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This New Life

Chapter Twelve: Best Wishes


I took it as a good sign when Gerry called from the café to say he might be there a while and we should carry on without him. His face didn't betray much when he returned just before five o'clock, but he didn't look angry or miserable. He and I lingered when the others headed out at the end of the day. When Dan and Simon were out of earshot, we could finally speak freely.

"How did it go?" I asked.

"Better than I expected... we're going to meet up tomorrow to talk some more."

"That's good."

"I think so."

"It can be awkward when you've been apart so long and you finally get back together. You're each wondering how much the other's changed... it's difficult. But it's worth trying."

"Speaking from experience?"

"Definitely."

Gerry smiled a little. Then he asked, "Doctor... you were the one she was hitting on, weren't you?

"What makes you think that?"

"It's just that you became so personally involved when you don't know either of us all that well. And you're one of the cleverest, best-looking men in our department. And it doesn't make sense that you would just have 'overheard' a conversation like that. And since it's so out of character for her, it seems to make sense that she'd choose someone new to the corporation."

"Well... you're right, it was me. But I think she chose me because she notices people in your group. I think she's been watching your team all along, taking an interest in who you're working with because she missed you but she didn't want to admit it. And then I suppose when I came into your team she must have latched on to some fantasy of replacing you with me. It makes me feel sorry for her. But it can work out."

"Do you think I ought to go back to her if she's so emotional? I mean, is this a foreshadowing of what I'll have to deal with?"

"She's not just emotional, though. She's clever—very clever. And logical. I mean, even in the way she came on to me, she was very systematic. I think it was just the heartache she's been dealing with in the wrong way for so long. Once she's over that, she'll be much better."

"Time will tell, I suppose. Whatever comes of it, I appreciate your trying to help. And I'm sorry you had to be involved."

"That's all right. Got to take one for the team sometimes, eh?"

Gerry laughed dryly. "I guess."

As I crossed the foyer I heard Maggie calling me. I turned around and ran back to her.

"Maggie! Sorry, I forgot about you."

"Everything sorted?" she asked.

"Much better now. Thank you so much. Listen, if you can I want you to come to my birthday tomorrow. At the Tyler estate. One o'clock."

"I'd love to," she said. "I'm so glad things worked out."

"I'll have that hug now, if you don't mind."

She grinned and gave me a squeeze.

"Thanks again. You were a big help to me. I've got to get home now."

"All right. See you tomorrow, then."


Rose had been home a while when Pete brought me back. Jackie said dinner would be in about half an hour, so I took Rose out on the veranda to talk.

"You look serious," she said. "Everything all right?"

I took her hand and led her to sit down. "I need to tell you something and it's going to upset you."

"Okay..."

I gave her a moment to prepare herself a little. I probably shouldn't have let her start the worst-case-scenario routine, but it was a good strategy for downplaying the incident. "Today I had a new human experience," I said, keeping my voice calm. "I believe you call it 'sexual harassment in the workplace.'"

She looked shocked—the type of shocked that told me she had never thought of the possibility and suddenly felt that she should have. "Oh, my god... what happened?"

"I'm fine; it's all sorted now," I said quickly. "I don't like telling you about it because it'll make you worry about me, but I don't want to have any secrets from you."

"How is it 'sorted'? Did you report her? Or him... was it a him?"

She looked so bothered that I couldn't help a little chuckle. "It was a her. And no... I decided to try to fix the problem, rather than replacing it with another one. I got her back with her old boy friend."

"You what?"

"Well, it became obvious to me that she only came after me because she was fed up pining for her ex. So I convinced them to start talking again. They're getting together again tomorrow. I'm hoping the spark comes back."

Rose was sort of gaping at me. "So... you deal with your molester by playing match maker for her?"

"For goodness' sake, she didn't 'molest' me. Well... she kissed me."

"Did she!" Rose stood up. "Who was it?"

"Rose..." I didn't know whether to laugh or be stern. "Sit down, love. I'm not going to tell you who it was."

"Why not?"

