| Ocean Stars | Sequel to Deeper | COMPLETE |

Chapter 12

Rose fell into the bed at the mansion, covering herself up with the duvet and hiding her head under the pillows.

When the TARDIS materialised back to Pete's house, a frightened Jackie rolled out, panting and hitting at the doors. The Time Lord was welcomed by a mighty slap on the face after he explained the situation. Rose hesitated to partake, already walking up the stairs to her bedroom.

„How could you do this to her?!" Jackie yelled at the Time Lord. He sat on the couch, hands clasped together and looking at the ground. „After all she's been through, after she'd finally found her happiness. How could you? Walz back in just like that, and expect to what? Not only that, but the Doc-" she furrowed her brows, tears making their way to her eyes. „He..."

The woman sat, head in her hands and she let out a sob. „My Rose... My poor little girl."

Pete crossed his arms, gazing sadly over to where Rose was last seen. He was trying to understand the situation, grasp the information, and process it. Only there wasn't much to process. The Doctor, the human Doctor had died, and the Doctor, the other Doctor had arrived.

He only wondered what this meant to Rose. What it meant to either of them.

Jackie cried, wiping away a strand of her hair and tutted. „We...we are gonna need a burial. I...She needs this. I think she needs this. I should go...and check on her." she said as she stood, making her way up the stairs.

She knocked but soon found out Rose wouldn't answer. After opening the door slowly, Jackie walked towards the bed, where she would see the duvet go up and down continuously. She would sit on the edge, laying a hand down.

Rose trembled.

„Sweetheart." Jackie called. „Talk to me."

„He's dead, mum." Rose whispered. „He's dead and I can't even..."

Jackie pulled off the covers, revealing a very hurt Rose. She looked a mess, her eyes red just as her nose, mascara smudged and lips cracked. Rose leaped into her mother's embrace.

„He's dead." she cried. „How can I go on like this?"

„Oh, Rose." Jackie gently rubbed her back. „If there's one thing I know about the Doctor, is that he loved you. And he'd want you to live on."

„What's life even worth anymore, mum?" she muttered. „He's gone. And I'm still here. Alone."

„You'll never be alone, sweetheart. When Pete died-" Jackie started, but had to pause for a second. „When your dad died...I felt the whole world tremble and fall on me. I carried the burden and pain of his death around my shoulders. Couldn't eat. Couldn't sleep. Couldn't shower. It was as if time slowed down. But, Rose." she pulled out to look into her daughter's eyes. „I had you. And I knew he would want me to raise you the best I could. I loved you and cherished you and held you close to my heart. And now I'm gonna do the same for you. Let me help you, sweetheart."

Rose's head fell on her mother's shoulder, smelling the perfume Jackie decided to use that day. She smelled like home and she felt warm. So warm one could melt and sleep forever.

„What are you gonna do?" Pete asked the Time Lord when he stood.

„The walls of this dimension are closing in. I have to hurry, but I made a promise. I need to fulfill it first."

„What promise?" Pete said. When the Time Lord didn't reply, his brows shot up. „Rose? Haven't you done enough?"

„Don't you think I know?" he scoffed. „I know. I just...It was his wish."

„Like it's not yours also." Pete shook his head, leaving the room.

The Time Lord exited the house. Hands in his pockets, he ambled around the garden of the mansion, counting flowers. It was after he'd managed to loop around the greenery, that he realised an hour had passed; so he decided to walk to the TARDIS. He was about to unlock the doors when a voice in his mind called.