Remember what I said?

I was wrong.

Very wrong.

This was so a Third Wheel trip. Frankly, I can't take it anymore. I've grown fond of the Doctor and Rose but the fact that they barely acknowledge me is not that great.

What bugged me the most was that the Doctor didn't even bother getting to know me. All he knew was my name and that I was American. Other than that, nothing. But if you asked him about Rose, he'd have an answer in less than two seconds. Not only was it annoying, but it was also hurtful. It made me think that he didn't like me and I knew that wasn't the case because he could've easily dropped me off but... he didn't. But what was wrong, then?

I loved this place, I really did, but I can't keep going on like this. That's why I left home in the first place, years ago. I will not go through that again.

~/~

"Here we are, just 6 hours after we left," the Doctor pulled up in the same alley way we had left off in on Earth. I stepped outside, feeling as if it wasn't real. After seeing so much, it felt like I was just plain dreaming up the bland planet. "Now, are you sure you want to go home?"

I looked back, seeing him and Rose standing together. I nodded, "Yeah..."

"Oh, don't forget your coat!" Rose rushed inside the TARDIS and came back with my light, yellow coat, "Here," she handed it to me.

"You know we'll be back, right?" The Doctor asked.

I nodded, "Yeah...but-"

"Good then, we'll see you some time later," he grinned then walked inside.

I smiled sadly, nodding again even if he couldn't see it anymore.

Rose, oblivious to the ignorance, simply waved her hand before walking inside as well, "See you."

And just like the last time, one year ago, the blue box of wonders disappeared right before my eyes.

"Goodbye Doctor," I whispered, thankful for so much opportunities I had been offered from him, "Thank you."

I turned and walked away, knowing I'd probably never see them again.

~/~

I entered the diner, feeling good and ready to begin the day. I felt I should leave London soon and head off somewhere new. Feeling ignored didn't help and so I wanted a fresh new start again, like the first time. That's usually what would happen: I'd travel, find a new place, meet people, waited a decent time until I saw things going for the worst then got up and left again.

It was that time again...

"Morning!" I yelled.

Ami, who was walking towards the counter, dropped the plates she had been holding to the ground. I jumped when the glass smashed into pieces.

"Ami! What the hell?" I walked towards the counter, setting my bag on it.

"It's...it's you," she pointed a trembling finger at me, "D-Dominic!" she yelled.

"What?" Dominic walked to his station and looked up through the opening window. His eyes widened when he saw me, "Oh my god..."

"Oh, Joy!" Ami threw her hands around my neck, "I'm so glad you're safe!"

"What are you talking about?" I pulled away, utterly confused, "Of course I'm safe!"

"Where have you been kid?" Dominic asked, "We were worried sick!"

"I thought you had finally left again," Ami said sadly, "Without even a goodbye."

"What are you two talking about? I just saw you yesterday," I shrugged off my coat.

"What are YOU talking about?" Dominic raised an eyebrow, "It's been 6 months since you came in."

My eyes nearly popped out, "SIX MONTHS?" I choked out, "N-n-n-n-no," I shook my head, "6 months? No...it..." I looked at them and saw they were serious, dead serious. They wouldn't lie like that; they weren't about the pranking style.

I had been gone for six months.

"Yeah, the boss was really angry you just skipped out like that," Ami said.

"Oh..." I shut my eyes, "I dread to think. I'm fired aren't I?"

They both nodded.

"And I don't think your American charm is going to work this time," Dominic said, "Sorry kid."

I sighed, "I lost my job."

"Where did you go?" Ami asked as I grabbed my coat and bag.

"Somewhere..." I mumbled, walking to the door, "But it doesn't matter now..."

6 months. I've been gone 6 months. The Doctor had said 6 hours. He clearly got it wrong. What was I supposed to do now?

I called where I lived and was greeted by an angry Ms. Griffin, the owner of the apartment in which I rented a room.

I had lost that too.

I was left walking through the streets with no place to go and no money. Wonderful.

I had lost everything...

I looked up and noticed something posted on a street post. At first, I couldn't make out what it was but when I neared closer, I saw it was a 'Missing Girl' flyer. I reached for it and studied it.

I gasped quietly, "Rose..."

'Have you seen me?'

"They've marked her down as disappeared." I read the entire paper and saw there was a phone number and address. I looked up, glancing ahead and back.

I dashed off to somewhere named the Powell Estate. I clutched the paper in my hand as I ran. Oh Rose, if only she knew.

~/~

I knocked furiously, alright I pounded, on a door until I was finally answered. "Jackie Tyler?" I said, catching my breath.

A blonde, blue eyed woman stared at me momentarily stood on the other side of the door, "Uh...yes?"

"I know..." I panted, holding up the crumpled paper in my hand, as if she could really see what was on it anymore, "...Rose..."

