Chapter 8 - Promise

"Ça-va ma cherie," Delphine whispered as she smooth the forehead of the small clone.

Cosima watched from a nearby chair.

"We did it?" Charlotte asked drowsily.

"Oui, ma petite"

"We're the crazy science" Charlotte smiled weakly looking at Cosima who rose.

Delphine looked questioningly at Cosima who shrugged and mumbled something incoherent about the mansion.

"We sure did kiddo!" Cosima beamed walking closer. "We're the crazy science"

Charlotte smiled and nodded.

"Don't forget..." Delphine began

Charlotte interrupted "Don't tell anyone."

"See? I told you she was a bright one," Cosima said winking at Charlotte.

"I see... " Delphine admitted with a playful nod.

Charlotte smiled. She enjoyed the banter and attention of her older sister. Her previous guardians were always kind. She always felt safe. Teasing and laughter were unfamiliar to her. She didn't mind though, it made her feel free. She couldn't find a word to describe it but she felt lighter.

"You will still need to wear your leg brace even if you feel better," Delphine cautioned.

"And you may feel strong enough to walk faster but you need to remember to be slow down and deliberate in your steps," Cosima reminded

"For how long?" Charlotte asked.

Delphine and Cosima traded a fleeting glance and then Cosima answered, "until we get out of here."

"All of us?" Charlotte asked meekly.

Cosima looked questioningly at Delphine and then nodded at Charlotte with an unwavering, "Yes!"

-O-O-O-

Delphine sighed while hanging her jacket on the peg near the door.

She just returned from walking Charlotte back to her yurt.

"You do have a plan?" Cosima asked.

Delphine shrugged herself onto the bed next to her.

"Cosima..."

"But you have one right?"

"I will do everything I can to keep you and Charlotte safe."

"Delphine, we can't stay here"

"I know," Delphine admitted turning to face Cosima and taking the small hands in her own.

"We don't have much time. And... I can't get us all out of the camp."

"You're staying." Cosima stated flatly.

"I have to," Delphine murmured.

"Why!" Cosima shouted jumping to her feet. She wavered on her feet and sat abruptly back on the bed.

"Cosima" Delphine pleaded softly.

"I can't leave you again" Cosima barely whispered.

"Cosima, look at me. You are the one," Delphine confessed lifting the clone's chin.

"You have always been the one" she said taking Cosima's face in both of her hands . "And I never stopped loving you. Not for one moment."

Cosima starred wide-eyed into Delphine's face.

"Me neither" she admitted softly before dropping her gaze..

Delphine drew Cosima gently closer and began peppering her eyebrows and cheeks with kisses.

"You will always be the first in my heart. Forever."

"I love you, Delphine" Cosima whimpered softly and burrowed her face into the hollow of Delphine's neck.

"I know. " Delphine said cuddling the small scientist closer.

"But this is not like before," Delphine explained desperately.

Cosima drew away and looked puzzled.

Delphine rose and retrieved an envelope from her desk drawer. "This is not a good-bye like before," she explained.

"This is a promise," Delphine explained as she rolled something small and silver between her fingers.

Cosima sat straight up in wonder and surprise as Delphine's finger shook and she clumsily slipped a simple silver ring onto her right hand. It was small and plain. It was nothing like the decorative rings Cosima usually wore.

"A promise?" Cosima asked looking up.

"A promise that I will..." Delphine couldn't find the right word. What could I promise anyway? Neolution will only let me go of if I trade my freedom for someone else's.

"Find me" Cosima finished. "Find me when this is all over and I will wait for you." Cosima promised.

"Yes," Delphine exhaled.

Then Cosima smoothed the hair from Delphine's brow and cupped one hand behind her neck guiding her mouth to her own. Once again they found themselves spiraling into one another. Time was lost and promises were whispered and accepted.

-O-O-O-

It late when Delphine woke to hearing shouting outside in the camp. Cosima was sleepy and soft on top of her. She hesitated to move the warmth that enveloped them. She knew if they were found like this they would be separated immediately. The pretense of Cosima's illness would be revealed.

"Cosima, wake up!" Delphine cried.

Cosima rolled over and Delphine dashed from the bed and hastily dressed.

"Get dressed, quickly," she urged.

Just as Cosima was pulling on her top Philippe bustled in carrying a fevered Sarah.

"Sarah?" Cosima exclaimed. "How did you...?" she asked Philippe.

He didn't answer but grunted when Delphine instructed him to put Sarah on the bed.

" She has a stab wound in the leg as well as the lacerations on her hand a face," Philippe remarked.

"You." He pointed towards Cosima, "follow me, while the doctor sees to her."

Cosima looked questioningly at Delphine while she took Sarah's vitals.

Delphine nodded quickly to Cosima and handed her the green parka from a peg by the door. Cosima's heart sank as she followed Philippe to another yurt across the campsite.