Chapter 7- Group Decisions
"I'm going to Bailey-Downs!" Charlotte yelled to the world the moment they'd left the school.
Cosima and Delphine beamed at her.
"Hold your horses; we need to get the paperwork in order first, kiddo" Cosima reminded her.
Charlotte ran to her mummy, squeezing her waist "Thank you, thank you, thank you" she repeated.
Delphine chuckled, absolutely delighted by the joy radiating off of her daughter "I'll talk to Mrs. S about getting the necessary documents." She, herself needed to get her visa in order to work in a non-medical field. It turned out that the school was in need of a part-time French teacher, something that the grade 3 teacher had made Delphine aware of after it was explained that they would have to live within the school district, unless a parent was a teacher at the school. It really was a win-win for Delphine.
The family loaded in to their Jeep, buckling in.
"When are all of the aunties coming over?" Charlotte asked.
"At 7, mon petit" Delphine responded.
"Will Kira, Oscar, and Gemma be there?" she asked.
Cosima turned around to look at her "They're gonna be with Uncle Donnie and Felix."
"Okay" she said sadly.
"What about a group sleepover Saturday night?" Delphine compensated "We'll have all of your cousins over for movies, forts, and dinner? Celebrate you and Kira starting school Monday."
"Can we have a piñata?" the tiny clone asked
"Why not?" Cosima piped up
"Score!" Charlotte pumped her fist.
Cosima turned to Delphine, smiling "The little things."
Delphine smiled back and turned her attention back to the road, reaching over and taking Cosima's hand.
Cosima felt her cheeks get tight as she smiled uncontrollably, sliding her fingers in the spaces between Delphine's.
When they got home, Charlotte collapsed onto the couch, turning the TV to cartoons. Delphine and Cosima sat down at the kitchen table together, flipping through the files of information, talking it all over.
"We should make a list of talking points" Delphine suggested.
Cosima nodded and grabbed the notebook she'd been keeping nots in, ripping out a page as they worked together to get it all down. After an hour of sitting there, they were still making the list. Cosima stood up and stretched.
"I'm gonna make some tea. Do you want some?" the brunette asked.
"That sounds wonderful. Thank you" Delphine confirmed.
"Mummy, can you please get me a snack?" Charlotte asked from the couch.
"I've got you covered, kiddo" Cosima responded.
She went to the kitchen, putting the kettle on and washing a bunch of cherries. As she waited for the water to boil, she rubbed her stomach against the cramps that had been plaguing her all day. She took a moment to gather herself, and then brought a bowl of the fruit to her daughter on the couch.
"Thank you" the sweet little girl whispered.
"You're most welcome" the older clone responded before heading back to the kitchen.
When the water was finally boiled, Cosima poured their tea and walked back to the table. After putting the two cups down, she sat back down, closed her eyes and leaned forward, resting her head on Delphine's shoulder.
Delphine ran a hand up her back and rubbed it gently "I can finish here if you want to lie down".
Cosima shook her head "I'll be fine. This is important"
Delphine nodded and looked over everything "We're confirmed that everyone will be here?"
Cosima nodded against Delphine's shoulder "Art is getting a visitation with Rachel in a private booth. They're saying it's for further questioning, but he's bringing his computer. We'll put her on the monitor Allison's bringing along with Tony and MK who are Skyping in." Cosima let out a big sigh "Can I have kisses?" she asked
Delphine smiled and put the files down, turning and holding Cosima's face in her hands as she slowly and gently kissed her forehead, her nose, each eyelid, each cheek, and then gave her a soft, deep kiss on the lips. She pulled out slowly "Any time, mon amour."
Cosima's eyes stayed closed with a dreamy look on her face "That was really nice." She then frowned and her brow scrunched as she groaned, rubbing her stomach.
Delphine hugged her "Maybe you should give your body a break from the menstrual cup" she suggested.
"That's a probably good idea" Cosima responded and kissed her fiancée's cheek, getting up and going to the bathroom upstairs.