"Because I don't want Torchwood taking a hit on her. It'd be bad for Icsos. Now, please sit."

Grudgingly, Rose sat down again. "She kissed you. What sort of kiss?" she demanded.

"Well..." I took her wrist and pulled her arm around my neck. Then I placed her other hand on my chest. "Like this." I kissed her and let her deepen the kiss until I felt her tongue trying to work its way into my mouth; then I pulled away. "That's about when I escaped," I explained. "And I didn't kiss her back, on my honor."

"That... little..."

"Rose, let it go."

"I can't." She took my face in her hands. "You're mine. I don't want that bitch or anyone else touching you."

"Oi, no need for that. Come here." I hugged her tightly. "I am yours, and I made that as clear as I could to her. She's not gonna bother me again. And instead of getting her fired, I gave her another chance. A better chance. If she steps out of line again, she knows I won't let it go a second time. Everyone's safe from her and she doesn't have to start her life over. Isn't that a good ending?"

"Not as good as clocking her would be."

I smiled and shook my head.

"What if she and her ex don't get back together?"

"They will. At least, I think so. Either way, I'm sure I won't have any more trouble from her."

"How can you be so sure? This is Earth, the human world. And humans can be quite nasty. I don't think you realize how few happy endings there really are around here."

"Then we'll just have to make a few extra ones ourselves, won't we?"

"I like your optimism, but you need a dose of realism too."

We stayed in the embrace, silent for a while. Then I said, "Just for your peace of mind, there is nothing that would make me betray you. I don't want anything besides you. My eyes won't wander; my heart won't falter. I can't promise I'll never hurt you, but I'll never want to. And I can promise that I'll be faithful to you and love you until I die."

She sighed. "You're making me cry," she said with a little breathy laugh. She kissed my face and stroked my hair. "If we had the ring now and a witness, I think we'd be married... you just said some beautiful vows."

"Might as well count this as my official vows, then... since I'm sure I won't be able to come up with anything on the wedding day."

"Write them down. You can recycle them. How's that journal of yours coming?"

"Good. You can read it, of course."

"Can I? Not sure I'd want you reading some of mine. Haven't kept a diary since I came here, though."

Pete poked his head out the door. "Dinner's ready," he reported.

"Okay," said Rose. She gave me a searching look. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, fine."

"Really, though."

I kissed her forehead. "I do feel a bit violated, but it's not the first time someone's stolen a kiss. Long as you're not cross with me, I'm fine."

"Who else—"

"I'll catalog them for you later. Right now we're late for dinner."


So much had happened that day that I found it difficult to disengage my brain and get to sleep. Truth be told, I was also a little excited for the party the next day. I knew that there would be cake and gifts and visitors. Beyond that, I wasn't sure. It must have been one a.m. when I dozed off, but I still woke up about seven. I didn't feel tired, though. Maybe my human side had finally caught up on sleep and I wasn't going to need as much now.

I got up and put on my Superman tee shirt and my favorite jeans. Rose spotted me in the hall when I came out.

"No, no, no, go back to bed," she told me.

"But I'm not sick," I protested, suddenly feeling a little less jolly for being turned away.

"We made you breakfast and we're gonna bring it to you." She came over and kissed my cheek. "Happy birthday. Now, back to bed."

"Well... all right."

I felt weird, going back to bed in my clothes. But after a couple of minutes it seemed fun in a really odd way. I propped up my pillows and sat there wondering what else Rose had planned for me. Then she came in with a tray and a large blue gift bag.

"Good morning, your lordship," she said, setting the bag down and bringing the tray over.

"What's in the bag?"

"Breakfast first," she said strictly. When the tray was in position she lifted a silver cover to reveal a beautiful mass of bacon and eggs and a thick slice of banana bread.

"You know I can't eat this much," I said, smiling all the same.

"I might be persuaded to help you a little." She crawled onto the bed next to me.

I wasn't sure what I thought about that, but nothing too cavalier could happen, considering the tray over my middle. Besides, it was my birthday. Special occasion, special rules. Granted, this was the first time I'd thought of my birthday as a special occasion. I'd had so many of them. It was hard to keep track sometimes.

