Chapter Text
Alex opened her eyes annoyed by the constant ringing of her phone. She turned around and grabbed it, checking the time on the alarm clock. It was 7.50am.
Who the hell can be at 7.50 in the morning?
Yawning, she finally saw the name of the person who had decided to spoil her plans for Sunday: Steven Moffatt's name flashed across the screen.
She wondered what Steven could possibly want from her and why he was calling her so early on a Sunday morning. She decided to answer reluctantly, since she was now awake.
"Alex, hello, how are you?" asked the man.
"All right Steven" Alex replied with a yawn "What do you want from me this time? "
She heard Steven laughing on the other end of the phone and she smiled too. She had missed him after all. They'd spoken a few times over the last few years and Alex had kept up to date with his projects, but she hadn't seen him in a long time. She'd lost touch with almost everyone in recent years, having given up on her career...
Steven, however, had always been affectionate towards her and occasionally called her to ask for her opinion or advice.
"You always get right to the point Alex. Anyway, I was wondering... Yeah, I mean..." his voice was hesitant and unsure "I got a proposal from Russell for a miniseries event..."
Alex immediately opened her mouth to speak, but he, as if he could see her, continued "Don't speak, listen. The BBC feels that Doctor Who needs to up its ratings a bit. Viewers love the show madly and the idea was to bring the best loved Doctors and companions together for an epic adventure.."
Alex closed her eyes and hoped with all her heart, that Steven was not asking her what she was thinking he was. She couldn't do that and she didn't want to.
"We'd like you to return to the role of River" there was a few moments of silence and when she didn't speak, he resumed "Alex, I know it wouldn't be an easy choice for you, but before you decline the offer think about it."
She had nothing to think about at all. She simply couldn't accept it. She couldn't go back to the set, especially not on that set.
"Steven, I don't... I can't, really," she replied in a defined tone, as if to let him know that the discussion was closed.
"Alex, please, everyone has accepted, we must have River Song! It wouldn't be the same thing without you" he insisted "the fans love you, they've been calling for your return for years."
"River is dead, her story has come full circle, there is nothing more to tell."
She knew that Steven would not give up so easily, but it was really impossible for him to convince her.
"Alex....acting is your life, you have to come back."
"I've been out of my job for almost 10 years now and I've done very well. I'm not going back to acting and certainly not in Doctor Who, even if you paid me a million. I'm sorry Steven..."
She turned to her right when she felt small hands tugging at her pyjama shirt.
Alex tilted her head, smiling at two beautiful children who looked at her curiously.
"Who's mum?" asked one with a sweet sleepy voice.
"I was dreaming..." murmured the other, running a hand over his eyes.
"It's Steven, go back to sleep..." she explained, smiling at them both.
Joseph tilted his head thoughtfully, perhaps not remembering who Steven was, and Stefan frowned.
"Ah the little ones are awake!" exclaimed Steven over the phone. "Why don't you put me on speaker so I can say hi to them?"
Alex blinked and opened her mouth wide, ready to protest. She was almost certain he would try to use them against her. Finally, she huffed and put the speakerphone on.
"Hello little men, how are you? Do you remember me? I came to visit a while ago and gave you that sticker album..."
"Yes!" they replied in unison.
"You work in television," Joseph added excitedly.
"That's right, and you know that mum also worked in television before you were born..."
"Steven, don't you dare... "Alex interjected, bringing her hands to her hair. That man was ruthless.
He ignored her completely, "Would you like to see your mum acting again?" he asked finally.
They opened their eyes, which began to sparkle. They let out a little squeal of joy as they answered yes and looked at Alex for some confirmation. Alex was speechless, her mouth wide open not knowing what to say
"I would love to! " exclaimed Stefan enthusiastically.
"Me too! " Joseph concluded, looking badly at his brother who had not included him in the sentence.
"Perfect," exclaimed Steven happily. "Now you just have to convince your mum."
Of course Steven knew that her children had all kinds of power over her. How could she get out of that situation now?
The twins turned and stared at her hopefully, then Joseph became thoughtful and ran a hand through his hair.
