My Story
I fled through the dark, threatening forest as fast as my feet would allow. My heart was hammering out of my chest, and the air scorched my lungs as I gasped for breath. My arms, by this time, were torn open, my sleeves ragged, and my shirt blood-stained. The darkness loomed on the ever failing daylight till my path was, at last, a mystery. I sprinted on though I could no longer see. The beast in pursuit screamed the terror he wished to inflict, and his cry pierced my fearful soul. I lost my footing for just a moment as I turned my head back to see if I had lost the creature. I tumbled painfully to the ground, landing without finesse, on my right arm, and exposing myself to a bone-splitting crack. My vision flashed white with pain, whilst an ear piercing noise resounded in my ears. It was, at this very moment, a hand embraced my shoulder. I prepared to scream, thinking the monster had found me, but the hand gently came over my mouth and a gentle voice punched the silence.
"Sshh, it's all right. Just keep quiet and still for a moment," the voice spoke.
We waited in still silence, listening intently as the beast's growls faded into the distance til we could hear them no more.
I breathed an audible sigh of relief and spoke, "Thank you," I said suddenly remembering the pain jolting through my arm.
"Come with me," was all the stranger replied, helping me to stand.
He walked in solemn silence till we reached a small clearing where the first rays of moonlight shone through the gaps in the treetops. In the small, forest clearing stood, what appeared to be, a police box from the 1960s. In the soft glow of the moon, I could begin to make out the features of this stranger. His dark brown hair had been shown masterful attention. He wore a brown suit with chucks and a long overcoat that flapped behind him. The man took a key out of his pocket and expertly unlocked the door. Pushing it open with a worn creak, he led me through the doors into a room that, in and of itself, defied the laws of physics.
The room, if it could be called that, was large and emanated a soft green-orange glow. There were coral struts on the outskirts of the room, resembling almost something life-like. A ramp led the way to the center of the room where there stood a large console with a compilation of all manner of objects worked into the structure. The floor was a rough metal grating, underneath which, was all sorts of lights and wiring. Finally, there in front of me, leaning against the console with his ankles crossed, stood the man who had rescued me, and though I did not know it then, had done so much more than I realized.
He gazed at me with an almost amused-forlorn expression. As though he had seen this reaction before. Perhaps he had. When the awe faded, I remembered once again the burning, throbbing pain in my arm. A sympathetic expression took over the man's face and he immediately stepped up to me and kindly put his hands on my shoulders and looked into my eyes.
His eyes bore deeply into my soul. It was like the calm after a storm. He looked so young, but his eyes spoke of many years. My revelation was interrupted when he spoke.
"All right?" he asked, beginning to look at the state in which I now presented myself.
I gritted my teeth in pain and shook my head, "No," I was able to get out.
He nodded in understanding and placed one hand on my back and led me towards a nearby corridor .
"I'm the Doctor, by the way. What's your name?" he asked, suddenly taking on a curious nature.
Though confused for a second at his sudden change in demeanor, I answered, "My name is Jessica, but you can call me Jessie, if you like."
We walked down the corridor till we reached a large wooden door that opened as we approached. He walked into what looked like a medical room. It smelled of disinfectant, and was bright white. A small examination bed sat against the wall, and he led me over to it.
"Hop up," he instructed, patting the bed as he turned the other direction and strolled over to a counter holding all manner of medical supplies.
I jumped on the bed and watched intently as he gathered what he needed to patch me up. After gathering all the necessary supplies, he walked back over towards me and smiled ruefully. I sat quietly, whilst he began to look me over. I was covered in dirt and bruises. There was blood seeping from some scrapes and cuts on my arms and legs. He was silent for a while, looking almost angrily and every injury. His eyebrows remained knit in confusion and what appeared to be fury, until he looked up at my face and saw the fear in my eyes. His meticulous gaze softened and he spoke.
"I'm sorry you got tangled up in this mess," he said, beginning to clean the cuts on my arm, "you were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. The monster that was chasing you was actually after me. But I suppose it didn't really matter to it."
"It's okay, this is probably the most exciting thing that's ever happened to me," I sucked in a pained breath as he grazed a particularly tender part of my arm.
"Sorry, sorry, I'm so sorry. Tender bit right there. I'm afraid…. that I'm going to have to reset this,"he said apologetically.
I tensed at those words, knowing exactly what that process entailed.
"I know, it's rather unpleasant, but if I don't, your arm won't heal properly," he frowned and waited for me to nod my consent.
Gathering all my courage I gave him the go-ahead, and he moved his hands into place. They were so gentle, yet contained so much strength.
"All right, I'm gonna count to three. One..two..Crack!" as my bone snapped back into place.
I held back a pained scream, and squeezed my hand tightly on the end of the bed till my knuckles were white.
"Jessie?" His voice urged, sounding concerned, "Jessie, it's okay."
Not realizing I had my eyes tightly shut, I relaxed my shoulders and hands, and opened my eyes holding back the tears of pain as I had become accustomed.
"Hey," the Doctor had knelt down in front of me, "it's okay, you don't have to hold back if you're in pain. It's not okay to suppress emotions. I know. In the end, you are not the only one who is hurt. I'll give you some pain meds in a second when I finish splinting and bracing your arm, but till then, please cry if it helps you," he told me. I was indeed in a safe place with this Doctor.
I cried softly as he finished patching me up just letting the tears flow as they would. When he finished, he handed me pain meds in a cup and a glass of water, then helped me to get down from the table. Silently, never harshly judging me for a single second, he led me out of the med bay and down the corridor. The place resounded a soft and almost comforting hum, as though, it could feel my pain and was responding in kind. We approached an open door into a library; it smelled of old books and a faint hint of something else. There was a fireplace and furniture, just a couple couches and an armchair. The Doctor very gently sat me down on the couch, then sat right beside me and placed a hand on my shoulder. I looked down through bleary vision and saw that in his other hand was a steaming cup of tea.
"It's well sugared," he reassured me.
I sipped it slowly, letting the warmth penetrate to my very core. Then inhaled the steam as it rose from the top allowing it to calm my heart. When I had downed the whole cup, I finally began to feel the exhaustion taking over from all the events that had transpired.
Almost as though he sensed my thoughts the Doctor spoke, "You're tired. Why don't you lie down for a while, I'll just pop over and read in that chair there,"he motioned to the armchair, "You are safe here, Jessie, and are welcome to sleep as long as you need."