"Oh!" She exclaimed then pulled me in and shut the door. "Have you seen my daughter?"

I caught my breath and nodded, "She's been gone for 6 months?"

"Yes, yes, do you know where she is?"

I licked my lips, sucking in a deep breath, "You see..."

"Jackie?" Someone called as the door was reopened.

I froze; it was the young man Rose had been with in the London Eye.

When he recognized me he pointed violently, his anger growing clear on his face. "It's you!"

I blinked, not finding the right words to say. I mean, what could I really say?

"Do you know each other?" Jackie asked, desperately trying to keep up; a hopeful gleam in her eyes, probably belonging to the thought of finally finding her daughter.

"She was with Rose the day she disappeared," The guy exclaimed, nearly shouting at me, "Do you know how many problems your stupid Doctor caused me?"

"I'm...sorry..." I tried apologizing but Rose's mother cut in and started questioning for her daughter.

"You were with Rose? Where's Rose!? What do you know!?"

"Calm down," I gestured with my hands, I seeing her get really get worked up about it, "I can explain..."

"No, you left too!" the guy marched up to me angrily, 'Do you know I was a suspect for killing Rose?"

"Y-you were?" I blinked, now undertanding completely his amger, "I'm terribly sorry but it's not my fault!"

"Mickey Smith you let her speak," snapped Jackie.

"Mickey?" I quickly said, "I can explain. Just give me the chance," He glared but nodded and allowed me to continue, "Jackie, I don't know where your daughter is," I began and I saw the disappointment in her face, "But I can assure you she's not dead. She's just...traveling."

"Traveling?" she repeated, "But why won't she call?"

"I don't know," I shook my head, really not getting the answer either. I mean, Rose knew her mother would pick up. She knew her mother would always be worried. She should feel lucky and GRATEFUL she had a mother like Jackie. But for some reason, she just wasn't bothered that she had left her mother without a word.

"Jackie, I went missing that same day but...here I am," I gestured to my safe body, "And look, no one even claimed a disappearance of me. I'm perfectly fine."

"Who...who are you?" she asked.

"Joy Souza."

"You seem pretty young..." she looked me over, "You say you disappeared too? And your parents didn't file it?"

I couldn't help but scoff, "Please, like they'd make time to look out for me."

She tilted her head, frowning with confusion, "But-"

"It's not important," I quickly moved on from the topic, "I just came over to give you some assurance over your daughter. I don't know where she is but she'll be coming back. Pretty soon." I turned to Mickey, "And I'm sorry for the trouble you had to go through. I didn't think that'd happen. I don't think the Doctor did either."

He smiled dimly, "I guess it's not really your fault..."

"I uh...better get going," I walked for the door.

"Joy?" Jackie called suddenly, "Hold on there," I looked back as she came up, "Your parents...what did you mean by that?"

I shook my head, "Jakie, it's not import-"

"It's important," she said softly, studying me for a minute, "I can bet you're not even eighteen yet," I tried hiding my shock at her correct guessing but she just saw straight through it. She took my hand, bringing me away from the door. "How's about a nice cup of tea?"

My mouth opened to immediately decline the offer, knowing it was best to put distance between myself and the Doctor and Rose. I had to leave anyways and the less people I said goodbye to, the better. "...can I get coffee instead?"

And that happened instead.

Jackie smiled, nodding as she brought me towards the kitchen, Mickey right behind, "Of course, sweetheart."

6 Months Later

"See you later Jackie!" I exclaimed, running to the door and grabbing my bag.

"Hold on, no breakfast?" she walked out from the kitchen, expectant face that declared I sat down at the table for a proper meal.

"I have to find a new job," I reminded, sweetest smile I could give on my face.

"Again?" she leaned against the wall, "What happened to the one last week?"

"I quit," I shrugged, "Boss was incredibly rude and demeaning."

"Hm, well I already told you. Maybe you should just focus on school. The faster you finish, the quicker you can get into college."

"I will," I nodded, reaching for the door knob, "I am."

I ran through the street, looking intently on where I could apply for another job. It was becoming fairly difficult, I'd admit. Every since I lost the one at the diner, I just couldn't seem to stick in one job anymore. Granted, I never did but this time it was different. I just couldn't. I never stayed too long in a place; when I felt ready to leave I just did. But I hadn't done so in over a year and a half. I was still in London and for some reason, I couldn't leave.

Perhaps, it could have to do with the fact that I had found a real home that I couldn't admit was only a temporary one until Rose returned and took back her room. But the atmosphere was just so different! Right from the beginning, Jackie had sat me down on the table, handing me a cup of coffee, and along with Mickey, listened to my story...my whole story. She didn't yell, she didn't reprimand me, she didn't order me what I had to do...she just listened. While she didn't condone what I had done in respect to my family, she agreed that they had been wrong. She also agreed not to contact them for any reason unless I was in grave danger, and we were talking about life and death situations. In her, I had found the only other person that could possibly understand me and just...allow me to live my life the way I wanted to. I was doing nothing wrong, really.