Delphine rubbed her forehead. She sat back and scanned the table. She could only hope that they could get the sestras to cooperate. This was all so very important. Sure, they had the big ask to do for the baby, but there were other things that needed to be discussed. Delphine took a deep breath and tried to remember that everything only seemed easier when she would just make decisions for everyone; it in fact was a whole lot more difficult since they always screwed up the plans. Besides, this was the right way to do things.
Cosima pulled the cup out of her body and swallowed hard, seeing how full it was. It was the third in an hour. Cosima felt her hands shake as she dumped the blood in to the toilet and put it on the counter. She took a seat and braced her head in her hands. She took a minute to be terrified. She took a moment to let herself feel the gripping fear of her own mortality. She could hear the TV downstairs and the distant chatter of Delphine and Charlotte speaking in French to each other. They would be okay. Charlotte had Delphine. Delphine had Charlotte. She just wished that she could have the chance to be a part of her own family.
The brunette cracked a smile. At least there was the chance that she'd get to see Delphine pregnant. She knew that she wouldn't make it to the birth of their child. Delphine would be surrounded by support though, and if her sisters, brother, and daughter decided that this pregnancy was the best course of action, then hopefully Delphine and Scott would continue the work and cure the rest of them. Cosima made the commitment to write impeccable lab notes; keep everything so clear that Kira could figure out the science and know what to do once the baby arrived. If she couldn't be saved, her family would be.
She heard Charlotte giggle and smiled herself, letting the feeling of joy that she felt every time she heard that giggle wrap itself around her.
Her moment was over. She exhaled and grabbed a few pads, lining her underwear with them before she stood.
Charlotte couldn't stop laughing at the paper eyebrows and moustache her Maman had cut out and taped to her face "Tu es si drôle, maman. You're so funny, maman."
The french doctor put on her best grumpy face "Qui est ce maman? Je suis papa. Tu vois ma moustache? Who is this maman? I'm papa. Do you see my mustache?"
"Stop, I'm going to pee" Charlotte giggled.
Delphine laughed herself as she went to peel off the paper disguise, but was stopped from a voice in the stairwell.
"Wait, I want a picture of this!" Cosima called out as she raced forward.
Delphine looked up at her, slightly embarrassed but went along with it.
Cosima pulled out her phone and took a picture of Delphine, then turned to Charlotte. "Get in on this, kiddo" she instructed.
Charlotte happily got up and came over.
"You should get in too" Delphine suggested.
Cosima turned around and turned the selfie mode on her phone. Delphine picked Charlotte up and Cosima snapped the picture.
"Now a goofy one" Charlotte suggested.
They all made faces as Cosima snapped another one.
"I think we need a kiss the kiddo shot, whaddya say?" the dread head asked her daughter.
Charlotte giggled and nodded "Kisses!"
Delphine and Cosima each took a cheek, the picture capturing the moment of pure joy on Charlotte's face as it was squished between her mom's and maman's kissy lips.
Cosima smiled as she put her phone away and tugged on a corner of an eyebrow gently.
"You used tape? Oh god babe, it's attached to your eyebrow hair" Cosima chuckled.
Charlotte covered her mouth and laughed even louder.
Delphine pointed at her daughter "You think this is funny, non?" she asked, doing her absolute best to contain her own laughter.
Charlotte watched as the paper eyebrows rose with Maman's. She nodded, doubling over in laughter.
It was contagious as Cosima started up herself, earning a poke in the side from the woman in front of her.
Delphine pouted and Cosima frowned as she continued to chuckle "My poor puppy, I'll get them off" she assured, continuing to slowly peel off the adhesive.
Charlotte made faces at Delphine who just shook her head in jest, finally unable to keep it in.
Cosima got one eyebrow off and they all slowly settled down.
"The things you do for comedy" Cosima shook her head as she worked on getting the other eyebrow off her fiancée's face.
Charlotte sat back on the couch, watching them, taking in the deep breaths she missed during the laughing fit "It was worth it. Can I see the pictures, mummy?" she asked.