I nodded and moved to a horizontal position on the couch. Within a matter of seconds I was asleep. I don't ever remember a time in my life when I had slept so soundly. No nightmares, no fear of being hurt, no pain or anguish after a long day. I was at peace. After what seemed like the longest sleep of my life, I slowly awoke. The fire still crackled, relaxing my mind that I was safe. I opened my eyes to the soft, warm glow of the room and looked over to see the Doctor sitting just where he said he would be. There now underneath my head was a soft down pillow, and a warm fleece blanket covering my body. He glanced up and noticed that I was now awake.
"There we are," he said sweetly, "was beginning to wonder how long you'd be out. The TARDIS got worried so she materialized a blanket and pillow for you."
I made a puzzled face and responded, "How long was I asleep?"
He looked down at his watch then replied, "About twelve hours."
"Twelve hours?!" I said astounded.
He returned my same puzzled look and said, "Is that a problem? From what I saw, you were extremely exhausted, severely injured yesterday, and wherever you were running from it must have been unbelievably traumatic, because I could physically see and feel the hurt you were mentally experiencing."
I lowered my head, ashamed that I had been so revealing about my circumstances. I heard a scuffling of fabric then felt as he sat beside me and tipped my chin to look at him.
"I won't make you tell me what happened back there, but if you would like to tell me in time, I've been told I'm a brilliant listener," he said smiling ever so faintly.
I nodded my head, knowing that it would take time for me to open up completely about my past. Then a thought hit me, I knew who he was, but all I really knew was his name.
"Who are you?" I asked.
"I'm the Doctor," he replied.
"Yeah but, Doctor Who?" I asked, still confused.
"It's just the Doctor, I promise. I'm what you could say, not from around here, an alien, if you fancy. I'm from a long dead race known as the time lords. They were destroyed in a war. Everyone's gone now, just me. This place is my ship. She travels in time and space and is very much alive. She's rather taken a fancy to you. S'Called the TARDIS. Time And Relative Dimension In Space. Don't worry; you're perfectly safe. She has always taken care of me, and will do the same for you," he finished.
"So," I began nervously, "You're an alien, how's that?"
The Doctor almost laughed, "It has it's moments I suppose. Can get rather lonely though being the only one of your kind," he spoke.
"I can't imagine," I said sympathetically.
"All in the past. I've not always been alone though; I've had friends travel with me. They've all gone now too," he replied.
"I think I'd like to travel the stars," I said hopefully.
"I'd love you to come," he answered quickly, smiling brightly back at me.
For the first time in a long time I smiled back, "Okay."
"We'll take it slow though; you're still healing physically and emotionally. I don't know who hurt you, Jessie, or what they did, but I will not let anyone hurt you like that again," he reassured me, "Something I can do, though, is show you something, if you'll come with me?"
I nodded and he helped me to stand. We walked back down the corridor, and into the big room I had first entered, upon boarding this ship. We approached the blue wooden doors and I hesitated just a step away.
"It's all right, we are far away from where we were yesterday," he told me.
The Doctor opened the doors to reveal a beautiful star system and galaxy out in front of me. All was quiet, but it was such a peaceful quiet, as though all the universe in just this moment was reserving a moment of silence just for me. My heart felt lighter, for the first time, all my pain and worries melted away into the stillness of the stars. I breathed a sigh of relief, feeling as if my burden had been lifted and I could finally breathe. Tears streamed down my cheeks once again. The Doctor didn't flinch. He took my hand in his and gave a gentle squeeze of reassurance letting me know he understood and would just let me cry.
The next several weeks I spent with the Doctor consisted mainly of rest, food, reading, and the occasional trip to this galaxy or that one. One struggle was eating. My previous circumstances had left me malnourished, and unable to eat. Slowly, day by day, he would make me just a tiny breakfast, and gradually it got better until I was eating normal portions. He told me he was going to take everything slow while I continued to heal. When my arm was finally healed enough that he felt safe to move it from the cast/brace to a sling, the Doctor announced that we were going to try a day trip.
"Some place quiet, maybe uninhabited, at least by people, with clear blue skies, rolling meadows, and the perfect climate. Hmmmmm….Ooo! I know!" he announced excitedly almost jumping up and down, "Pasturas 7. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful planet. Peaceful too!" He immediately set into action pulling levers and pushing buttons putting the TARDIS into motion.
The flight was a little bumpy, but I know he was trying to be gentle. We landed with a soft thud, and I grabbed a light sweater just in case. I exited into a world alive with color. Green rolling hills filled the distance, a soft breeze caressed my skin, and the trees surrounding the area grew flowers in all different colors. I was the first one out and heard the door close behind me. There the Doctor stood with a blanket on one arm and a wicker basket on the other. He came up beside me with the biggest smile on his face and offered me his arm.
"Off we go," he said excitedly.
We walked over to a particularly grassy area and he laid the blanket down. After setting the basket down, the Doctor reclined on the blanket. I sat down beside him and took a deep breath in. There were a few moments of silence then a thought came to my mind.
"I never thought.." I stopped myself before I finished not even realizing what I was about to say.
The Doctor opened his eyes and sat up a little looking concerned.
"You never thought what?" he asked hesitantly, knowing he was on shaky ground.
I lowered my head, then sighed, "I...I don't know."
I didn't know what to say. For some reason, I felt comfortable enough to begin to get into my past, and that scared me to death.
He seemed to sense what I was thinking, "Jessie, sometimes the heart knows better than we do when we're ready to talk about something. It may be incredibly scary to open up about something bad that happened, but if your heart is telling you it's time, I think perhaps you should listen to it," he said carefully.
I lifted my head so my eyes could meet his own. All I saw was concern. Not some person who only wanted gossip, the eyes of someone who genuinely cared.
I took a calming breath and poised myself to speak, "From the very beginning of my life since before I can remember, I've been in the service of the Orphan Labor Organization. They sell us out to people who need work done, but those people….." I paused as tears formed and I blinked them away, "They were allowed to do whatever they wished to us. I've been beaten, screamed at, hurt, insulted, worked to the point of exhaustion, starved, and other horrible things I dare not mention. I'm only 18 years old, Doctor, but the amount of times that man beat me would shock you. I was the only child in the organization who was sold out to a man, and kept. I can't even remember how many times I tried to escape, but each attempt ended in a beating more severe than any little girl should have to endure. I almost died twice. Eventually I lost hope of ever escaping, and submitted to the hand I'd been dealt. He kept me in a cell, dark, cold, and dirty, and never let me out unless he wanted me to clean, do manual labor, or cook. Then one night, the master became drunk. More drunk than I had ever seen him; he passed out, and didn't even lock the door to my cell. I waited an hour until I was sure he wasn't going to wake up, and I made a run for it. I ran and kept on running until I was certain that nobody was chasing after me. That's how I ended up in the forest that night you found me. I had gotten turned around, and honestly just didn't know where to go. Then I heard that monster and it must have caught onto my trail, cause it started chasing me. And you know the rest," I finished realizing that I had tears streaming down my face.