I had even found a new friend, in Mickey. He had also listened and had understood me, especially since one of his parents had also been quite the distant from him. And now with his 'girlfriend' off traveling with an alien, we had become the best of friends.

I was really happy. So happy that I just couldn't bring myself to leave...

~/~

All morning I spent it in the mall, looking for a job. I managed to go around the shops inside and beside the mall, but still nothing. I was becoming frantic. 6 months of this! I don't know how much longer I can last! I didn't want to be taken care of, I never need anyone to help me. Jackie and Mickey had offered to pay for my expenses while I finished school but I didn't need my own parents to do that for me so I certainly wasn't about to let two people that actually cared for me to do so.

"Hey," I heard Mickey call from behind.

I turned around, hugging him quick, "Hi."

"What are you doing?"

"Job hunting again."

"What happened to the shop?"

"It didn't work out..."

"So, no luck yet?"

I shook my head, "I don't know, I had such a good job at the diner. I had all my money saved...but it's gone." I sighed, "And I can't seem to get up on my feet anymore."

"You'll find something." he assured, "I was heading to Jackie's for lunch. Ready to come back?"

I shook my head, "Ami and I are going to have lunch at the diner."

He nodded, "Alright. I'll see you later then."

I nodded continued on my way. I entered the diner and was greeted by the familiar greasy smell. "Hi Dominic." I greeted.

"Hey!" he waved from his station, "Ami's in the restroom. She'll be out," I smiled and sat at the counter, "Still no luck?"

"Nope!"

"Don't worry. You'll find something good," he assured, "Actually, one of my friends said there was going to be an opening for a high top institution."

"Really?" I perked up, curious, "What is it?"

"I don't know much about it but she said the pay is really good. If you want, I can give you the number of my friend. Just say I sent you."

'Thanks, Dominic." I smiled.

"Hey!" Ami came out, "Dominic, you know the usual!"

He groaned, "Yes."

We went to sit at a table by the glass window.

"How's the work today?" I looked around, "It's barely filled."

"Yeah, things have been going pretty slow this month."

"Because you need an American..." I trailed off, causing her to chuckle.

"We do miss you," she nodded.

"Me too," I admitted, pouting, making her laugh again.

We talked about the future plans we had both made for the rest of the year, specifically for Christmas which was nearing. She said her family would visit the Galapagos Islands. That sounded like fun...one of the places I had to visit. Though the thought of those plans I had had were slowly fading. I didn't want to go away for Christmas but I also didn't want to stay here. Jackie and Mickey were incredible but the truth was still there: I had no family in England and was living in a room that wasn't even mine. Christmas just seemed like a joke, I admitted to myself. Of course, Ami made me laugh through it. She was incredibly sweet when it came to my troubles. Together, we ate like we hadn't done so in months, much to Dominic's dismay.

I was eating my third chocolate mousse when Mickey busted through the doors.

"Oi man!" Dominic yelled, "What's the rush?"

Mickey ignored him and ran straight to me, "Minnie!" he cried, panting heavily, "You have to see..."

"Mickey, what's wrong?" I handed him a drink.

He shook his head and hand, "No, no. It's Rose..." he finally said, "And the Doctor!"

My eyes widened, "What about them?"

He shook his head, still regaining his breath. He grabbed my hand and ran us out. "See you Ami!" I yelled before we left for the streets.

I couldn't believe they were back...

It had been several months and honestly, secretly, I had started believing they would never return.

But now, the only thought that ran through my head was the trouble those two were in...

~/~

We ran up the stairs of the Powell Estate and bust through the door of the Tyler's. We saw Rose, the Doctor and Jackie in the living room.

"You're back..." I breathed, "Jackie..."

"It was him, wasn't it?" she frowned, "Did he take you away too?" I glanced to the Doctor for help, "He did," Jackie glared at him, "You took these two girls?"

"I didn't force them!" the Doctor exclaimed.

"He didn't," Rose assured, "Mum, please just calm down."

But Jackie was hysterical. She was angry. Furious.

And she should be...

12 months. One Year.

I think anyone who waited that long would be right to be angry...right?

"Jackie, what did I say?" I asked her, trying to ease her anger as best I could, "She was fine. Isn't that what matters?"

"Yes, of course but..."

"Then let it go." I said, "Your daughter is here. Be happy."

She stared at Rose, sighing, "Oh come here," she pulled Rose for a hug.

"Nice one," Mickey whispered behind me.

"Thanks," I whispered back, smiling as the mother and daughter reunited.

"Joy," the Doctor stood up, "How have you been?"

I glanced at Jackie and Mickey, silently pleading they wouldn't say anything, though I think only one of them got the message, "Um...good. I've been very good."

