Meetings

by Type 40 Tardis

After meeting Sarah Jane the Doctor's life is forever changed. Alternate universe and timeline.

12. Chapter 12

Author's Note:

This is the last chapter in this story, but not the last adventure. The adventure continues in "Pairings". I'll upload Chapter 1 as soon as I can. Thank you for the kind reviews, I love reading them.

Chapter 12

Six hours later the Doctor felt comfortable enough to leave Sarah's care in Harry's and Miss. Proctor's capable hands. He as well as Harry had a rejuvenating nap. After checking Sarah's vitals again he found himself unlocking the Tardis door. He wanted to check for any messages from Gallifrey. Checking the central console he discovered a message from none other than Councilor Batin himself.

It read, 'We have restricted the Master's movements to a single room inside the Gallifreyan Punitive System. He maintains his innocence, but he will not go unpunished. As I told you before, we had been monitoring the situation and are convinced of his guilt. We understand you have some recordings that might be of use to us in the sentencing phase of his trial. It would be very useful for the full Council to view these recordings. When they are confronted with his manner and degree of barbarism, I'm convinced he will receive the maximum sentence. I will be awaiting the transmission of the recordings. Councilor Batin'.

"Fear not Councilor," the Doctor said aloud, "everything you requested is now being transmitted to you, even as I speak." he finished hitting the button that would copy, then send the information. Checking all the Tardis' displays, he gingerly patted the console saying aloud, "Sorry old girl, but I must get back to Sarah." and then left the Tardis.

He stepped outside to find he had a visitor waiting for him. It was the Brigadier, back to his old military self. Feeling guilty that his wife had been involved in the Master's madness, he asked, "Alistair how is your wife?".

"Doris is a bit shaken, but otherwise fine. In a way I think she has a greater respect for our work here. It's just a shame it had to happen this way. Still, we were all very lucky. It could of been so much worse. How is Miss. Smith?" the Brigadier asked, grateful for Sarah's part in saving all of them.

"She's recovering." the Doctor replied as he looked down.

"What's wrong? I stopped by Sick Bay and Dr. Sullivan was looking glum too."

"We ran a scan on Sarah in the Tardis last night. Her brain has some swelling. She was awake for a few minutes earlier and she was very confused."

"But right after she shot the Master she seemed aware of everything." the Brigadier pointed out.

"Yes she was. And that's why we're worried. I'm hoping the pain was the reason for her confusion. But it's also at the top of the list of symptoms for brain trauma." the Doctor explained as both were now walking through the halls of UNIT toward Sick Bay.

"Why don't you scan her again? Check and see if her brain swelling has stopped." the Brigadier offered. It seemed like simple logic to him.

"Unless we absolutely have to, she can't be moved. It could be disastrous for her. We have to be careful, the next few days will be a deciding factor. And it's very important to keep her stress level down, she knows none of this, and we think it's best to keep it that way." the Doctor said as they opened the door to Sarah's room.

Sarah was awake and looking his way. "Hi!" she said with a small smile.

"Hi back." the Doctor said as he gazed into her eyes. He saw no confusion there and one look from Harry spoke volumes. He was smiling. And not the kind of smile he used to placate Sarah, but a real smile. "How is the pain?" he said touching her cheek, seeing for himself that the displays were correct.

"Better, much better." Sarah replied. Seeing the Brigadier standing behind him, Sarah asked, "Brigadier how is Doris?". Her last memory of the woman was the look of sheer terror on her face.

"She's fine. She sends her best. Is there anything you want or need?" he asked.

"No thank you, I'm fine." Looking back to the Doctor, Sarah asked, "So Doctor, the Master where is he?".

"I just received word from Gallifrey. He has been imprisoned and is awaiting trial. But I don't want you to worry about him. I want you to focus on staying still and getting plenty of rest. And…"he started, to be interrupted by Sarah.

"And if you don't quick pointing that finger at me I'll…" she said, only to be interrupted by the Doctor.

"I know, you'll bite it off." he said with a smile. "As I was saying before, you have a head wound and that means no movement, no getting up and no sudden movement. It also means that it's very important to tell either myself or Harry or your nurse if you feel any pain. Promise me Sarah." he said, trying to make her understand he was serious.

"I will." she said, then seeing him frown added, "I promise. I don't break my promises.".

"So now that we have this understanding between us, let's try this again." he said with a smile as he pulled a stool up to the side of Sarah's bed and sat down. He could see the almost imperceptible wince in her eyes, a result of pain. "How is the pain? On a scale of one to ten. And remember your promise."

"Eight." Sarah said as she bowed her head to her chest.

"It's all right Sarah. I'm not mad. I'll never be mad at you for telling me the truth." he explained taking a quick look at the displays to find them all inching up since he had checked, just seconds ago. "We'll get the pain under control then you can get some rest, okay?" he asked, watching as she slowly nodded her head yes.

The Doctor rose as he and Harry walked over to the cabinet where the Doctor kept the vial of Hyllen. "She's not due for another dose for an hour yet." Harry warned.

"I think I may have been underestimating her pain. She can have it more often on the new schedule," he said as he updated the information on the chart. He looked up to see Harry looking worried. "It's all right Harry. I wouldn't give her more than she should have. This drug is very flexible. If we don't keep her pain under control you know what will happen." he said, turning to smile at Sarah with a syringe in his hand. "I'm just going to feed it into the IV line. Just try to relax Sarah." he said watching her face as the drug started to quickly take effect.

The group watched as Sarah drifted off to sleep. The displays above her head went back to a more normal reading, which pleased the Doctor. The Brigadier was signaling him. The pair walked to the door.

"Doctor if you need anything please call me. I have to get back to Doris." the Brigadier said as he opened the door.

"Thank you Brigadier I will. And thank you for coming by to check on Sarah, I know it meant a lot to her." he said as the Brigadier put forth a small smile as he closed the door. Harry was waiting for him.

"I'm going to go to the Mess Hall and grab something to eat. Miss. Proctor has our cell phone numbers. Sarah's sound asleep. And I know you haven't eaten since last night. So no argument, let's go." Harry said pushing the Doctor through the door.

"But I didn't tell Miss. Proctor where we'll be." the Doctor complained.

"You don't need to, I already did. Let's go." he said continuing to push the Doctor toward the Sick Bay doors.

The Doctor finally decided to give in. He was actually hungry after all, he decided as they reached the Mess Hall. "Do you think they'll be serving meat loaf?" the Doctor asked a bewildered Harry.

The next week went by uneventfully with the Doctor catching up on his sleep, restoring his hopes and expectations of a life with Sarah. Sarah's health had been steadily improving. He and Harry had agreed it was time for another scan, which illuminated the fact that the swelling in Sarah's brain had completely disappeared. Unfortunately due to the severity of the injury to her skull, Sarah was still almost completely bed bound. The Doctor had been able to decrease Sarah's pain medication, so that she was more aware of events happening around her. The downside of that, being Sarah's observation of the degree that those around her were going to, to shelter her. She still had been told very little about her head injury. She had tried pumping all three nurses for information to no avail. Aggravated, she finally cornered the Doctor after dinner.

"So are you ready to tell me everything about my accident?" Sarah asked as she stared the Doctor in the eyes, trying to see the truth in them.

"What do you want to know?" the Doctor asked almost disheartened.

"I remember being hit with the rock. After that I'm kind of fuzzy. I have a lot of flashes of bits of memory. But I can't connect them. But first, what happened to Nancy Acrims?" she asked, afraid of the answer.

"Nancy Acrims is now in the care of one of London's finest psychiatric institutions. This I was assured of by the Brigadier as well as Harry. You have nothing to fear from her." the Doctor replied, taking her hands in his.

"After I was hit, do you know what happened next?" she asked grateful he hadn't made her beg for the information.

"Sarah are you sure about this? Maybe we should discuss it later." he tried to beg her off. This was a subject he was having trouble accepting. Telling her was bringing back memories he wished he didn't have.

"I know it's hard for you and I'm sorry." Sarah said, wanting to reassure him but at the same time needing the information. The bits and pieces were frightening enough on their own and she was sure the complete story wasn't any better, but she had to know. "But I need to connect the dots. Okay?" she finished twining her fingers through his.

"I love you and I wish that I could take away the pain, but I can't." he said taking her hands and bringing them to her lips, giving them a tender kiss. "You're not going to be talked out of this are you?" he asked, as she smiled and shook her head no. "All right, after you were hit the Master put you and Nancy Acrims in a rowboat. There was a rope attached to the boat. She thought the plan was that she would untie the boat after it reached the center on the pond, and make it appear as if you had taken her out on the water to drown her. Thus leaving her to kill you in an attempt at saving her own life. But somewhere after the Master let the current take you and she out, Nancy discovered the Master's true plan. Apparently he had previous to your arrival, drilled a rather large hole in the bottom of the boat. Under the guise of darkness she wouldn't have noticed the hole right away, but when she did, she lost it. She tried to lighten the load of the boat so that it wouldn't sink as quickly." he watched Sarah's face as she absorbed the information. The realization building, as she realized or perhaps even remembered what happened next.

"Go on, I'm fine." she lied, needing to know the rest.

"She threw you in the water. Somehow you woke up under the water. It was dark and you were searching for a way out. I can only assume you saw the lights that Benton and I were shining on the water and tried to go toward the lights." he continued unable to get the vision of what happened next out of his mind.

"You said tried, not did. Did I get lost again?" Sarah asked confused.

"No, you didn't. You were under the ice and trapped. Benton and I took the flashlights and began breaking the ice. We broke a hole large enough to pull you through. You had lost consciousness, but I was able to pull you up into the boat. Benton and I raced to get you back to the shore…" he stopped talking when he noticed Sarah was having trouble catching her breath. "Sarah what's wrong?" he said, his voice changing pitch as he rose from the stool. He could see Mrs. Litton approaching the other side of Sarah's bed.

"I remember, I remember! I was under the ice! I could see your face but I couldn't get through the ice, I couldn't get through!" her voice rising in pitch as her level of panic rose. "I couldn't breathe, my chest burned!" she said, tears streaming down her face.

