Winnie Is Not Okay

2.7

"So, what did I miss?", she plopped down in the chair opposite Jack in his office and picked up the mug he'd already set out for her.

"Oh, well, we solved a cold case because we found a ghost machine that helped us witness the murder and we met Ianto's girlfriend", he said casually.

"Oh?", she narrowed her eyes trying to get more context.

"She was a half-transformed Cyberman that Ianto wanted to turn human again but she didn't want that, obviously."

"Obviously", she muttered, nodding.

"She killed the pizza delivery girl and put her brain into her", Jack continued.

"Ew", Winnie just commented with a frown.

"That's what I thought", Jack leaned back and then shrugged, "Well, that's over."

"I'm glad to have missed it."

He chuckled, "So, what about you? How was the wedding?"

"Oh, beautiful. I cried", she grinned, "She looked wonderful and her husband is really sweet."

"You talk like an old lady."

"I am an old lady."

They looked at each other for a moment and then they both began to laugh. He looked into his mug, "Do you want to come see Estelle with me?"

He'd told her about Estelle. He'd told her about all his partners, as far as she was concerned. And Estelle was sweet when they'd first met. Based on how she would be doing sometimes she would think they were siblings, sometimes she would think they were married and either way they'd just go along with it, telling her happy lies about their lives.

Because to Estelle Jack was the son of her old boyfriend who had to leave her to go to war. And not the boyfriend himself.

"Sure, I always love to see Estelle", she smiled, "She makes the best hot chocolate."

"Right?", Jack's eyes widened happily, "And the old stories of fairies and magic. Oh, you gotta love her."

Gwen joined them to go to the community centre where Estelle was giving a sort of lecture on 'Fairies - Fact or Fantasy?'. Winnie smiled as they sat down.

"Fairies", Gwen hissed, "Are you kidding me?"

Winnie and Jack hushed her, forcing her to pay as much attention as they did.

"I suppose I'm one of the fortunate few who's been allowed to see our little friends", on the projector Estelle showed an old presumably faked photograph of fairies, "And it's no easy task. One needs to have the patience of a saint and the blind faith of a prophet. But for me the long wait has been worthwhile."

The next slide was blurry, another photograph taken in the forest of floating, glowing figures.

"This is my first picture", she smiled, "Not that clear, I know, but the ring of stones can be seen quite distinctly."

Gwen looked between her colleagues who were both happily paying attention, "I don't believe this."

They shushed her again.

Another picture of glowing floaters, "Well, of course, I'm not the world's best photographer, but this little person is just about visible. I was so lucky to have seen them, so privileged to witness such a magical moment. Because fairies are shy, you see. But I know in my heart that they're friendly, loving creatures. Thank you."

Polite applause came from the few people in the room who then immediately proceeded outside. Jack leaned over Gwen and Winnie when he got up, "Wrong. She always gets it wrong."