Disclaimer: I do not own Doctor Who or any of its characters/locations. I do own Carina and any other original characters and their parts in the plot.
A/N: Thanks to WhovianTwo for the review, I'm glad you liked it, and to those who favourited and followed.
Chapter 3: You are Hiding
Why would he leave, he did tell me to meet him at the console didn't he? I didn't just imagine that he wanted me to come? Be something other than a burden. Flopping in the chair, I can't work him out. One minute he's acting as if he wants me to come, and the next he leaves without me. I wonder where he's gone he must have landed somewhere.
Might as well have a peek. Reaching the door, it opens easily this time. Peering out I'm assaulted with smells, some quite pungent. There's a puddle of human excrement lying not far away, I guess that explains the smell. The cobbled streets are filled with people dashing to and fro, going about their business. The women are dressed in loose tops and skirts, with shawls draped over their shoulders and scarves tied around their hair. The men are in similar attire except with pants and there are also scruffy children running about.
Okay so that means I'm probably in 1599 London, the first place the Doctor takes Martha. So they're heading to the Globe theatre to watch Shakespeare's 'Loves Labours Lost'. But which way is that, and what if I can't find them?
Hesitating in the doorway, I can't decide what to do. Stay here and miss out this first adventure, or risk it to observe this wonderful time even with the chance of getting lost?
Turning back to the console, "Will you let me back in if I can't find them?" I ask. Making a humming noise and lights flash once, I take it as a yes. "Thanks Beautiful" I reply pulling the door closed behind me.
"Excuse me Miss but who are you talking to?" jumping, I spin toward the noise. "Sorry Miss I didn't mean to frighten you" an older man, with greasy mouse brown hair says, standing not far from me.
"No it's alright, I was just practicing some lines for a part I'm auditioning for" I lie, I don't need him to think I'm crazy, that'll get me sent to Bedlam. Shuddering, if the people in there weren't insane before, they would be now.
"But Miss, only men work in the theatre" he replies. Damn, I forgot about that.
"Please call me Carina or Miss Blaire, and I know it's only men but I'm hoping to convince them otherwise. Who better to portray a woman than a woman" I try to convince him, a smile curving my lips.
"You're not from around here are you Miss Blaire?" he asks, eyebrows raised slightly.
"No Sir, have I done something wrong" I fidget, rocking from side to side in preparation if I need to bolt.
"It is strange to see a young women dressed as you are, speaking as you do. Where is your escort?"
"Oh, I got separated from them, heading to the Globe but now I don't know the way. Do you know the way Sir?" maybe he can give me directions.
"It is down that way on the left" he points down the street.
"Thank you Sir, you have been most helpful" turning away I head in the direction he said.
"Wait Miss Blaire let me escort you, it is dangerous for a young lady to be wandering around at night by herself" the man stops me offering his arm.
"You are too kind Sir, thank you" I link my arm with his.
Reaching the corner, the Globe is sitting there in its original magnificence, "Geez, I which I could take a photo of that" I say, feeling the camera through the cardigan pocket, my fingers itching to pull it out.
"What was that Miss?" the man asks.
"I ah, nothing, just admiring the craftsmanship" I reply quickly.
"You do say some strange thinks Miss Blaire"
"Oh ah, thank you I guess. What is your name Sir?" I don't even know his name to thank him properly.
"Thomas Sutton, Miss"
"Thank you Mr. Sutton, have you been to the theatre before?"
"No Miss"
"Will you come with me then, they're really quite good" I invite him to join me.
"I haven't any money" he replies eyes down cast.
"Neither do I, that's why we're going to sneak in" I say but he looks at me if I've gone crazy "Come on it will be fun"
"If I was thirty years younger Miss I would, but I'm too old, I can no longer sneak" he says resigned.
"Sir you are coming to the theatre with me and we're going to sneak in. We'll be fine Mr. Sutton." I assure him.
"You sure are pushy for a young lady" he states, but I know I've won, his eyes glinting with excitement in the candle light, knowing he's about to do something he shouldn't, but all the more excited because of it.
…
"Okay Sir, when they walk away that's when we'll make our move" I say as we're crouched behind a bush. The guard's have just met back with each other in front of the Globe, and are heading either way around the perimeter.