"Sarah it's all right!" he said gently wrapping his arms around her, trying to keep her still and make her feel safe. She was shaking so hard he could barely hold onto her. She was hyperventilating. "Sarah, slow down your breathing." he said while stroking her arms. Mrs. Litton had returned and was handing him an ice cold cloth. He put it against the back of her neck, hoping to shock her body into slowing down her breathing. It worked, she took one sharp breath before slowing her breathing. "Shhh, you're all right, you're safe and no one can hurt you here." he said continuing to stroke her arms as he felt her muscles relax. "Okay?" he asked as she nodded yes. He handed Mrs. Litton back the cloth, with a grateful nod.. "Better?" he asked her continuing to stroke Sarah's arms.

"Sorry about that." she apologized, embarrassed at her response. "And you brought me back here. And I remember the Master being here and shooting him. And what else? I know there's something else. Is it my head?" she asked wanting to rip the proverbial bandage off quickly, downgrading the sting to a quick one.

"Sarah, are you sure?" he said concerned.

"Yea I am." she said steeling herself.

"All right. We brought you back here and because your body temperature had dropped so drastically it was kind of touch and go for a while. Your body temperature kept you from bleeding to death from the wound to your head. Then when your body temperature came back up, we were able to do a scan of your head wound. Your skull is fractured and you have a large gash on your head. But our main concern was your brain. I want you to understand that everything is fine now and we don't expect any problems." he stopped, checking Sarah's face for hints of anxiety but found she was controlling her emotions incredibly well. "There was some swelling in your brain, but it's gone down. And now, we're here. You're still healing and I'm still madly in love with you." he finished with a smile.

"Do you think they'll ever find a cure for you?" she asked sweetly.

"Oh I doubt it, it's a terminal case you know. But what a way to go." he said now only inches from Sarah's face. "I love you, always."

"And I love you, always. Any idea on when I can get out of here?" she tried.

"Not yet, but if everything goes well, then soon. How's that?"

"I guess it will have to do." Sarah replied then tried to stifle a yawn.

"Ah ha, you 'are' tired!" the Doctor said.

"Yes, I'll give you that Sherlock Holmes."

"Then go to sleep." he said as he tucked the covers around her. Despite her best efforts, Sarah was having trouble holding her eyes open. The Doctor was now at her feet performing his acupressure techniques, successfully pushing her over the edge and into dreamland. The Doctor smiled to himself. Despite his apprehension, he was glad everything was out in the open now. The trick now would be keeping her here for at least the next few days. He returned the blankets to her feet.

Turning to Mrs. Litton he said, "Thank you Mrs. Litton. That was just what she needed. I'm very grateful.".

"You're most welcome Doctor. Is there anything I can do for you?" she asked with a smile. They made a wonderful couple she thought.

"No I think I'm going to slip out for a bit. If you have any concerns…"

"I'll call you right away Doctor." she said.

"I'll be back soon." he said with a smile as he stole one more glance at Sarah before closing the door.

He returned to the Tardis, checking to make sure everything was running smoothly. It was part of his daily routine since Sarah's injury. He would check the central console, take a shower, change clothes and on occasion take a quick nap. Today after his shower as he was putting on his clothes his eyes caught a quick glance of the box holding Sarah's ring. After dressing, he picked up his Tardis key then took the box and sat down on the edge of his bed. He slowly opened the box, once again staring at the beautiful creation with a sense of pride and a quick thought of loss. Pride that he would be able to give Sarah something so precious, so one of a kind. Loss at the gut wrenching thought of how close he had come to losing her. The Master had no idea how close he had been to accomplishing everything he wished. Sarah was his beacon of hope, hope for his future, hope for their future of happiness together. He loved and cherished her more than he would have ever thought possible, his love growing with each passing day.

He took one last look at the ring, smiling at the thought of giving it to her before closing the box and returning it to the top of the dresser. Their day would come, that he would make sure of. He left the Tardis, locking the door behind him. Waiting in his lab were Harry, Benton and Sam. "What do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"

"We were talking about going out later, maybe do some Christmas shopping before going to get something to eat and we wondered if you might be interested in coming. Just to get you away from UNIT for a little while." Harry tried.

"Thank you but I want to stay close to Sarah." he replied.

"Doctor she has a nurse, and I'm sure she doesn't want you to become a recluse." Harry said.

"I know she has a nurse, but a nurse isn't me. Did she say something to you?" the Doctor asked, worried Sarah might be having second thoughts about their relationship.

"Sarah asked me if you had left the base since her accident. She's worried about you." Harry stopped letting it sink in. "Doctor she wants you to be happy. She wants you to have some fun. Come on, just for a bit."

"Doctor, we'll be in reception at six. We'll wait fifteen minutes." Benton paused, watching the Doctor's reactions. "We don't want to pressure you. We just want to let you know we're there for you. I hope we see you then." He paused, joining Harry at the door.

"Doctor, tell Sarah we're thinking of her. We haven't been visiting because we know you're trying to limit Sarah's chances of infection. Listen, I know I'm new at UNIT, but I think of the two of you as friends. I've watched families run themselves in the ground taking care of a loved one after an accident. You need a break, whether you realize it or not, you need a break. Think of it as renewing yourself for Sarah. Harry's right. she doesn't want you to suffer because of her. I promise if there's any problem whatsoever, no matter how small, we'll get you back here as fast as possible. Think about it Doctor. I hope we'll see you later." Sam finished with a smile before joining Harry and Benton at the door. The three left, leaving the Doctor considering all they had said.

He decided they were right. Maybe he could be more there for Sarah if he spent a little time away. And Christmas shopping? He had completely forgotten about Christmas. He knew it was something that humans placed in high regard. He wanted it to be a perfect holiday for Sarah. He could only imagine it had been a holiday that Sarah had no happy memories of. He wanted to be the one to change that. He wanted to be the one that gave her happy and treasured memories of all the holidays that so many took for granted. He checked his pockets for the debit bank card the Brigadier had given him. It was there and with its discovery, he decided he would go. He smiled as he headed to Sick Bay to tell Sarah of his plans. Well, almost all his plans.

After explaining to Sarah that he would be going into town to pick up a few things, he met the others in reception. "Is the offer still open to go Christmas shopping?" he asked excitedly.

The others were amazed at the turnaround of the Doctor's decision. All except Sergeant Benton. "Let me guess," Benton began, "you forgot about Christmas?"

"Yes, I did. I have the general idea about decorating, and I was hoping you could fill me in on the rest." the Doctor looked from one man to the next.

"Sure Doctor, let's go." agreed Sam.

"I need to pick up a tree as well as Christmas ornaments, so I'm going to take Bessie and meet you there. Would that be all right?" he asked excited to get underway. The faster he accomplished his mission, the faster he could return to Sarah.

"Sure Doctor. Just follow us. We were going to the new mall on the outskirts of town. They have a massive parking garage so it shouldn't be a lot of trouble to find two spaces close together." Benton explained.

"Wonderful, let's go. Oh, and Harry, I had some concerns about Sarah. Could you ride in with me?" he asked.

Harry looked at the two men saying, "We'll see you there.". Ten seconds later they were on their way. "So Doctor, you said you had concerns?"

"Not for her health. But I needed some personal advise. Do you mind?" he asked.

"No, not at all. Is it about the engagement?" Harry inquired.

"I obviously didn't get to give her the engagement ring at the party, so I was wondering. Is there anything taboo about giving her the ring on Christmas? Not so much as a present, but separately on Christmas." he asked, careful not to break any rules surrounding Earth customs.

"No, a lot of men do it. But mostly to keep from buying their girlfriend a present." Harry replied with a laugh. "You know the saying killing two birds wi…never mind. I think it would be the perfect time. So I suppose you need everything for Christmas?" he asked the Doctor.

"Yes everything. Just between the two of us Harry, I don't think Sarah has ever had a real Christmas. Like the ones in the movies." the Doctor further explained. "I want to give her one. A tree decorated with beautiful decorations and lights, presents under the tree, everything. She deserves nothing less. So will they have everything I need at this mall?" he asked enthusiastically.

"Everything except the tree. After the mall, I'll show you where to get the tree. I'm really happy for the two of you Doctor." Harry volunteered.

"Thank you Harry. It's one week till Christmas, do I have that right?"

"Yes, it is exactly one week from today."

"If Sarah doesn't develop any complications, I'm going to bring her home in two days. But don't tell Sarah that." he said with a conspiratorial grin on his face. "Are you going to the Brigadier's for Christmas dinner?"

"Yes, I think we all are. The Brigadier said that neither of his daughters could leave the states due to their job commitments, so he was grateful that none of us had made any plans. Do you think Sarah will be well enough?" he inquired.

"She may still be weak and will definitely be medicated to a degree but I know it's something she would love to do. So I think in this case the pluses outweigh the minuses. We'll be going in the Tardis again. With Sarah's injury I don't think it would be practical to put her through the long car ride there. If you want to, we can all go together again." the Doctor offered.

"Sounds great to me. I'll bring it up to Benton and Sam." Harry could see the mall up ahead. "That's it." he said pointing to the large complex ahead. The Doctor followed the UNIT Jeep carrying Benton ad Sam into the parking garage, then parking Bessie next to the Jeep.

The Doctor climbed out of Bessie and addressed the trio. "I really appreciate this gentlemen. Now, I have a mental list of things I'd like to buy Sarah. Let's go." he said, turning quickly climbing the short flight of stairs to the third level of the mall.

The trio of men looked at each other in exasperation. "We better catch up with him before he starts comparing clothes here to the clothing he can buy on other planets with the sales clerks." Harry said as the group tried to catch up with their eager friend.