Cosima nodded and stepped back from Delphine to hand Charlotte her phone. Charlotte turned the screen on, then input the password she knew her parents kept to nearly everything: 324b21. She found the pictures and landed on the goofy one "Can I get the goofy one for my room?" she asked.
"Bien sur mon petit. Next time we are at Costco, we will print all the pictures we have taken. Mummy and I were going to anyways" Delphine explained.
Charlotte smiled and nodded "Merci. I'm gonna go call Kira and let her know I'm going to school with her" the girl mentioned. She stood up and handed Cosima back her phone as she picked up a house phone and headed upstairs "Thank you mummy."
"You're welcome, kiddo. Tell Kira I say hullo" she called out after hr daughter, then pulled the last of the second eyebrow off the blonde's face. Cosima then gently peeled the mustache off her fiancée's upper lips. She traced the slight red mark the tape had left over her lips and smiled at her "I love watching you with her."
Delphine smiled back at her "She is a very fun person to be around."
Cosima nodded "She is." Cosima's smile then slowly fell and she closed her eyes "Delphine, I'm bleeding pretty heavily" she told her.
The French doctor sighed and nodded, reaching out to put a hand on Cosima's stomach "I know, mon amour. Periods are the worst sometimes."
Cosima made eye contact with Delphine "Sixty millilitres in an hour, heavy." She swallowed hard.
Delphine searched the brunette's face in horror "We should get you to a doctor… Cosima…"
The young scientist shook her head and her bottom lip quivered slightly, but she kept it all down "And they'll do what, Delphine? You're a doctor, what could you do for me?"
Delphine thought for a moment and deflated "Well 60 ml is not enough for hypovolemic shock. I would probably send you for testing to see what's wrong, prescribe you iron, and tell you to drink salty fluids" she conceded.
"We already know what's wrong and I'm taking iron" Cosima re-iterated and scrunched her lips to one side of her face, shrugging.
It was Delphine's turn to close her eyes against the rush of emotions. She took a deep breath "What can I do?"
Cosima leaned in to her, thinking and earning Delphine's arms around her. She hated this, and hated having to rely on Delphine as a caretaker even more. She was supposed to be enjoying the life of a newly engaged 31 year old woman, not a 70 year old, old lady. But this was Delphine, relying on her to help was part of being married. "Keep an eye on me tonight? Maybe even a hand" she asked, knowing that it would help curb the fear she'd been feeling over getting another concussion from passing out cold and smacking her head on the ground.
Delphine nodded "I can do that. If it gets to be too much, will you let me know? I know how you hate when I mother you" she explained.
Cosima gave a little huff of a laugh "I don't think that there's a way around that at this point. Besides, I mostly hate it when you use it as a way to avoid conversation" she clarified.
"I would like to think that we are passed that point. No more keeping things from each other. No more avoiding. This time, we build on trust and communication" the blonde reminded her.
"Yeah. This is a nice change from how I used to do this. It honestly feels a lot better, feeling like I can come to you and just let you know. Besides, If your mothering instinct needs some play time, I am going to need a really fucking good cry after tonight because honestly, Delphine, I'm barely holding it all together right now and it all feels so much more manageable in your arms" she confessed, a lip quivering.
Delphine nodded and dropped her forehead to Cosima's as they both closed their eyes, fighting back the tears. "We'll breakdown together tonight. But now, we do what needs to get done to save our family."
Cosima nodded in response and took a deep breath, shaking her head as a tear fell down her cheek.
The French woman left a very soft kiss on the brunette's cheek and whispered to her "I am going to put the lasagna in the oven and you are going to take another iron pill. Then, I am going to go to the store and pick up some sports drinks while you hang out with Charlotte" Delphine instructed "How does that sound?"
Cosima nodded "What if something happens?"
"Charlotte knows what to do. She did it last time" Delphine reminded her "I won't be long."
"Okay" She breathed hard and bit her bottom lip "Delphine, I'm really scared"
"I know, mon chérie. But you are safer here than out walking right now. Let's hope that the bleeding stops soon."
"And if it doesn't?" Cosima asked
"Then we will figure out next steps then. For now, you are right. There's nothing anyone can do. While I'm gone, stay on the couch. Do not get up for anything. Please, Cosima do not take that risk."
