The Doctor raced into the TARDIS shouting Rose's name and dropping his electronic equipment on the jumpeat.
"Hold on, I'm coming!" Rose shouted as she raced down the hallway. They met at the top of the stairs. "What's wrong? What's the matter?" she asked hurriedly.
"You!" he answered. "I've been looking all over for you. I was asking around and nobody had a clue. I even asked over the loud speaker. That Alan kid said that when he left, you went back in the TARDIS. This is the Pliocene. It's a dangerous place. You can't just go off without telling someone where you're going. You could have been mauled by a bear, a titanis, or a dog. You could have been trampled by a mastodon. You-"
"Could have been sat on by a ground sloth?" Rose offered.
"Yes. I mean, no. Although, I guess it could be possible. But you know what I'm saying."
"And you know what I have to say? You knew exactly where I was going and I haven't left. I went to the TARDIS to patch up that group of kids and then stuck around. And by the way, his name is Alex, not Alan." Rose smiled at him and ran her fingers through his hair. "Now come have some dinner."
"Dinner?"
"Yes. I stuck around to make us some dinner. We have to eat, too. Although I feel horribly guilty eating well when everyone out there is close to starving," Rose said miserably.
"We'd share if we could, but we don't have anywhere near enough to go around," he reminded her.
"I know, but I still feel guilty."
"So, what are we having?" he inquired as she led the way to the kitchen.
"Pasta. Theirs looked good so I thought we'd have some, too."
Rose served them both and they sat down at the table together.
"So how are things going?" she asked. "Did you find anything?"
"Not a single piece. I got hopeful for a second, but it turned out to be someone's gum wrapper," he said in frustration. "Whatever did this to the school, it had to be physical. The force field that was created around it had to be created by something. There's no possible way it could have been left in 2012. It has to be here and I need to find it. It's possible that most of it shattered into tiny pieces, but there still has to be a few big chunks. Or even better, one huge chunk."
"And the sun's gone down now, hasn't it? You'll have to wait until tomorrow. I'm sorry."
"At least I got some readings. And you've been magnificent. It looks like the school's under control now," he said optimistically.
"For this evening anyway," Rose said heavily. "They need food. The only thing they have left is some rice that will only be enough for one meal. And they're not getting enough nutrition. I was thinking that maybe I could take my TARDIS and go get some provisions?"
"We can't. It doesn't matter if the TARDISs leave, but when they come back, it messes with the readings. I've already got to do some calculations to figure out how our landing here affected things."
"I had a feeling that might be the case. Otherwise you would have asked me to go already."
"Sorry," the Doctor apologized. "I'm sure we can still get through this."
"Yeah, me too. I've been thinking and I had a look in the box room-"
"The box room?" the Doctor asked in surprise.
"Yes. We've really got to organize it. I found what I wanted pretty quickly though."
"Protein bars," the Doctor answered for her. "You always tease me for stocking up on them. I bet you're glad I have them now."
"I just thought the number was a rather excessive for the two of us."
"Not if we got stranded for a long period of time."
"Alright. I won't say another word against them again. Anyway, I found 1,000 protein bars. If we give them out just for breakfast, that will last them 3 days. That will give them carbs, protein, and vitamins. We still need to figure out dinner though. Troy knows a few edible plants, but they're really not filling. We'd have to search and pick for hours and hours. So what about you? Can you identify some things we could collect?"
"Yes," he replied. "I'm sure I could find some good roots and large leaves that can either be boiled or eaten like salad. That should help. Maybe before breakfast, you and I can go out. After breakfast, you can take a large group out to gather."
"You should collect a large group, too. It'll be easier to find something if you've got a lot of people searching."
"I think I will," he agreed.
"One other thing I found in the box room. Those Gallifreyan freeze-dried pills. I imagine they're not good anymore, but I still thought I'd ask."
"Of course they're still good. My people live for thousands of years, our food lasts practically forever."
"I still can't believe that's considered food." Rose shook her head. "How do people go from eating delicious foods to living off of freeze-dried pellets?"
"Pills, not pellets. Pellets sound like pet food that's nibbled by domestic rodents. And my people thought that far too much time and effort was wasted by harvesting, distributing, preparing, and consuming food. That was my people though. Personally, I find that preparing and eating food is social and extremely enjoyable. We can't rely on those pills too heavily in this situation though. Their bodies aren't used to them. They may supply everything the body needs, but their stomachs expect something more. They could still have hunger pain."
"We'll rely mainly on the protein bars for nutrition, but in case we don't come up with enough food for dinner, we have a backup plan," Rose said decisively. "Want to come say goodnight to them with me?"
"Absolutely."
"I wish we had something to see them through the night. Blankets or something."
"We would if we could, but 263 people… there's no possible way. They might not be comfortable but they won't get too cold. It's warmer in this time period than in the future. Let's go say goodnight," the Doctor suggested.
Rose and the Doctor headed up to the school and found nearly everyone in the gym. Some were chatting and others seemed lost in their own thoughts, but all were getting prepared to get some sleep. Most of them had jackets to cover up with, but a few had choir robes they were using.