The entire mall was open for the next five nights till midnight, in an attempt to lure shoppers out to spend all of their money in one spot. This worked out great, thought the Doctor as he was making yet another trip to Bessie to drop off more packages. He had lost the others about an hour before, when they decided they had shopped enough and were getting something to eat. He looked at the contents of Bessie and smiled. He was fortunate enough to have found what he considered the perfect gift for each of his friends. He decided that a Time Lord should give the gift of time. So when he passed a rather large display of watches in a jewelry store window, he thought himself lucky. He went inside and purchased six watches, one for each of his friends and Sarah. Her watch he had noticed, had seen better days. The crystal was covered in scratches and the leather band was looking a little more like suede every time she wore it. He went to several other stores and purchased several more gifts for Sarah, having each wrapped in the most festive paper and beautiful ribbon that was available. Thinking of Sarah as well as her nurses, he also purchased four bottles of Chanel No.5, the best the clerk said she had in stock.

He knew he was running out of time and didn't want to miss the Christmas tree lot that Harry had given him directions to. So he headed to the closest store and chose a dozen large boxes of glass Christmas ornaments. The clerk showed him the lighting display and he picked out some clear twinkling lights as well. Near the checkout stand he saw a miniature gazebo ornament. Inside the gazebo, a man and a woman were dancing to a tune he wasn't familiar with. When he asked the clerk about it, she said the tune was, 'We've Only Just Begun' and upon further inspection there was a small plaque inscribed, 'Our First Christmas'. The Doctor knew he had to have it, Sarah would love it. He also purchased a Christmas tree stand the clerk said he would need and some beads to swag around the tree, as well as an angel for the top that reminded him of Sarah, after admiring one of the trees on display in the store. He thanked the sales girl and left with his once again stuffed shopping bags.

Looking across the mall he spied a bookstore. The Doctor smiled and headed inside. There as a huge display whose single purpose was to sell one particular book. The book was, 'The Night Before Christmas'. He picked up a copy and glanced quickly through it. So that's why he had witnessed so many exhibits featuring fireplaces and stockings. Well not real stockings, but that had to be what they represented. He picked up the book and saw another display featuring Christmas stockings. He chose two, one Victorian inspired colored red and a matching one in green. He took the items to the checkout desk as a young clerk bagged the items.

"I know this may sound strange," the Doctor began, "but what do you normally fill them with?" the Doctor asked referring to the stockings, with a smile but still managing to look slightly confused.

The young clerk returned his smile and leaned over the counter as if she were about to share with him the answer to all the mysteries in the world. "Each family usually has their own tradition." she began. "Some put small toys inside. Some put fruit. In my family, we each write a letter to the recipient of the stocking telling them how much we love them and what we're thankful for. Then on the night before Christmas," she elaborated, "we make Christmas cookies and homemade candy that we stuff our faces with. Because on Christmas," she winked at the Doctor, "calories don't count. All that counts is that you're happy." then smiled as she finished her explanation.

"Thank you. You have been incredibly helpful. Have a wonderful Christmas!" the Doctor said smiling at the young clerk as he took the package and left the store. He felt that he finally had a grip on Christmas. He decided he had better leave and headed for the exit.

As he was leaving the parking garage, he thought how fortunate he was to have the Brigadier opening and depositing money in a bank account, making sure that the money he didn't know he needed was there. Up ahead he saw the Christmas tree lot that Harry had noticed on his last trip to the mall. As he walked through the lot, he realized he had no idea what he was looking for. A rounded face, white haired, middle aged man came to offer him aid. The Doctor noticed his name badge on the front of his coat, it read, Daniel.

"Merry Christmas Sir! May I help you find a tree tonight?" he asked with a smile.

"Yes Daniel I believe you can. What would you suggest?" the Doctor asked looking around him.

"I personally like a nice Douglass Fir. What size do you need?" he asked the Doctor. He wasn't the usual run of the mill customer, Daniel thought.

"Size?"

"Yes, how tall would you like it to be?" Daniel asked the Doctor. This man acted as if he had never bought a Christmas tree before in his life.

"Oh, I guess about…" the Doctor pulled his hands apart first left and right, then up and down, "eight feet." the Doctor answered, thinking back to the trees that were decorated in the stores he had just left.

"I have a nice one over here." he said as they walked toward the middle of the Christmas tree lot. "What do you think?"

"It's beautiful. I'll take it. Is there anything I need to do to it?" the Doctor inquired, not entirely sure what the next step was.

"Excuse me for being nosy Sir, but is this your first Christmas tree?"

"Yes it is. I have a stand and now I have a tree, but I'm kind of vague on the details." the Doctor admitted.

"Then this is your lucky night." Daniel said, feeling sorry for this strange man. "I'll tell you exactly what to do when you get home. But first let's get this tied to the top of your car." Daniel said alerting two of his employees as they walked to the Doctor's car. After a twenty minute question and answer period on Christmas tree basics the Doctor felt like a seasoned pro.

He waved to the guards on duty in the Guard Shack as he drove Bessie loaded down with presents, decorations and the Christmas tree onto the UNIT grounds.

Before unloading Bessie he ran to the Sick Bay to check on Sarah. Sarah was sound asleep. Seeing the Doctor popping his head in the door, Mrs. Troy rose from the chair she was in next to Sarah and brought him Sarah's chart. "Any change?" the Doctor asked.

"No, she's been sleeping most of the evening. You'll notice Miss. Proctor noted that Miss. Smith barely touched her dinner. I know that's a concern of yours. But I think she may have been having some pain, which sometimes makes her nauseous. I asked her about it and she admitted her stomach was upset. I talked her into eating some toast. She's been sleeping off and on since then. Do you have any new orders Doctor?"

"No not right now. How long has she been asleep?" the Doctor asked wondering how much time he had to unload Bessie before she woke up.

"Her last dose of pain medication was about thirty minutes ago and she went to sleep right after I administered it to her. So about twenty five minutes." Mrs. Troy explained.

"I'll be back as quick as I can. Don't tell Sarah, but I've been Christmas shopping and I have a tree tied to my car right this minute. According to the man at the tree lot, I need to get it in water. So I'll be back as quick as I can. Of course if anything happens or she needs me, don't hesitate to call me." the Doctor said.

"Of course Doctor." Mrs. Troy said taking the chart from the Doctor's hands as he quietly shut the door to Sarah's room.

Sarah was dreaming again, a repeated set of dreams that she couldn't seem to shake. It would start as a pleasant dream, a dream where she and the Doctor were having a picnic. They were laughing and talking, then the sky would fill with clouds and a wind storm would appear. As the wind picked up in strength, she was having an increasingly harder time holding on to her only link with what she considered safety, the Doctor. Another even stronger wind would swallow the pair until they were separated by all the forces that nature could summon. Sarah could see the Doctor being carried away, farther and farther, till he was completely gone.

Then windows were flying from the eye of the storm and would stop in front of her before forcing her through their nonexistent glass. And she would suddenly be inside the various scenarios that were taking place within the windows. Sometimes it would be parts of her childhood and the abuse she suffered, sometimes it would be the Averian plunging the green fluid filled syringe into her body, sometimes she could see Captain Martin terrorizing her only ending after he slapped her in the face with more force than she would have thought possible. But this time it was the scene of her near drowning in the cold pond. She was fighting for her life. Trapped under the ice and out of air, then seeing the Doctor's terror filled face above the ice. They had each met the other's eyes knowing the end was here. She couldn't hold on any longer. She was forced to breathe. Breathe in the ice cold water till her lungs were full. She knew this was the end.

"No!" she screamed aloud, sitting straight up in bed. She could hear her voice continue to scream, but it was as if it belonged to someone else. She was gasping for breath, air that once again refused to come. She could still hear the screaming. She felt someone's hands on her, but her oxygen starved brain refused to acknowledge their presence.

The Doctor had finally gotten the tree in the stand and straight. It was a little more challenging than he had expected. He contented himself with the fact that next year he would have Sarah to help him as he filled the reservoir in the tree stand with water. As he stood back admiring his handwork, the cell phone the Brigadier had given him rang. From the second the call was connected, he could hear Sarah screaming for all she was worth. Mrs. Troy was saying something but he couldn't hear her over the scream. He closed the call and ran at top speed from the Tardis and through UNIT, finally reaching the Sick Bay doors.

Sarah was sitting up in bed screaming and gasping for air. "I can't get through to her Doctor." Mrs. Troy said, yelling to be heard above Sarah.

"Get me some oxygen!" the Doctor yelled as the nurse complied with his request. The readings on the monitor's above Sarah's head were dangerously high. Sarah was now trying to hold her head. Pain! That had to be it, she was in incredible pain. The Doctor ran to the cabinet and retrieved the pain medication, drawing an elevated dose from the bottle. "Mrs. Troy?" the Doctor shouted. "I need you to give her this injection while I hold her arm." he said handing the syringe to the nurse.

"Sarah, it's going to be all right. I'm not going to hurt you." he said, but was unable to get her attention. He practically got into the bed with Sarah, holding on to her while forcing her arm down to expose it for the nurse. Mrs. Troy quickly gave Sarah the injection and after a few seconds Sarah's body started to relax. The Doctor repositioned her in bed as Mrs. Troy placed the oxygen mask on Sarah's face. The two watched as the readings on the monitors went back down. "What happened?" he asked Mrs. Troy.

"I don't know. I was just taking her readings down on her chart. There was elevated activity in her brain, but the rest of the readings were all normal. Sarah started making jerking movements and then she started screaming. When I couldn't wake her up, I called you immediately." Mrs. Troy explained. She had never witnessed anything like that before in her life.

"Were the readings from her brain that high in the beginning?"

"No Doctor, they were slightly elevated. I attributed it to dreaming. Then in a matter of just a few seconds, less than five," she added, seeing the Doctor's need for details. "they were at the level you just saw. Do you think it was a seizure?"

"I have to believe it was. Do you know if Dr. Sullivan is planning to be here early tomorrow?"

"Yes Doctor. He's scheduled to be in by six. Would you like me to leave word that he come here immediately when he arrives?" she asked anxious to be of help to the Doctor and Sarah.

"Please. Mrs. Troy," he said stopping her, "thank you for all you've done for Sarah. I know this was traumatic for you. Go take a break. I'll be staying the night with her, so take your time." he finished.

