Stellar Collision

Chapter 15

Since Savannah wouldn't be leaving for her clerk job at the library until after 8:30, Dayle decided they should probably take the Nissan.

"Bringing a dude home will cause questions enough. I think arriving in a time machine might be a bit more than I can explain."

The Doctor was not pleased. "Riding in a 21st century Earth car." He grumbled, settling into the passenger seat awkwardly. "It can't even fly. Or hover." He looked around the interior a bit. His expression became perplexed. "It doesn't even have power windows or door locks for pity's sake! What are you, Amish?"

Dayle snickered and put on her sunglasses. "Buckle up there big boy."

She threw the car into gear and started her CD player. Eminem blasted from the speakers.

The Doctor sat grumpily for a minute, taking in the music.

"Well at least I know where you get that dirty mouth of yours from." he muttered.

They pulled into the driveway of Dayle's small white house and she pulled up the emergency brake, cut the ignition.

She remained motionless. Took a deep breath. The Doctor fidgeted, waiting for her to make a move.

"What exactly are we waiting for?" He whispered after a while.

"It's just, my daughter. She is going to give me so much shit about this." she gestured between herself and the Doctor. "I never talk to men anymore. She has been dying to get me dating again, thinks I'm ready to find Mr. Right. This isn't going to be cute." She sighed heavily. "Ok, let's go."

The Doctor shrugged and followed her inside.

They entered through the side door into the kitchen. Savannah was at the table having her coffee and cereal, reading a novel. Her hair was wet from the shower and she was wearing her glasses. She looked up when they came through the door, confusion in her eyes.

"Hey mom. What are you doing back here?" Then she spotted the Doctor and her eyes went big for a second. "And who is your friend, here?"

"Vannah..." Dayle warned.

Savannah was grinning, sitting back now with her arms crossed, awaiting explanation.

Before Dayle could speak a word, the Doctor rushed forward, hand extended.

"Savannah, is it? So wonderful to meet you. My name is the Doctor and I am your mother's man friend." He shook the girl's hand enthusiastically. Savannah looked amused.

Dayle's eyes bugged out of her head. She slowly lowered her face to her palm and shook her head imperceptibly. Doctor, no.

"I'm sorry, Doctor? Did you say your name was Doctor?" Savannah looked from the Doctor to Dayle and back again.

"Th-th-this is Doctor... uh..." Dayle struggled.

"Smith". The Doctor supplied quickly. "Doctor John Smith." He pointed at Dayle happily. "And I'm her man friend."

Savannah gave Dayle a mischievous look. "Your man friend, huh? Really? And where did you two meet?"

Before the Doctor could jovially inform her daughter that they'd met in a motel room, Dayle acted quickly and grabbed him by the arm and yanked.

"Can I have a word?" Dayle whispered fiercely. She continued towing him down the hallway.

"Lover's quarrel. So sad." Savannah called after them before returning to her book.

Dayle shoved the Doctor into the bathroom and closed the door behind them.

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!?" Dayle shrieked.