Chapter 7: The boy who died and the girl who remembered
"Ask me what happens if you die in reality?" – The Dream Lord
"What happens?" – Rory
"You die, stupid. That's why it's called reality." – The Dream Lord
Amy was happy, wonderfully, gorgeously twirl around in circles and sing, happy. There would be no more waiting not for her and not for Rory. Rory. She needed to tell Rory. She ran to get her mobile. Perfect timing he'd be on his lunch break right now.
She dances impatiently in place waiting for him to pick up, and when he finally does she lets out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
"Rory, we're going on a trip!"
Hearing the joy in her voice something in his chest loosens and he smiles. "What's the occasion?"
"We're going to save the Doctor!"
He doesn't ask questions and doesn't object. His Amy is happy again, and she wants him with her. That is enough. It has always been enough.
"Just let me know when you want to leave and I'll get time off. Oh and Amy, I have something to tell you too. River is here! She wanted to surprise you, but since you called I couldn't keep it to myself."
That's marvelous." He can hear the smile in her voice. "Tell her she has to stay the night. I'll make pancakes in the morning."
"Will do. Love you."
"Love you too."
After she hangs up the phone she twirls around the room until she's dizzy. Everything was going to be fine now. She'd have her boys and the magic blue box. Her Doctor and her Centurion. Her mind latches onto the phrase. Her Doctor and her Centurion. Her Doctor and her Centurion. This was important. She dreamt about this. Her Doctor and her Centurion they were talking and it was important, but she could never hear them. If only she could ask the Doctor . . . She nearly smacked herself when she realized she didn't need to ask the Doctor; she had the Centurion. And this Centurion has a mobile.
"Rory!"
He interrupts before she can say anything else. "We're walking back from lunch. River hasn't disappeared."
"No, silly, I have a question."
"Can it wait until I get home? River is telling me the funniest story about a sentient couch cushion. Remind me to ask our cushions if they mind being sat on."
"This can't wait. I need to know if you and the Doctor talked about anything important when you were a Centurion?"
"Huh?"
"Did he tell you anything that sounded weird at the time? Did he say anything particularly Doctor-y or unusual?"
"Amy, nothing was usual about that situation."
She sighs. "I know. I'm sorry. I've just been having this dream where the two of you stand outside the Pandorica and you're both talking and it's so important, but I can't hear you."
He's silent for a few seconds and then says; "I did ask if you'd be safer if I stayed."
"Rory, I need you to repeat that conversation exactly don't leave a single word out."
When he finishes she says, "I'll call you right back" in a strangled voice and hangs up.
"Will she be safer if I stay? Look me in the eye and tell me she wouldn't be safer." – Rory
"Rory..." – The Doctor
"Answer me!" – Rory
"Yes. Obviously." – The Doctor
She replays the exchange in her head a few times. Her stomach hurts. She knows the Doctor and she knows what that exchange really meant. And then she's rushing to the nearest toilet to throw up.
Trembling she stands up, and even though she knows what happens next knows what has to happen next she reaches for the phone to call Rory back. She isn't surprised when it starts ringing before she manages to dial. She knows before she answers that it's River, and worse she knows what River is about to say.
Tick-tock goes the clock
"Mum, there's been an accident."
And all the years they fly
"Dad is hurt."
Tick-tock and all too soon
"You need to come to the hospital right now."
Your love will surely die
And she remembers. She remembers every terrifying, wonderful magnificent thing that has ever happened to her, and she no longer feels guilty or afraid. She is utterly at peace. She takes a last look around her little home and walks out the door. River needs her.