Alex almost gasped at that familiar gesture. How many times she had seen him do it...
"Mum, why don't you want to?" he asked in his little innocent voice.
Alex cleared her throat "It's a bit hard to explain sweetheart..." she murmured stroking his head softly.
"Is it because of us?"
"What? Of course not, don't even think that..." she clarified, holding them both close.
They both rested their heads on her chest as Stefan clung to her shirt. She gave them both a kiss on their dark wavy hair.
"So why don't you want to?" they insisted.
"my loves, it's hard for me to go back to acting after so long...and besides, I'm too old now," she explained half-truthfully, hoping they would accept that answer.
Obviously they didn't.
"Mum, please. We want to see you as an actor!" exclaimed Stefan, rising.
"Maybe one day... " she murmured softly, but she was struggling and felt trapped.
"NO!" exclaimed Joseph, crossing his arms over his chest. "No, now, please."
"I'll show you a few episodes of Doctor Who maybe..."
She had never shown any episodes to her children.
Joseph had insisted several times, as had Stefan, but she had always flatly refused. She didn't want them to see her with him....
"Mum please..." they begged and she felt her head burst. Stefan clung to her shirt as well. "Please, mum... We want to visit a new city and meet all your friends!"
Too bad she didn't want to. Or rather, it was only one person she absolutely did not want to see.
"I'll let you meet them a little at a time..." Alex was almost ready to beg for them to stop. She couldn't go back to that set...
"Mom, we'll be good. We won't make you angry anymore..."
Alex looked at them and saw children who wanted more than anything else in the world what they were asking for. She felt she was about to give up, but she couldn't... "I'm sorry.."
They nodded softly, lowering their heads. They looked at her one last time with sad eyes then got out of bed and headed for their room. Alex watched them from the bed and noticed that they were holding their favourite toys in their hands, Joseph a koala and Stefan a lion. Joseph dropped his, knelt down, picked it up and held it to his chest. He paused for a moment, perhaps waiting for his mother to change her mind.
"I know why you don't want to go mum..." he murmured and she saw him turn around. Stefan looked at her too. "You're afraid, but I don't understand why."
Alex's eyes widened and she swallowed. How could a nine-year-old understand her better than adults? Her children had always been so smart. She was an open book to them, maybe she was an open book to everyone, and that was sad.
"Joseph? Stefan?" she called back.
They turned and looked at her, while Stefan wiped his eyes with his Spiderman pyjamas given to him by Karen. They both adored her Scottish friend.
"Okay..." she sighed.
"Is that a yes?" asked Stefan with his mouth wide open.
"Yes, River Song is ready to come back," she said, and by then it was too late to turn back.
"You're the best mum in the world!" they shouted, running like lightning and throwing themselves into her arms after bouncing off the bed and throwing the toys into the corner of the room.
Alex squeezed tightly and sighed softly, knowing that this choice was a terrible mistake. Stefan picked up the phone that had gone under the covers and handed it to her.
"Steven, are you still there?" she tried.
"Alex, finally! I had time to eat breakfast while I was waiting for your answer..." he mumbled.
"You won " she said wearily, "I'll be back."
He let out an enthusiastic shout "I knew they would convince you".
"Yeah, you should thank them," she explained.
"Oh I will. I'll be waiting for you in Cardiff."
"When?"
"In two days"
"I beg your pardon?" she asked loudly.
"Filming will start in less than a week...Let's just say it took me a while to decide to call you. I'll be waiting for you" and he hung up without giving her time to speak. He was probably afraid she would change her mind.
Joseph lay down on his stomach in front of her, watching her carefully, while Stefan sat cross-legged.
"When are we leaving?" asked Stefan.
"Tomorrow"
They opened their eyes wide in surprise.
"We'll leave tomorrow, now let's go have breakfast," she replied, getting out of bed and taking her children by the hand.
She could not believe what had just happened. She would be back in Cardiff, with her children. She would see him again, and even more frighteningly, Joseph and Stefan would meet him for the first time. She didn't think it would ever happen. Would she be able to handle it?