The Doctor used the Om-Com and speakers to address them again. He thanked them for their cooperation and promised them food and water in the morning. He also informed them that there would be much to do the next day and that they would all be expected to help. He wished them goodnight and he and Rose retired to the TARDIS for the night.
Rose awoke early the next morning, but not earlier than the Doctor. When she got out of bed, she found him in the kitchen just serving up breakfast for them both. Rose showered and dressed and went outside to explore with the Doctor. The day before, she was trying to convince everyone not to be so afraid. The truth was, the further they went from the school and the TARDIS, the scarier it felt. Everything was so foreign and the woods were filled with all kinds of animals, many of them giant.
The Doctor didn't look as concerned. He went along looking at every plant. When he found one he thought looked good, he'd pick it up and taste it. His senses were far superior to humans. One taste told him many things, especially nutritional value and if it would be harmful to humans. Each thing he approved of, he put in a bucket that Rose was carrying. When they had an acceptable assortment, they called it a success and returned to the TARDIS to get what they needed to start the day.
When they entered the school, the Doctor called everyone to the cafeteria. When it looked like everyone had arrived, he handed the Om-Com to Rose so she could continue the announcement.
"Good morning, Glen Henry High School. Breakfast is here. This morning we have protein bars. It might not sound exciting, but they're filling and have balanced nutrition for you. Everyone takes just one. Water will be served soon after. You can eat your protein bar now or save it for after your water. It's up to you. When you're finished, please go to the gym. All except…" Rose took the list of names and called off the first four. "Those people, I'd like to please wait by the front door. So, as soon as Mr. Brunner is ready, give him your name and grab some breakfast."
Rose and the Doctor stayed where they were, looking over Rose's own copy of the roster. Donovan had given her a highlighter and she and the Doctor were discussing how many people they should take on each of their tasks. They thought it best to go straight down the list.
"Hey! She took two!" one boy shouted, pointing at the girl that just grabbed her breakfast.
"She did! I saw her!" the boy claimed again.
The girl reached in her back pocket and pulled out a single bar to show them.
Rose looked at Donovan.
"It looked like she just took one, but I wasn't looking that closely," Donovan confessed.
"She picked up two at once," the boy explained. "She picked them up like a stack. Check her! Check her pockets!"
He didn't wait for anyone else and left the line to search her himself. Two other people had moved to do the same.
"Stop!" Rose and the Doctor bellowed together.
"No one touches her," Rose commanded. She turned to the girl. "Please come with me."
Rose led her to an empty classroom and closed the door.
"So?" she asked calmly. "Did you take an extra?"
The girl looked down and didn't say a word.
"I'll take that as a yes. Want to tell me why?" Rose requested.
The girl still didn't answer.
"I recognize you from yesterday, you know," Rose continued. "I asked for people that needed medical attention and you looked conflicted. Does this have to do with that? Are you ready to tell me what's wrong now?"
The girl wrapped her arms around herself protectively, still unsure of what to say.
"I know something's wrong. Whether it's connected to this incident or not, I need to know what it is. Now, Jessica, I need you to answer me. What's going on?" Rose insisted.
"It's Jess," the girl quietly corrected.
Rose had just read her name tag, but used the girl's preferred name when she probed again. "Jess, you have to tell me. If you're ill, I need to know. The Doctor and I have sworn to send everyone home in good health. I want to help, but I can't if you won't tell me."
Jess spoke so quietly that Rose couldn't hear her and had to ask her to say it again.
"I'm pregnant," she repeated quietly.
"Oh," Rose answered. It suddenly all made sense. "No one knows, do they?"
Jess shook her head.
"How far along are you?" Rose inquired.
"16 weeks," Jess answered.
"A little bit into the second trimester already," Rose acknowledged. "You should have said. I certainly won't tell. And if Mr. Brunner is the kind of man I think he is, he would have made sure that you got the extras you needed before we even got here. You must be terrified right now. You shouldn't have to experience this alone."
"I just don't want anyone to know. I'm not sure yet whether I'm keeping it or not. I mean, by keep or not, I mean whether to put it up for adoption. Either way, I don't want it to die or be messed up or something. And I don't want anyone to know because… I don't want to be that girl. I don't want to be remembered as that girl who got pregnant in high school. That girl who screwed up her life before it really started. Graduation was just a few weeks away. I thought I could keep it secret. Now, in this situation, I feel like I'd be stared at and judged even more."
"I understand, but I hope you don't judge yourself that way. The decisions we make and the changes they bring shouldn't define who we are. Whether you decide to keep it or not, you still have great potential. You haven't screwed up your life. Your life has just taken a turn you didn't expect."
Jess just shrugged.
"No, I mean it. I should know. I dropped out of school at 16. I went off with a guy who turned out to be a jerk and put me in serious debt. I had to move back in with my mum. I thought I was doomed to be that stupid dropout and a shop girl forever. I'm not though. And you don't have to define yourself by this either."
"You dropped out at 16? But you're a scientist, right? How'd you get into college?"
"I didn't go. I started travelling with the Doctor. He taught me. He told me what I'm telling you. Making decisions you regret, doesn't make you any less clever. And it certainly doesn't make you worth any less. We're going to make sure you get back home and you're going to have a great life ahead of you. There are so many things you can do with your life. So many choices. Don't get hung up on the one thing you wish you'd done differently. Now… I think it's time we give you a little checkup."