Rose nicked a strip of bacon off my tray and nibbled it. "So, we have about eight people coming for sure, and another half dozen that might show. And another half dozen that we invited to be polite, even though we know they won't come."

"Who's coming for sure?"

"Well, there's that physicist of yours and his son..."

"Oh, and I invited an intern as well. She said she'd come."

"Not the one who harassed you?"

"No!" I chuckled. "This is Maggie. She was very helpful when I was trying to figure everything out yesterday."

"Is she pretty?"

"I dunno. Didn't notice."

"Aw." She put her arm around me.

I felt good now, but I was getting full. "Jackie's not going to be insulted if I don't finish, is she?"

"Nah. Here, give me some eggs."

I fed her a bite.

"Mm. Anyway, Dad invited his VP and he'll bring his wife. And I think there's one or two others from the company that might come. And there's a guy or two from dad's bowling gang. Mum's invited the neighbors. Mrs. Harris will certainly come; she might bring her daughter. And Mr. Embry said he'd come too—that was a surprise."

"Who's Mr. Embry?"

"He's the independently wealthy old man who lives south of us; he owns the property with the weeping willow."

"Oh! Good, I'd like to meet him." We continued working away at my plate of food until it was nearly gone. "Can't eat another bite," I said.

"Neither can I." Rose set the tray on the bureau.

"Now may I see what's in the bag?"

"Yes." She grinned as she went to the bag and reached into it. "Ready?"

"Ready."

She pulled out something big and brown. I'm sure it must have been fun for her, watching my face become more and more excited as I realized what it was.

"It's my coat!"

"It's not exactly like the old one... but it's as close as I could find. I think it's a little shorter."

I climbed out of bed and tried the coat on. "Oh, this feels good." I hugged her tightly and we turned a little circle together. "Thank you so much. It's perfect."

"Good, I'm glad. You can come out and see Mum and Dad now."

"Oh, I'm not under room-arrest anymore?" I teased.

She wouldn't let me carry the tray down to the kitchen. Apparently I wasn't allowed to do any work on my birthday, no matter how unchivalrous it made me look.

Jackie rushed me when I got into the room, shoving a large box at me. "Happy birthday, plum."

Apparently that was my nickname now. I wouldn't take it from anyone else, but I found I didn't mind it from her.

"Thank you," I said, taking the box and setting it on the table to lift the lid off. Inside was a new brown pinstriped suit. "Oh, just like the old one," I said smiling fondly at her. I still wasn't sure I was ready to wear the brown again, but it was sort of comforting to see it.

"I missed it," Jackie said with a laugh. "And you don't get to pay me back for that one—it's a gift."

"Okay. Thanks so much."

"Here's mine," Pete said, offering me a package which seemed to say "book" to me before I so much as touched it.

Sure enough, it was a book called Modern London: a Guide and History. "This will help a lot," I said. "Thanks, Pete."

"Can't have you ignorant of current affairs," Pete said.

"Where's Tony?" I asked, looking around.

"With any luck, he won't be up for another hour at least," said Jackie. "I just put him back to bed."

"Will he be up for the party?"

"I was trying to time his naps so he'd sleep through most of it."

"Oh, don't do that," I appealed. "I'd like to have him around."

"Well... if you're sure."

"Absolutely. I can help look after him." To be honest I was a bit apprehensive of all the people I'd be meeting. I wanted to make a good impression and not embarrass Rose in front of her neighbors. I'd probably be safer with a baby to hide behind.

"All right. Pete, you'd better get to the lawn."

"Yup," Pete said, heading for the door.

"The lawn?" I asked.

"Making sure there's no twigs and things," Rose explained. "It was windy last night."

"I can give him a hand—"

"No you don't. You're not doing anything useful today. I insist."

I sighed. "Very well."

