Saving the Doctor

Chapter 17

After a few tries of whacking at the branches, he gives up.

"What should I help you for, anyway? You don't do anything I tell you and you don't answer my questions. You're just a stupid ape who can't take care of herself." He tells me irritatedly, "Well, you know what? I'm done trying to help. You might as well just deal with the consequences of your actions. Maybe you'll learn something for once."

Well then.

That came out of nowhere.

I watch him storm off towards the console, throwing the hammer (no, it wasn't a hatchet, thank gosh) somewhere onto it, where it catches on something and stays put.

He angrily flips a few switches and pulls a small lever. Nothing happens, but I know its his way of seeming busy. It's what he always does when he's upset.

I take a breath, thinking carefully about what to say.

I start slowly and carefully, "Look...I'm sorry. I know I messed up and caused a lot of trouble and I am sorry. You're right. I'm stupid and stubborn and disobedient and too curious for my own good. I should have listened to you."

He stops messing with the controls midway through my apology.

"And...I know you've been through a lot. I'm sorry about your home."

He turns around and stares at me blankly, giving me the feeling that I should've left that last bit out...

"Our home."

What?

I furrow my brow. Gallifrey? My home?

He pulls out my fob watch and holds it where I can see it.

Oh.

Ohhhhhhhh.

He thinks I'm a Time Lord. Just that I'm hidden in my watch. I must admit that this is going to be very hard to explain...

"This watch. Is no ordinary watch. It's important to you, correct?"

"Yes...it is...are you going to give it back now...?"

"Only if you answer my questions." He leans back on the edge of the console, crossing his arms and watching me.

"First question. Where did you get it? Really."

"I already told you. My parents gave it to me. I wouldn't lie to you."

He rolls his eyes and pushes off the console, pacing slightly, "Alright, fine. Let's just say I believe you and you really did get this from your parents. Where did they get it from?"

"A friend who went to London picked it up for them so they could give it to me. It was a surprise gift."

"That is a lie. Is that what they told you?"

"They wouldn't lie to me, Doc, they're my parents. They love me."

"And that is exactly why they would lie to you. As long as they think it's for your own good, it doesn't matter to them."

"Doctor, it wasn't a lie!"

I barely finish before he asks, "Have you ever opened it?"

I frown and think about it. No, I haven't. I knew it was fake, so there was no reason to try. Besides, it would ruin the fun of pretending.

"No, I never needed to."

"Tell me about your parents. I bet they adopted you."

I take in a slow, controlled breath. He did not just.