"I'm really very sorry Doctor and thank you. Miss. Smith is very lucky to have you." she said, turning to leave.

"Oh Sarah. Please let this be a singular incident. I don't think either of us is ready for the alternative." he said taking her limp hand in his, giving it a kiss before tucking it back under the covers.

Sarah slept through the remainder of the night without any disturbances. At six sharp Harry came through Sarah's door to find the Doctor going over all of Sarah's previous tests. "Hi, Mrs. Troy just filled me in. What happened?" Harry asked.

"I'm not entirely sure. It may have been a seizure. But I won't know till I get her in the scanner in the Tardis. Can you go with us?"

"Sure, we'll just get her unhooked." Harry said rounding the bed to remove the monitoring devices. "It's a bit chilly out there." Harry replied ad he handed the Doctor Sarah's robe. Between the two men they were able to put it on Sarah, but not without waking her up.

"Hey, what's going on?" Sarah said, her voice sounding slurred and she was definitely still groggy from the pain medication.

"We need to take you to the Tardis to run another scan." the Doctor said careful not to volunteer too much information.

"I feel all muzzy." Sarah said, now detecting the slur in her own voice. "Why do I sound funny?"

"It's nothing, just the pain medication. Try to go back to sleep." he said in her ear as he picked her up. He looked down to see she had gone back to sleep. The trio quietly left the Sick Bay and in a few minutes had entered the Tardis and its Infirmary.

The Doctor carefully laid Sarah in the scanner, before moving over to the control panel and programming it. Once it was finished, the Doctor had his answer. It appeared to be a onetime fluke, as the Doctor referred to it. Sarah had been having a nightmare at the exact time her brain had a 'short circuit', as he would explain to Sarah later. Each in their own right troubling, but together formed a tremendously large reaction in her brain. Each event feeding off the other, forming an unending circle. That is till the pain medication intervened.

"Do you think it will happen again?" Harry asked in a whisper.

"Hopefully no. Within time she will heal as will her brain. But I think it would be a mistake to take Sarah completely off her pain medication just yet. Last night may have been my fault. I had decided to discontinue the medicine I'd been giving her overnight. Even though there is no chance of this medication becoming habit forming, I just hate to keep feeding chemicals into her blood stream. So for now, I'll change the schedule to reflect a minute cutback in general. That way she'll still be somewhat sheltered by the medication. Let's get her back to her room in Sick Bay." he said quietly as he gathered Sarah in his arms.

"Are you still planning on releasing her in a few days?" Harry whispered as they left the Tardis.

"If she's doing well over the next few days, then yes I'm hoping to bring her home. But at this point they're going to have to be really good days. I won't risk her going through something like last night again. Her heart rate spiked higher than if she'd been having a heart attack." he said quietly, seeing the realization hit Harry's face.

"You know you can call me at any time don't you?" Harry asked.

"Yes, but it all happened so fast that had you been here, we still couldn't have moved her. Last night I was simply trying to keep her readings normal. But thank you Harry. Let's get her settled in." the Doctor replied as they came through the door. Mrs. Troy had changed Sarah's bedding and was going over her chart with Mrs. Litton. The two nurses immediately set about reattaching all of Sarah's sensors.

Sarah stirred, fighting the affects of the large dose of medication from the prior night. "Doctor?"

"I'm right here Sarah. Can I get you anything?" he said bending over and taking her hand to his lips.

"No. I had a bad dream." she said.

"I know. Sleep Sarah, the dreams won't come back." he said, assured the amounts of medicine in her system would stop the dreams. Sarah closed her eyes and allowed sleep to overtake her. The Doctor tucked her in and added new instructions to her chart. He went over things with both nurses before turning back to Harry. "Thank you again for last night."

"Did you finish all your shopping? If you need, I can stay with Sarah while you finish." Harry offered.

"Thank you Harry but I found everything I needed last night. And I think I should stay close to Sarah after last night's events. That way I can be sure she's ready to come home." he said, smiling at the thought of bringing Sarah home.

"Well, if you need anything, you know where to find me. I've got a meeting with the Brigadier, I can't imagine what he wants or what I've done wrong. In either case, I better get going. See you later Doctor." Harry said rolling his eyes at the thought of the Brigadier's meeting.

The Doctor smiled at Harry's confusion. He didn't envy him. The Brigadier could be a stickler for details. He looked back to his sleeping beauty and smiled. Just one more hurdle Sarah, then you'll be home, he thought as he sat down in the old recliner to take a morning nap.

The Doctor was pleased at his prediction of Sarah's health. After three uneventful days, he decided it was time to take Sarah home. He was anxious to see Sarah's reaction to the addition to the Tardis' entertainment room. He would unveil it tonight after dinner when he was sure Sarah would beg for a movie. She had been so limited lately due to the combination of her injury and medication, that he knew she was bored stiff. The combination didn't allow her to read a book or use her computer. So he would bet his life on Sarah's desire to see a movie tonight.

"It's so good to be home." Sarah exclaimed when they arrived at her bedroom.

"It's so good to have you back." the Doctor said as he kissed Sarah's lips after settling her in her bed. "How do you feel?"

"A little tired, but fine." she replied. The Doctor was very proud of her. Sarah was doing as he asked and telling him if she was in any discomfort. Thankfully she had no memory of her seizure, but the Doctor would never forget it. "What's wrong?" she asked seeing him frown and quickly look down.

"Nothing, just grateful you're getting better." he said.

"I'm fine, really. The Master is on Gallifrey under lock and key as is Nancy Acrims. Everything will be all right, don't worry." she said trying to reassure him.

"I know. Listen, I'm going to get you some lunch. What do you want?" he asked trying to change the subject before he had questions he didn't want to answer.

"Surprise me." she answered, then grabbed his arm as he turned to leave. "Everything will be fine, really."

"You're amazing, did I ever tell you that?" he asked stealing another kiss.

"Yes I believe you have. But I love to hear it." Sarah said, giggling as he kissed her yet again.

"You're amazing." he said again, leaning in to give her a long passionate kiss. The type of kiss he hadn't been able to give her since the night of the dance. "I love to do that." he said commenting on the kiss.

"And I love it too." Sarah replied as they kissed again.

"At this rate you'll get lunch by dinner time. I've got to go. Stay still. Did you notice I didn't use my finger?" he teased.

"I'm very proud. But I'm all for skipping the meals and living on love." she tried to entice him back.

"Maybe we'll try that sometime but not today. I've gotta go." he said pulling away, while he still could. "I'll be right back." The Doctor looked back giving Sarah one more tremendous smile before closing the door.

After dinner that night, exactly as the Doctor predicted, Sarah begged for a movie. Any movie, were the words she used, making the Doctor laugh before he agreed.

The Doctor and Sarah were slowly walking down the hallway, only after the Doctor had to admit that Sarah was right. She did need to once again get on her feet, her reasoning being it was getting embarrassing trying to get to the bathroom, his reasoning she needed to build her strength up again. He had made Sarah promise to move very slowly and to mostly stay in bed. But tonight was a night he was anxious to share with Sarah, their first Christmas together, just like the ornament.

They had another thirty yards to go and the Doctor could feel Sarah shaking. "Sarah, what's wrong?" he asked stopping and turning her to face him.

"I think I'm weaker than I thought, my legs are shaking." she admitted, guiltily.

"It's okay Sarah, you'll get your strength back. But we must do it a little at a time. Ready?" he asked as he put Sarah's arms around his neck.

"Always." she smiled, happy to see he wasn't disappointed in her.

"I have a surprise for you. I think you're going to like it." he said with huge smile. He felt that if he didn't get to the entertainment room soon, he might burst.

Sarah could see in his eyes that something big was about to happen. She had never been on the receiving end of a surprise before, but decided that she could learn to like this. Little did he know Sarah thought, that she had never celebrated Christmas before. Ever! She had never had a Christmas tree or a Christmas present in her life. She used to daydream for hours on end, what it would be like to be normal and celebrate Christmas like everyone else. Could that be it? Christmas? The question would soon be answered, they were here.

The Doctor opened the door to the entertainment room. Straight ahead, instead of the screen that had gone from almost floor to ceiling, the screen was now only taking up the top half of the wall. The bottom half of the wall was consumed by a huge fireplace with a roaring fire. To the left of the fireplace was the most beautiful tree she had ever seen. It was tall and covered from top to bottom with some of the most beautiful glass ornaments she had ever seen. At the top was an angel, a beautiful angel with golden wings. The tree had swags of beautiful white and red beads, from top to bottom. The entire tree was engulfed in twinkling clear lights. Sarah was speechless. She stayed perfectly still in the Doctor's arms for fear of waking up from this beautiful and wonderful dream. It was better than she had ever dreamt it could be. Sarah was suddenly aware of the tears falling on her cheeks, tears of happiness. She turned her head, now eye to eye with the Doctor.

"You did all this for me?" Sarah asked in a small choked voice. The Doctor himself found that he had completely lost his voice and a tear had escaped his eye as he watched and was touched by Sarah's reaction. He simply shook his head yes. "Nobody has ever…I mean I can't believe you…you did all of this for me."

"There's something I want to show you." he said as he carried her closer to the tree. Sarah saw it immediately. The ornament with the dancing couple in the gazebo. He had made sure to hang it at eye level so that Sarah could see it anytime she wanted.

"Our First Christmas." Sarah read aloud. She couldn't help herself. More tears ran unchecked down her cheeks. Sarah turned to face the Doctor, "I love you!" she said, giving the Doctor a passionate kiss that he returned.

"It's right you know." he said glancing at the ornament. "This is just the first of many Christmas trees in our future. Many celebrations in our future. I love you with all my heart Sarah Jane Smith." he said claiming her for yet another passionate kiss. "Let's get you settled." he said taking her to the couch and setting her down. "What movie do you want to see?"

"Do you mind if we just watch the tree?" she asked in a small voice.

"Of course not. Anything you want. Can I get you anything to drink or eat?"