I hadn't even known that I was crying, but when I looked back at the Doctor, he had tears in his eyes as well. He stayed silent staring into nothingness, almost looking as though he was holding back anger or total despair. After a shockingly long minute he looked at me and blinked back the sorrow.
"I'd say I'm sorry, but I know sorry is not enough. What you endured.."he stopped gaining his composure again, "No one should have to go through something like that. I can't do anything to make your past more bearable, but I can help you to endure the future, by telling you, that is never going to happen ever again, and in the end, that man will pay for what he's done," he said, placing his hand on top of mine.
I smiled a small smile and nodded, "Thank you," I said, "for helping me to share that. I feel so much better having told someone."
A big smile came over his face and he answered, "I'm so glad."
We spent a while there and had our picnic. The Doctor was beginning to trust that I was well enough to handle maybe more exciting adventures. We headed back to the TARDIS when the sun began to set, and set off for an evening in the vortex. The Doctor suggested I rest for a while, especially after my first real day out. Not to mention sharing my past had taken a lot out of me emotionally. He was right; I was knackered, and hadn't even noticed. I was asleep the minute I laid down.
The next morning I awoke to the sound of the bath running in the en suite. No one was in there, but I had a feeling the TARDIS thought it would help me relax. The smell of lavender drifted out and instantly relaxed me. So I gave in and spent probably way longer than I should have in that bath. But I found out very quickly that the TARDIS kept the water warm the whole time. She had a mug of hot camomile tea and some toast with jam next to the tub. By the time I got out, I thought about just crawling back in bed and sleeping some more, but my curiosity got the better of me, so I put on a comfortable sweatshirt the ship had laid out and some leggings and faux fur boots. I walked to the kitchen where I found the Doctor sitting at the table with a cup of steaming tea sitting in front of him.
"Sleep well?"he asked good-naturedly.
I nodded, "Yes, and I think you were right about the TARDIS taking a fancy to me. This morning I awoke to a lavender bath with camomile tea and toast with jam waiting." I smiled contentedly.
The Doctor laughed and looked up to the ceiling, "Cheating on me, Old Girl? I thought I was your only love?" he said, mocking offense.
I laughed still not used to joviality, and took a seat across from him.
"Where are we off to today?" I asked him.
"Wherever you like," he replied, "Backwards, forwards, present, earth time, alien world, fantasy," he winked at me as he suggested places to go.
"Oh, anywhere is good for me," I answered leaning back in my seat.
"I think the Old Girl and I can manage that," he said.
We sat there silent for a few moments as he drank his cup of tea. He looked as though he was deep in thought.
"What's on your mind?" I asked.
He snapped out of it and answered, "Oh, sorry, was just wondering, what do you know about your beginnings?"
I got quiet as I pondered the question he had posed to me. It's not something I had ever really thought about or discussed with anyone.
"You don't have to tell me," the Doctor said now worried he had said something wrong.
"Huh, what? Sorry, I was just thinking, it's not something I've ever really thought too much about. I have never had someone ask me about my past before," I replied.
"Well, if you're comfortable talking about it, I'd love to hear what you do know," he said in response.
I nodded thinking way back to what little I knew about my past, "I was very young when I lost my mum. Maybe 2 or 3 tops. They said they found me wandering around London. I had either been lost, forgotten about, or abandoned, but they could never figure it out, cause they didn't know who my mum was. I know nothing about my father. From what little I barely remember I don't think he stayed with my mom after she found out she was having me, but again, I don't know the circumstances. My mother always told me the same story when I was frightened. I do remember that she always told it in the strangest way. It was the story of the big bad wolf, but she would tell me that the wolf wasn't really bad. All she wanted was to protect those she loved. My mum told me that the Bad Wolf would always look out for me wherever I went, and that if bad things ever happened, the Wolf would be right beside me holding my hand. I never fully understood why she seemed so sad all the time. I think she made an effort to be cheerful around me, but even young I could tell she was unhappy. Then one morning I wake up to a flash of light, and I'm in the middle of the city all by myself. There, of course, were nice people who tried to help me find her, but we never did, and I was too little to completely grasp the situation. One thing I know for sure, without any doubt, is that my mother was so very beautiful, and loved me more than anybody else in the entire world," I said finishing, and wiping away a stray tear.
I looked over at the Doctor and he looked shocked or astounded at something I had said.
Then he spoke almost fearfully, "Jessie, your mother, what did she look like?" he asked trembling.
"Doctor? What's wrong?" I questioned, confused.
"What did she look like?" he asked again.
"She was...blonde..had brown-ish green eyes, and was average height I think," I answered quickly.
The Doctor stood up and began pacing back and forth raking his fingers through his hair over and over muttering to himself, "No...no it can't be, there's no way.. But what if she...no...she can't have...but.." I decided to intervene, and I stood up and got in his way.
"Doctor! What's wrong?" I shouted to stop him.
"Your mother, you don't remember her name, not at all?" he asked me.
I thought for a second, "I think it was a flower, at least I feel like I remember people calling her some kind of flower."
The Doctor raked his hands down the front of his face, "Oh Jessie, you have no idea. Was it Rose?" he questioned.
Realization flashed in my memory, "Yes! Yes that's it!" I exclaimed excitedly, "Did you know my mum?"
The Doctor was deathly silent as he processed what he had just learned. I began to worry about the true nature of the relationship between my mum and the Doctor.
"I knew your mum, Jessie. Very much so. I loved her with everything I had. I lost your mum a long time ago to a parallel world. I never thought I'd see her again. Your mum and I were...well, we were bonded so deeply, but our connection shattered when she was pulled into the parallel universe. She must have found a way back, but sent you instead, because she knew you would eventually find me or I would find you. Oh! Your mother was brilliant, absolutely brilliant! If I can just figure out how she did it, maybe I can get it to work again. I know she would never give up, so she's probably still working to find a way. And of course time passes differently in that universe so it might not have been such a long time after all. It makes so much sense now why I felt such a connection to you, and why I felt your emotions and thoughts. We are blood so our minds are reaching out to each other," he paused for a few minutes just taking in all this information, then spoke, "I never even knew she was expecting."
"I'm sorry, Doctor," I said, lowering my head in defeat.