"You won't tell anyone, will you?" she worried.
"Only the Doctor and he won't tell anyone either," Rose assured her. "In return, I'd appreciate it if you didn't spread around my own secret. The last thing I need is for people to start thinking that I'm stupid. If people start thinking that, they'll second-guess every decision I make. We really don't need that right now."
"You're not stupid. Anyone can see that," Jess declared, "but I won't tell anyone. What about this checkup though? And the protein bar? What am I supposed to say?"
"That you have a medical condition and you don't want to talk about it," Rose stated. "As for the protein bar, I am going to need it back. I'm going to make sure you're taken care of and get the nutrition you need, but I can't let you take extra food. Extra water you will definitely get. When it comes to tasks… People really are going to be forced to step up and do what's needed, but I'll make sure your work is light and kept close to the school."
"Alright. So when do we do this checkup? Where?" Jess asked as she handed over the extra protein bar.
"The lab. And no time like the present."
Jess and Rose walked out to the front doors and found the Doctor and the four people Rose had called for earlier.
"Alright?" asked the Doctor.
"Alright," she assured him.
"Okay then. Time for water," he announced. He and Rose, hand in hand, led the way to the TARDIS.
"Alright, we're going to grab the water now. Everyone just wait here," Rose instructed.
Once they were inside, Rose turned to the Doctor. "Her name's Jess. She's pregnant and she doesn't want anyone to know."
The Doctor nodded. "How far along?"
"16 weeks."
"Water first, then we'll have a look at her."
The Doctor and Rose worked together and quickly got all four jugs of water outside. The assistants were instructed to take it to Donovan's room and when they had gone, the Doctor and Rose both turned to Jess.
"Hi, Jess. I'm the Doctor. Rose has caught me up a bit. Just a few questions before we start. Have you been vomiting at all?"
Jess shook her head. "Not in a few weeks."
"Good. That's good. What about cramps? Not stomach cramps. Have you had any abdominal pain?" he continued.
"A little, yeah," she said anxiously.
"What about spotting? Any little drops of blood in your knickers? More than a little?"
"No, nothing like that."
"Rose, I'm going to grab a couple things from the infirmary. Would you grab the diagnostic screen, please?"
They both retrieved what was needed, they exited the TARDIS together.
"The first thing we're going to do is have a little look," said the Doctor. He held up the same screen Rose had used to check for broken bones the day before. The Doctor put it on a different setting and it looked much like an ultrasound picture, but clearer.
"It's moving good. How's the heart rate?" Rose whispered.
"Good," the Doctor announced. "She's moving all over the place and shows no signs of distress."
"She?" asked Jess.
"I'm sorry," the Doctor apologized. "Did you not want to know?"
"You're sure then?" she asked.
"At my age, I should hope I know the difference between girl parts and boy bits. Definitely looks like a girl to me," the Doctor claimed. "That doesn't necessarily mean all is well though. I'm going to need a urine sample. Have you gone yet this morning?"
Jess shook her head.
Rose handed her a specimen cup and told her she could go behind the 'lab' if she wanted. The Doctor went to test it and came out a few minutes later.
"Definitely dehydrated and your ketone reading is high. It means your body is breaking down fat stores because you're not getting enough carbohydrates. We already know you're not getting enough nutrition. Water for you is doubled. As for food…"
"I was thinking Gallifreyan freeze-dried pellets," Rose suggested.
"Pills. Pills, not pellets," he corrected her again. "It would probably be most fair and would draw the least attention if she'd like to keep this quiet." He directed his next comments to Jess. "I know a pill doesn't sound like much, but it's not a multivitamin, it's a meal substitute. It has protein and carbohydrates and everything you need. We'll give it to you sometime during the day and we want you to take it with evening water. Sound alright?"
Jess nodded. "Thank you."
"Of course. If anything starts to feel different, if you have more cramps or have spotting or anything else that might worry you, seek one of us out. Don't even wait until you see us next. If you have a concern, find us right away. Alright?"
"Alright."
"Where is she on the roster?" asked the Doctor.
"She's toward the top. She's supposed to be in my group today, but I thought we could swap. I give you her and you send me one of yours?" Rose suggested.
"That works for me," the Doctor agreed.
"Groups? What groups?" Jess worried.
"I told you that people are going to have to start working," Rose reminded her. "I also told you you'd get the easier stuff. He's just scouring the area around the school and he needs help finding little bits of metal and plastic."
"What's your group supposed to do?"
"Leave our comfort zone. It's time to go deeper into the forest."
This chapter went in a different direction than I thought, but I based the school dynamic on my own high school experiences (I wasn't the pregnant one though!). This was small town Ohio for me.
As for the Gallifreyan freeze-dried pills, they're actually not my idea. I do a lot of research when writing and I discovered that Gallifreyans really did switch to freeze-dried pills. I just had to share that little nugget of information.
And, for no particular reason, I've decided to post another chapter tonight. It will be up soon.
Thank you so, so much for all the reviews!