Chapter Eleven
After Rose had eaten in the hospital cafeteria she went straight back to John's room and smiled when she saw the small camp bed that had been set up in the room. The new Jackie demanded things be done when she wanted them done and Rose wondered what her life would be like if they had never found this parallel world where her Dad was alive but the Tyler's marriage had been on the rocks and rather than have her they had a Yorkshire Terrier named Rose….
Her mind wandered to him in a tux but she shook her head to clear the image and made her thoughts turn to the present. He was gone but she had a chance with his doppelganger. She was busy examining her reasons for trying to make this work when her Mother bustled in to the room.
"Hello love. Ahh good the bed's here. It's not very big is it?"
"It's big enough Mum and it won't be for long… hopefully."
Jackie swung a bag off her shoulder and set it down in front of Rose.
"Clothes, toiletries and your hair dryer, straightners and iPod."
"Thanks Mum. Would you mind staying while I get cleaned up?"
"I was planning on staying for a while, how is he? Have you spoken?"
"Yeah we have and he's good. He said he'll come back as he has nowhere else to go… He did ask if Dad could help him out but I'm hoping to give him a reason to stay."
Jackie looked at her daughter,
"A reason? Are you the reason?"
"I owe it to the Doctor, John and myself to at least try."
"But if you are doing this for the Doctor how can it possibly have a chance of working?"
"It's not just for him. It's for me too and it's what John wants."
"I don't need to tell you not to hurt him again do I?"
"Mum, no. Please I know what I did was wrong but it was just timing. Next time, if there is a next time it will be for the right reasons. I promise."
"Go and have that shower. I'll wait with John."
"You'll call me if he wakes up?"
"I will, now go and maybe you'll be done before he is awake again."
It was just a simple shower but simply standing under warm running water made Rose feel instantly more human; as she towelled herself dry in the steamy atmosphere the humid warmth made her sleepy and when she emerged she asked Jackie if she minded leaving.
"Of course I don't love. Are you going to try and sleep?"
"Yeah I think so. I think with food in his stomach he will stay asleep for some time now."
"He looks peaceful."
"He looks battered."
"He'll heal."
"He wouldn't have to if I…."
"Stop it. I don't agree with what you did but what is done is done, and what is important now is that you are trying to put it right."
Rose yawned.
"And you need sleep. Hop in to bed and I'll close the blind."
"Can you do the one on the door too please?"
Jackie nodded,
"Now in to bed." Jackie kissed her daughter's forehead before pulling the blinds and closing the door behind her.
Rose crawled in to the camp bed and tried to sleep.
An hour later and her mind was still racing. The camp bed was uncomfortable and she was cold. She sighed deeply and pulled the covers tighter around herself and settled down to try again.
"Rose?"
Rose was instantly alert,
"Yes I'm here what can I get you?"
"What's wrong? You sighed."
"Oh nothing I just can't get comfy and I'm a bit cold don't worry about me."
John paused before asking,
"Why don't you join me?"
"Won't it be a bit cramped and your leg is in a hoist."
"I can budge over. I don't take up much room and you're as thin as a rake these days."
"Am not! Well OK so I've lost a little but I'll put it back on."
"By skipping meals and not sleeping?"
"I've eaten."
"But not slept." He patted the space next to him "Come on I promise I won't bite."
"Isn't this how this all started? Me sharing your bed I mean."
"I suppose so yes but this is different. You're tired but can't sleep because you're cold. I'm warm enough but now I can't sleep because I am worried that you are cold… and awake."
"What will the nurses think?"
"Who cares? And anyway we will just be sleeping."
Rose nodded thoughtfully,
"It does sound like a good plan. I mean now I'm worried because you can't sleep."
John nodded,
"Too much worry is bad for people."
"I won't disturb you? How's your pain?"
"You won't disturb me and I'm coping. I'm feeling better every hour."
"I'm too tired to argue the logic with you." she shivered.
"And too cold." added John.
Rose sighed and nodded before as unceremoniously as possible slipping in to the single bed beside him.
"You have enough room?"
"Mmm yes. Can I ask you a question?"
John nodded.
"Can I snuggle up? I'm just so cold."
John's answer was to raise his arm thus making room for Rose to nestle against his body. She sighed contentedly before murmuring her thanks.
"Go to sleep." whispered John.
"When you do."
John closed his eyes but only when he heard Rose's breathing deepen and even out, and only after he felt her grow heavier against his arm did he press the pain relief pump's button and allow himself to drift in to sleep alongside her.