His eyes shot up and he almost smiled, "I'm beginning to see it now. You sounded just like your mother then," he said reminiscing.
I gave a weary smile and replied, "What was she like?"
"Oh, your mother, she was brilliant, absolutely fantastic. She saved my life the very first time I met her, and she hasn't stopped since. It took us both ages before we finally admitted that we loved each other. Not long after Krop Tor. She was so kind and understanding, always wanting to help everyone she could. She became a goddess of time when she looked into the heart of the TARDIS, just to save my life. She ended up not just saving my life but the whole universe. We kept on running. But the time vortex inside her made her immortal. She was the one person in the universe that I was going to spend my forever with. Then came the battle of Canary Wharf and the war. I lost her. But she's so good, your mum. That story she told you of the bad wolf, that's her. The name of the entity within her when she absorbed the time vortex. She was telling that no matter where you go she will always be right there beside you, looking out for you. She is so incredibly brave, and all around the most beautiful person in all the universe. Oh, I love her," he exclaimed.
I thought for a few moments just trying to imagine her as she was, then a thought came to me, "Wait, so if I'm the daughter of a time lord and an immortal, what does that make me?"
The Doctor's eyes widened considerably, reality beginning to dawn on him, "Yes, oh yes! Brilliant! Fantastic! Molto Bene! Aagh, my head. Jessie, come here," he said standing up and walking around the side of the table where I was sitting.
I quickly stood up to face him and he took my face in his hands.
"Jessie, your mum was telepathic, she may have left a psychic message for me in your mind, and if you are truly our daughter you should have the same abilities as her. I'm just going to slip into your mind to check, is that okay?" he asked permission.
I nodded my consent quickly, eager to find out if my mum had actually left a message for me and the Doctor, I mean Dad, in my head.
It felt strange at first, feeling another person in my mind, but after a second, it felt as though I had been missing this my entire life. Not long after he entered I heard a feminine voice in my mind. One I had not heard since I was a small child.
"My Darling Child, Jessie, if this message has been activated, it means that you found the Doctor, and he was able to figure out just who you are. I don't know how you will grow up or the hardships and adventures you will face, but I want you to know one thing. I love you so much and sending you away was the second hardest thing I have ever done. First being, losing your father in the first place. I hope you were safe and loved growing up. Now Doctor, first, I want you to know that I love you. I love you so much and I am so very sorry that I couldn't hold on tighter to that lever. I have regretted it every day for the last several years. I am also sorry that I wasn't able to tell you I was pregnant with Jessie before I got sucked into that parallel universe. Giving birth to and raising Jessie by myself was so hard without you. I know how fantastic you are with kids, and having your help would have meant the world. But I raised her just as I know you would have. I told her stories of the universe, and helped her believe in the impossible. She reminded me so much of you, and even just the couple years I had with her, I saw you every day. But Doctor, listen, the Bad Wolf has power, unbelievably so. Enough to transport a person across dimensions. But the problem was, it could only send one at a time. And unfortunately, my Love, it takes years to build up the strength to do so. I fear that I will be recovering from this for a long time after. I promise that I am coming for you, but it's going to take longer than I have the patience to wait. So, in the meantime I want you to know that I am out searching every day to find a way. I knew that Jessie would find you or you would find her. Because even from this horrible universe the bad wolf is working, and my Love, she lives in Jessie, because she holds a part of me. And in being a part of bad wolf, she is linked to the TARDIS, and my dear Doctor, to you," her voice was shaking with unshed tears now, "I am coming, Doctor, just like I promised, but take care of Jessie just like I know you will, and see me in her as I saw you in her and find comfort till I can be there with you."
And just like that, the message ended. The Doctor let out a shuddering sigh and removed his hands from my temples. He then quickly embraced me and held me so tight. We both just stayed that way, revelling in the knowledge that we were together. The circumstances were impossible, but we had found each other. My Dad was sitting hugging me, and I knew my Mum was on her way.
He stepped back after a long pause and looked me straight in the eyes, "Welcome home, Jessie."
Tears sprang to my eyes as I realized that I was truly home. I would never be sent away, abused, or kicked to the curb again. I was safe, and I had never truly been alone. My mum had been with me and as it turns out, a part of my father too.
I smiled bigger than I ever had and replied, "Thanks….Dad."
The Doctor looked like he might burst from excitement and gave me a goofy grin back almost laughing with joy.
"Shall we?" He asked, extending his hand and wiggling his fingers daring me to take it.
I grabbed his hand and nodded. He took off with me down the corridor and into the console room where he excitedly began flipping switches and turning dials, setting the TARDIS into motion.
"Where are we going?" I asked excitedly, holding on for dear life.
"Well I figured we'd stop off in Cardiff and refuel, then set off for the very first place I took your mother after I regenerated," he said smiling and looking to me for approval.
"Sounds amazing," I replied.
The TARDIS landed with a thud and after setting the engines to refuel on the rift energy, we exited into a bright sunny Cardiff morning. We stood just outside the doors and looked around at everything. The Doctor told me all about the adventures he's had so far there and what the different buildings were. Then from somewhere behind us came a voice screaming the Doctor's name and the sound of rushing footsteps.
We turned around and a man who looked like some kind of military man in a long coat was waving frantically and trying to get our attention. I turned back to look at my father and he had a pained look.
The man approached and stopped in front of us, "Doctor," he spoke and waited.
"What do you want, Jack?" he asked, rolling his eyes.
"Well, that's some way to greet a friend you haven't seen in ages. I have missed you, Doc. no one had heard from you in so long I was beginning to get worried that…" He didn't finish but we both knew what he was getting at.
The Doctor nodded and finally gave in and embraced the good-looking man.
"I saw the list, Doctor, I'm so sorry," Jack said remorsefully.
"She's alive, Jack, just trapped in a parallel world," my dad said.
"But she's alive! Oh, Doctor that's amazing! That means that there is a chance that she could make it back some day. Things and people from parallel dimensions fall through the rift all the time. There's still hope," he finished, finally looking over at me for the first time.
He looked back at the Doctor for a second then stuck his hand out to me, "Captain Jack Harkness, and who might you be?"
"Don't even, Jack, there is no way I am letting you anywhere near my daughter," The Doctor spoke harshly.
Jack's eyes nearly came out of his head, "What?! How in the world….where in...what?"
The Doctor sighed, "Come inside Jack, this is no place for this conversation. We'll be refueling for the rest of the day," he took out his key and opened the doors.
We made our way into the library and we all took a seat in front of the fireplace.