The brunette nodded "I won't" she spoke, taking another deep breath, trying to clear the tears "it's a good thing my eyeliner is waterproof" she joked.
Delphine cracked a small smile and nodded, kissing her cheek and pulling her in to a tight hug "Je t'aime."
"I love you too, Delphine" Cosima responded sincerely.
They broke apart and Delphine nodded, wiping her own tears and helping Cosima to sit on the couch. She brought the clone her cup of tea and headed in to the kitchen.
"Do you think the other kids will like us?" Charlotte asked Kira
"I don't know. But at least we'll have each other and Oscar. My mum always says that there's power in numbers" she responded.
"Of course she would, she's got some awesome sisters and when you put them all together, they can do anything" the young clone noted.
"That's true. Did you hear? My daddy's coming to Canada this week! I haven't seen him in so long" Kira informed Charlotte.
"Really? Your dad's the coolest! You know he bought me a cinnamon roll every day while I was in Iceland with him" Charlotte said.
"Sal's Cinnamon Rolls are my favourite! He used to get me those all the time. You should ask Auntie Delphine if she could make them for us some time. She cooks really good. Better than Mrs. S!" Kira praised.
"She'll probably teach us how to make them" Charlotte noted.
"Even better!" the cousin exclaimed over the line. "How is auntie Cosima?"
"She's okay. She's downstairs peeling tape off maman's eyebrows" she told her cousin.
Kira giggled "Why is she doing that?"
"Because Maman was being funny and taped paper eyebrows on to act like an old man" Charlotte explained. "We got some good pictures out of it"
Kira laughed again "I need to see those. Nothing fun ever happens here."
"Are you kidding? Uncle Felix is the funnest!" Charlotte countered.
"Yeah, you're right. He's pretty fun. He said that next sleepover he's going to let us watch a scary movie" Kira told her.
"Really? That's so cool. By the way, my mummy and maman said that Saturday night we can have a sleepover here. We're gonna have a piñata" the young brunette informed Kira.
"That is going to be epic! Is Auntie Delphine going to make dinner?" Kira asked.
"More than likely. She likes cooking, especially when I help. She always gives me the fun stuff like cracking eggs" Charlotte explained.
"You're lucky, my mommy won't let me anywhere near the kitchen. She says it's dangerous" Kira grumbled.
"I'll get maman to teach us" Charlotte reconciled.
"That sounds like fun" Kira responded, then was called by her mother "I've got to go, Charlotte. Will you tell me what happens tonight?"
"Yeah, I'll call you tomorrow. Will you tell me about what you guys end up doing tonight?" she asked.
"Of course. Talk to you tomorrow. Bye Charlotte" Kira called out.
"Bye Kira" Charlotte responded.
She hung up and headed downstairs. She saw her mummy curled up on the couch and sat next to her, snuggling in.
Cosima smiled. She loved when Charlotte initiated cuddles. It happened frequently but it was still nice. She wrapped an arm around her kid and ruffled her hair "How's Kira?" she asked.
Charlotte laid her head on mummy's chest "Good. I told her about the sleepover next weekend."
"Awesome! We're gonna have a blast" Cosima told her.
Delphine came over and kissed the top of Cosima's head "Dinner's in the oven. I'll be back soon" she told her fiancée, then turned to their daughter "Charlotte, take good care of mummy."
Charlotte nodded "Where are you going?"
"Just to pick up a few things from the store" Delphine told her as she pulled on her shoes.
"What's for dinner?" she asked
Delphine chuckled "Lasagna and roasted veggies."
"Mmmm. I'm excited for dinner now" Charlotte told her maman.
"That is what I like to hear" Delphine responded, grabbing her wallet and keys before heading back to the couch "Goodbye kiss?" she asked Charlotte.
Charlotte nodded and promptly received a kiss on the cheek.
Delphine then headed to Cosima and kissed her lips deeply, putting a hand to the brunette's chest "My cell is on if you need me."
Cosima nodded "Okay. Be safe."
