Before You Go (Sequel to The Visitor)

xi. One Heart to Heart

It was lunchtime. The moment Annie heard the bell, she knew it was time to try and contact the Doctor again. She hadn't tried much- for the girl knew that the cracks in the universe were very fickle things.

But what kind of world would she be in if she didn't try?

"What are you reading?"

Annie jumped, snapping the book she held open on her lap shut. She had been frightened of carrying it around- if someone found it, Annie would have a very hard time to explain.

Matt Smith stood before her. He held up two bags labeled NANDO'S, a type of food Annie hadn't had in a very long time.

"Your mum called Steven and told him that you didn't have a lunch today," He said, putting the bag down.

Annie colored slightly, "She's not my mum. But thank you," she added, seeing his contemplative expression.

Before she could find an escape route, Karen and Alex showed up behind him, each with their own additions from the cafe, "Episodes one and two are going to be mad!" said Karen, taking a seat by Annie, "Are you excited for America, Ellie?"

"Yes," Annie answered, though timidly, "I've never been out of the country before."

That was a lie, even though 'Annabelle Rose' hadn't actually been out of England. Annie had, and she missed it heavily.

"Never?" Matt asked, "I always thought you looked more like the traveling type."

"How about that," She said, opening the fast food bag- Annie was the last to do so.

"Is that Nando's?" Karen butted in, "I'm jealous."

"Yes, and Matt probably got me more than I needed," Annie laughed, pulling out almost everything on the menu imaginable.

Matt looked affronted, "Sorry," he said, sounding extremely like the Doctor as he did so, "It's not my fault you're so skinny!"

"Hey!" Annie snapped, a playful gleam in her eyes, "I do a lot of running, for your information. It's in my job description."

All four were laughing, "If you were in costume, I'd swear that you two were the Doctor and one of his companions," commented Alex, and Annie's cheeks flushed pink.

"I'm actually very similar to Annie," The little girl sniffed, "Give me a test and I'll take it. I could be in character for weeks."

"You're in character right now," Karen pointed out, "Look at that book she's been reading!"

"One could say we're the same person," Annie allured, her expression amused. If only they knew how close they were to the truth...

"Ha," scoffed Matt, "I bet I could beat you."

"Is that a challenge I hear, Doctor?" Her eyes dancing with delight, Annie continued, "You'd crack in an hour."

"Oh, Annie Williams, you have little faith," Matt laughed, "Bring it on."

As they bantered, Karen leaned over to Alex, "Is it just me, or is Matt going to get destroyed by a little girl?"