Chapter 7 - Make a Wish

"Cosima?" Charlotte asked softly walking to Cosima's cot.

"I was wondering when I'd see you." Cosima teased tugging playfully on a braid.

"Delphine wanted to make sure you are strong enough before you have visitors."

"I am now," Cosima smiled raising on her elbows.

"She told me about the secret," Charlotte whispered

"I know. You are good about keeping secrets aren't you?"

Charlotte nodded seriously.

"Don't forget," Cosima added. "You will still need to wear your brace once we give you the shot. We can't let them know we are better," she winked.

Charlotte nodded somberly.

"Someday, do you think I could play tag or climb the jungle gym?" Charlotte asked hopefully.

"Let's cross our fingers and make a wish."

"Charlotte," Cosima started. "Will you come with me back to my sisters? I mean our sisters when it's time to leave?" Cosima asked guiding Charlotte to sit next to her. "You are one of us now. And we need to watch each other's backs."

Charlotte smiled shyly, "I'd like that but, I don't know if we'll be allowed to leave."

"Why?"

"Because they want to study us. I heard that man, Philippe talking to another man."

Cosima cocked her head. "He was the one who found us in the forest."

"Did you hear anything else?" Cosima asked. "They said a Dr. Westmore is in charge here. But I don't know which one he is?"

"This is really important," Cosima said. "Have they taken any blood or saliva samples yet?"

-O-O-O-

After Charlotte's visit Cosima told Delphine about their conversation.

"We need to administer the cure before they get a baseline and start to figure out that we are getting better."

Delphine nodded in agreement.

"Tomorrow a large group will walk to the boat to pick up the monthly supplies. The camp will be nearly empty for most of the day. We'll do it then."

-O-O-O-

"Charlotte, Delphine said, "Cosima is going to hold your hand."

"I'll be right here the whole time, kiddo. You won't feel a thing."

"I am not afraid." Charlotte said passively.

"You are very brave." Delphine smiled tenderly and caressed Charlotte's cheek.

Delphine would make a good mother Cosima thought idly. Heaven knows how much she mothers me. She snorted a little at this thought. She received a curious look from Delphine. Then she refocused on adjusting the shot for a much smaller dosage.

Delphine shook inside a little remembering when Kira was sedated to remove bone marrow. Kira was close in age to Charlotte. The marrow was essential to prolong Cosima's life while they still looked for a cure. But Sarah was wracked with guilt. And the memory played upon Delphine's conscience.

They agreed to sedate Charlotte completely to prevent the little girl from panic. Delphine administered the shot. The settled the blankets around the young clone and waited for her to wake.