One step, two steps, they're out of sight. "Let's go" I rise out of my crouch, pulling Thomas up after me. Taking his hand we run as fast as he's capable, through the main entrance into the crowd. "See that was easy" I can't stop the grin, from stretching my lips to the point of if it stays there, my cheeks will be aching.
"For you maybe, but that's the fastest I've moved in many years" Thomas pants, leaning on his knees for support.
"Are you okay?" maybe this was a bad idea, I shouldn't have pushed him so hard, he is in his 50's, which is practically ancient in these times.
"I'm alright Miss, just catching my breath"
Having regained his breath we watch the rest of the play together, it's totally amazing, even if the smell is getting to me a bit. Applauding I lean towards Thomas.
"So what did you think?"
"It was great, thank you for bring me even if it was a bit unconventional" he replied smiling.
"But that made it just that bit more exciting!" usually I'm not that much of a rule breaker, but this feeling, I may have to do it more often. Only little rules though, nothing too major that I'll seriously regret.
"That it does"
"Author! Author!" I hear a woman's voice call. It must be Martha. Looking in the direction of the sound, I spot a flash of Martha's red jacket through the crowd. Taking up the jeer the crowd cry 'author author' as well.
"Shakespeare's about to come out" I say standing on my tiptoes to get a better view.
"Ah, shut your big fat mouths!" Shakespeare yells. I knew it would happen, but still you don't expect such words to come from the mouth of a genius.
"Well I can't expect him to be brilliant every moment of the day"
"Miss Blaire it is getting late do you have somewhere organised to stay tonight?" Thomas asks me, ignoring the laughing crowd.
"Ah not as yet, my friends said they would be staying at The Elephant?"
"It is on my way home, I shall escort you" he offers me his arm again.
"Thank you Mr. Sutton" taking his arm, we walk out of the Globe into the surrounding crowd.
…
"Are you sure you'll be alright Miss Blaire? I can wait until your friends turn up" he offers standing with me in The Elephant's courtyard.
"No Sir, I will be fine. Thank you for guiding me and coming to the theatre."
"The pleasure was mine Miss Blaire, it was great meeting a young woman such as yourself. Take care"
"You too Mr. Sutton" I wave as he's leaving. What a lovely older gentleman, taking interest in my wellbeing. Now I just have to wait for the Doctor and Martha to turn up.
Walking to the stairs, I pull the cardigan tighter around me. I hope they turn up soon, so I can get inside and stop my nose running. Wiping the drips away, maybe it would be warmer if I got closer to the building.
Huddling in the cardigan, I start up the stairs. Bang, god I've walked into someone.
"I'm sorry Sir…" no it can't be, I can't have bumped into Shakespeare. "I'm so sorry Mr. Shakespeare, I should have paid more attention to where I was going. Please beg me pardon" I bend in a low curtsy.
"Please do not apologise my beautiful lady, it is I who should have been more careful" he replies. Heat flooding my cheek, Shakespeare called me beautiful. "What is a woman such as yourself doing out in the chill of night by one's self?"
"I um, was waiting for my companions to arrive Sir, but they appear to be delayed" I say, but it feels as if I've swallowed a handful of popping candy and it's bouncing around in my stomach. I'm talking to the man with one of the best human minds in history, and I say um, if feel so inadequate.
"Why not wait inside, prevent the chill spreading to your bones?"
"I do not have any money Sir to acquire a room"
"You shall come with me Miss?"
"Blaire. Carina Blaire, Sir"
"Miss Blaire I will not allow a beautiful woman as yourself to remain in the cold. You can wait for your companions inside"
"I don't wish to intrude Sir, they will be here short…" I stare out over the railing.
"I insist" he holds his arm out to me. How am I supposed to refuse spending time with Shakespeare? How many people would kill to be in my position?
"Okay Sir" I gingerly take his arm as if he'll somehow disappear into thin air.
"Call me Will" he replies, escorting me up the stairs.
"Thank you, Will" Oh My God!, I'm on a first name bases with Shakespeare.
"You accent Miss Blaire, it is highly unusual and not one I've heard before. Where are you from?"
