Hello, all. Thanks for all the reviews so far. They've really motivated me to write more! The next few chapters may feel a bit slow, but they are essential to bring in a major character prominant to the story, so please give this a chance! Thank you, MissBlackPotter.
The Ties That Bind
ONE
The Average Business Woman
Waking hurt.
A lot.
His head thumped with pain as he pulled himself to his feet, swaying slightly as he tried to maintain his balance. He shook his head, struggling to stop himself from submitting to the darkness again. Carefully, sitting down he laid back. The head ache began to disappear, leaving only an aching sense of hurt behind. He frowned, trying to understand what had just happened.
He shook his head, running his hands through his hair. He hadn't really been himself since Rose had gone. Of course, it couldn't have been helped, but…if there was a way…he wished he could hold her in his arms and protect her. Yet that chance was now lost to him.
He was alone. The last Time Lord, without a companion, wandering the universe without any hope or happiness. After sitting there for some time, he stood up, and walked out of the TARDIS.
A slight breeze ruffled his hair. Earth smells drifted up his nose. The sun beat down upon him, making him feel warm. The TARDIS sat at a junction in an alley. As he came out of it, he turned to the right, and took a slow walk down the road, that was loaded with shops, and people rushing by, carrying brief cases. Little children ran up and down, cars drove slowly along the street.
By the looks of things he had landed in the early 1990's.
One thought entered his mind.
Rose.
I could see her. She's here, now. Well, in London. No clue where I am…
He turned back to the TARDIS, and was just about to open the door when he realised he couldn't see her. He didn't know what he would do if he did see her.
Besides she's a child…I can't take her with me. She could die before her time…
Swallowing, the Doctor walked away from the TARDIS, determined to not go back to a time when Rose would be there.
He took a slow walk through the bustling city. People chattered by, ignoring the sad alien that strolled among them. Hands in his pockets he stopped outside a shop, just looking. He wondered if Rose had ever gone there.
I've got to stop dwelling on the past.
He didn't know how long he went about, stopping casually, and exploring his surroundings. Halting at a stand that was filled with papers, he picked up the York Times and glanced at the date.
"Twelve September 1993."
How old would Rose be?
Only seven.
Stop it! You've got to get her out of your head!
Scanning the street, his intense brown eyes fell upon a small coffee shop that sat at the corner of the road. Laying the paper back down, he made his way towards the café.
He ordered a cappuccino and sat at a table in the corner, and closed his eyes, as he tried to forget the memory of Rose, that haunted him, even after all these months alone.
"Tom, I'm going out for lunch. Do you mind? I'll be back by one!"
"Yeah, that's fine, Martha!"
Picking up her bag, Martha Jones, marched out of the office building. She took a quick turn to the left, and jogged up the street, towards her favourite café. She went here every Tuesday: she loved the chocolate cakes that were on sale, along with a jam doughnut.
She ordered her regular food, and scanned the room, taking in the people and surroundings. "Hey, Janine." She smiled warmly at the woman. She was here everyday. Martha caught sight of someone who she had never seen before in the café. She placed her food and bag on a chair, and went over to the man in the corner wearing a brown suit with a brown coat. His intense brown eyes bore into her as she approached. She offered her hand.
"I'm Martha. Haven't seen you here before?"
"I'm just passing." He shook her hand. "I'm the Doctor."
"Doctor Who?"
"Just the Doctor."
"You strike me as a very odd man."
"I'm no ordinary man." The Doctor replied. "Now, if you excuse me, I need to be somewhere."
Martha moved out of the way as the man walked past. There was something strange about him, that she was sure of. As she watched, he swayed suddenly, and he placed a hand on another table to steady himself.
"Are you alright?" she asked.
"I'm fine." He rubbed a hand down his face. "Bad night." He grinned apologetically.
But as he walked off, he fell to the floor.
"Oh my god." Martha bounded forward, turning the man over. He was out cold. "Somebody call an ambulance!"
Tables were moved out the way, as customers made room. The manager came out of the kitchen. "Ambulance is on its way, Martha."
"Thanks."
"What happened?" Janine, a pensioner asked.
"He just fainted. Swayed and fell." Martha replied. She laud a hand on his head. It was burning. "I think he has a fever." She bit her lip. She knew she would have to get back to work soon, but her desire to ensure this man was alright, made her rethink this choice and want to stay. She swallowed.
Yes, I will risk a warning. There's something about this man that makes me stay.
She sat beside him, hoping that he would be alright.
TBC…
Before anyone asks, that is Martha Jones who is the new companion. Probably a corny way to introduce her, but it just seemed right...any thoughts?
Please let me know what you think! Chapter Three: Visions is already written and ready for posting.
MissBlackPotter