"No thank you, everything's perfect as it is." she replied patting the seat next to her. The Doctor responded by sitting down next to her and pulling her into his arms, positioning her body so that she could lean comfortably against him and still see the tree. The Doctor took a remote that was next to him on the couch and hit a button activating some instrumental Christmas music that was now playing low in the background. With another touch to the remote, he lowered the lights so that only the Christmas tree and the fire in the fireplace were lighting the room. He felt Sarah relax in his arms. The Doctor couldn't imagine a more perfect moment, but then with Sarah there had been many, and he was sure there would be many more.

On Gallifrey the Master was awaiting his council in a heavily guarded room. The walls, ceiling and floor were five inches thick, constructed of lead and laced with special circuitry designed to keep prisoners in and a materializing Tardis out. There were four guards on the outside of the only door leading to the Prisoners' Conference Room and as the Master sat handcuffed to a lead table attached to the lead floor, he wondered who it was that was actually coming to see him. He had not requested council since he had planned on defending himself, though even he realized that his defense, regardless of how he pleaded, would fall on deaf ears. He had been able to shield his thoughts, so far. This was one of the few places on Gallifrey that his thought would not have to be shrouded, thanks to not only the room but the Time Lords own set of rules between council and the accused. Since they were allowing this visit, the visitor had also shielded himself from the Time Lords and their prying, closed minds. As he waited his curiosity grew. The mystery was about to be solved. The guards were unlocking the door.

The door opened slowly to reveal a man of admirable height and build. The Master recognized him immediately as their minds briefly touched. He wore a disguise that allowed him freedom to walk the Capitol grounds, the disguise of confidence and honesty. In his vast career of corruption and immorality, he had always managed to be at least one step ahead of the Time Lords. He and the Master were good friends, sharing many common enemies. One in particular, the Doctor. Their main difference being their vanity. The Master was openly opposed to the Time Lords and their rules and regulations of time and personal gain restrictions. He did as he please, when he pleased and how he pleased. He could care less what the Time Lords thought of him or his life.

Morbius on the other hand, chose the path less traveled. The Time Lords had suspected him of various crimes but had never been able to indict him. His 'associates' were well paid and knew what to expect, and were willing to take their punishment if caught. Morbius thought it important to maintain his allegiance to the Time Lords, he loved the pageantry associated with his race. All the rules and regulations were a pain, but given the right acquaintances, paid the correct amount, almost anything was possible. So when he learned his friend the Master was arrested and awaiting trial, he decided he would find a way to free him. If the Doctor and his little human 'pets' could marshal such protection from the Time Lords it would only be a matter of time before the Doctor would stick his nose into his business, and he would find himself in this room. Sitting here awaiting imprisonment or possibly death. He would try to free him the Time Lord's way, 'first'.

After the guard closed the door Morbius spoke first, "So in a spot of trouble are you?" he asked with a smile.

"Just a bit. I'm assuming you're here to help." the Master said with a smile.

Morbius silently slid back the communications plate in the door about an inch for the guard's benefit, making sure the Master witnessed this. "So," he began, "how are your seizures? Have you seen your physician since you've been here?" Morbius asked with a wink and a smile.

The Master picked up on his plan immediately. "No, I haven't told them. They would never believe me anyway. But I would like to see my physician, my personal physician. Why do you ask?" the Master asked for the benefit of the guards outside the door who were more than likely transmitting the information to the High Council now.

"Because I know for a fact that you haven't been taking your medication for the last six months. You know what he told you. You have to stay on your medication or you have a tendency my friend, to…shall we say, act out. Would you like me to contact him?" he said as he opened a secret compartment in his ring, revealing a single small white pill.

The Master reached from his seated position, taking the pill and swallowing it. "Yes maybe you should. Looking back, I'm not even sure why I attacked the Doctor and his friends." the Master said, the words, not the pill, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.

"As soon as I heard you had been brought to Gallifrey, I knew you were off your medication." he said, then added as he saw the pill begin to take effect. "What's wrong?" he asked loudly.

"You're in it with him aren't you?" the Master screamed at the top of his lungs. "You and the Doctor want to see me put to death. You came here to kill me! Admit it, you want to see me die! You and the Doctor want to see me die!" the Master was screaming now. The guards had opened the door to find the Master yelling at his council and doing his best to break through the restraints that were holding him to the table. His arm was now cut and bleeding.

"He needs his physician. Surely you can see that." Morbius said as he stepped into the hallway and used the communications device to contact the Master's 'physician', Dr. Mehenderi Solon. Solon was awaiting this call.

One of the guards approached Morbius. "We have contacted Councilor Batin, he has asked that you make arrangements to have the Master's physician brought to Gallifrey."

"Of course, if that is the Council's order then I shall carry it out." Morbius replied, turning and smiling. The guard turned away to witness more of the Master's 'illness'. Morbius smiled, then in a low voice said aloud, "You're not safe yet Doctor, nor are your little friends." Morbius turned, walking away to await Solon's arrival in a more comfortable setting.

The next several days were spent simply relaxing and spending time together. The Doctor fought the urge to keep Sarah in her bed, instead he helped her to get back on her feet and gave in to her desire to remove the bandage from her head. Each day they would go for small walks in and around the grounds of UNIT, each day Sarah was able to walk a little further. Sarah had been feverishly working on something, though she refused to tell the Doctor what it was, just saying that he would see. The Doctor had to keep reminding her that she was still far from recovered. He had cut back on her pain medication, but insisted that she continue taking it at night. He, 'himself' still hadn't recovered from the vision that had faced him that horrible night.

After dinner on Christmas Eve, Sarah decided that she would bring homemade chocolate chip cookies and a chocolate cake to the Brigadier's house for Christmas dinner. Sarah had found a few recipes online, and with the Doctor's help was making excellent progress.

"I bet you're as good a cook as you are beautiful." the Doctor beamed.

"I wouldn't." Sarah said, then noticed the Doctor's frown. "What I mean is, I've never actually cooked before. I've never made anything before. So I need an honest opinion." she said handing him the first finished cookie, that was now cool. Sarah intently watched the Doctor's face as he took a bite and closed his eyes. "What's wrong? If it's bad, spit it out. You won't hurt my feelings. I promise." When he didn't respond right away, she asked, "Doctor?"

"This is definitely the best cookie I have ever eaten. I swear to you. Cross my hearts." he said taking his fingers and crossing both his hearts. Seeing disbelief in Sarah's eyes, he said, "Here, taste it yourself." as he put a bite of the cookie in Sarah's mouth.

"I can't believe it. It really is good. I made this!" she said as the realization hit. "I really made this, and it's good! Can you believe I did it?" Sarah asked as she jumped down from the stool the Doctor had insisted she sit on while she was baking. As she hit the floor, she staggered a bit, as the Doctor jumped forward to steady her.

"Yes I can believe it. You can do anything you set your mind to. That's just one of the many reasons I love you. Now sit back down." Sarah opened her mouth to protest, but was stopped by the Doctor. "Don't even try and talk your way out of this one, you're dizzy. You know it and I know it. If you want to finish making the cookies, to say nothing of the cake you have planned, then you will stay on the stool." the Doctor stopped himself realizing he probably came across a bit harsh. "I love you and I just want what's best for you. You know that don't you?" he said as he helped her to the stool.

"I know you do and I love you too. Ready to get started on the cake?" Sarah asked.

"Ready when you are." he answered, stealing a quick kiss before putting the cookies in a container for tomorrow. "Are you sure you're up to going to the Brigadier's tomorrow? I'm sure everyone would understand." the Doctor said.

"I'm fine, don't worry. Let's bake a cake!" Sarah smiled at him. She was starting to feel really tired. She just had to get the cake in the oven, then she could rest, she told herself. She was glad that she had made the frosting earlier. That way she could wait till tomorrow if necessary to frost the cake. "There!" Sarah said as she filled the cake pans. "Would you put them in the oven for me?" Sarah asked wiping her hands on a nearby towel.

"I would be honored." the Doctor said carrying each layer to the oven. He had been watching her, and could see Sarah's strength fading fast. "Why don't I take the cakes out of the oven when they're done. That way you can take a nice warm bath and get some sleep. Tomorrow's a big day you know." the Doctor said with a smile. Sarah had no idea what a big day it would actually be. It was all he could do not to ask her tonight. But he wanted all their friends to share in their happiness.

"Are you sure you wouldn't mind? I am kind of tired." she admitted.

"I would be very happy to take care of them. Come on, I'll walk you to your room." he said, taking her arm as he allowed her to lean on him. They walked silently back to Sarah's room, each lost in their own thoughts about the day that tomorrow would bring. "Here we are." the Doctor said opening Sarah's door. "Can I help you with anything?"

"No, I'm good. But thank you, for everything. "I love you so very much." Sarah responded, tilting her head as the Doctor leaned in to give her a passionate kiss.

"I better let you get to your bath. If you need anything…." he started.

"I'll yell for you. I promise. Goodnight." Sarah said, smiling as she closed the door. Sarah went to the bathroom and started filling the tub, making herself a very warm bubble bath. Once she had the temperature adjusted, she went to her closet and took out a box. Inside the box was the Doctor's Christmas present. She couldn't remember knitting that fast in her entire life. She had noticed the Doctor's scarf was getting pretty tattered, so she had ordered the colored yarn over the phone and had Harry pick it up. Harry had snuck it into Sarah's room when the Doctor was in a meeting with the Brigadier.

Then she started knitting as fast as she could, only finishing it early this morning. She had found the box and Harry had found her the wrapping paper. She put everything together in the bottom of the closet. After her bath she would wrap it, making it ready for the Doctor tomorrow. She had already slipped the Doctor's Christmas letter in his stocking. She returned to the bathroom and took her bath, the anticipation of tomorrow giving her the energy she needed to stay awake long enough to get the ready for tomorrow.

