I'm really, really sorry that I haven't posted in so long. Finals and everything have really taken up a lot of time. So, I'm sorry, but now that summer is here I should have more time to write. Again, sorry that this is so short. Thanks for waiting. I really appreciate all of the support that I've gotten with this story. Enjoy!
The sky was tinged with light as it attempted to burst through from behind menacing gray clouds. The clouds appeared especially dark behind a tall old fashioned church, made entirely of ancient gray bricks. The church sat atop a steep hill, whose grass was turning brown.
This was the sight that greeted Clara, as she stared up from the bottom of the hill. She glanced back at the taxi, the engine still running, waiting at the edge of the road. The driver had refused to come any closer, mumbling something about the hill being too steep, but Clara thought that he was afraid of the old place. And really she couldn't blame him.
There was something in the church's old design, in the shape of the stained glass windows, which made it seem to be watching her. The gothic architecture wasn't helping; it only helped to make the place feel haunted. Clara was having the kind of day, where a haunted church seemed to actually be a distinct possibility.
Looking at her watch, she saw that an hour had already passed since she'd gotten above ground. Time was running out, she knew, but it would certainly be helpful to know just how much time she had left. Clara gathered her courage and began making the long trudge up the hill.
At first she just stared up at the imposing structure ahead of her, but soon she realized that she just couldn't. The church was not only ghostly looking, but it reminded her that this was her only hope. Right now, she was sure of it, the Doctor was gone and in his place was a monster. He was counting on her and whatever she had to do, she would do to get him back. She owed him that much.
"You're my last hope, and the Doctor's too, you freaky old church." She whispered as she walked up the annoyingly steep path.
Finally she reached the top and was greeted with an up close view of the church's tremendous stained glass windows. They came in every color, but had unfortunately faded over the years. Still, though, they made out magnificent patterns. Clara had to admit that this was a magical sight, but she didn't have time to stop and gawk. She walked around the side of the building and found just what she was looking for.
The well. It was old and made of brick. It reminded Clara of a wishing well and memories of times with her mother came back to her. She pushed them away. Just this once, she thought. She couldn't afford to be distracted, the Doctor couldn't afford it.
She stepped up to the well. How it had survived this long, she couldn't figure out. The bricks were starting to crumble and the bar that held up the bucket was splintered. Luckily, the rope seemed to be in good working order. Carefully, she turned the handle and the bucket crept slowly down into the darkness of the well.
Clara kept turning for what felt like forever before she heard a splash as the bucket hit the water far beneath. Clara let it collect the water and then began, just as carefully, pulling it up. She was sure at any moment the rope would snap and she'd be doomed. She could hear the noise of a rope snapping in her head and had to keep reminding herself that it wasn't actually happening. Finally, the bucket made it back to the surface.
Clara sighed with relief and, without letting go of the handle, took out an empty water bottle from her purse. She undid the cap awkwardly with one hand and slipped the bottle into the bucket, letting it fill with water. She took it out and let go of the handle. The bucket fell quicker than she expected, plunging into the dark well. Suddenly, there was a splash from below.
"Oops." Clara said, closing the top to the water bottle.