alright, Rose?"
"I heard humming," she said quietly, wishing it would return. "It was…it was lovely."
He closed his eyes and smiled. "I suspect that'll be the TARDIS welcoming you back. She's always had a soft spot for you."
He heard water splash again and assumed she'd gone back to bathing but after a moment, the silence returned.
"Why was it sad? What happened?"
He sighed. "I suppose because of what happened to you. She wants you back, just like I do."
"Did you hear it?" She asked very softly.
"No." he said honestly. "I think that was just for you."
Rose contemplated for a moment before sliding back down to rinse her hair, resurfacing a moment later. The water lapped around her shoulders and tendrils of hair floated and swirled around as she thought. She considered humming the tune again so she wouldn't forget it, when something shiny glinted in the soft light, distracting her.
The copper band on her wrist caught her eye. She was married- a newlywed. Her breath caught in the back of her throat as all thoughts of the TARDIS' song were pushed away. She stood up quickly, ignoring the throb of her knee, suddenly wondering why the Doctor was waiting for her in the room- and in her bed. Her heart skipped a beat.
He heard her stand up. "Rose? Be careful. Don't want you slippin' and breakin' something. Let me know if you're feelin' dizzy or are having trouble keeping your balance."
"Yes, sir," she managed. A plush robe hung outside the tub on an enameled hook and she wrapped herself in it, the thirsty terry material soft against her skin. Rose swallowed nervously, peeking around the curtain.
He was sitting on her bed, his boots resting on the duvet. His green jumper stood out plainly, the familiar leather jacket slung over the bedside chair. He looked at home, glancing through a book, waiting for her.
Rose pushed the curtain back and stepped carefully down from the bathing area, steadying herself with a slow breath. She felt dizzy at the prospect of what was about to happen. She knew what was expected of her- why else would he be waiting? She bit the end of her lip and walked to him. Rose sat down on the edge of the bed, intently staring at the copper band on her wrist.
He smiled. "Feeling better, then?" he asked cheerily.
She shook her head yes, refusing to meet his eyes with hers. Taking a deep breath and trying to calm herself, she gave a shy smile and turned to face him. Wriggling slightly to inch closer, Rose leaned in, gently kissing his lips. Her small, soft hand caressed his cheek as her mouth pressed against his. Her other hand began tracing its way down his jumper.
He kissed her back- tentatively at first, unsure what brought this on. She'd startled him- the last thing he'd expected was a kiss. Her lips were soft and smooth and he felt himself let go a bit, kissing her back, and pulling Rose closer.
When her hand rubbed its way down his chest and towards his trousers, he came to his senses. Gently, he put his hand on hers, stopping its movement. His lips broke away, and he pulled back.
His blue eyes peered into hers. "Rose, why are you doing this?"
She didn't respond.
"Rose?" His larger hand still held her smaller one, as she tried to tug away from him.
"I can do better." She said softly. "'M sure I can make you happy." She looked into his eyes for the briefest of seconds. "Whatever you want."
He closed his eyes, focusing on his heart rates and respirations, realising her implications. "Rose, why?"
Her eyebrows crinkled as if she was deep in thought. After a pause she replied, "We are married… And- and you were waiting in bed?"
Oh, Gods. He'd done this to himself. He'd been a damned fool. She'd been trained to submit to everything a man desired- and he'd sat and waited for her on the bed. Naturally she would have assumed that his presence indicated he wanted something more. He cringed again, cursing himself for his incompetence, trying to think of a way to help her understand.
"Rose, we're not like that, you and I," he said, smoothing away a damp piece of hair, tucking it behind her ear. "Now, I do care for you- very much. But this isn't how it is between us."
"Why?"
He swallowed. "Rose, you're a bit sick right now. You'll understand when you're feeling well again."
She looked confused. "I don't feel sick."
His eyebrows raised slightly, bending forward a bit, cupping her cheek in his hand. "Ah, but you are, my Rose. So I need you to listen carefully and do as I tell you, all right?"
She nodded. "Yes, Doctor."
"Good girl," he smiled. He pulled open a dresser drawer, getting out a pair of pyjamas. "Change into these and let's get you into tucked into bed," the Doctor said, handing her a vest and shorts. "I'll just wait outside while you change."
Rose heard the door click shut and she pulled the terry robe around her a bit closer. He didn't want her. Not in the way that a husband should want a wife. She felt…unsettled. Somehow she felt sad and unwanted, but relieved at the same time.
He stepped out of the room, his hands shaking. She'd made a pass for him and he'd nearly gone along with it. He berated himself over and over, trying to forget her soft lips and warm lovely body, fresh and clean, wrapped in the terry robe. The Doctor groaned, sliding down the door until his bum hit the floor. He put his head in his hands. What had these people done to her? Things were worse than he'd initially realised.
Gone was his feisty, cheerful, and curious companion. In her place was this…this domestic, meek, and confused girl- and she'd kissed him; no, not only kissed him, but had been ready to submit to anything he asked. With seemingly no will and no choices that were her own, he would have to be damned careful with his actions and words. He felt sick to his stomach and sighed heavily, wondering how this entire situation had gone pear-shaped in such a short period of time. The antidote needed to work and it needed to work fast.
Hello to everyone and welcome back for the tenth chapter of this story. This chapter and the next were originally one, but there was just so much text and so much was happening, I decided to split into two more manageable chunks. I hope it meets with your approval and satisfaction.
Many thanks for the reviews and thank you to the new followers as well as those who favorited the story this week. I'm glad to have you on board and hope that you enjoy.
As always, I'm so curious to know your opinions. Please review, if you can. Thanks so much, readers! Till next week!