"I'm Australian, do you not like the sound? I can try to speak differently"
"No, your voice is lovely, the words take a different quality when gliding off your tongue" he replies gazing at me. Looking away his gaze is too powerful. Shakespeare is flirting with me, ME! My face is burning up, hopefully I can get away with it being due to the cold.
"Thank you, Will." It feels strange calling a genius by his first name especially since he's continuing with the formalities "Please call me Carina, Miss Blaire is very formal"
"As you wish Carina" a smile curving his lips.
Inside it's much warmer, the fires keeping it nice and toasty. Leading me to a seat near the end of the table "Sit here next to me" he pulls out a chair courteously.
"Dolly will be up soon with ale, I will let her know to send an extra" he heads back out the door. "No doubt Burbage and Kempe will be along soon to complain at me for such short notice of the play. I'll have to deal with them"
"Okay I'll leave, I don't want to prevent you from your work" I say starting to stand up. I don't want to be the cause of another lost manuscript.
"No stay, it will not take long" he stares at me until I sit again.
"You are too kind Si… Will" continuing to the door he lets in Burbage and Kempe.
"Another new muse Will?" Burbage eyes me as he enters, glancing suggestively at Shakespeare.
"Yeah Will, what happened to Elizabeth?" Kempe inquires as if to make me jealous.
Ignoring their banter, I look at the parchment, spread across the table in front of me. From what I can gather, they're pages from the 'Loves Labours Won' manuscript.
"You can read Carina?" Shakespeare asks taking his seat next to me.
"Yes, sorry, I didn't mean to pry. It's very good though" I grimace unable to meet his eyes.
"Do not be embarrassed for having an education Carina, it's a valuable asset to have in life" he tries to assure me. Feeling the heat travel down my neck, I probably look like a tomato by now. Undoing the cardigan I can feel the sweat gathering on my brow. A serving girl walks into the room carrying a tray with four beers.
"Here you go, Will. Drink up. There's enough beer in this lodgings house to sink the Spanish" she says placing the metal mugs before us.
"Dolly Bailey, you've saved my life" he replies taking a sip of the beer.
"I'll do more than that later tonight." Dolly says before turning to Lilith near the fire, in a plain dark dress and white cap. How did I not notice her there, to in awe of Shakespeare I suppose. "And you, girl, hurry up with your tasks. The talk of gentlemen is best not overheard" Dolly continues. Looking at me she gives me the same look, saying I should scoot.
"Yes, ma'am. Sorry ma'am" Lilith replies
"I should go too, my companions should be here now" I push the chair back to get up but Shakespeare grasp on my arm stops me.
"Finish the drink, your companions can wait a bit longer, besides you are more than capable of understanding what we are talking about"
Nodding I move back toward the table. Placing my hands around the cup I look at the dark beer, so dark it looks like Coke. I might as well try it, I don't want to offend Shakespeare and it's not like it will kill me. Taking a sip, I was wrong. It tastes like mud and stagnant dam water, and yes I have tasted those before. But that's not all, it burns more like hard liquor rather than beer. Gagging a couple of times, I force the horrid fluid down my throat.
"Are you alright Carina?" he asks
"Fine, thank you. I just wasn't expecting the taste" I say between coughs.
"You must be mad, Will. Loves Labours Won? I mean, we're not ready. It's supposed to be next week. What made you say that?" Burbage asks with a small frown.
"You haven't even finished it yet" Kempe accuses.
"I've just got the final scene to go. You'll get it by morning" Shakespeare assures them taking another sip of beer.
"Hello! Excuse me, not interrupting, am I? Mr. Shakespeare, isn't it?" the Doctor calls loudly. Watching him he hasn't noticed me yet. Good. Although I wanted to find him doesn't mean I'm not upset.
"Oh, no. No, no, no. Who let you in? No autographs. No, you can't have yourself sketched with me. And please don't ask where I get my ideas from. Thanks for the interest." Shakespeare rubs his eyes not looking at the Doctor. "Now be a good boy and shove…" he pauses noticing Martha. "Hey, nonny nonny. Sit right down here next to me. You two get sewing on them costumes. Off you go." He dismisses Burbage and Kempe.
"Come on, lads. I think our William's found another new muse" Dolly says, leaving with Burbage and Kempe in toe.
