As Donna drove home she couldn't get her mind off of, well, her mind. Had something happened to her that her mum and grandad hadn't told her? She'd ask them when she got back.
As Donna came to the intersection, she had the distinct feeling to turn left.
But home is to the right.
However, she couldn't ignore this mad feeling. So she turned left.
Donna drove down the street, looking for something, anything, to tell her why she was supposed to turn left. She finally gave an exasperated sigh and was about to turn around, when she saw it.
There. On the street corner, was a blue box. A blue police box. She just had time to slam on the brakes before everything came rushing back.
Her wedding, Adipose, Pompei, Agatha Christe, giant hornets, the Oods, Midnight, Sontarans, Jenny, Rose, Martha, Daleks, Bad Wolf Bay.
Space Man.
The Doctor.
Donna jumped out of her car and ran for that box. She had some choice words she had to say to that Space Man. Donna pulled out her key ring. She finally remembered what that plain, old, silver key was for. With shaking hands, Donna put the key in lock and turned. Holding her breath, she stepped inside.
It was different than when she was there. Certainly cleaner. It was also darker; bluer. What had happened since she'd been gone?
Donna walked over to the console and the TARDIS rumbled a greeting.
"I used to fly you," Donna said. How could she have possibly forgotten? Just then, the door opened.
"Why'd you leave the door unlocked?" asked a girly voice.
"I didn't!" said a slightly manlier voice. "The TARDIS must've-" The man stopped short. It was like seeing a ghost, for both of them. Donna took him in; floppy hair, tweed jacket, bow tie, and all.
"Doctor? What's wrong?" asked the girl as she stepped in. "Doctor, who's she?" But the Doctor didn't hear her. He was too busy running and then hugging Donna, who was fiercely hugging him back.
"Donna, oh Donna. My Earth Girl," he whispered to her.
"It's been too long, Space Man," she replied. Finally Clara butted in and said, "Um, excuse me. I'm still here." The Doctor bounded away from her.
"Of course! What was I thinking. Donna, Clara. Clara, Donna. We used to travel together until, well, that's a long story. Anyway, don't fight. Please don't fight. I can't stand it when they do that."
Donna held out her hand and Clara took it.
"So you knew the Doctor when he was... different?" Clara asked. Donna nodded.
"Yeah. He's got a bit of chin now doesn't he?" Clara laughed.
"Oh, he could joust with it! It's massive." Donna turned back to the Doctor and with a withering glance asked, "And a bow tie? Seriously?" The Doctor looked slightly offended and straightened it.
"Bow ties are cool." Then something seemed to register in his mind. "Wait! But how can you remember? You should be dying? How are you not dead!" he practically yelled.
"Sorry to disappoint you. Let me tell you." So for about the next hour they ate fish fingers and custard while Donna explained about her head hurting and the dreams and finally at the doctors.
"Apparently the Time Lord part of my brain got bored and died, thanks to you," she said nodding to the Doctor. He still looked kind of worried.
"I'd still like to look and make sure you're fine," he said.
"Oh no you don't. I'm not letting you inside my head after that. I'm fine, honestly." The Doctor stared at her, and even though his hands weren't on her head she still had the feeling he was rooting around in there. Suddenly, he jumped up.
"Right then! Where to next? Oh! There is a planet that orbits fifteen different stars. And I know when they will be aligned perfectly!" He started pressing buttons and pulling levers.
"Woah! Doctor, I need to be getting home," Donna explained. The Doctor spun around and marched up to her, scowling. He looked into her face and patted her cheek a couple of times.
"Are you alright?" he asked. He had definitely changed, but there was still something familiar there.
"I'm fine. It's just, I've had my turn, running with you. You're different now, and so am I. Besides, you've got her now," she said gesturing to Clara. The Doctor looked kind of put out.
"If you're sure..." he said.
"I am." He walked her to the door and watched her as she made her way to her car. Just before she got in she turned around.
"Oi! Space Man! Don't you forget about me. Come and visit sometime." All he could do was nod. Tears were in his eyes as he closed the door. Donna watched the TARDIS dematerialize, then she got into her car and turned the key. She slowly turned the car around and drove home. She had some things she needed to discuss with her family.