The Time Witch

Father's Day

The Doctor and I were sitting on the jump-seat, me with my feet pulled up and the Doctor's arm around my shoulders. Rose was leaning against the console and telling us about her dad.

"Peter Alan Tyler, my dad. The most wonderful man in the world. Born 15th of September 1954," she smiles sadly. "He was always having adventures and... and he would of wanted to see me... that's what mum always says," she mutters. "So, I was thinking... could we? Could we go and see my dad when he was still alive?" she asks. 

"Where's this come from, all of a sudden?" the Doctor asks. 

"Alright then, if we can't, if it goes against the laws of times or something, then never mind, we'll just leave it," Rose mutters, looking away and messing with the console. 

"Hey," I stand up and put my hands on her shoulder, turning her to me. "We can do anything, we're just worried about you," I tell her softly. 

"I wanna see him," she says firmly, a tear sliding down her cheek.

I sigh and look back at the Doctor, who just shrugs: "helpful," I roll my eyes, turning back to Rose. "Your wish is my command, doll; but be careful what you wish for," I warn. 

I step away from her and pilot the TARDIS. The Doctor, Rose, and I were sat in the back of Pete and Jackie's wedding. I had my arm around Rose's shoulders while she stares at her dad. 

"I, Peter Alan Tyler, take you, Jacqueline, Angela, Suzette Prentiss," the registrar says. 

"I, Peter Alan Tyler, take you, Jacqueline Suzanne... Suzette... Anita..." Pete fumbles on her name. 

Pete looks at the registrar for help when Jackie narrows her eyes: "oh, just carry on," she sighs. "It's good enough for Lady Di," she smiles. 

I smile at Rose and she just continues to stare at Pete: "I thought he'd be taller," she murmurs and I rub her arm. 

The Doctor, Rose, and I head back to the TARDIS. 

"It was a hit and run driver, no one was there... mum always wished there'd been someone with him," Rose mutters. "I wanna be that someone, so he doesn't die alone," she looks at me. 

"November the 7th?" I make sure. 

"1987," she nods. 

I sigh and start the engines back up. I land us and Rose steps outside the door. I go to follow, but the Doctor's hand on my shoulder stops me: "this isn't a good idea," he mutters.

"I know," I murmur back, following Rose with the Doctor behind me. 

"That's so weird," Rose frowns. "The day my father died... I thought it'd be all sort of grim and stormy, it's just an ordinary day," she looks around. 

"The past is another country. 1987's just the Isle of Wight," the Doctor shrugs. "Are you sure about this?" he looks down at Rose. 

"Yeah," Rose nods firmly. 

Rose, the Doctor, and I head to Jordan Rd. and we stood by the street, waiting. 

"This is it, Jordan Road," Rose mutters and I wrap an arm around her shoulders. "He was late... he'd been to get a wedding present, a vase. Mum always said, that stupid vase," she smiles slightly, her voice thick. "He got out of his car..." she trails off as a green car pulls up to the curb. "... and crossed the road... oh, God, this is it," she whispers. 

I watch sadly as Pete gets out of the car and a beige car rounds the corner and hits him head on. Rose flinches in my arms and I tighten my hold on her as she buries her face in my shoulder. Tears well up in my eyes as Pete lies on the ground and twitches, the vase broken beside him.