Taking the emptied seats the Doctor finally spots me. "Carina?" but I look away to compose myself. I won't let him see how much it hurt when he left without me.
"You know these two Carina?" Shakespeare asks
"Yes Sir, please excuse me I need some fresh air" I exit the room before anyone can stop me, dashing out the door to the stair landing. Taking some deep breaths, I try to calm my racing heart. Why am I so upset with the Doctor, I hardly know him. But that's the thing, I do know him and how he cared for Rose and his other companions. I'm expecting too much from him, wanting him to care for me, but that's not going to happen. Distance yourself Carina, don't become overly attached.
"Move out of my way" I'm shoved aside by a large man with a ginger beard and moustache. His clothes are upper class, adorned with a full crinkle collar, finished with a golden chain around his neck. He must be Mr. Lynley.
Walking back to the room, I can hear Lynley complaining at Shakespeare from here.
"… Love's Labours Won will never be played!" Lynley shouts, storming out.
"What a pompous man" I say returning to the room, my face a piece of slate. Returning to my previous seat next to Shakespeare "Sorry for running out before Will, I felt claustrophobic all of a sudden"
"How do you two know each other?" Martha asks stonily. She couldn't possibly be jealous that I met Shakespeare first? Surely not.
"We met while I was waiting for you and the Doctor to arrive and Will insisted I come in out of the cold"
"How did you know we were going to be here, I didn't know we would be here half an hour ago" the Doctor leans forward across the desk to peer in my eyes.
Keeping my face neutral I shrug "It seemed like the most likely spot you would go in 1599."
"Is that so, then how did you find it?" he asks narrowing his eyes.
"Well, seeing as someone decided to leave without me, even though I was invited, a lovely gentleman escorted me to the theatre" turning to Shakespeare "It was brilliant by the way" back to the Doctor "and then he walked me here"
"Carina, I…" he grimaces
"Well then, mystery solved. That's Love's Labours Won over and done with. Thought it might be something more, you know, more mysterious" Martha cuts him off, diffusing the tension.
"Aahhhhh" a scream is heard from outside. Jumping up, we all rush out.
"Help me!" cries a woman. Amongst the screams we soon spot the cause of them. Mr. Lynley is staggering around clutching his throat as he spew's copious amounts of water.
"It's that Lynley bloke." Martha says
"What's wrong with him? Leave it to me. I'm a doctor" the Doctor declares racing over to him, followed soon after by Martha.
"So am I, near enough" she replies.
"He's drowning on dry land, soon to have his heart fail" I mumble just as Lynley collapses, keeping out-of-the-way knowing there's nothing I could have done to help. Watching Martha prepare for CPR, I see she is visibly shocked at the water pouring out of his mouth, her eyes wide.
"Good mistress, this poor fellow has died from a sudden imbalance of the humours. A natural if unfortunate demise. Call a constable and have him taken away" the Doctor pronounces, not to scare the populace with thoughts of witchcraft.
Lilith, agreeing to get the constable walks toward me, her lips curved slightly. I can't help but glare at her. Her smile quickly disappears when she sees me. Moving into the crowd, I don't want to get anywhere near her, case she decides to make a puppet for me.
…
"I got you a room, Sir Doctor. You and Miss Jones are just across the landing. Yours Miss Blaire is next to theirs" Dolly informs us.
"Thank you Dolly" I smile, from my place leaning against the wall, in Shakespeare's room.
"Poor Lynley. So many strange events. Not least of all, this land of Freedonia where a woman can be a doctor?" Shakespeare asks curiously.
"Where a woman can do what she likes" Martha retorts.
"And you, Sir Doctor. How can a man so young have eyes so old?" Shakespeare asks staring at the Doctor.
"I do a lot of reading" the Doctor replies.
"A trite reply. Yeah, that's what I'd do. And you?" Shakespeare turns his gaze on Martha "You look at him like you're surprised he exists. He's as much of a puzzle to you as he is to me" and finally he turns to me. What? No this isn't supposed to happen "And you Carina are hiding"
"I think we should say goodnight" Martha states walking to the door giving me a glare as she passes. So much for becoming friends.