Delphine nodded and rubbed Cosima's chest gently before standing up and heading out the door.
Cosima rubbed Charlotte's shoulder "How was your day today?"
"Really good. I like spending time with you and Maman" she explained.
"I like it too. Like a lot. And I really like the side of your maman that you bring out. She gets so goofy" the older clone noticed.
"Really? I thought she was just like that" Charlotte countered.
"Not at all. That's all a Charlotte special. And I love it" she noted.
Charlotte took a deep breath "Mummy, what is sex like?"
Cosima was taken slightly aback "Wow. We're at that conversation already, huh?" she stopped for a moment and thought about it "It really depends."
"On what?" Charlotte asked, curious.
"Who it's with, how you feel about them. I mean it all feels really good, but it's just…extra special and extra good when it's with someone you really care about and who really cares about you" she explained, feeling like she was talking down to Charlotte and not liking it. She sighed "It's like, normally awesome like aluminum. Very common, sometimes useful, and you can do fun things, but when you're with someone you really care about, it's like a adding iron oxide to it. Have you seen a thermite reaction?"
Cosima asked.
Charlotte shook her head and Cosima smiled, pulling up a video on her phone. Charlotte watched in amazement as the reaction of two common solids erupted in to a fountain of bright sparks. She felt it reach somewhere deep inside of her and answer the question in the only way that she's been satisfied with to date. "That's what it's like with maman?" she asked.
The older clone sighed dreamily and nodded "It is. That's what it's like with someone who you trust completely. Nothing holds you back and your emotions and body are totally connected. That's not to say that any other kind of sex is wrong or not fun, but that's what it feels like when it's with someone you are really connected to. That's what almost everything is like, even just holding hands." Cosima ruffled Charlotte's hair "I think maman and I need to have a good talk with you though. If you're asking this, I bet you've got a million more questions, eh?"
Charlotte nodded.
"We'll answer all of them and I promise we'll tell you the truth. Maman and I have talked a lot about this and we'll never lie to you to try and protect you from things like this. This is something you need to know about and it's our job to make sure that you are well informed and as knowledgeable about your own body and feelings as rocks and minerals."
"Thank you" Charlotte told her, honestly. "I've tried asking grown-ups before and they just tell me about how I'm too young."
"You kiddos know and understand a lot more than us grown-ups give you credit for. I remember being your age" Cosima noted.
"You do?" Charlotte asked.
"Oh yeah. I head a head full of questions, only back then we didn't have the internet to find answers" she told Charlotte. "Which, by the way is not the best place for most of them, unless you're using reliable sites. Remember that: forums and blogs are for the most part, not a good source of information."
Charlotte chuckled "I know." She paused "What if I have questions about boys?"
"Well, I can answer the anatomy questions, but maman I'm sure is full of good info on boys" she said.
"Maman dated boys?" she asked, astounded.
"Oh yeah. I was the first woman she dated" Cosima explained.
"I never knew that" Charlotte said, thinking about that.
"We're open books" the dreaded woman told her. "We just really want to make sure that you feel like you can come to us and that you get accurate information and are doing your best to keep yourself and other people safe in all ways. That's so important"
Charlotte nodded "Is that why you and maman always ask me if you can hug or kiss me or pick me up?"
"Yeah. It's a big part. We want you to know that your body is your own and that we respect your space and your right to your own body" Cosima explained.
"Why don't you and maman ask each other to kiss or hug?" Charlotte asked confused
"We've talked about it and both told each other that we like surprise kisses. We've talked about how we like to be touched and how and where we don't and what we need to ask about. We've also talked about how we're okay with hugging and kissing without asking every time but we promised to let each other know if we don't want something. We trust that the other will respect those boundaries."
"Do you ever tell her no?" Charlotte asked.
Cosima nodded "All of the time. Like when it's too hot to snuggle at night, or if I'm sore somewhere, or sometimes I just don't feel like being touched. I also ask for hugs and kisses when I want them. It wouldn't be fair to just expect her to know when I wanted them all the time. Much easier to just ask and we're both happy."