Thankfully she had several UNIT paychecks under her belt, allowing her to purchase Christmas presents, another first. She had ordered gifts over the internet for her friends, thank goodness for technology. She knew she'd never convince the Doctor to let her go to the mall. She had ordered Doris a perfume set. And she had ordered each of the men in her life, the Brigadier, Harry, Benton and Sam cologne sets. The Doctor would also receive one as well as a new robe and she had been able to find the type of socks like he wore. As well as a new chain for his Tardis key and several other things she had found. She had also bought a silver frame and put a picture that Harry had given her, taken on the night of the dance of she and the Doctor. It had been taken before everything had gone so horribly wrong.

After her bath, Sarah returned to her bed to find water and a pill on her nightstand. Underneath them was a book, The Night Before Christmas. Sarah smiled and took the pill. She had decided not to give the Doctor a hard time about the medication. He was probably right about it anyway, hopefully she wouldn't have to take it much longer. She thought about tomorrow, and all the problems concerning her accident went away. Sarah settled into bed and read the book that had been read so many times to children all over the world. She had read it one time in a library. She was living on the street then and instead of making her feel the magic of Christmas, it made her depressed. But this time, her circumstances were entirely different, this time she was safe and happy.

"Tomorrow," she said aloud with a smile, "will be a wonderful day." A day full of firsts. Her first Christmas celebration, her first Christmas in a real home, her first Christmas with friends and her first Christmas with the love of her life. Sarah pulled Snowy from under her pillow and looked at her once previous only friend. "Merry Christmas Snowy." she said before closing her eyes and allowing sleep to carry her away.

The Doctor awoke early. He rolled over, and as sleep lost its claim on him, a smile slowly crept across his lips. "It's Christmas!" he said aloud. With that he quickly showered and dressed before heading to the kitchen. He quickly prepared for breakfast, singing the Christmas carols he had just learned. As he pushed the cart containing their breakfast down the hallway and arrived at Sarah's door, he was just finishing a song. "And a partridge in a pear tree." he sang as Sarah's door opened before him.

Sarah was dressed in a beautiful red sweater that she wore with her blue jeans. "Merry Christmas." Sarah replied, leaning over the cart to claim a Christmas kiss. "But you didn't have to do this you know." Sarah said moving aside as the Doctor pushed the cart through the door.

"I know, but I enjoy taking care of you. And I love spending every minute with you that I possibly can." he said as he moved the breakfast to a table next to the overstuffed chair. "After you." he said with a gallant sweep of his hand, as he directed Sarah to sit in the chair.

"You're such a gentleman. I love that!" she said as she sat, the Doctor leaning over to claim a quick kiss before sitting down himself. "This looks delicious." she said, then after taking a bite, "Mmmm, this is wonderful.".

"The Tardis has yet to ever burn anything." the Doctor replied. "But more importantly, according to several dependable sources, we have a day of snacking ahead of us. Are you up for it?" he asked, then stuffed a big bite of omelet into his mouth.

"Are you kidding? Definitely, I'm looking forward to it." Sarah replied stuffing an equally large bite into her mouth.

The Doctor laughed at her reply. They talked about a little of everything as they finished their breakfast. The Doctor and Sarah were almost at the door to the entertainment room when he turned to Sarah and said, "I wonder if Santa has been here." He opened the door to find quite a few presents under the tree.

"I bet he even left some for you." Sarah replied with a smile.

The pair went over to the tree, each sitting on the floor looking over the presents. The Doctor and Sarah spent the next hour carefully opening up presents, each not wanting this once in a lifetime, 'first time' to end. They were each down to two presents. "Open mine first." Sarah said handing the Doctor his presents.

"You shouldn't have. You already gave me so much." he said taking the presents from her hands. He carefully opened the smallest first. It was a silver frame, and in it was a picture of the two of them together at the dance. It literally took his breath. Here in living color was proof that the two of them were together. It was something he knew, yet holding the picture in his hand made it all the more real. "This is…wonderful Sarah. You're so beautiful, always." he said looking from the picture into her eyes. They both had tears in their eyes. "Thank you so much." he said reaching forward and claiming a kiss. "I can't imagine what this is." he said as he shook the box. "It doesn't rattle."

"That's a good thing, the way you were shaking it." Sarah laughed.

The Doctor unwrapped the box and opened the lid. "Oh Sarah." he said pulling the incredibly long scarf from the box. "This is beautiful."

"Did I get the colors right?" she asked.

"Yes they're perf…." the Doctor stopped as the realization hit. "You knitted this yourself?" he asked incredulously.

"Yes, is something wrong?" she asked searching his face for clues.

"No, it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I just can't believe you made this. I didn't even know you could knit. This is so beautiful." he repeated, looking at it in amazement. "This was a lot of work. I can't believe you did this for me. I absolutely love it! Thank you." he said reaching across and kissing Sarah again. "It's perfect." he said taking off the scarf he had on and replacing it with Sarah's. "Your turn." he said handing Sarah her presents.

"You've done so much already." Sarah replied, echoing the Doctor's previous sentiment. Sarah took the gifts, opening the larger of the two first. Carefully removing the beautiful paper, Sarah opened the box. It was a beautiful large wooden jewelry box, it's top inlaid with a diamond within a diamond within another diamond pattern of several different wood types. She opened it to see it was lined in red velvet and in it laid a pair of diamond solitaire earrings. "They're both so beautiful." Sarah said as she ran her hands over the smoothness of the beautiful box and with her fingertips touching the diamond earrings with such reverence that it touched the Doctor's hearts.

"I'm glad you like them." he replied with a smile, thinking back to the day he had thought of the idea. He had noticed that Sarah only wore one pair of earrings, a small set of gold balls. He had a feeling that was the only pair she owned. He wanted to give her the universe. This was a special Christmas, he decided that for such a special Christmas Sarah could always use another gift or two. With that in mind, he returned to Mr. Wrenn and purchased the diamond earrings. As luck would have it, Mr. Wren received a local consignment of handmade wooden jewelry boxes while he was there. He doubted Sarah would have one and purchased it without a second thought. Looking at Sarah's face he knew he had made the right decision. She obviously cherished the box as much as the earrings.

"They're both so…beautiful." Sarah said as a tear fell down her cheek. "I've never received so many beautiful things." Sarah said looking into the Doctor's blue eyes.

"You have one more." the Doctor said softly. He couldn't believe they had been fortunate enough to find one another. He never thought he would have anyone by his side let alone someone as wonderful as Sarah.

Sarah opened the wrapping and opened the box to find the most beautiful watch she had ever seen. It was gold with an oval, mother of pearl face. "Oh Doctor, you shouldn't have, you've given me too much."

The Doctor reached forward and took Sarah's free hand. "I will never be able to give 'you' enough to suit 'me'. I want to give you everything. And I'll never stop trying. I love you!" he said, taking her hand to his lips.

"And I love you." she said claiming a kiss of her own. "Do you want to read the letters now?" Sarah asked in anticipation.

"I'd love to. Would you like to go first?" he asked, helping her to her feet.

"Please." Sarah replied as she took the letter from her stocking. The Doctor did the same and the two sat down on the couch. Sarah opened the letter and smiled as she looked into the Doctor's eyes. She looked to the letter and began aloud.

My dearest Sarah,

In all my travels I never thought that one day I might be fortunate enough to be where I find myself today. From the moment you came into my life, my life was no longer mine, but it was yours. I never thought that kind of closeness would ever be possible for me, but with your love I find that it's not only possible but the only way I want to live my life. You have brought out feelings in me that I never knew were missing, but now find that I can't exist without.

From the moment I looked into your beautiful green eyes, I realized that you were everything that I would ever need or could ever want. Before we had even exchanged a single word, I felt a closeness with you that I had never felt before. A feeling that, as long as we are together everything will be all right. I need your glance, your touch and your love as surely as I need air. I get up in the morning and my first thought is of you. I go to sleep at night and my last thought is of you. From the second we spoke, I have never thought of my life without you in it. Because without you, my life would cease to have meaning.

You are not just a remarkable human being, but an amazing woman as well. You have survived and overcome so many obstacles in the short amount of time that I have known you. You are undoubtedly the bravest person I know. You have endured and triumphed over so much in your short life, and you did it all on your own. I hope you know how much I admire your courage and your determination to persevere regardless of the circumstances.

I love the way you smile, the way you laugh and the way you make my face as well as my hearts swell with joy when we're together. I love to talk with you for hours on end and hold you close when we watch a movie. I love the way you make me feel as if I'm the only one in the room when we're in the crowded Mess Hall. And I love the way you laugh when I mention meat loaf. I love the way your eyes light up when we kiss. I love the way you kiss and hug me tight. You might have guessed by now that I love you with all my hearts. Thank you for coming into my life. Thank you for healing my soul. And most of all, thank you for giving me life, a real life that I enjoy living.

I hope that I can give you everything that you have given to me. I am the luckiest man in any universe. You are my angel and the light of my life. So on this, our first Christmas together, I simply want to say the one and only truth that I know, I love you now and forever!

Always,

Doctor

"That was the most beautiful letter I…I…" Sarah couldn't finish. She launched herself into the Doctor's arms, tears falling freely. The Doctor held her on his lap, letting her cry. He had let a few tears slip down his own cheek, he was so touched by Sarah's reaction to the presents and the letter. He smiled and thought of tonight. Tonight would be special too, he thought. If she only knew. He rubbed her back and soon the sobbing subsided. "I'm sorry, you probably think I'm crazy." Sarah replied as she accepted the Doctor's handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes.

"I think you are very happy and that's all I could ever want. Merry Christmas Sarah!" he said as he kissed her cheek.

"I love you too. Thank you for making this a wonderful first Christmas." Sarah said. Then realizing the slip put her hand to her mouth, wishing she could take back the word, 'first'.

"This is your first Christmas ever?" he asked, shocked with the realization that his suspicions had been correct.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to let that slip out." she said as her face turned red with embarrassment.

"Sarah," he said guiding her face to his with his hand, "you never have to hold back with me, ever. I'm honored to be part of one of your firsts." he said with a reassuring smile. "You never celebrated Christmas as a child?"

