Lean on Me

Chapter Seven

When we got home, we went upstairs and put down the bags. I sat down on the bed and untied my shoes, trying to think of something to say, but the Doctor beat me to it. 

"So... that was a really nice place we saw today," he said. "I really liked it."

"Yeah," I replied, "me too." He turned around and smiled, practically forcing me to do the same. 

"It definetely gave off a sort of. . . home-y feeling, didn't it?" He continued.

"Yeah, yeah it did."

"You know, Rose, I don't want to force you into anything, but I think it'd be a nice change for you. Help you move on," he said, finally stating his concerns. I knew that that was what this was about.

"Yeah, I know," I sighed. "It's just that, you know, I think it'd be. . . weird? I'm not sure. It would be so much change, maybe too much change. I just don't want to turn around and my life is nothing like it was yesterday. I know what that feels like, and it wasn't too easy the first time 'round."

"Listen Rose, I know it's hard now, beleive me, I know, but you can't just sit there and hope that things will get back to the way they have been. That lack of change will get you nowhere, and I know that you know that. You just have to remember, sometimes it's the positive changes, even the smallest ones, that can make all the difference. Sometimes change is all you need to help you move on. And every now and then, something happens and you think it can't get any worse. You almost don't want to move on. But you need to." He'd make a hell of a motivational speaker.

I understood, of course, and I knew that he was right. A change in scenery would be nice. It would help to get away from the house whose every room reminded me of one time or another that we spent in there. The problem was exactly that though; I didn't want to get away from the memories in fear that they might get away from me. I didn't want to forget James. I didn't want to forget a single moment of the time that I spent with him, but that's not what the Doctor was asking me to do. He was asking me only to remember in a different place, a place that he would have liked. Loved, maybe. A place that maybe, someday, other children might love, too. It really was a great house, and I could easily envision the Doctor and myself living there. 

But I figured the Doctor wasn't able to read minds, so I said in reply, "I know, and I completely agree. I really, really loved the house we saw today, and. . . I think it would be a nice change." At that he smiled, obviously relieved that we wouldn't have to argue and that I understood the truth in what he was saying. 

"Good. . . that's uh, that's good. I'm glad we agree."

"Me too."

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We told Mum and Dad that we were considering moving, and I'd like to think that deep, deep down they were happy for us. On the outside though, they were throwing a fit. Mum was yelling at us, saying something about how only terrible things had happened since the Doctors arrival and that greif was pushing us into making rash decisions. Dad just kind of sat there at the head of the table, shaking his head and mumbling something to himself. I knew that he didn't want us moving out either, but he tried to calm Mum down, which I think was saying something. 

"Well, I, for one, am glad they handled that so nicely," the Doctor scoffed, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. 

"I told you we should've waited a bit longer," I replied, slight agitation slipping into my tone.

"At least now they know. We won't have to go sneaking around," he said, trying for optimism. It didn't work as well as he had probably hoped. 

"That's true. I just hate it when they argue with me about the choices I'm making. I know that they think that they know what's best for me or they get overprotective, but it gets annoying sometimes. I mean, I probably would've become the same way with James," I began to choke up, but forced the feeling away and continued talking, "but it doesn't make it any less annoying when they do it to me."

"I know, well, not really, but I understand. We can try talking to them again tomorrow, maybe take them to see the place. It's in a good neighborhood, the other houses looked nice, maybe seeing that would make them be. . . more supportive? I don't know. But it might help for them to realize how serious we are about it and how much we really love the place."

I smiled a little, "Yeah, yeah alright. Sounds good. I bet it will help. That's a really great idea, Doctor. Thanks."

He smirked right back at me. "Anything for you, Rose Tyler."

I hopped into the bed, snuggling into his figure. We laid there for a while, just watching the telly until we fell asleep.