It would seem I was on the long haul.

Somehow I knew my younger self would receive a small inheritance from me in the future, and I knew I must have saved that same self alongside CJ from Mrs Lovett in the future.

If these were all true, then I was in for a long wait through time before I could rejoin the Doctor again in his present but my future.

A couple of months before Neil Armstrong walked on the moon in 1969, Jack came through our Corner Shop Cafe's doors.

"Hello sweet cheeks!"

I looked behind checking for Nan, she could get particular about people getting to know me.

I went to the register only for Jack to reach forward and grab my face and give me a smooch. I pursed my lips before giving him a wobbly smile, "Hello Jack."

"Oy, what's with that sad smile. It's like you haven't seen me in forever." He tucked a stray tendril of hair behind my ear. "How long has it been?"

"I accidentally jumped from 1953 to 1963, leaving the Doctor behind."

"Can't you jump again? Or better I'll take you."

"I…" I hesitated.

"Now who's this, dearling?"

I barely held back a wince before looking behind me at Mrs Lovett, her eyes stared at Jack with a menacing glint.

"This is my old friend Jack."

"Oh yes, your pet."

This time I winced.

"Ooh I didn't know you liked that kind of play, Rose."

I smacked him on the arm, a blush rising on my cheeks.

Mrs Lovett went out from behind the corner and took Jack by the arm, "I think this gentleman needs a talking to."

I looked worriedly after the two.

"Be careful, Jack."

"I'll be right back sweetcheeks."

He wasn't, he wouldn't be back for many years.

A day after the moon landing, I felt Sexy reaching out to me. She had landed nearby. There had been many versions of her to pass between 1963 and 1969 but this time she was one of the oldest.

She spoke in my mind, 'There's another near you. Have you forgotten me sister?'

'Never Sexy'.

I looked outside and saw the familiar back of the Doctor leaning against the TARDIS parked across the road.

The jingle of our door's bells was heard and I looked over to see 'Martha Jones', according to her Mind Palace door, walk through.

A bittersweet smile appeared on my lips.

Good, my Doctor wasn't on his own.

I made up coffee and tea, grabbing a banana on the way to the register.

As Martha neared it I saw her look at me in surprise, "You are still here." She shook her head, "Of course you are, I saw you later."

It would seem I was seeing Martha out of order.

I placed the drinks on the counter, "Make sure he gets the banana."

"What's with the bananas?" Martha took it up in her hand.

"Good source of potassium." I looked out the window at the Doctor standing vigilant, "On the lookout for Weeping Angels?"

"You know about them?"

I let out a small laugh, "Was kidnapped by them once, now they just peek in on me on occasion." I looked out towards the Doctor, my heart beating against my chest thrumming to the song that followed him. "How is he?"

Martha looked back, "He's taking the last trip hard. It seems like he's purposely distracting himself."

I closed my eyes and searched for when this would be. If this was the time they were about to get stuck in the past, due to the Weeping Angels then the Doctor had recently undergone being human and having his heart broken.

I opened my eyes to the jingle of our shop door and saw Martha walk out towards the Doctor. I watched as she handed him the banana and he looked down at it.

"Deary, could you get something for me?" I looked back to see Nan looking out from our backroom eyes narrowed.

I turned and began walking her way.

I saw out of the corner the Doctor looking my way.

I would see Martha a couple more times in 1969, I was her referral for a shop a couple streets over, until they found their way back.

More years passed, the Vietnam war ended with no clear victor and our neighbourhood got used to life again after another war.

I had gotten to dancing again, at first I feared it was the same situation as another life.

Trapped in someone's clutches, forced to do something I once loved.

But Nan, Mrs Lovett, seemed to genuinely want me to be happy. It was odd to see the tough Mrs Lovett having an almost soft spot for me.

She was the one that encouraged me to take up dance again.

"'Do not be imprisoned by the past, or you'll ruin your future,' that's what my mum would always say." Mrs Lovett looked fondly upon me, a far off look in her gaze. "She also would say, 'Do no harm but take no shit.' I still have a hard time following that one."

I would giggle while I sat beside her as she composed another melody on her grand piano.

"I was thinking of teaching the community ballet class, the nearby community centre has been asking for volunteers."

She nodded in approval and so that's how I began teaching young girls and boys the love for ballet and the arts.

I found myself finding joy in it again, the anxiety from it would fade away as I encouraged each new little star to try their hardest.

I would often find myself at the local roller-disco after hours roller-skating to my favourite classics of the early 1970s and the late 1960s. The owner's daughter was in my dance class and liked me a lot. I was probably able to stay after hours due to the free coffee I gave the owner each week too.

It was the best time to dance to the emotions that I couldn't show back at home around Mrs Lovett.

I was dancing to Elvis Presley's ALWAYS ON MY MIND when I finished with a spin and heard applause.

I turned and let out a little gasp as I saw a visage I didn't think I'd see ever again. Big ears, adoring light blue eyes, and leather jacket.

"Doctor!"

"Hello Rose."

There was the big goofy grin I'd missed.

I skated up to him and offered my hand, "Shall we dance, Doctor?"

I smiled as he came up onto the rink.

I shouted toward the sound booth.

"Crocodile Rock, pretty please."

"Last one of the night, Ms Lovett."

The Doctor raised an eyebrow at the name.

I put my finger to my lips, "Spoilers."

We danced around the rink, a laugh on our lips as we sang along to the classic.

As we skated toward the edge, the Doctor turned.

"You're older."

I let out a laugh, "Oh Doctor don't you know the rule. Never mention a woman's age."

"You don't look older but you are."

I winked, "One of the benefits of my gift."

"From the vortex?"

I sat down on the seats circling the rink and started taking off my skates, "Among other things."

"What can you tell me?"

"You won't be meeting your other self around here. We are currently on separate timelines. I've been meeting you out of order you see."

His eyes widened, "Did I…"

I shook my head and smiled at the relief that flooded his features.