The Doctor took a calming breath, then began, "A few weeks ago, I was tracking this alien beast sort of creature on a planet with a small human colony. I was in the woods when I picked up a human signature on the sonic screwdriver. I found her on the ground with a broken arm and multiple bruises and lacerations, but beyond that I felt an automatic mental connection. I didn't know what it meant at the time, but I took her, uh Jessie, sorry, into the Tardis. I helped her heal and found out how much abuse she had seen in her lifetime and asked if she'd like to stay with me. Then one morning we were having a conversation about her past and she mentioned a story her mother told her when she was very young about the bad wolf being her protector. I automatically thought of Rose and as it turns out, Rose sent Jessie here. She is her mother, and I am her father. I didn't even know Rose was pregnant, she never got the chance to say at Canary Wharf. But after she bonded with the Tardis she had power left in her to send one through the void to our world. Of course she sent Jessie, she would never leave our child on their own, but now she's trapped there and trying to find a way back here," he finished waiting for a response.
Jack sat on the couch with his hand over his mouth in silence just thinking about what he'd been told. It was several minutes before he inhaled deeply and looked up.
"I don't even know what to say. It's incredible, I can't believe that in all the universe you two found each other. And you have no idea how happy I am to hear that you and Rose finally threw caution into the wind and got together. The tension on the Tardis was unbearable," he said smiling just the slightest.
The Doctor spoke, "But it was so much more than that, Jack. Our connection was deeper and more intimate than anyone could possibly understand. We spoke through our minds and shared each other's thoughts and emotions. I love her more than I ever thought it possible to love. Until I met Jessie, of course."
Jack nodded understandingly and looked over to where I was sitting choking back the tears that had welled up.
"Well, Jessie, it is an honor to meet the Doctor and Rose Tyler's daughter," he spoke, taking my hand and giving it an ever so gentle kiss then gazing up into my eyes.
"The honor is mine Jack," I said, feeling way too formal for the context.
"So Doctor," Jack began before slouching back on the couch, "Where are you two headed?"
"I'm taking her to New Earth," he said a brilliant smile coming onto his face.
"Aw nostalgia tour. How sweet. I know she will love it just as much as her mother did. I used to travel with the Doctor and Rose. We were everywhere and everywhen. Man the fun we had," he replied looking up at the ceiling reminiscing.
I was really beginning to like this Captain Jack Harkness whoever he was. He was funny, handsome, entertaining and he loved my mum. It would be really amazing if he could come along. It might be good to have someone else on board.
The Doctor could hear every thought Jessie was thinking and immediately turned toward her.
"No way, we are not going down that road again, you have no idea what you'd be getting yourself into," he said looking sternly at me.
Astonished, I answered, "Were you just listening to my thoughts?!"
The Doctor turned red and answered, "Maybe, but Jessie, he has a life of his own here in Cardiff, I highly doubt he would want to come anyways."
I replied in my head, "Then there's no harm in asking is there? I think you are just scared that I might end up with the one man you can't stand."
I raised an eyebrow, daring him to challenge me, and at last he relented.
"Jack," I said excitedly, "Would you like to join us? I think it would be so much fun. I could get to know you better and hear stories about you and my mum and all the adventures you had. I have a feeling that you will be good for us," I asked.
Jack smiled and shook his head amusedly, "You know Doc, I really am beginning to see just how much she is like Rose."
The Doctor smiled back nodding, "Tell me about it."
"I would love to, Jessie. The team is doing well and I've been training them to handle situations without me in case I ever decide to take a trip. So I don't see why not," he answered.
We spent the evening talking and the Doctor and Jack took turns telling stories of their travels. I listened so intently. It was as if this was the life I was always meant to have. I knew that my life would probably never be the same. I had this peace that I would be seeing my mum again very soon.
The next morning we arrived on New Earth, and it was like nothing I had ever seen. The air smelled of apples, the sky was a beautiful blue, and the city in the distance showed the prominence of the time. The Doctor and Jack took my hand and led me to a spot where we laid out on the grass and just watched as the flying cars passed overhead.
It was mostly quiet until my father spoke, "The last time I came here with your mother the first thing she said when we landed was , 'Can I just say, traveling with you, I love it!' and I took her hand and we ran over to this very spot where we laid and I told her about the city. Of course then things went all topsy turvy and we ended up in a hospital stuck with patients infected with every disease in the known universe and an evil trampoline inhabiting your mum's body, but I fixed everything right up," he told us.
I felt so free and light. My arm had finally healed all the way so I took the sling off. Jack had been livid when we shared the story of my growing up. I knew he would take care of me and from what it seemed, he would grow to be incredibly possessive too. I laid my head on my dad's chest and he wrapped his arm around me. Then I took my free hand and reached out for Jack to hold it.
"Dad?" I called quietly.
"Yes, Jessie?" he responded.
"I don't think I ever said thank you. I am so glad you found me, and…."I almost choked on the tears as they came.
He noticed instantly and sat up cradling me, "Hey, hey, ssshhh, sshhh, it's all right. What is it? What's wrong?" he asked worriedly.
"Nothing, everything is just so right. It's like a dream, and I'm so afraid that at any second I'll wake up and be thousands of miles away from you. But then I know it's real, and we're real, and this new life is real, and that I..." I cried, "I...I love you, Dad."
He looked into my tearful eyes then hugged me even tighter and whispered in my ear, "I love you too, so much."
Jack still held tightly onto my hand and gave it a firm and reassuring squeeze. I looked up and he gave me a wink and a nod.
The next few weeks were fantastic. The Doctor showed me several of the places he took my mum, and Jack kindly decided to stay on with us for longer than we all expected. He was just so great. My dad would put the TARDIS into the vortex so he could perform repairs and Jack would sit with me in the library and tell me story after story. He was funny, and yet could sit and have a heart to heart for hours on end. I really was beginning to care for Jack. This was one of those nights, and we were right in the middle of Jack telling me about his final adventure with the Doctor and my mum when my dad interrupted.
"Jessie! Jack! Get down to the console room now!" he yelled.
We looked at each other confused then took off running in the direction of the control room. When we arrived, the Doctor was frantically pressing buttons and pulling levers.
"Dad?! What's going on?" I cried grabbing on to the console to hold on.
"It's Rose! I've managed to isolate the signature of her huon particles, and the Tardis locked on. If the two can manage to come close enough together we can break through the barrier between worlds and bring her home!" he said while continuing to pilot the ship through the extra turbulent vortex.
"Brilliant!" Jack said in awe starting to help with what he could on the console.
"Dad, that's incredible!" I said enthusiastically.
"And…...YES! Here we go!" the Tardis steadied and a blinding glow filled the console room.