"Minnie," Mickey began, "You los-"

"I've been good," I repeated clearly, elbowing him in the stomach, "Working..."

"That's good." the Doctor nodded, "Really, really good."

I half smiled, "Come here," I pulled him for a hug, "I thought I'd never see you again, you goof ball."

He chuckled, "I did say see you some time."

I pulled back, "It's been six months."

"I thought it was 12," Rose said.

"For you," I looked at the Doctor, "You seem to have made a miscalculation with me as well. It wasn't 6 hours, it was 6 months."

"Oh..." he looked around, "Oops."

"Yeah, oops," I crossed my arms. I pretended to be angry but then started laughing. I re-hugged him, happy to see him again. Secretly, I thought that this time we'd actually get a chance to talk.

That was the plan...

A spaceship crashed into Big Ben, the Doctor as usual got us arrested and 'escorted' to give answers on something we clearly didn't know of. Aliens were discovered to be hiding in 'human suits' I'd say? It was the usual for the Doctor, got himself in trouble and inexplicably saves himself and the rest of the world.

And do you know what happened apart from that?

More ignores.

Now, it was just frustrating!

Throughout the whole chaos, I was only referred back to for a clever input that could possibly give the Doctor an idea. But other than that, it was like I was just one more human, like Harriet Jones, that had tagged along with the time travelers. Was I really just that awful? That bad of a 'companion' as Rose called herself.

Oh, and that's one more thing I also picked up on...

Rose didn't view the Doctor just as an alien. While she wasn't 'in love', she wasn't just viewing a friend. I truly believed that wouldn't end well for either party. And as selfish as I may sound, I also believed that it wouldn't end well for me if they become something more than friends. Because if I felt ignored now then I couldn't even begin to imagine what it'd feel like later on...

"Are you sure you don't want to come along then?" the Doctor asked me, once more, by the TARDIS.

I looked to Rose that was standing beside him, making my answer crystal clear in my head. "No. I have things to do here.."

"Like what?" he asked, slightly disgusted at the idea of turning down the glorious box of wonders for Earth.

You'd know what happened to me if we talked, I thought.

That was rude but...I was fairly irritated.

"Things. But I'll be here," I glanced at Rose, "You don't mind if I keep staying in your room?"

She smiled and shook her head, "Keep my Mum company for me. And take care of Mickey."

I did a pretend salute, "Understood."

"Well, I'll see you some time then," the Doctor gave a slight nod then entered the TARDIS.

Rose did a slight wave then entered the TARDIS. I took steps back as the TARDIS began de-materializing.

"Why'd you let him leave like that?" Mickey asked.

I sighed, "What do you mean?"

"I'm not an idiot, Minnie. I saw you barely spoke. Did you even tell him what happened when you came back?"

"No..." I admitted, "It doesn't matter."

'It does matter," he put a hand on my shoulder.

"What was I supposed to say?" I turned around to face him, "I lost my job? I lost my year of school? I lost everything for coming with him? Was I just supposed to drop it off like that?"

"No, but you could've said something," he replied, equally serious as I was, "While there was no mean intentions, he did hurt you. And he still is, much like Rose. They both ignore you and I don't like it! I'd never leave you like they did."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued at his last words, "...is that why you didn't take the Doctor's offer then?"

The Doctor had asked Mickey if he wanted to accompany he and Rose into the TARDIS, take him on those trips Rose talked about today but for some reason, Mickey said no.

"Honestly, I'm scared of the idea of time traveling but..." He sighed, nodding, "...I can't just leave you after everything. You lost your job, your home, your money, your school year...everything. And you don't even say anything? C'mon, Minnie, you're so sweet but there's a limit."

"I was asking you a question and you turn this back on me?" I frowned, disliking that tactic had taken custom of using.

"My answer has to do with you," he clarified softly, "A best friend looks out for a best friend, and I intend to do so."

"Oh Mickey, you're amazing!" I hugged him.

He sighed, "It saddens me that he doesn't even know you."

"It's a bit disappointing," I agreed, pulling back, "But maybe it'll change the next time we see each other."

"Maybe," he swung his arm around my shoulder, "How's about a chocolate milkshake in the meantime?"

I smiled, "Sure. Let's get Jackie too."

Hopefully, the situation wouldn't last forever. Maybe I was right, maybe the next time the Doctor came back, we'd finally talk like actual friends.

Author's Note:

I'm really excited to see people actually like this story so far! THANK YOU!

I was also sort of sneaky (not really, I'm quite bland) and put in an aspect of Amelia Pond's story, which was really easy to catch right? :)

And to the person who gave me my first review, sorry to disappoint you on the 'third wheel' trip but hey, at least Joy took initiative and got herself out of the situation, right?

Feel free to leave your thoughts :)