I spent the morning writing in my diary and reading my new book. I sat in a recliner in the living room and Jackie brought me tea whenever I ran out. Of course that meant I made several trips to the loo as well. But it was a very peaceful morning. Rose came by to give me kisses and pet my hair now and then—she never seemed to get tired of that. I started catching appetizing scents wafting in from the kitchen. Rose brought out a chocolate-dipped strawberry and fed it to me.

"That is nice," I said, savoring the combination of sweet and tart.

"Don't tell Mum. She said not to touch them."

I laughed. "Won't breathe a word."

"The guests will start arriving any time. You ready?"

"I dunno. I've never done this before."

"You'll be fine. Come on."


Jackie had a beautiful spread of hors d'eouvres laid out by the time Mr. Embry arrived at one o'clock on the dot. He handed off an envelope and small box to Jackie and she set them aside to be opened later. I loaded a little plate with cheese and fruit dipped in the chocolate fountain and a few crackers with some unknown patte of Jackie's invention. I still wasn't sure what the latter was after I tried it, but I liked it.

Mr. Embry put a few things on his plate as well, but it may have been just to be polite. He didn't look interested in eating them.

"So, you're in Pete's business?" he asked me.

"No; I work at Icsos, in the city."

"But you're a businessman?"

I shook my head. "No. As a matter of fact, I have nightmares about ledgers and tax documents."

For the first time since his arrival, Embry cracked a smile. He ate a cheese cube, which I took to be a good sign.

Maggie showed up next.

"She is pretty," Rose whispered to me in an accusatory tone as Jackie welcomed her in and relieved her of her gift.

"If you say so," I whispered back. I introduced Maggie to everyone.

Before things could get too quiet and awkward, the neighbor called Anna Harris arrived with her daughter, Jane. Anna and Jackie seemed to be good friends. Jane wasted no time beginning a series of experiments with the chocolate fountain. I watched her with an involuntary smile growing on my face.

Next came Dr. Frasier and Robert. Of course, Jackie had to go and embarrass Robert and me both by telling everyone I'd saved his life. Then Frasier and I had to relate the story.

"Were you scared?" Jane asked Robert.

"I was," I put in. "But Robert kept his head and we got out of it together, didn't we?"

Robert nodded, looking relieved at not having to answer the question himself.

"I've got to set something up in the yard," Pete said mysteriously. "Would you kids like to come along?"

Robert and Jane liked the idea of going outside, and their parents allowed Pete to take them out.

"What's that about?" I asked Rose.

"Oh, just something for later."

I was suspicious, but I knew I wasn't going to get a straight answer so I let it go for the time-being.

Not long after I could hear a dull thumping, like something being hammered with a wooden mallet. Tent pegs? I wondered. Then we heard Pete's bowling mates arrive. They stayed outside talking boisterously with Pete for a while before coming in. There were Mike and Stan who arrived first, and a fellow named John came a little later with his wife Miah; they lived nearby. Pete's VP, Jim Coleman, and his wife Ellen were fashionably late... after two o'clock. No one from the maybe list came, and I didn't mind at all. There were ten guests if you counted the children.

Tony woke up when the last guests arrived, and he was not happy at all the noise. But once he was up and dressed he became more cheerful.

"Well, Doctor," Jackie said, "now everyone's here, do you want to have cake first, or open your gifts?"

I had completely forgotten the cake, and now I wished I hadn't eaten so much cheese. "How about if you serve up everyone else's cake and they can eat while I open the gifts?" I suggested. "I'm not ready to eat more right now, and let's be honest: it's no fun sitting round with nothing to do while someone else enjoys himself."

Some of the others claimed that they would be quite entertained watching me open gifts, but I insisted. And sure enough, the whole anything-within-reason-on-your-birthday thing seemed to hold true, because they complied and did as I said. I decided that all emergencies should happen on my birthday, because then everyone would listen to me instead of panicking.

As I made myself comfortable on the couch while Jackie brought the gifts into the living room, Maggie said, "I'm afraid my gift's a bit of a cop-out. I didn't know what to get you."

"In that case," Embry put in, "it will probably go well with my gift."

"Oh, don't be silly," I said. "I can't wait."

