Chapter 6
Phineas got up quietly from his seat and walked into the main area of the plane. He tried not to wake his siblings just because he couldn't get a wink of sleep. He walked around the plane looking for something that would help him fall asleep. He couldn't stand just waiting but he knew that the plane could only travel so fast and there wasn't anything he could do about it. Not while it was moving at least. Working on a moving jet turbine rarely ended well. He saw a guitar lying around and decided to pick it up and sit down. He was almost shocked he didn't start playing anything; usually songs came to him instantly. He looked out the window at the water as it glistened in the moonlight below.
"I won't stop searching Isabella, you can count on it." He looked his phone with the improvised cute tracker. He watched as the signal increased slightly then looked at the clock. Mental note: Isabella is even cuter when she's sleeping. He smiled. It was comforting to know where she was. He noticed his hand start moving on the guitar as a song popped itself into his head
If you ever find yourself stuck in the middle of the sea
I'll sail the world to find you
If you ever find yourself lost in the dark and you can't see
I'll be the light to guide you
Find out what we're made of
When we are called to help our friends in need
You can count on me like one, two, three
I'll be there and I know when I need it
I can count on you like four, three, two
And you'll be there 'cause that's what friends
Are supposed to do, oh yeah, ooh, ooh
If you toss and you turn and you just can't fall asleep
I'll sing a song beside you
And if you ever forget how much you really mean to me
Everyday I will remind you
Find out what we're made of
When we are called to help our friends in need
You can count on me like one, two, three
I'll be there and I know when I need it
I can count on you like four, three, two
And you'll be there 'cause that's what friends
You'll always have my shoulder when you cry
I'll never let go, never say goodbye
You know can count on me like one, two, three
I'll be there and I know when I need it
I can count on you like four, three, two
And you'll be there 'cause that's what friends
Are supposed to do, oh yeah, ooh, ooh
You can count on me 'cause I can count on you
Phineas found himself pretty deep in thought after he put the guitar down. Isabella had been his friend longer than anybody, even Ferb. But he knew he would do all he could for any of his friends if they were in Isabella's situation. But something about Isabella seemed different. The word 'friend' didn't seem like it was summing it up well enough. Just because it's what friends are supposed to do doesn't mean that they would actually take a plane over the Atlantic after someone. But for Isabella this seemed like the only thing he could do, like letting someone else handle it wasn't even physically possible, which is a lot coming from someone who thought the only impossibility was impossibility itself. He didn't know why Isabella seemed different from his other friends but he noticed the playing had wiped him out a little he walked back to the cockpit and reclined in his chair. He closed his eyes and as his thoughts and soon-to-be dreams drifted to Isabella, a small smile drifted to his face.
"So dad when do we get to head out of here?" Isabella asked her father while they ate some eggs he had made on his propane stove.
"The supply truck comes around tomorrow at noon." He was clearly deep in thought
"Whatcha thinking about?" He almost jumped at her voice then looked at her and gave half a smile
"Nothing just make sure you eat, I don't want them to think I kidnapped you and then didn't even feed you." Isabella realized he was still a little upset with himself on the situation.
"Dad stop calling it kidnapping, I don't blame you. It must have been pretty hard to think that mom wouldn't have let you see me again." He looked at her again, even more in thought.
"Have you ever heard of Stockhold syndrome?" Isabella was a little confused with the question and shook her head no. "In many hostage situations it's reported that the hostages feel bonds with their captors as a result of the captors' seemingly benevolent activity. Many people even vouch for them in court after it's over."
"So you think that's what's happening to me?"
"Well the thought crossed my mind." He said shrugging. Either way he was pretty sure he would never get to see his daughter again after this was over. Isabella, being as observant as Ferb is when he isn't around Vanessa, noticed the look on her father's face.
"Dad, whatever happens when we get back I'll make sure you don't get blamed for anything. Well maybe blamed for taking me but I'll make sure you don't get punished for it." She said with a joking smile "Besides some of my friends have some good connections."
"You never really told me about your friends. And clearly in the middle of the desert I don't have a large social circle so see how many friends you can remember and tell me about them." Isabella began telling him about her friends and he rinsed off the plates. He enjoyed the company and from she was telling him his daughter had had a pretty good life. If he went to jail before all this was over he was sure he would have to meet this Phineas. He seemed to show up a lot in his daughter's life and it didn't sound like that would change anytime soon
(A/N I was listening to way to much music when I wrote this and the next chapter so expect another song. Sorry if it seems like I put it there to take up space. I'm also sorry I didn't make a Halloween story; no ideas came to me.)