"I must work. I have a play to complete. But I'll get my answers tomorrow, Doctor, and I'll discover more about you and why this constant performance of yours." Shakespeare looks back at his manuscript, moving behind the desk, while the Doctor walks to stand in the doorway.
"All the world's a stage" the Doctor replies.
"Hmm. I might use that. Goodnight Doctor."
"Nighty night Shakespeare" the Doctor says turning to me "Come on Carina" he says taking my arm.
"In a minute" I shake him off walking toward Shakespeare. Sparing a quick glance over my shoulder, the Doctor's left. Good, I don't want him to hear in case it has something to do with him "What do you mean I'm hiding?" I ask leaning on the edge of his desk.
Looking up from his work, "You're hiding from the Doctor, as well as yourself Carina. I heard you earlier about Lynley, you knew it was going to happen"
"I ah, you see…" what am I supposed to say? I can't tell the truth can I? "I couldn't stop it, no matter how much I wanted to, it had to happen." I say putting my head in my hands.
"I am not blaming you Carina, I am only curious" I feel him touch my shoulder gently.
"You know how in your plays, certain events need to occur before the next can happen?" I ask, pleading for him to understand.
"So Lynley's death was needed for future event's to occur?" nodding in confirmation "So you are a Seer?"
"No, I can't see the future. I only know event that are going to happen that surround the Doctor. And I can't change anything, in case I dramatically alter the outcome." I blurt out.
"It is alright Carina your secret is safe with me. It is getting late, and I still have to finish the play, you get some rest. Goodnight Carina"
"Goodnight" I stand up from the desk, exiting the room.
Entering the room next to the Doctor's, there is a small single bed in the centre of the room. It has a slightly musty smell along with stale alcohol. Curling up on the uncomfortable bed, I can't actually believe I'm here in 1599, having the privilege to meet Shakespeare. He really is a genius, knowing I was hiding things from the Doctor. Hang on he didn't answer what he meant by hiding from myself. I'm not hiding anything am I?
Snuggling down, I try my best to get some sleep but it evades me. Wrapping the cardigan tightly around me, I start pacing the room. Maybe if I wear myself out I can get rest.
"What are you doing Carina" the Doctor asks from behind me. Jumping, gee he moves silently.
Turning to face him, "Pacing" I state, continuing to wear a line in the floor.
"Why?" he moves to take a seat on the edge of my bed.
"I can't sleep" I reply. Silence envelops us for a few minutes before the Doctor breaks it.
"Would you stop for a minute, we need to talk"
"There's nothing to talk about" I keep moving, my eyes trained on the gap between the floorboards.
"Carina" he says sternly, grasping my wrist and pulling me back to sit on the bed.
"What?" fiddling with the cardigan's buttons. Why is he here, he wants to talk to me now, surely Martha's more interesting.
"I'm sorry Carina, I didn't mean to leave…" he tries to apologise but I cut him off.
"Don't, you didn't do anything wrong, I understand my place" I'm only here to stay out of trouble, not to become an active participant in the adventures, like a child that needs a babysitter. Not that I need one but that's what he thinks
"What do you mean you're place?" he raises an eyebrow.
"Leave it be Doctor, you do not need to burden yourself worrying about an unwanted tag-a-long. I will stay out of your way" pulling out of his grip, I slip the boots off, before sliding up the bed bringing my knees to my chest, and pulling the cardigan down to envelop them as well. I know I told myself to remain distant, but it's difficult with him looking at me like that, with big puppy-dog eyes staring at me. It makes me want to hug him and never let go.
"Carina" he says sliding to sit next to me leaning against the wall "I didn't mean to leave without you, sometime I get caught up in the moment, wanting to show off, that I un-intently hurt people. That's what happened, it's not that I didn't want you to come" he continues to stare at me.
"Yeah okay, whatever, it doesn't matter. What's done is done. Get some rest Doctor, we'll be up again soon enough" I roll onto my side, with my back toward the Doctor. How can I be sure what he says is true, as rule No1. the Doctor lies.
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing Doctor. Goodnight" I can feel his eyes boring into the back of my head, closing my eyes I do my best to ignore it. Feeling the bed move with his departure, I wipe the droplets off my cheeks, huddling ever closer in the cardigan.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed it.
Cheers Salexa