Slowly the brightness faded leaving an absolutely stunned blonde woman standing in the center of the room. All was silent but the gentle hum of the Tardis as it flew gently through the vortex. The Doctor and Jack stepped round from the other side of the console and their jaws simultaneously dropped. The woman turned around revealing a face I thought I had forgotten. The confused expression melted into one of exuberant joy. Her smile lit up the entire Tardis.
Finally, I decided to break the silence, "Mum?!" I said quietly trying to conceal the pure emotion behind those words.
Her gaze drifted to me. She was completely silent and walked slowly in my direction drawing multiple conclusions in her mind. Then after an endless moment of silence she spoke, "Jessie, my Jessie," she spoke tears coming to her eyes.
Her arms flew open and I ran to her and embraced her tighter than I ever had anyone besides my father.
She held me close and whispered in my ear, "I knew you'd find each other," she released me to look at me better, "You are so beautiful my darling Jessie."
The tears fell down my own face and she quickly wiped them away, "Nah, none of that. We are together again, and that is what matters."
She hugged me again then let go and allowed herself to steal a look at Jack.
A mischievous smile graced her features and she ran and jumped into his arms, "Jack," was all she had to say.
"Oh, long time no see, Rosie," he replied squeezing her tightly and swinging her back and forth.
"Ya know, been busy. Missed you Jack,"she said, placing a peck on his cheek.
He smiled a dashing smile back at her then put her down. Finally, she tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear and turned to face the one person who had remained completely silent during the whole ordeal. Her bright smile faded, replaced by years of longing and grief. She tried to hold back the emotion, but neither moved or said a word. Jack gave me a knowing look and gestured with his head to the corridor. I took his hint and we both exited the console room, leaving them alone to reunite properly.
The second we were out of sight they bolted toward each other and they clung to each other for dear life. There was so much at the moment that needed to be said and properly discussed, but neither cared. They hugged and kissed and cried, and both fought to convey their individual amount of suffering through the passion being shared. When they had both come to a point where neither could continue, they sat down together and held each other close.
Rose placed her hand on his face and looked at him as if with new eyes, "Oh Doctor, my Doctor, I'm so sorry." she said allowing a tear to fall.
He mirrored her position and swiped the tear away with his thumb, "So am I."
They kissed once more, but this one was filled with a promise of love and devotion.
"I know there is a lot that both of us want to talk about and work through, but let's save it for some other night. There will be plenty of time for everything we want to say and do. But we have an amazing daughter and best friend waiting for us, and I think we have all waited long enough," Rose spoke, taking him with her as she stood.
The Doctor nodded his approval, but held tightly to her hand and led her down the corridor to the room they once shared, "I completely agree, but first, there is something that is not here that I want to fix right now."
She automatically knew exactly what he was talking about. Their telepathic bond broke when they were separated by universes, and both had felt incredibly alone without the other in their mind. He took her other hand so he now held both and sat with her on the bed. They both then placed their hands in the position as had become custom for them, on the other's temples.
"Ready?" he whispered.
"Since the minute we were separated," she replied.
He was the first to enter her mind, but she followed suit quickly into his. She remembered what to do from the first time they had bonded, and took the cord that represented his consciousness and wrapped it around her hands as he did the same in her mind, then they reached across the void of their minds and linked their hands completing the mental bond. It flared with intensity back to life and they were both overwhelmed at first contact. Both of their shattered minds were slowly pieced back together by their telepathic presence. He sent her an image of circles and symbols from the language of his people, one she'd come to recognize in two heartbeats.
"I love you too," she spoke softly in his mind.
They removed their hands and opened their eyes to see each other staring back.
He smiled as he took her hand again and stood up, "Now we can go see Jack and Jessie."
Rose laughed for the first time since she arrived, "Wow, I'm actually impressed, Doctor, we managed to spend time in our room without ending up.."she stopped mid-sentence as he sent a variety of pictures and messages to her letting her know not only did it take every ounce of his self-control to leave, but that they would be going back and spending as much time as he deemed necessary as soon as Jessie and Jack turned in for the night-cycle.
Rose blushed and swatted his arm as they entered the library where Jack was finishing up his earlier interrupted story, "Then the Doctor, took all, or well he thought it was all of the time vortex out of Rose and then left me on that forsaken space station with no way of escape. But lucky for him I made it back to earth and haven't been able to die yet."
"Wow, that's incredible!" I exclaimed as they entered, "Dad? Why did you leave Jack there?"
The Doctor heaved a sigh then took a seat across from them, "When your mother brought him back to life, she couldn't control it. She brought him back forever. He became a fixed point, and as a time lord that is something my people have always run from. He literally made me and the Tardis hurt, so I left and ran away, just like I always have. But the longer I am around him, the more my senses become accustomed, which is why he is now able to kindly grace us with his presence."
I nodded my understanding then looked over at Rose, "If you don't mind me asking, how old are you? How long has it been since you lost me? Since you lost dad?"
"Woah, woah, slow down, Jessie, one question at a time. I am the same age I was when I looked into the heart of the tardis, because I stopped aging. Linear wise, it has been three years since the Doctor, and only about a year since I lost you. Time moves differently in the other universe. You have completely grown up, which if you don't mind me asking, how old are you?"
"18, I'll be 19 in about six months," I said knowing she would be sad that she missed it all.
Rose covered her mouth with her hands and let out a shuddering sob. The Doctor beside her placed a comforting hand on her back and rubbed it soothingly back and forth.
"I just want to tell you, Jessie, I don't regret sending you here for a second. I regret not being there for you throughout your life," she spoke.
"But that's just it mum, you have been. Bad wolf has been with me my entire life, and as a result so has a part of my mother and father," I replied excitedly.
Rose eyes opened in shock, "You remember that story I told you? Even now? How?"
"It was one of the few things my mind would never let me forget about you," I answered reassuringly.
She breathed a sigh of relief then something hit her, "But, Doctor, that means that you've been on your own for 18 years!" she said incredulously moving to face him.
"It was worth every millisecond of the wait," was all he said in response, adjusting so he could kiss her forehead and send feelings of love and comfort into her mind.
"Well what have you three been up to then?" she asked knowing that was enough reminiscing for one evening.
"Dad's been taking me to some of the places he took you! New Earth was beautiful by the way, I can see why you like it so much," I replied excitedly.
"Oh, isn't it?" she said smiling once again, "Have you been to any places that stuck out to you, yet?"
"Well most of them do, but I think Pasturas 7. It was where I was first able to open up to the Doctor, Dad, about my past," I said.
