That Ship Has Sailed

The Doctor & Rose

Rose sat in the living room listening to the television while her mother babbled on in the kitchen about the latest gossip among her friends. She was patient with the woman, but even the most patient ones reach the end of their rope.

"Mum," Rose interrupts.

"What is it?" Jackie replies.

"I'm goin' out for a big, ukay?"

"Are you sure that's a good idea? D'you want me to come with you?"

Rose stood, blowing her bangs out of her face, "No fanks, mum, I'll be fine."

Rose was glad to exit the small apartment and walk down the street by herself. She knew the rural streets like the back of her own hand and made it safely to the park rather quickly. While there, she sat on a swing and listened. She heard the sounds of children's laughter and smiled. Screeches and squeals from the girls mixed with the grunts and crashes of boys rough housing made Rose think of simpler times when she was one of those kids.

Soon after, the voice of a man broke through, calling to the kids, "All right, everyone, line up and prepare to get back to class!"

Rose's smile widened at the voice, but she remained sitting where she was.

Suddenly, the voice was closer, "Rose Tyler," it said, a smile evident in it's tone, "What brings you to the park at this time of day?"

Snickers and whispers could be heard from the children who were lined up. Rose smiled again, "Any excuse to see you," she replied.

The whispers and giggles continued until one of the kids said, "They're flirting again."

Rose blushed, but the man stood up straighter and, without turning around, called out, "Children should be seen and not heard!"

"But your back is to us, you can't see us so it's reversed, right?"

"When did you get so smart, Philimina?" The man said with a laugh.

The girl giggled and shrugged.

"Class let's out in two hours. I'll come by then, all right?"

Rose nodded, "Ukay," she replied, standing.

The man took her hand and pulled her close, then paused, looking back at the children. "Turn around," he commanded with a smirk. The kids giggled and laughed, but turned around as the man quickly kissed Rose.

"I'll see you tonight," he said once more before leaving her grasp.

"Doctor? You could always go now and let us our early!" One of the kids suggested.

"What would your parents think if I did such a thing? No, no, I've got a reputation to uphold."

Rose waited as the kids filed in and waved before turning around. The Doctor smiled and waved back before following his class inside to finish the day's teaching. Rose, meanwhile, had begun her walk home. She walked slowly, not wanting to actually arrive.

When she did, her mother was all over her about what she missed on the telly, a phone call she'd had and asked if she'd been safe walking. Rose leaned on the counter and put her head in her hands, scratching her head.

"I'm going to my room for a while," she said quickly, again interrupting.

"Okay, but don't be too long. I love havin' you here to talk to since you quit your job."

"I know, mum," Rose mumbled as she entered her bedroom and shut the door. Finally, she was alone. Her jeans were chafing and her sweatshirt was making her hot, so she decided to put on her pajamas.