Up, Up, and Away

Chapter 6

The TARDIS has a whole wardrobe if you can find it. Luckily she likes the Doctor, and she can always find her way.

The Doctor gave Marjorie an outfit, something that would help her blend in; a long blue dress with sparkles that made her look wealthier than she was. She was ecstatic and wanted to look at herself in the mirror all day, but the Doctor hurried us along.

Doc called the TARDIS into Marjorie's living room, to save it from the Vashta, and so when we exited, we were safe. Marjorie ran around the outside of the box one last time, and I assured her it was truly bigger on the inside.

We passed Graham and Yaz with the kids in the kitchen as we quickly head out the front door.

"This is the first time I've been out since-" Marjorie stopped herself as The Doctor surveyed the street and called Marjorie and I to follow close behind.

I nudged her with my elbow. It wasn't much, but it was enough to reassure her. We seemed to just get each other.

"How old are you, Marge?" The Doctor asked, as I opened the door to the common lobby. It was a small room, poorly lit, and falling apart. Nobody was in there, but I could tell we weren't alone, either.

"I'm 20. 21 in a month," she said, and the Doc gave a laugh.

"Older than you, Ryan!" she exclaimed, so I gave her an eye roll. I trudged ahead of her and but noticed Doc give a wink to a smug Marjorie.

We climbed the stairs slowly, until the walls began to sink less and the smell of mold disappeared.

The Doctor chose the next landing to stop and look around. I tugged on each door handle we passed, until Marjorie smacked my hand away. I shoved my hands in my coat pockets to keep myself from touching anything else.

I'd always had a problem with that; I loved pressing buttons. Tugging on this, jangling keys, clicking pens. Anything to keep my hands busy.

The Doc chose the door with the most noise coming from behind it to knock on. There was music and laughing, and I could definitely smell some liquor back there. The Doctor must have been in a party mood.

We stood waiting for a response, Marge and I behind the Doctor, but nobody answered the door. A couple, arm in arm, turned the corner from the opposite end of the hallway than we had entered. She was wearing a gold, knee-high flapper dress with sparkles all over it. She had a weird band around her head, the same material as her dress. I'd seen it before in pictures, I just didn't know what to call it. The man was wearing a suit, along with the most hair gel I'd ever seen on one human being. Or alien being. I'd encountered both, yet neither of them had that much hair gel.

"You're here for the party? Well, walk on in! Quit dilly dallying!" The girl called to us, in a teasing tone.

"Yeah, we're fairly new in town, we weren't sure if we should just head on in. Say, as long as I'm talking with you, can I ask- what's this party for?" The Doctor asked.

The girl raised her eyebrows, looking concerned, but not willing to return any questions. The man seemed to be the less alert of the two, and didn't find anything odd about someone attending a party for people they didn't know.

"You don't know? It's for the opening of Bertha Smithe's new skyscraper down the ave. It's filled with all the newest and most modern amenities. Plus, it has all kinds of new gadgets she invented to keep us safe," the girl explained. The Doctor cocked her head and nodded, clearly thinking.

"Well alright then, enjoy the party!" Doc said, opening the door and ushering them in before us. When the couple was inside, The Doctor turned to us.

"I'm going to get a look around, you two talk to people and see what you can find out. Seen as they've been camping out up here for a while- how many days, Marge?" She paused ask.

"It's been three months."

"Up here for three months- wait, three months? You're serious?" The Doctor continued. Marjorie nodded and the Doc wore an expression that could only be a mix of surprise and disgust.

"Well they've been up here quite a while, and probably aren't updated much. But find out what you can, and I'll see you lot in a bit." The Doctor turned to enter the room, but turned back abruptly.

"And get along!" She warned. We watched her disappear into the crowd before following her into the large apartment. It had huge glass windows, a bar in the middle of the room, and a view of the entire city.

I was getting quite a few stares, but not those of complete hatred, which was nice. I did feel a bit uncomfortable but that was usually the case. I started twitching my fingers, and when Marjorie noticed, she grabbed my arm.

"Miss? Sir?" We heard from our right. I felt the blood rush from my head and was ready to run, but the woman who spoke looked friendly enough.

"Yeah?" I asked, receiving an elbow in he ribs from Marge.

"Sorry- yes ma'am?" I corrected myself. The woman's smile never faltered as she held forward the tray of drinks she was carrying.

"Would you like some bubbly?" She asked. Marge released my arm, took two, and thanked her. She led the way to a couch on the far wall, by the window. We sat down and were immediately crowded by party goers on either side of us.

"Do I get a drink or are they both for you?" I joked, half expecting her to shoot them both down right then. She smirked and sipped the one in her right hand.

"Depends... under 21?" She teased. I rolled my eyes as she held out the other drink to me. I took the glass and swirled the clear liquid nearly to the rim.

"Are you?" I countered. She frowned as I sipped it and winced.

"What the bloody hell is this stuff? It tastes like fire!" I nearly shouted. Marjorie laughed and took a large gulp from her glass. She leaned back and slouched into the couch, smile disappearing.

"What, are you that depressed that I don't know my alcohol?" I asked, but her lack of response told me that something more was wrong.

"It's moonshine, ankle-biter. And that's not why I'm down. It's that... I hadn't laughed in three months," she mumbled. I leaned back next to her and fiddled with my coat zipper.

"I lost my parents too. My mum passed away, and my dad... I don't know where he is. Not that I care anymore. My nan raised me, but she... she's gone. Graham's all I've got now, and he's just my step-grandad," I told her. I wasn't sure why I was telling her this. I guess just to make her feel better.

Marjorie nodded and I noticed her rub at her eyes. I didn't tell her I saw the tear that escaped.

"Life's bushwa, Ryan," Marjorie said, voice steady despite the hurt I knew she was feeling.

"I hope you know I don't understand half of what you're saying," I replied, making her laugh. She shook her head.

"And I, you, future boy," she said, staring at me from the corner of her eye.

"How do you know I'm from the future?" I asked, which I realized was a stupid question right after I left my mouth.

"I'm not completely oblivious. Plus, I've been in your blue box, remember? Or are you zozzled from that one swig of giggle water?" Marge prodded. I rolled my eyes but couldn't help but smile.

"Alright, we should actually get a move on and do what the Doctor asked. She's scary when she's angry"