Born of Fire (Doctor Who AU)

Chapter 11 Drochaid Rù Beag Road and Bohenie

The scenery driving out of An Gearsadan was breathtaking and that was a good thing because driving the narrow twisting road scared Adela to death. The roads reminded her of Germany except the guard rails here were largely absent for long stretches of what passed for a carriageway. She never thought she'd love such an innocuous item as guard rails but when they drove past sheer drop-offs, she sent silent thanks to God. Once the landscape flattened out, She had to admit if it weren't for the rock-strewn hillsides, this part of the Highlands would be glorious. Some giant with a wicked sense of humour must have formed the entire country of Scotland out of a rock pile, she thought.

A mile after they crossed over a stone-sided overpass, they spotted the large school car park with an E-shaped building nestled against a hillside. Adela parked in front of the single story building and blew a long breath, An encouraging smile tugged at her mouth. "I'll wait here. I need to make a must-do list and a must-have list for the house hunt. Good luck inside, ja."

Daniel reached into the back and retrieved his satchel and then flashed her a smile. On impulse, he leaned over and placed a quick kiss on her cheek. "This shouldn't take long."

Adela laughed. "What was that for?"

"Nothing, just -- nothing. Be back in a few." He smiled at her.



Mary Heldron sat at her desk watching a dark blue SUV pull into the drive then stop in front of the building. Over fifteen years at GlenCoe Secondary school, she'd seen more than a few young temporary and student teachers come through the front door. Few stayed more than the agreed upon term. The school sat in the middle of nowhere surrounded by countryside that afforded nothing for nightlife, but a few pubs geared to the locals. The tourists came for the hiking and winter skiing, but then returned to city life. It required a special person to actually want to live a quiet life in the Highlands. More than likely, this one would be no different than ninety-eight percent of the others.

When the young man turned toward the building, her heart flip-flopped. He wasn't just tall, but tall, lean with a mop of brown hair that fell across eyes framing a heart dropping, gorgeous face. Mary quickly calculated the singles amongst the regular staff: eight women and two gay male teachers. She scratched two women off; they were near sixty, but the rest? Oh please, she thought, stay for Autumn term because this will be loads of fun.

Mary punched the intercom to her boss, "Sarah, he's here and Lord, help us, he is a looker. To think that prick in An Gearsadan didn't want to hire him."

"That's because Rory Williams thinks the report about his qualifications is overblown. Besides, he can't stand the thought of competition. Just how good lookin' is he?"

"Ted will die of jealousy, good looking," Mary replied, thinking of her boss' husband. She hung up just as the office door opened and their lanky new teacher walked in.

"Em, Hello, I'm Daniel Barrow. I've an appointment to see Mr Smith Thursday at half twelve," he added when she just stared at him. "It's -- half twelve."

"Not mister," Mary answered a bit breathy.

"Pardon," Daniel responded.

"He's -- a -- she." Mary hit the intercom again, "Sarah Jane, Daniel Burrows to see you."

"It's Barrow," he corrected.

It can't be, Daniel thought when he heard the name. The slim, middle-aged woman who walked into reception sent a shiver through him. His face grew warm remembering the day she'd walked into the teacher's lounge investigating Mr Finch. The same intelligent, warm brown eyes, smiled at him, the gentle countenance that had comforted him inhabited this Sarah Jane. Silver streaked dark hair brushed against the tops of her shoulders, giving her a cultured appearance.

At least, this universe managed to get her right. Daniel's smile broadened.

"Um, hello," he stuttered, too stunned to be coherent.

"Mr Barrows, I'm Sarah Jane Smith." She held her hand out.

"Yes -- you are," he replied as he took her slim hand in his. "Sorry. Sorry, it's just.... You remind me of a dear friend. Her name was Sarah too."

"Was?"

"Yeah, the Troubles," he lied.

"I am sorry. Welcome to GlenCoe Secondary. Your lead teacher is setting up for the summer session. Why don't we go see the classroom and meet her? Can I ask, I saw your CV; why would someone with your experience choose to work with children who are less --"

"Able?" he filled in. "Because there are tonnes of teachers for the others, and frankly, not so many want to work with kids who think outside of the box. As a person who recently developed issues and one who grew up thinking out of the box, I thought it would make a good fit. I decided to leave my prior employment." Daniel followed her out of the office. Their footsteps echoed in the empty hallway.

"But you're an astrophysicist," she exclaimed.

"Yes, well, I am and a good one. I will help my old team on the weekends, but I needed a change and I've always wanted to do this."

"Before we go in, I have one more question. Your CV also mentions --"

"You want to know if my seizures are under control."

"We appreciate the heads up, but our medical resources in the summer are limited."

"I'm fine. My medication regimens are working, and the triggers are two-fold, forgetting to eat and extreme stress. I have learnt to deal with both," he assured her. "Onwards." He arched an eyebrow whilst flashing a cheeky smile.

"Onwards, Mr Barrows." She smiled at him.

"Barrow," he said grinning back.

"Excuse me?"

"No 's'... just Barrow," he answered.

"Oh, sorry. Your lead teacher is Mrs Nichols. She is only here for the summer, but she is wonderful."

Daniel met the older, somewhat dowdy woman and shook her hand. It didn't take long in the interview and discussion before he realised that her dowdy appearance belied a woman with a wicked intelligence and sense of humour. Still, Sarah Jane's Scottish accent made the first few minutes of the conversation difficult. He kept hearing his Sarah Jane. He charmed the two women surprising both with his outlook and depth of knowledge. Thirty minutes on, he left the building with item one on his list marked off. That just left the next -- a house.