Charlotte thought about that "I like that. You know, mummy. I like surprise kisses and hugs too."
Cosima smiled "Yeah? Do you promise to tell me if you feel uncomfortable or don't want something?"
"I promise" Charlotte told her.
"Well, in that case…" Cosima started, finishing her sentence by leaning in and kissing Charlotte's cheeks over and over.
Charlotte giggled "I love you, mummy"
Cosima stopped the kissing and hugged her daughter to her "I love you too, kiddo. I love you so very much"
Charlotte hugged her back fiercely "Don't tell Maman, but you give the best hugs" she whispered.
The older clone laughed and nodded "I won't."
A few hours later, there was the first knock on the door. Delphine swung it open to reveal Allison. The soccer mom clone smiled, her hands full.
"Allison! Good to see you. Let me give you a hand" Delphine insisted, rushing forward and taking the monitor off her hands.
"Thank you Delphine" she responded, straightening her top and taking hold of the bags she had around her forearms.
"We're setting up at the kitchen table" Delphine told her "You're the first to arrive."
"I like to be early" she states.
"Well that's a nice change from living with your sister" Delphine teases loudly so Cosima can hear.
"Hey! I warned you about that our first date" the clone piped up from her place, still snuggling with Charlotte on the couch "Hey Ally."
Allison slipped off her shoes and put her bags on the kitchen counter, opening the fridge "How are you feeling, Cosima?" she asked, unpacking the bags she'd brought in to the fridge.
"Oh, just peachy. Whaddya bring?" Cosima asked, intrigued.
"Trifle" was her response as she closed the door and pulled something else out of the bag "And a gift from Scott. The kids, Donnie, and Felix are having a games night with him tonight. He figured that you might want a little…herbal remedy."
Cosima nodded "I will never turn that down."
Charlotte turned to her mother "Is she talking about marijuana?" she asked.
The dreaded clone nodded "I bred a special strain to help with the symptoms" she clarified, running a hand through Charlotte's hair.
"Cosima, should you really be talking so openly about it with a child?" Allison asked.
"I already know about marijuana. It's been used for centuries as a natural medicine for all kinds of things. It's status as an illegal substance is largely due to the racism rampant in lawmaking as it was in the past and to this day more associated for its alleged popularity among street gangs and what the police and media have dubbed "thugs", rather than its use as a common recreational, healing substance used widely by individuals of multiple creeds, cultures and races." Charlotte explained to a wide eyed Allison.
"And that's why I talk to my kiddo openly. Nicely done, Char" Cosima praises, rubbing her arm as the girl snuggled back in.
Allison felt her jealousy rise. How could Cosima be a better mother than her and be doing everything wrong? There was no doubt that Charlotte would have issues later, but right now she seemed so happy snuggled up to Cosima. Why did her kids stop cuddling her? It wasn't fair.
Allison handed Cosima the baggie and she tucked it into the pocket of her sweatpants "Thank you for this, Ally" she told her sister, smiling and opening her arms for a hug.
Allison let her animosity go for the moment, packing it down to the slightest eye twitch as she hugged her sister. "You're welcome" she told her.
Cosima let go and settled back in to the couch.
Charlotte stood up "Can I have a hug, Auntie Allison?" she asked, looking up at her aunt.
Allison was taken aback. She had never been asked for a hug before, and here was this tiny human just asking. It made her feel so incredibly happy that Charlotte seemed to want to hug her and not being instructed to like she had become accustomed to with children. She nodded "Of course." Allison stooped down, opening her arms.
Charlotte hugged her.
Cosima watched, rolling her lips in between her teeth as she beamed with pride. She then bent her head sideways to see around the two to Delphine had stopped her task to watch the exchange as her face expressed an equal feeling pride. She caught Cosima's eye and winked.
Allison then dropped in to the arm chair and started conversation with her sister and niece.
The door rang and Delphine walked by to open it. Sarah and Helena were on the other side. She gave them a warm smile and stepped aside. "Allo. Glad you could make it" she expressed warmly.