Maggie's gift turned out to be a tie. It was blue silk with a subtle swirling pattern of darker blue and silver. "It's lovely," I said. "I can always use another tie." Now I would have to alter my rotation if I still wanted to wear one tie each working day and none on the weekend. One tie would be left over for the next week. Oh well... figure that out later.

Frasier and Robert gave me cufflinks with the Superman emblem on them. "That is brilliant," I exclaimed. "Robert, was this your idea?"

"We picked them out together," said Frasier. "It seemed... appropriate."

"Well, it's great. Now I need some formal occasion to go to so I can try them out."

I noticed that Tony was getting very jealous watching me tear the bright paper, so I handed a large piece of the wrapping to him. He garbled happily and began tearing it up.

"He'll be putting it in his mouth in a moment," Jackie cautioned. "Keep an eye on him, Rose."

Next I delved into Mrs. Harris's gift bag. "What's this?" I said, pulling out a book.

"Jackie told me you like books. That's one I enjoyed reading. She says you like sciency, supernatural stuff."

The Time Traveler's Wife. I stared at the cover for several seconds before I remembered everyone was watching me and waiting for my reaction. "Well, I think this is one Rose and I will have to read together. Thank you."

Jackie started to hand me a long, cylindrical package, but John exclaimed, "No, that's mine—it's gotta be last."

"Oh. Well, pardon me." Jackie set that one down and gave me the envelope and small box that Embry had brought.

The card in the envelope was a simple one with a short "Best wishes on your birthday" inscribed by hand. Inside the box was a small silver tiepin. "Isn't that nice," I said, holding the pin out in front of me so I could look at it better. My glasses were in my bedroom, so it was hard to make out the delicate relief on the surface. "It's a tree, isn't it?"

"Yes. Not a weeping willow, but a pretty tree all the same," Embry replied.

I wondered if he knew I'd been on his property without permission. I'd have to talk to him about that later.

"And it will go nicely with my gift," Maggie said. "You must have a sixth sense, Mr. Embry."

Embry shook his head. "The thing women usually get, when they don't know what to give a man, is a tie. It was an educated guess."

"Well, I like them both very much," I said. "I'll wear them together on Monday." I reached out to take another envelope from Jackie.

"And speaking of cop-out gifts," said Mike.

"Yeah, me too," said Stan.

Inside the envelope was something that looked like a credit card only it had a picture of a lavishly wrapped present on it. "Thanks..." I looked to Rose for help.

"It's a gift certificate," Rose explained. "You can spend it like cash at the shop."

"Oh, brilliant. That'll come in useful. Thank you."

Stan's gift was another certificate, to a different store.

"Yeah, we might o' done last-minute shopping together," Mike confessed.

"That's all right. I just get to choose my own gift."

"All right, time for mine," said John.

Miah shook her head. "Calm down, will you? Men."

I couldn't help grinning. John's enthusiasm was contagious. And as soon as I took the gift in my hands, I got a strong suspicion of what it was. "Oh..." I said, frantically beginning to tear the paper. "Is it... oh, it is!" I cast the paper aside. "It's a cricket bat! How did you know?"

"Oh, someone told me you like cricket," said Pete. "And I might have passed it on. We can't let you try it until we've had a round of croquet, though. The kids helped me set up the course."

That explained the pounding with the wooden mallet. "Right. That's fine." I ran my hands over the smooth wood and then gripped the handle tightly. "Lord, I haven't played cricket in... over a century."

Everyone laughed, and I realized most of them thought I was joking. Let them laugh. I'll slaughter them. This thought was a little uncharacteristic of myself, and I nearly giggled out loud, but I managed to keep it in. Rose saw my odd expression and raised one eyebrow at me, but I just shook my head.

"Let's clear up the wrapping paper," Jackie said. "Doctor, I'll get your cake now. Then we'll all go outside."


This is getting quite long enough for one chapter, so you'll just have to wait for the rest of the party. Don't forget to review. ^^ And don't forget David Tennant's birthday is on April 18th. xD