"Wow, I definitely remember that one, we went there after Krop Tor to rest and unwind after almost losing each other. It was just so peaceful. That was where we admitted that we were in love," she said as she watched the Doctor blush.
"But Doctor, back then you didn't even know who I was," I said confused.
"No, but you reminded me so much of her," he answered.
I smiled and looked back at my mum.
"So what about growing up? How was your life?" She asked enthusiastically.
I lowered my head and my smile disappeared. The Doctor simultaneously did the same and the room fell quiet again.
I stood up from where I sat and walked over to where my mother sat, "I am going to be completely honest about what happened, but just know that absolutely none of it is your fault," then knelt in front of her and grasped her hands in mine.
I spent the next hour recounting the tale of my past and included every one of the hardships I had to face. My life is not one that is celebrated, but it's not the worst it could have been either. And what mattered, I needed her to know, was that now I was with her and my father and my new best friend, and I would never have to go back to a situation like that again. I was safe and loved, in a place where I could be free from abuse and unkindness.
Rose cried for quite a while and we all just sat together until she stopped, "I wish I could take it all away, all the hurt you've been through, Jessie. I went through abuse with my first boyfriend, but compared to what you have felt it is nothing. I suppose I'm just glad we can all be together now," she finished pulling me into a hug.
"Me too," I whispered.
After this we all decided to take a break and turn in for the evening cycle, and meet back up for breakfast in the galley. That night I had the most peaceful and dreamless sleep I have ever had.
Jack and I both knew that my parents probably wouldn't actually meet us in the morning and our suspicions were confirmed when we arrived at an empty kitchen. I took a seat at the table, Jack started making two cups of tea. He came and sat across from me.
"I wouldn't bother waiting around for them this morning. Last time they told me that, they didn't end up showing up till the afternoon," he said.
I smiled into my mug and tried my best not to laugh.
We sat for just a bit longer in companionable silence, then I spoke, "So what about you, Jack? Who have you got?"
He smiled back and looked away for a second, "Oh, me? I've only got my temporal friends. Those who I work with mostly. I'm immortal so I outlive everyone I care for," he spoke trying to conceal the sadness he most probably felt.
"I'm sorry, I can't imagine how lonely that must be," I said looking back down to the tea I was holding.
"Suppose that's one reason why I like traveling with the Doctor so much. Everyone here will be around for a long time," he said, reaching across and taking my hand in his reassuringly.
A thought hit me then, "What about me? Will I live for a long time?" I asked uncertainly.
Jack seemed to ponder this for a few minutes before he replied, "Well, there's one way to find out."
He took my hand, and led me down the corridor to the very first place the Doctor ever took me. The med bay looked the same as it did all those months ago. There was a large scanner and Jack brought me over to where it had a space to stand.
"Step there," he said walking round to the other side, and programming it to do a scan.
"How do you know how to work that thing?" I asked, intrigued.
"Oh, you know, been around for hundreds of years, plus I did the same scan on your mum a long time ago," he spoke.
This thought made me happy, I liked being like my mum. The scanner hummed for a few minutes then beeped with the results. I came round to stand beside Jack while he read what had been found.
"Well looks like as you've progressed in years the amount of huons in your system have multiplied, so your aging is slowing down, and you have a second heart beside your main one, so you've got that little bit of time lord. I imagine the Doctor didn't pick up on it. I bet after the night you met it started beating for the first time. Severe trauma can cause a timelord to regenerate, but if your body perceived the threat it would have kick-started the process. Doesn't look like you possess any regeneration energy though, so you don't heal particularly fast, but you won't be dying any time soon," he concluded.
I walked over to the nearest seat and plopped down exhaling quickly as I did so. Jack came over to me and kneeled in front.
"It's a lot to take in," he spoke softly.
"Yeah," I replied, not particularly looking anywhere, just in a daze.
"Hey," he spoke placing his hand on my cheek, I snapped out of it and looked down at him, "I'm glad," he said, "Can't imagine the Tardis without you now."
This touched my heart so incredibly I jumped from the seat and hugged him tightly, "Thank you, Jack."
"It's my pleasure, Jessie," he answered squeezing me back.
"I like when you say my name," I said leaning back to look him in the eyes.
He just winked back at me and smiled, "Guess I'll have to use it more often then."
This made me blush and I took another sip of my tea to hide my amused expression.
Just then another voice broke through, "No corrupting my daughter, Jack Harkness."
We turned just in time to see Rose smack the Doctor in the arm.
"That's Captain Jack Harkness to you," he replied snarkily and shot me another wink, then stood and grabbed both our empty mugs and placed them in the sink
Rose sat down beside me and spoke, "Don't mind your Father, he's only just realized he has a fully grown daughter, and isn't quite ready to let you go yet."
"Well, he doesn't have to worry about that, I'm only 18 and I've only just met you. I am not going anywhere. This is my home, and I have no intention of leaving it," I said giving him a smile.
"What are you two doing out here so soon anyways?" Jack asked, "We figured you two wouldn't emerge till at least lunch."
The Doctor rolled his eyes, "Well, Rose and I both decided that we didn't want to waste a second of possible adventure with our daughter and best friend. So, where to today?" he asked, looking expectantly around the table.
Rose's eyes sparked with suggestion. She looked as though she might burst from excitement, but she tried very hard to keep it in.
Jack was the first to say anything, "Well, I think all of us at this point have noticed Rose's rapt enthusiasm. Rose, is there something you'd like to say?"
She calmed down just a fraction before she spoke, "Jessie, is there somewhere you had in mind?" she looked at me, almost hoping I'd say no.
"I was just going to leave it up to someone more experienced," I replied.
"And you, Jack?" she asked.
"It's all you, Rosie," he answered trying not to laugh.
She turned and looked at the Doctor with eyes that told him how just how important her suggestion meant to them, "Doctor, can we take Jessie to Woman Wept?" she asked.
The Doctor's face lit up into a brilliant smile, "I think that sounds like a brilliant plan," he replied showing just how proud he was of her.
"What's Woman Wept like?" I asked, now incredibly curious at what had both of them so excited.
"I suppose you'll just have to wait and find out. All I will say is that, Woman Wept was the first step in the right direction for your father and I. I think that's where I first realized just how much I truly loved him," she said, her eyes shining.
My heart began to race with all the excitement and I was ready to jump up and run, but we all had to wait till everyone had finished eating. At last, I think all four of us went bolting down the corridors of the Tardis to the console room. The Doctor set the dematerialization lever and I think even the Tardis was shaking with excitement.