"Hullo Dr. Blonde hairs. You cook tonight?" Helena asked, rubbing her belly.
Delphine chuckled "Yes I did. I made you a lasagna for yourself"
"This is good. Thank you Delph-eene" Helena responded, walking in.
Sarah lingered by the door "Are you gonna tell me what this is about?" she asked, hands tucked in to the pockets of her leather jacket.
Delphine kept the smile on her face "Right down to business, non?" she asked, closing the door behind Sarah.
"I'm not really a fan of the bush beating" Sarah told her.
The blonde doctor nodded "I understand that. There are simply some things that we wish to discuss with all of you that are quite important. You have nothing to fear any more Sarah, I am keeping nothing from any of you. Tonight is about making sure that everyone has a voice in this decision."
"But I bet you would like to just make it yourself, yeah?" the Leda leader raised her eyebrows.
"Non. Not anymore. It is not something for me to decide. I am simply here as a source of information and will be taking no part in the actual decision" Delphine told her.
"I'll believe it when I see it" she told her.
Delphine's lips twitched in to a slight smiled and nodded "D'accord"
Sarah walked over to the living room where everyone was currently situated. Charlotte was looking up at Helena.
"Why do you ask me this, child?" the blonde clone asked.
"Because I want to make sure you want a hug before I give you one" Charlotte explained, thrilled with this new skill that seemed to baffle and bring joy to all the adults.
"I want a big hug. Little arms around neck and feet around belly. Like koala." Helena told her.
Charlotte giggled and reached up. Helena stooped down and picked the girl up as Charlotte wrapped around her like a Koala, her legs sitting just above her round belly.
"I ask you now?" Helena asks.
Charlotte nods.
"I tickle baby koala?" she asked.
Charlotte giggled even before the fingers came to her sides and she nodded.
"I tickle baby koala!" Helena expressed, getting under Charlotte's arms as the small girl squirmed and giggled.
Sarah laughed at them "I think it might be my turn soon."
"Sestra, you want baby koala?" Helena asked.
"Damn straight I want me a baby koala" Sarah jumped in.
Helena looked to Charlotte "Baby koala want to go to Auntie Sestra?" she asked.
Charlotte nodded "Thank you for asking Auntie Helena"
"This is not a problem, little one" Helena told her.
Helena then passed her to Sarah and Charlotte hugged her.
"How are you?" Sarah asked, holding Charlotte on her hip.
"Really good. You missed how goofy Maman was earlier. You have to see the pictures Mummy took" she informed her auntie.
"Is that right?" she asked.
Charlotte nodded.
"It's hard for me to see Delphine as goofy" Sarah told the girl with a scrunched face.
"It's hard for me to see her as not goofy" Charlotte countered. "Mummy says it's a side of her she only sees when Maman's with me"
"Well lucky you" Sarah told her. "Are you excited to start school Monday? Kira can't stop talking about how excited she is to go to school with you and Oscar."
The youngest clone nodded "So excited. We're gonna play together every recess"
The doorbell rang again and Allison answered at Delphine's request, as she was busy getting connected to MK and Tony who were going to eat with them over Skyper before they got Rachel online.
"Umm, Delphine told me to be here for the umm… clone people meeting" Krystal snubbed from the door "Are you supposed to be another one of me?"
Allison turned back to the room "Delphine?" she asked, her eyebrows high as she cranked her neck to the side.
Delphine dropped what she was doing and headed to the door "Krystal. How nice of you to join us, come on in"
Sarah made a face at Charlotte "Pantene Pro-v's here."
Charlotte giggled and hugged her aunt's neck, whispering in her ear "I haven't met her yet."
"She's not that bad, just not the brightest" Sarah whispered back and set Charlotte down. "Go ahead, meet your auntie."
Charlotte nodded and walked over to Krystal who jumped.
"You went back in time and cloned me?" the beautician shrieked as she saw the girl.
"No, I was born using one of your clone's DNA eight years ago" Charlotte replied "My name's Charlotte."
"It talks! It has a name? Why does it have a name? Shouldn't it have like a serial number or a barcode tattoo or something?" Krystal asked, freaked out.