"If I were lucky they would lock me in the apartment for a few days while they partied with their friends." Sarah said looking down as she spoke. Sarah thought back to the way she would pass the days waiting for them to return. She would spend most of her awake time talking for hours on end to Snowy.

The Doctor could imagine what it was like, if she were unlucky. To lock a young child in an apartment alone was one more reason to hate them. But after seeing the conditions she was raised in, he suspected the locking wouldn't end at the door. He could only imagine the hell Sarah had been through at being locked to a pipe and being left inside a filthy apartment without food. "And you never celebrated Christmas as an adult?"

"Usually I didn't have a place to celebrate in." Sarah began. "But it's all behind me now, I have you and that's all I need." Sarah replied, hugging the Doctor with all her strength. Strength that the Doctor could feel waning.

"Time for my letter." the Doctor said trying to lighten the mood and get Sarah to rest a bit. The emotions of the day were zapping her energy and she needed a nap. The Doctor opened his letter and began.

My wonderful Doctor,

Where do I begin? You have shown me love that I never knew existed outside of the movies or romance novels. I have never felt so cherished and desired in my entire life. You are the most caring and loving person I have ever known. I no longer think of myself in the singular, but think only of myself in the plural. I can't imagine my life without you. You have shown me kindness, tenderness, selflessness and all the love I could ever want. I thank God every night for sending you to me.

I look at you and want to scream from the rooftop, how very much I love you. You make me laugh and forget the past. You have taught me so much in the short time we have been together. You have given me love that I never thought I deserved. In the fairy tales the Princess is always rescued by her Knight in shining armor riding on a charging white steed. Right from the start, you made me your Princess and you became my Knight in shining armor, and the Tardis became our steed. You have rescued me from a life that I lived, but didn't enjoy. Now my days are times I cherish and my nights are spent with the love of my life, you.

You have given me your love, time and again freely. I can only hope and pray that this feeling never ends. I look upon your handsome face and can't believe that you chose me. You are the most courageous, caring, kind, intelligent and incredible man I have ever known. I love you with all my heart and soul. I promise to do my very best to never let you down and always support you. Words cannot describe my love for you, or the limits that I will go to prove my love for you. Thank you for allowing me to love you. And thank you for loving me. My heart and soul are so full, I fear I may burst. You have made me so undeniably indescribably happy. I had given up hope long ago of ever finding you, then suddenly there you were, saving me with your love. Love that I will treasure for as long as I live.

Always,

Sarah

The Doctor put the letter down carefully refolding it, as tears streamed down his face. "I will cherish this for the rest of my life." he said, indicating the letter. "These are the most beautiful words that I have ever read." He pulled Sarah into a tight embrace and whispered in her ear, "I love you more than life itself. Do you know that?" Sarah nodded yes into his embrace . "You are so very precious to me. I could hold you for the rest of my life and never get enough of you. Thank you for being in my life."

"Never leave me." Sarah whispered in his ear.

"Never, I promise." the Doctor said as he pulled back and gave Sarah a zealous kiss on her lips, which she returned. As they parted, the Doctor again noticed how tired Sarah looked. He had an idea he thought might work to get her to take a nap. "How would you feel about taking a nap with me, I was so excited about today, that I barely slept last night?" he lied.

"Anywhere I can be with you sounds great." Sarah said aloud, though not entirely convinced the Doctor wasn't trying to pull a fast one on her.

The Doctor helped Sarah up and took a step back so that she could pass. As she stepped forward, she staggered a bit. "Guess I really do need that nap." Sarah admitted.

"Are you all right? Remember your promise." he warned.

"I'm fine, really! I'm just a little tired. Let's go." Sarah tried to get the Doctor moving.

"If you're sure." the Doctor said.

"I'm sure." Sarah replied as the two headed to the door.

Once outside the entertainment room door, the Doctor reached down and scooped Sarah up in his arms. "Hey!" Sarah tried to protest.

"I said we would take a nap together, I said nothing about how you would get there." he said smiling and quickly stealing a kiss from her lips before she could protest. Sarah just smiled and laid her head on his shoulder. The two continued down the hall till they reached Sarah's bedroom. The Doctor set Sarah down on the bed and removed her shoes then walked around to the other side of the bed before joining her. The Doctor opened his arms wide reaching for her. She smiled at him before scooting over on the bed to climb into his embrace.

"Merry Christmas Doctor." Sarah said sleepily.

"Merry Christmas Sarah." the Doctor said watching Sarah's eyelids close as sleep claimed her. She was asleep in seconds. The Doctor brushed a stray hair off of her face, then leaned in to kiss the tip of her nose before releasing a happy sigh and joining her in sleep.

An hour later they awoke. "Sarah, you should try to get some more sleep." he said, his face just a few inches from hers.

"But then, I'd sleep away Christmas. There'll be time to sleep tomorrow. What time did the Brigadier say he wanted us?"

"About two, why?" he said, removing a stray curl that had fallen in her face.

"Because I still need to frost the cake." Sarah replied.

"What do you want to do after that?" he asked, moving even closer.

"Well I thought we might watch a Christmas movie. Have you ever watched, Christmas In Connecticut?" she asked with a smile as she became aware of the Doctor's hand moving up her side.

"No, I don't think I have. We can watch it if you want. Do you want?" he asked with a big smile, his hand still moving higher.

"Oh, I want." Sarah replied, tilting her head as the Doctor moved in to kiss her passionately.

"Then your wish is my command." he said. He moved from Sarah's mouth to the left side of her neck and slowly kissing his way across her collar bone before moving to the right side of her neck and returning again to her mouth. "Are you sure? This bed is very comfortable, are you sure you want to leave it? Don't you think it will miss us?" he tried, as he returned to kissing Sarah's neck.

"You're right, this bed is very comfortable but I'm sure it will forgive us if we come back later. And if you don't stop soon…."

"What will happen?" the Doctor stopped kissing her neck and looked into her bright, green eyes.

"Something that neither of us is quite ready for yet." she replied. "I love you, you do know that, don't you?" she asked, hoping he wasn't hurt by her rejection of the inevitable right now.

"Yes, I do. And you're right. Let's go see that movie. I bought a 'huge' box of candy at the mall. I think if we really put our hearts into it, we can eat the first three layers during the movie." the Doctor said ecstatically.

"The 'first three layers', how big is this box of candy?" Sarah asked, the Doctor really was an overgrown kid, and she loved that.

"The girl that packed it for me said it was a record for the store. She said they'd never put so much candy in one box before. I think it's a challenge. Are you up to it?" he asked with a devilish smile.

"I accept your challenge. We better get started. We only have three hours!" she said jumping from the bed quickly. A little too quickly for her head. Sarah staggered before falling against the bed.

"Hey, don't move so fast. Till you've totally recovered go slow." he warned. "Are you all right? Dizzy?" he asked bending down to look in Sarah's eyes. He could see after examining her pupils that she was.

"It's all right, I was just dizzy because I moved too quickly, that's all. Come on." she said as she allowed the Doctor to help her. "Let's go eat some candy." Then looking up at his concerned face, "Don't worry, I'm fine!". She took his hand and they left her room, the Doctor letting Sarah set the pace.

On Gallifrey changes were taking place. In the hallway of the psychiatric ward of the Gallifrey Medical Complex, Morbius paced, giving the appearance of a worried friend for the benefit of High Council member, Councilor Batin. In truth, nothing could have been further from the truth. As Morbius awaited the 'diagnosis'. He could only picture the look on the Doctor's face when he found out the Master was once again free and a threat to those backward minions he so lovingly cherished.

The doors opened and the guards parted allowing Solon to pass. Councilor Batin stood from the chair he had been allotted. "Dr. Solon what have you found?"

"I have obtained permission from my patient to talk with you about his condition." Solon started, reciting the dialog he had been given yesterday.

"And what condition would that be Dr. Solon?" Batin asked.

"He has a disorder involving the neural receptors located at the base of his brain. They misfire and cause him to suffer from seizures. These seizures can last four minutes or in the previous occurrence four months. He has apparently been off his medication for at least that long." Solon finished, wondering if he had missed his calling, perhaps he should have applied himself to the arts.

"So you're saying the Master wasn't in control of himself for a period of four months. If he takes his 'medication', he would be able to control himself? Why have we not heard of this 'disorder' before?" Batin asked, seeing that this whole incident with the Doctor could be looked upon as a tragic medical mistake and the Master could once again be set free on the unsuspecting beings that inhabit millions of planets, unable to defend themselves.

"I am not in the habit of informing the High Council or anyone else of my patients' conditions or their treatments. I can show you my files detailing the Master's condition and his history, if you like." Solon hesitated for effect, then continued, "I understand with the 'incident' you have cause for concern, but he now has an updated dosage of the medication. The prescribed amount he should have been receiving all along. As long as he doesn't miss a dose, his life will return to normal."

'That' is what we're all afraid of, Batin thought to himself. "Are you saying this all came about because he missed a single dose, 'one dose'?" Batin asked, dreading the next stop on this trying day. He would have to inform the other members of the High Council of this new development.

"Yes, 'that' is exactly what I'm saying. I will testify to that, if need be." Solon said as he stepped up to the proverbial plate.

"Thank you Dr. Solon. We will be in contact with you, I'm sure." Batin replied, turning to leave then stopped and faced Morbius. "We may have questions for you also."

"I will await your call. I am always available to the High Council." Morbius replied with a bow to Batin. Morbius and Solon watched Batin walk to the end of the hallway before turning to face one another. Morbius looked to the guards and then to Solon. "Dr. Solon please allow me to take you to get refreshments. After your long trip here I know you must be parched." Morbius turned to lead Solon away from the room and away from the prying ears of the guards.

"You were excellent Mehenderi, excellent. You will be reimbursed in the usual manner." Morbius replied. Solon had a number of 'bizarre' experiments going on, involving living creatures from the fringe of the outer universe. Creatures that wouldn't be missed and easily subdued and taken. "Would you like to share a meal?" he asked slapping the physician's back.

