Sarah Jane Adventures X Doctor Who

A Yellow Christmas

Chapter Seven

Looking out the window, a sigh escaped Luke Smith's lips. The snow was back to its white fluffy self, which means all was right with the world. A small smile tugged at the corner of his cheek as he watched the students who remained at the university run outside. He laughed as they threw snowballs, made snowmen and igloos.

Walking away from the window, Luke plot down on his bed. He closed his eyes as he thought about home. He could still see his mum's smile as they sat down on the couch in the living room and watch the first coat of snow fall. He could still smell the cups of fresh hot chocolate and taste the delicious but burnt Christmas cookies.

But the moment he opened his eyes, those images disappeared. Staring at the stack of books on his desk, Luke sighed. He kept telling himself he wanted to keep studying so he could finish school. Yet his heart yearn to be home, enjoying the holidays with his mum.

Sighing, Luke stared up at the celling. He was about to close his eyes when he heard a noise near his desk. Sitting up, Luke looked over to his desk but could only make out a silhouette human-like figure sitting in his chair. The figure flipped on the light switch to reveal an older man with silver hair and blue eyes. Wearing a marron blazer with a navy blue shirt and matching pants, the man took a peek into a book on the desk and smiled.

"Looks intense, but I know you can handle it," The man said.

"Yeah…" Luke lingered.

"Hm, but your mind is thinking of home it is Christmas after all. Funny you being created by the Bane and me, an alien still has a soft spot for this holiday," The man said.

Luke's eyes grew soft as he felt his heart clench tighter within his chest. He wasn't wrong; he thought as he wiped away a few tears. The man rolled closer to the bed and looked deep within Luke's eyes. He then took a hold of the boy's hands, which cause to Luke to open his mouth, for he felt like he knew this alien.

"You're The Doctor, aren't you?" Luke asked.

The man merely smiled, giving Luke a nod.

"Your mum won't admit it, but she misses you too. So, shall we go?" The Doctor asked.

"Yes… I want to go home," Luke replied.

Both Luke and The Doctor were on their feet, The moment the door opened he smiled, for there was the TARDIS waiting for them in the hallway. The TARDIS's door opened to a smiling Clara who moved aside as both The Doctor and Luke walked inside.

"Can we make a few stops on the way?" Luke asked.

"Of course." The Doctor replied.

Within moments, the TARDIS dematerialized beaming brighter than she's ever been before.

Back in Bannerman Road, up in the attic, Sarah Jane was still sleeping on the couch. The smiling faces of Luke, Rani, Clyde, Maria, and Alan welcomed her. They were laughing as Alan and her sat down on the couch while the teens were busy opening their presents. Luke opened his then her a big hug. The warmth she felt back then… oh, how she wished it would last forever, but even happiness must end.

Sarah Jane's smile disappear as a wave of sadness and loneliness now welcomed her this time of year. She imagined her self-cleaning up an enormous mess then enjoying a delicate glass of red wine. Then when the post office was open, she would ship out all the gifts to her son and their friends.

But as she opened her eyes, she looked right into the blue eyes of her best friend. They soften the moment he realized she was fully awake.

"Hey you…" Sarah Jane followed with a smile.

"Hey yourself," The Doctor said.

Sarah Jane finally sat up. Her eyes widen for the attic was clean, no debris in sight. They even replaced the windows, it looked as if nothing even happened up here. She smiled seeing Mr. Smith screen light up along with his levers and buttons. She then turned to K-9, who was recharging his battery by the wall.

"As you can see, we've been busy since you have been asleep," The Doctor said.

"Whose we?" Sarah Jane asked.

The Doctor stood up and extend his hand out to Sarah.

"Let me show you," The Doctor replied.

Taking a hold of his hand, The Doctor pulled Sarah Jane to her feet. Without missing a beat, the two of them left the attic.

As they descended the stairs, a whiff of hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies reached Sarah Jane's nose. The moment they reached the bottom of the steps Sarah Jane's lips curved into a smile for staring right back at her was Luke, Rani, Clyde, Maria, Alan, and Clara.

"Merry Christmas!" They all shouted.

Tears sprang from her eyes as everyone pulled in for a big hug, the Doctor included. When everyone pulled away Luke hugged his mum, not wanting to let go.

"It's so good to see all of you, but I know you must of all been busy," Sarah Jane said

"Nope," Clyde said.

"I was sitting in my dorm thinking about home and when The Doctor and Luke appeared I happily took them up on their offer," Rani said.

"Me and Maria were just lounging around the house. It feels good to spend the holidays with friends," Alan said.

"Ditto, it feels good to be around everyone again," Maria added.

"Everyone deserves to be happy on this wonderful holiday," Clara chimed in.

Sarah Jane's smile grew even bigger.

"Thank you… all of you," Sarah Jane replied.

Laughter filled the air as everyone exchanged gifts while drinking hot chocolate and enjoying gingerbread cookies. From singing Christmas songs, to sharing stories, life had become bearable again… as happiness warmed Sarah Jane Smith's heart.

As the night went on, it was close to midnight when Sarah Jane sat down by the window to look up at the night sky. Her smile refusing to leave her lips. She glanced over to the sleeping forms of the teens on the floor along with Clara and Alan on the couch.

The Doctor joined her wearing the long multicolored scarf she had knitted for him. Handing her a cup of hot chocolate, the two sat there enjoying each other's company.

"I wanted to thank you… I haven't been this happy in a long time," Sarah Jane told him.

"Glad I could help," The Doctor said. Followed with a smile.

Silence erupted between them once more, for there were no more words left to say. With smiles across their lips, they remained quiet, enjoying the last few minutes of this wonderful holiday.

Merry Christmas!