Fiona kept calm, stubbornly calm.
She kept calm as they took her clothes; she could always buy more.
She kept calm as they shaved her head; it will grow back.
She kept calm as they evaluated her body like a horse being sold; my body will heal.
She kept calm as they put in a room with a small window and twin bed; at least she is alone.
She kept calm for the first sleepless night; they will come.
She kept calm for the restless second night; only a few days away.
She kept calm as she heard the heard Sunday's church bells strike each hour, her thoughts of Alaya. She begins to tear up and pull her legs to her chin. There is a knock on the door, she looks up. Her mother, it ached Fiona to see her mother looking at her with those eyes.
"Hold me."
April rushes over and holds her daughter tight. Both women are lost for words.
"How did you find me? I was not expecting you until tomorrow."
"Your Alaya."
"You saw Alaya?"
"Yes, she found you."
"My detective-in-training ... did you see her?"
"Yes, I did. I saw her brown eyes."
"Are they beautiful?"
"More than you imagined."
Silence
"Has anyone from this hospital told you anything?"
"Nothing."
"How did you get in?"
"Apparently everyone is up for public display. I am to bring you food. Which is why I am late. I turned around to go home and make you food. I don't understand what is going on. I wish I could fix this. Please eat." She hands her daughter a sandwich.
Fiona takes a bite of the sandwich and shivers.
April immediately takes off her coat and covers her daughter. "Alaya is getting the best detective on the case."
Fiona with her head down, almost ashamed, "Did you read my letters?"
"I am sorry for what John has done. We will get through this. I didn't read any letters. I saw the name on the outside of the box, Alaya. It is your privacy and I will not under any circumstance violate your privacy. Although ..." April smiling, "I am ready to hear anything, anything at all."
Fiona attempting to change the subject, "It is a lovely name, Alaya."
Silence.
Fiona reflecting of her mother's words, "I have a few questions."
"I will do my best to give an answer to each one."
"She is only half human. Did you scream when you saw her face?"
"Yes, I noticed that. No, I didn't scream. I did focus on those brown eyes you mentioned."
"So, you were not surprised?"
"No."
"Why?"
"Because you care for her dearly." She quickly changes the subject, "Tell me, what were your plans for your first date."
Fiona blushes and then tells her plans that included a taxi, renting a meeting room at Alan's Tea Rooms, going to the cinema and having privacy for Alaya's unveiling. The two women talk as they were home, instead of ignoring John they are ignoring the other residents of Bethlem Royal Hospital passing outside door 34.
One day April will tell daughter more. One day she'll tell Fiona about their old friend and his wife that used to visit.
Year: 1889
Location: Tobermory, Isle of Mull Scotland
The Doctor is across from April as she places her child on the ground to play.
"I need to know, will she be safe, loved and has as much normal life possible. How can she reach her full potential in the dark ages? " April demands.
The Doctor is slightly annoyed with paranoid parents. "Yes, Fiona will have a good life, love, be loved and she will excel beyond your understanding of your potential. She will hurt, struggle and be courageous."
"Any hints?"
The Doctor, "She will fall in love with a woman whose mothers will be an inter-species lesbians."
April, "Serious?"
The Doctor, "Quite."
River picks up Fiona and hands her over to April. She whispers in April's ear, "They will write letters."
The Doctor, "River!"
River smiling, "I love a good spoiler."