Bits In Between

By Lumendea

Chapter Thirty-One: Fear of Tomorrow

Disclaimer: I do not own Doctor Who or any of the spinoff material, and I gain no income off of this story, just the satisfaction of playing with the characters.

…

Malcolm smiled over the top of his cuppa at Rose. She was drawing something in the condensation left by her drink on the table of the diner. A waitress glanced over to check on them before moving to speak with another patron. Rose was very distracted. Her chips were only half-eaten, and Malcolm had been out to lunch enough times to know how the girl felt about her chips.

"What has you so concerned, Rose?" he asked kindly.

"I was accepted to Cambridge," Rose explained.

"I'm aware." Malcolm couldn't help but beam. It was mighty good news. The university admissions team had no idea how well they'd done. "Not surprising given your academic record," Malcolm added. "Especially given all of your… outside activities."

"No one in my family has ever gone to uni," Rose said softly. "We're working class."

"Nothing wrong with that at all," Malcolm said quickly. Rose shifted in her seat, and Malcolm began to understand what had her so concerned. "There's nothing wrong with the working class, Rose. There's nothing wrong with where you came from. Nor is it a betrayal of where you came from to pursue something you're excited about." He put down his cuppa, focusing more of his attention on Rose. "Did someone say something to you?"

Rose flinched, and Malcolm frowned. That was a yes then. "Ignore them," he said. "Class is a terrible social construct. People should get what they need and be able to live their best lives. I have no doubt that you would excel in any job, but as someone who cares about you, I'd much rather see you doing something you're passionate about. And you're passionate about learning. Please don't allow anyone to say something to you against that."

"I know that," Rose sighed. "I mean, I mostly know that I suppose. Almost everyone was happy for me, but there was a couple of people who were mad. Said things to my mum and the neighbors. Plus… plus we're moving soon. Mum is house hunting. I suppose I do feel a bit like a traitor."

"You'll only be a traitor if you turn about and try to hurt them," Malcolm pointed out. "And you'd never do that. Moving on and doing new things isn't treason. Improving your life isn't something a person should be made to feel guilty for unless it is done at the expense of others." He gave her a pointed look. "You've worked hard and been lucky in many ways."

"I know."

"Then remember the things you learned at the Powell Estates while you learn new things at uni," Malcolm said patiently.

It was strange to see Rose uncertain. Strange to be reminded once again how young she really was and how strange the mixture of her experiences was. Rose had knowledge beyond that of most humans and yet could still suffer from the doubts and worries of any human. He smiled softly at her while he watched Rose ponder his words.

Honestly, he wasn't worried. Not at all. Rose, despite it all, remained someone that he could see wiping up a workers revolt on a far-off planet if she decided it was necessary. Her education, no matter where she studied, wasn't going to change that core.

"I did go to uni," Malcolm offered. "So, if you have questions about how life works at the school, I'd be glad to give it. Or Tosh went a bit more recently than I, and I'm sure she'd be glad to speak with you."

Rose brightened, started eating her chips, and Malcolm made a point to focus on her questions and concerns. He offered answers and stories from his own university days and made a mental note to ask Toshiko to call Rose. After all, Rose had worked hard to get to this point and deserved the support that he could offer. University was a big step and he wanted her to feel as ready as possible for the next stage of her life.