"Yes, I would." he answered then looked over his shoulder to make sure no one was in earshot. "Do you think they'll release the Master?"

"I don't see why not. But I hope he uses this opportunity wisely. They won't be quite so forgiving next time."

"Next time?" Solon replied.

"Oh I'm sure knowing the Master, there will definitely be a 'next time'. Let's not discuss him anymore, we've done all we can. It's now in the hands of the High Council. But just between the two of us, I would kill to see the Doctor's face when they inform him of the Master's release. I'm sure it would be most satisfying." Morbius said as he rubbed his hands together, relishing the thought with glee.

After he had Sarah settled on the couch and drinks served for the two, he placed the box of candy in front of her. "I've never seen a box of candy this big in my entire life. How many layers are there?" she asked incredulously.

"Twelve." he answered with pride. "Is that a lot?"

"Yes but over time…I think we can take it." Sarah stated.

"That's my girl. Let's get started." the Doctor said taking the lid from the gold box and peeling back the wax paper.

An hour and a half later, Sarah thought that if she never saw another piece of candy again it would be too soon. The look on her face spoke volumes.

"Too much!" the Doctor said after seeing Sarah's face in the reflected light of the movie playing on the screen. He felt the way she looked. "Maybe next year we should only have three layers." he sighed, making Sarah laugh.

"It was an excellent idea, but when I think of all the food that will be waiting for us at the Brigadier's…." Sarah said.

"I know. Let's just take a little nap, till Harry and the others get here." the Doctor suggested. It was either that or throw up and at this point he might do both. He closed his eyes and felt Sarah slump against him doing the same.

Before both knew it, they had slept an hour and the Doctor's cell phone was ringing. Both looked at one another as realization hit. In unison they looked at the clock on the wall. "The cake, I still have to frost it!" Sarah was up and running.

"Go slow!" the Doctor yelled after her. He picked up the phone wishing he had followed his own advice. "Can you get drunk on candy?" he asked aloud to no one. The phone was still ringing, "Hello?" he asked, wishing he would have stopped eating the candy on the third layer.

"Doctor? Are you all right?" Harry asked. He and the others had been banging on the Tardis door for the last fifteen minutes.

"Yes, I'm fine. I'm heading for the door now." he said as he walked through the hallways to the console room. As he was closing the phone, ending the call he was opening the Tardis' door. "Sorry we're running late. Sarah's frosting a cake. She'll be finished in a minute." the Doctor said closing the door and setting the coordinates for the Brigadier's house.

"Doctor, are you all right?" Sam asked. "I mean you look kind of green." he added.

"We kind of overdid it with some candy." the Doctor admitted.

"Are you going to be able to do this?" Benton asked.

"Yes, you know where the kitchen is, I have to find something." the Doctor said as an idea formed. "Go, find Sarah in the kitchen." he yelled running the opposite direction down the hall.

"Well, let's go find Sarah." Harry said as he lead the men down the hallway. In no time they had reached the kitchen. "Sarah, are you in here?" Harry called as he entered the room.

"I'm here. I'm almost finished." she called from behind the center island as she put the finishing touches on the cake.

"Sarah that looks wonderful! Is it chocolate inside too?" Sam inquired, licking his lips.

"Yes and don't say that word again." Sarah replied, feeling like she might pop at the seams any second, spilling chocolate all over the pristine Tardis kitchen.

"The Doctor had much the same reaction. What did you two do?" Benton asked smiling.

"We ate way, way, way too much." Sarah answered, going over to the refrigeration unit and retrieved a bottle of water.

Hearing the sound of approaching footsteps the group turned toward the doorway to see the Doctor come through the door looking totally rejuvenated.

"You look much better." Harry commented.

"And I feel much better. And soon, so will you." he turned to Sarah. "Take this, it's an antacid and a little something thrown in to soothe your stomach." the Doctor said, handing Sarah a small glass with a milky type liquid. Sarah looked skeptical as she took the glass from the Doctor. "I promise. It will make you feel better. It did for me." the Doctor smiled encouragingly. Sarah drank it down, followed by a big drink of water.

"I hope you're right." Sarah said. She really felt like climbing in bed and pulling the covers over her head.

"What can we do to help?" Sam asked, feeling sorry for Sarah.

"Nothing, except maybe carry the cookies and the cake." Sarah replied.

"Don't give them to Sam. Last week I asked him to hold my cheeseburger while I paid for it. I turned back around and he'd eaten part of it." Benton said, eliciting a laugh from the group, even Sarah.

"Feeling better?" the Doctor asked as he reached Sarah rubbing his hand over her lower back.

"Amazingly well. But is it safe to eat dinner?" Sarah asked.

"Yes, the medicine kind of neutralized the candy. We're good to go. Speaking of which, the Tardis has arrived." the Doctor announced as Sam passed him with the box of cookies and Benton passed him with the plate holding the cake. Harry followed the pair, warning them to be careful. The Doctor reached out and took Sarah's hand and smiled. "Let's go."

The Doctor opened the door and the group disembarked. The Brigadier was waiting for them at the top of the stairs on their large wraparound porch. "Merry Christmas!" the Brigadier called. He was greeting each one as they passed. "Well Doctor, I can't tell you how honored we feel that you have joined us today." the Brigadier stated.

"Thank you for having us. We're very glad to be here." he said squeezing Sarah's hand.

"I can't begin to thank you for having me Brigadier." Sarah said, leaning forward and hugging the Brigadier.

"You're most welcome Miss. Smith." the Brigadier said returning the hug. At this point he felt like Sarah was one of the UNIT family, and more importantly, she was one of the inner circle. "By the way, I'd like to thank you both for the presents. Doris wanted to see you, I think she's in the kitchen." the Brigadier added.

"And thank you for the wonderful presents. Everything has been wonderful today. I better go find Doris." Sarah said, slipping into the house.

"She seems very happy. Did you ask her anything yet?" the Brigadier asked mysteriously.

"No, not yet. But I've been meaning to thank you. Mr. Wrenn was a wonderful man and he has such a gift. I know Sarah will be thrilled." he said.

"And any hints on exactly when Sarah will be thrilled?" the Brigadier tried, happy for his friends. He was having an increasingly hard time keeping the news from his wife. Doris kept asking if the Doctor was thinking of marriage and he was having a hard time lying to his wife.

"Soon, very soon." the Doctor said, passing the Brigadier and entering the house leaving the Brigadier standing alone, with a smile on his face.

"That was a wonderful meal Doris. You've outdone yourself." the Doctor glowed after the long meal. He and from the understanding look from Sarah, they were both grateful for the effectiveness of the medication they had taken.

"Everything was indeed wonderful Doris. What can I do to help clean up?" Sarah asked.

"Nonsense, cleaning up is for tomorrow. Today we celebrate." Doris said as the Brigadier approached her from behind, placing his hands at her waist.

They made such a wonderful couple, Sarah thought. It must have been wonderful to have them as parents. The Doctor watched Sarah and could see that she was lost in thought. He could just about imagine what those thoughts were. She may not have a family by birth, but this group had certainly accepted the both of them as part of their family. It's odd, the Doctor thought. Family had just been a word till lately. He never realized the importance of family to those around him, or the importance of their loss. Sarah had never really had a family, yet now with all their friends present, he would give her the opportunity to join his family of one. Returning his attention to the others, he noticed Harry was speaking.

"I swear to you, when my father saw that raccoon come out of our freshly decorated Christmas tree he nearly had a heart attack. My mother jumped up on a chair, though why she thought she was safe there, we still tease her about. I was only five and I was begging to keep it as a pet and all the while my father had a broom swinging it in every direction, breaking nearly every ornament on the tree. I decided if they weren't going to let me keep it as a pet then I wasn't going to stand around while they tried to kill it with a broom. I went to the front door and opened it, and at the top of my lungs yelled 'run'. The poor thing sprang from the tree and ran out the front door as fast as it could. My mother and father stood there looking at the destroyed living room and without missing a beat I asked, 'Is dinner ready? I'm starved' My mother started walking toward me and I really thought she would kill me. My father took one look at me and yelled, 'run'. And I went next door till my mother had cooled down. And 'that' is my favorite Christmas to this day." Harry finished.

Everyone in the house had laughed so hard at Harry's story that there wasn't a dry eye left. "That calls for a drink." the Brigadier said as he poured everyone a glass of the wine that the Doctor had given him at Thanksgiving. As soon as everyone had a glass, he raised his glass and toasted, "I'd like to wish all of you the most joyous of days and years to come. Doris and I couldn't be happier to fill our house with such good friends and happy memories. Merry Christmas!"

A chorus of "Merry Christmas!" was replied in turn as everyone raised their glass before the clinking of their glasses could be heard throughout the room. Afterwards, everyone sat down on their perspective seats. As Sarah started to sit the Doctor whispered, "Come here." as he took both their glasses and set them on the table. He walked Sarah to the open end of the seating arrangement so that all their friends could witness this huge event in their lives.

"What's going on?" Sarah asked, confused and slightly self conscious. The others in the room had stopped talking and were now peering at the couple.

"You'll see." he replied with a smile. He looked at the group seated in front of them, and he had the feeling they all knew what was about to happen. Sarah was starting to look uncomfortable so he decided to not go on and on, as he was told he had a habit of doing. Instead he checked his pocket to find the ring was just as he left it, the last time he checked, two minutes ago. He took it from his pocket, hiding it in his balled up hand.

"Sarah I hope you don't mind but I wanted to tell you here in front of all our friends, what a difference you have made in my life." Sarah's green eyes were sparkling even though her cheeks were turning red. "You have made it a pleasure to get out of bed every morning, and each day I pinch myself to prove that you're not a dream. I never knew I could be so happy, and that is all because of you. You are not only the bravest person I know, but you are also the most beautiful woman I know. I promise to love you with both my hearts for the rest of our lives. I can't imagine my life without you in it. So," the Doctor said as he lowered himself so that he was now bent on one knee, one hand still holding Sarah's, "I'd like to ask you in front of all of our friends a question. Will you marry me?"