Saving the Doctor

Chapter 14

When I eventually do fall asleep, I dream about my parents.

I try to tell them what's happened to me, not to worry, and that I'll be alright, but no matter what I say, they're angry at me. I don't know why they're angry and I can't figure it out no matter how hard I try.

They say that I've lost something important, betrayed them, wasted their time. That they should have just sent them off when that social worker came by with a picture of a baby.

They become so angry and agitated that I realize they hate me and that there's nothing I can say or do that will change their minds.

When I wake up with a start, I don't bother getting up. I just lay there and continue to remind myself that it was just a dream.

A nightmare.

I reach up and touch my face, only to find that I had been crying in my sleep. When I wipe at the tears and pull my hand away, there's a different color than normal tears. It scares me half to death before I realize that I must have been wearing makeup. I sigh tiredly and continue to lay there, curled up on my side.

My brain eventually becomes tired of berating me enough to wonder what time it is. I have absolutely no idea, and I also have no way to find out. Not unless someone else comes in or I get my old clothes and things back.

I suddenly realize that I might not ever get any of my belongings back. That they could have been destroyed as soon as they left the room.

I suddenly realize what my parents meant in my dream. I know what I've lost. Or more like what was taken. It isn't really the most important thing to them, but it's something that I personally hold dear. Not just because it's totally awesome, but also because it's one of the best gifts I've ever received.

-3 Years Before-

I walk in the door, tired after another long day of school, and my dad comes out of the kitchen to greet me, "Hey, there, Munchkin. How was school?"

"A nightmare," I groan, my usual response after one of my harder days.

"Well, hopefully it'll get better. Come over here into the kitchen. I've got something for you." He starts to beckon me over, but I really don't want any food right now. Especially one of dad's new experimental creations.

"That's okay, dad, but thanks. I've got a lot of homework to do and I really need to get started." In all actuality, I'm just going to flop down on my bed and not think for a while once I get to my room.

"Oh, come on. It won't take very long. I promise."

I sigh and drag my feet over into the kitchen/dining room, where on the table I see, not a plate with food for me to try, but a small blue box. Curious, I set my backpack down by the wall and walk over to the table. "What's this?"

He smiles, "Open it."

So I do.

And I am instantly speechless.

After staring at it a moment, I look up at my dad. "Where..." Is all I can seem to manage.

His smile gets even wider, "I called in a favor with Clark. You remember how he was gonna go on that trip to India with a three day layover in London? All I had to do was ask and he was happy to find one for us. I figured that even though we can't find one here, they must have them in London somewhere. I mean, that would be the place to find anything Doctor Who."

Sometime during his explanation I snap out of my shock and as soon as he's finished, I've got him in a tight hug, squealing. I let go and try not to be overly excited. Unfortunately, though, it's in my nature to overdo things.