Introducing Melody Pond

Jackie Tyler was a social creature. Anyone who knew her knew this. Jackie made it a point to be sociable with all of her husband's contacts. As such, most of them had been to the mansion at one point or another.

That's where Joshua and Rose found themselves a week after he officially proposed. Jackie was insistent on throwing an engagement party and she had invited a few of her and Pete's contacts.

Joshua kept to himself most of the evening. He watched Rose mix and mingle with the crowds. He was happily munching on nibbles when Melody appeared beside him.

"Hello, sweetie. How're you doing this evening?"

Joshua almost choked on what he was eating. After recovering, he looked at Melody and gave her a small smile.

"Doing good."

"I take I she liked the ring?"

"She loved it. It was perfect."

"So…how'd ya do it? Fancy dinner?"

"Nope. Picnic under the stars."

"Oh, that sounds dreamy."

Rose had stepped back over by Joshua's side at this point.

"Hey Melody. Wasn't expecting you in. I take it you've met Joshua?"

"Oh Rosie, he bought your ring from me. Took a bit to find one he liked but I think we did pretty well. What about, you, though? I thought you weren't coming back once you found him. What gives?"

"Pushy as ever, aren't you?"

"Absolutely. Now, I thought you weren't coming back. I was all prepared to have to console your mum. So…?"

"We had a change of plans, Mel. That's all. He decided he would be okay staying here with me and my folks."

"If you say so. I know there's more to this story. But I also know you and I know you won't tell me right now. So, if you'll excuse me, there's a certain Vitex wife I need to go talk to." And with that, Melody sauntered off leaving Joshua a bit confused. Rose, perceptive as she was, noticed.

"What's bothering you?"

"I've met her, in the other Universe. She whispered my name in my ear. My real name. The only person I could ever do that with was my wife. She's going to be his wife one day, in the other Universe."

Rose raised an eyebrow at this.

"Well, here, she's one of my mom's best friends. She's a bit of an enigma. She appeared out of nowhere. Well, that's not entirely true. She had fallen through the Rift with no memories. Torchwood took her in and she and Mum became close. She's human, that much we know."

Joshua looked thoughtful for a moment.

"When I met her, she knew everything about me, like she was living her life in reverse to mine. I only know of one way, one place, that can make a person do that."

"Doesn't matter. That life is past you and she is obviously a different person here."

"I….you know what, you're right."