The Dreamer Who Changed

8

   It takes Daniel a moment to process my story. "So...you were shot?"

   I sigh. "For the fifth time, yes. Why do you think I have brown eyes, am shorter, and a ginger?"

   "Two things: colored contacts and hair dye," he replies.

   The Doctor looks into Daniel's eyes. "Danny, my boy...I know this is hard to understand, but she was shot. As she was dying, I magically brought her back to life, resulting in some noticeable, physical differences. Hair dye nor colored contacts were involved. Do you get it?"

   "Not really."

   He claps Daniel on the back. "At least you're honest. Okay, let's throw away our paper plates and put whatever you didn't finish down the disposal. After fixing a spaceship and finding a kidnapped teenage, we should all get some sleep."

   We all stand up, but I stop Daniel. "Wait. Where exactly in my house were you? How'd they kidnap you?"

   "Answer to Question #1: I was tied up and gagged in your closet. I only got out because, well, let's face it. Aliens are horrible with rope. The answer to Question #2: I was only half asleep, but I felt myself being lifted up. I'd assumed it was the Doctor carrying me to the room the TARDIS had added for me. When 'the Doctor' carried me out of the TARDIS however, I figured out I was being taken away. Too late, though. I was too late," he says, shaking his head.

   "Daniel, it's okay. Everyone makes mistakes," I assure him.

   "Very true. Before you guys, I had a companion named--"

   "Bryan?" Daniel interrupts.

   "Yes. When we were at a show on Broadway, this lady led him to believe his wallet was missing. The girl was actually a Dalek-human hybrid. Long story short, we were transported to a Dalek ship and Bryan ended up killing his boyfriend," the Doctor says.

   "You talk about Bryan a lot...We should visit him!" I suggest.

   "Oh, no. Last time I saw him, I took away his left over regeneration energy and erased all memories of him being my companion. Seeing me would cause the memories to come back," the Doctor explains.

   "So? It's not like him remembering you would cause him to die," Daniel adds.

   The Doctor ponders it. "You...you're right. He wouldn't die! Alright, then! Let's go!" We all exit the kitchen and run to the console room. "I know he has an actual house now, and I'm sure...aha! The TARDIS did change his address to his current one! Thank you, Sexy!" He kisses the console, and presses a button after typing in Bryan's address.

   The TARDIS whooshes and shakes for a moment before parking. We all step out of the time machine to find ourselves right by the front door. We all exchange glances. "Let's do this," the Doctor says. He knocks on the door.

   The door opens almost immediately. He smiles. "Doctor!" He steps forward and hugs the Doctor. "Man, it's been...what? Eleven years? It's 2027, by the way."

   "Well, it's been eleven years for you. For me, it's been roughly two days," the Doctor replies.

   Bryan chuckles. "Right. And you found some new companions! What're their names?"

   I wave. "I'm Kathryn Brown. Some of my friends call me Kate."

   Daniel slings his arm over my shoulder. "I'm Daniel. You can call me Dan, but not many do."

   Bryan's gaze shifts to me. He stares at me for a minute, then stares at Daniel before he blinks. "Cool! Why don't you come inside? You can meet my family!" He leads us to his family room, where two kids, about 4, are playing on the floor. "Matthew, Markus, can you come here? I'd like you to meet a good friend of mine. This is the Doctor!"

   The twins waddle over to the Doctor, but then walk over to me. They each hug my legs. "Grandma!" they squeal. They waddle over to Daniel, then. "Grandpa!"

   I look at Bryan. "Why..."

   "I don't know. Boys, that isn't your Grandma Ka--grandma. She isn't your grandma. And Daniel here is not your grandfather. Say hi to the Doctor, now!" Bryan urges. He lightly pushes them toward the Doctor. They go over to the Doctor and hug his legs, too.

   Around the corner, a door closes. A beautiful woman with ginger, shoulder-length hair and bright blue eyes walks into the family room. Her eyes widen when she sees me. "Mom?"