"Steady, Old Girl," the Doctor said smiling and shaking his head at his beautiful machine, "If we're not careful we'll find ourselves somewhere way off course, and I don't think anyone wants that."
Finally the shuddering stopped and we landed with a thud. The Doctor took a peek at the monitor to make sure we were in the right place, then addressed team Tardis.
"You will all want to dress warmly for this, so go grab whatever you need," he said knowing it would kill us to have to wait longer.
I sprinted back to my bedroom and slipped on a pair of leggings, a long sleeve shirt, a leather jacket, gloves, and boots. Then made my way back to the console room where the Doctor and Jack stood.
"Just waiting on your mother, as usual," he said happily with a hint of sarcasm, "This is a pretty usual day with us. Always has to take extra time to get ready. Usually pays off for me at least, but I know the suspense is killing you," he said to me.
After what seemed like an eternity my mother emerged, and we all headed towards the door. Before the Doctor opened it, he nodded to Rose who stood behind me.
"I want you to close your eyes. Don't worry, I'll guide you out, but I want this to be a complete surprise," she said.
I did as I was instructed and felt the cold the second the doors opened. It stung my face and ears and the wind whipped my hair. The ground was hard, cold and slippery as though I was walking on ice. We walked for a couple minutes and they still had not told me to open my eyes, so I walked blindly deeper into the cold. Not five or more minutes later everyone stopped, and Rose planted me in a spot. It felt as though everyone backed away just a fraction, because the little body heat I had felt before was now gone.
"All right," I heard my mother's voice from a few feet away, "You can open your eyes now."
I opened them and it took a second for my eyes to adjust to the light, but once they did, I was amazed. The sight left me breathless and speechless. Surrounding me were gigantic waves which had been frozen in an instant of time. They shone and sparkled in the ever growing sunlight. It was almost scary thinking that at any moment one could come crashing down, but at the same time, I don't think I would care. This made everything seem so much smaller. All the problems of my past melted away and the blessings of my future took their place. I spun in circles just attempting to take in the grandeur of it all, and once I had observed all I could, my family approached.
"Your father took me here on one of my first few trips ever. This planet was frozen in an instant during a storm that had produced the waves you see now. Looking down from above, the whole continent looks like a woman crying hence the name. We came here with Jack a long time ago, and after we had explored, he went inside and it was just me and the Doctor. We strolled hand in hand across the ice, and he explained to me just how small we are in the grand scheme of things, but how important one single person can be. Just one human can make an outstanding difference in the world. Your father taught me a better way of living your life. You don't just walk away. You make a stand. You say no. You have the guts to do what's right when everyone else just runs away. He looked me in the eyes, and I could see just how much he had endured, and just how much he loved me. That was the moment I realized the complexity and the unbelievable span of our love. This place became the spot we would retreat to when we needed to be alone, or when we needed to remember. Our safe place. And now, my dear Jessie, it is yours too," she spoke trying to hold back tears of joy.
The Doctor came up beside her and put his arm around her comfortingly, "Well, what do you think, Jessie?"
"I think it's absolutely perfect," I said before running into both of their arms and hugging them tightly.
"Shall we take a walk then?" the Doctor asked.
I nodded my agreement and then almost skipped along. Jack came up beside me. He was unusually quiet, but he took a quick glance over, then grabbed my hand in his. Ever so gently he brushed his thumb back and forth over the top of my hand. Inside I wasn't sure what to think. I had never seen this side of him before. He was vulnerable. My parents took a different direction, I think sensing that we needed to talk. I stopped him at a spot and we sat down together.
"What's wrong, Jack?" I asked, searching his eyes for any indication.
He lowered his head and I wasn't sure he was actually going to respond until he took in a deep breath and raised it again, "It's just, seeing you today, and how amazing and brilliant you really are. My whole life, I've had people come and go. People I thought I loved , but there's something about you and I find myself being pulled in deeper and deeper. I feel an undeniable pull or draw towards you that I've never felt before in my entire life," he said, casting his eyes down again.
I reached out my hand and lifted his head to meet my gaze, "And what's wrong with that?" I asked, confused as to why this was such a problem.
"Because you deserve so much better than me. I am not good enough for you. I've not exactly had the best life when it comes to relationships, and I have never really cared this much before. All I know is that I am in no way what's best for you," he said disheartened.
My heart broke for Jack in an instant. He had been immortal for hundreds of years. He had loved and lost, but never really hurt this much before. I searched his pained expression again and again for the source of this unexpected revelation. The love I saw reflected back almost left me as breathless as the scenery had. Jack loved me. We had only known each other for a couple months, but he had fallen in love. Did I love him back? Finally I realized that I had just spent the last several minutes just staring at his face, and I remembered the last thing he said.
"Shouldn't I be the one to determine that?" I asked him leaning ever so slightly forward.
Jack's incredulous expression of shock and awe was enough to spur me on, and I closed the remaining gap between our lips. My hand wrapped around the back of his head bringing him forward, his arms simultaneously wrapping around my small frame. It seemed Jack had a change of heart. Instead of pulling away, he deepened the kiss bringing us impossibly closer. At last, both of us were left breathless, and we pulled away to breathe in some much needed oxygen. We rested our foreheads against each others and I giggled a bit at how quickly that escalated.
"I see nothing to laugh at, Miss Tyler," Jack said trying to hide his ever growing smile.
A laugh escaped him and I bent down for one final peck on the lips before pulling away.
"Still feel unworthy then?" I asked him, smiling.
"Not in the slightest. Of course, now my only problem is convincing your father not to chuck me into a supernova," he said standing up.
He reached down and pulled me up along beside him.
"Yeah, good luck with that one. Didn't you say something about him almost doing that just for looking at my mum?" I joked.
Jack looked scared for a millisecond, then shook his head, "It'll be fine, I've got the Doctor and Rose Tyler's daughter looking out for me," he winked and then we began walking again.
We strolled slowly back to the Tardis and stopped in front of the doors. He turned to look at me, as though searching once again for affirmation.
"You'll be fine," I said before reaching up to brush my hand against his cheek.
I pulled him down and kissed him again, letting him know everything would be okay, then opened the door. My dad and mum were inside by the console waiting. My mum looked happy as ever, smiling brightly. My dad looked a bit protective, but almost touched at the same time.
"Have fun?" the Doctor asked us.
Jack blushed and looked down at his feet, he knew that whatever was about to happen would most likely end in his embarrassment, but he didn't even care. He had found the most amazing woman who loved him for who he was and didn't judge him based on his past, and most importantly wouldn't be leaving him any time soon.