Chapter 3 - The Maitlands
A/N - The Doctor and Clara couldn't go forward in time and change back, because it has to be 48 years in their personal time streams. They would age in each others bodies, but if they were to de-age themselves, they would switch back. Also, I LIED! MWAHAHAHA! The next update will likely be on Saturday now. Please review x x
As the TARDIS whirred into existence at the Maitlands house, Clara peered out of the doors that were opened a crack. "Coast seems clear. All that's left is to pretend to be my own fake boyfriend. That sounded better in my head," she added, looking down at the Doctor.
The moment they stepped out of the doors, the front door swung open to reveal Angie, stood there cross-armed. "Where the hell have you been? It's been a fortnight!" She asked angrily. "We overshot a bit," whispered back the Doctor. Noticing Clara's glare at him, he hastily added "and language, young lady!". Angie's
face conformed into a look of shock at her nanny's sudden remark.
"What's Hap-" she started, but Clara interrupted her quickly. "Meet us in my-Clara's room and we'll explain,". Angie nodded slowly and confusedly as she retreated back into the house, then ran quickly up the stairs to the loft.
When Clara and the Doctor entered her room, Angie was sat on the bed, an eager Artie sat next to her. "So what happened?" Angie asked curiously. Clara sighed in defeat. It was going to be a long day.
"So you can't change back? Ever?" asked Artie excitedly, amazed at the science.
"Well, it will only happen in 50 years," Clara replies grimly. "Really, it's only forty-" the doctor replied, leaning back on the bed. "Really," Clara interrupted "shut it,".
"What are you going to tell dad?" Angie asked happily, pleased at the misfortune.
"The Docor will just say that he has a job interview in Manchester and will have to move there. The less he knows, the better. He's still in the dark about the Cybermen thing. He is, isn't he?" Clara asked, rambling in desperation
.
"No, actually I told him that me and my brother were taken over by cyborgs from the distant future and blew up a planet," Angie replies sarcastically. She was met with a glare that spoke volumes, surprisingly from both Clara and the Doctor.
"Listen, we'll still see each other now and then, yeah?" Clara said to Angie comfortingly. "You've got my phone number, so call me whenever you feel like it," she finished, holding the siblings tight. As Angie watched her nanny and her, or his, boyfriend walk down the stairs and out of her life, she begrudgingly wiped a single tear from her eye.
"So you've been offered a job in Manchester? For how long?" asked Mr Maitland.
"It's for a travel magazine that's based in Manchester. I'll actually be flitting about all the place. India, America, New Zealand. And, I don't know how long for, to be honest," the doctor replied confidently.
The words came easily to him, but he could see himself - or, Clara - in the back garden through the window, which was mildly discerning.
"Well, we're gonna miss you. The kids especially, but...best of luck to you," Mr Maitland said sadly. As he pulled in for a hug, the Doctor stood there awkwardly in shock until he saw Clara brandishing her fists at him and he quickly returned the embrace.
As the duo returned to the TARDIS, Clara sighed quietly. "At least it's over," she muttered sadly.
"Oh no, soufflé, er, man," the Doctor replied.
"It's only just beginning..."