Sarah walked up "Oi! She's a kid. Stop. Any you'll believe she's your clone, but not me?"
"Well she actually looks like me when I was a kid. You and your rat's nest…not so much. So like, who are all of these people? I thought there were supposed to be clones here and all I see is…apparently you and the mini clone" Krystal questioned.
Charlotte looked up at her maman, confused. Delphine simply shrugged at her kid.
"How about I introduce you to everyone?" Delphine suggested, stepping inside.
Krystal followed as she was brought to the living room.
"This is Cosima, my partner and your sister" Delphine started, continuing until she'd gone around the room.
"So you're all supposed to be versions of me?" she asked.
"Yup. Pretty much" Cosima told her, motioning with her head for Charlotte to join her on the couch again.
Charlotte sat back down between her and Helena.
Krystal was still trying to figure it out.
Delphine had in the meantime gone back to her task and now had Tony online.
"Allo, Tony?" she called "Can you hear me?"
"Yeah" He responded. "And holy mother fucker, Frenchie. You're a stunner. You should call me after this is done so we can have some fun" he told her.
Delphine laughed "I was warned about you. I am sorry to inform you, but I am taken."
"Warned eh? My reputation precedes me apparently. And I don't see a ring" he mentions.
"We're working on that" she told him.
"Well, who's the lucky guy?" he asked.
"Is that Tony?" Sarah asked as she came over.
"Ah, Sarah. How you been, sis?" he asked.
"Good. How have you been?" she asked.
"Not so great. Been coughing up all this blood lately. Nasty stuff" he told her.
Sarah nodded "We've got a lot to talk about."
In the meantime, Delphine had walked over to the couch and dropped a kiss on Cosima's head. She leaned down and whispered in her ear "Let's get you to the table while everyone's distracted."
Cosima nodded and slowly stood up. Delphine put a hand on her lower back and kept it there until she was seated at the last seat on the right side of the table.
"Woah!" Tony exclaimed the moment Cosima was in frame. "And I thought you were the hot one, Sarah. Clearly you didn't tell me about dreads" the guy clone mentioned over the internet.
Cosima chuckled and waved "Hi, I'm Cosima. Tony, right?"
"Yeah. You definitely win hottest of us" he told her.
"Trust me, I'm so much more than my looks. I only get like way sexier the more you get to know me" Cosima beamed.
Delphine chuckled and kissed her forehead "You are right about this, chérie."
"Ah, you're the boyfriend. Hot dykes. I love it!" Tony called out.
"Language!" Allison called out.
"Okay, easy Suburbia." Tony called out.
Helena was laughing uncontrollably "He call you suburbias. Funny man. Tell more jokes funny man."
Delphine was working on getting MK online as Cosima turned her attention to her fiancée's form; more specifically the patch of exposed skin on her lower back, caused by her shirt riding up as she stretched to reach the keyboard and mouse. Cosima watched as the muscles in her back and arms rolled under the skin as she moved her hands across the keys. She bit her bottom lip and took a long drink from her Gatorade, thinking things she normally wouldn't in a room full of her siblings.
Delphine stood up and headed to the kitchen, asking Charlotte for help. Cosima was pulled from her thoughts as Helena put a hand on her shoulder.
"How are you feeling, sestra?" she asked
Cosima smiled at her sister "Tired. But I'm okay. How are you? How's my little niece or nephew?" she asked.
"Good. Tired too. Lots of piss. Baby kicks all the time. You want to feel?" Helena asked.
"I'd love that" Cosima told her.
Helena took Cosima's hand and placed it on her belly. Cosima smiled as she felt the kick.
"That is awesome" she chirped "Can I kiss your belly?"
Helena nodded "Baby will like attention from Auntie."
Cosima lowered herself to Helena's stomach "Hi there little one, it's your Auntie Cosima. I just want you to know that I love you very very much and am so excited to meet you" she told the stomach before kissing it softly.
"Thank you sestra, I am excited too. Babies have tiny feet. I like to kiss them" Helena added.
Cosima giggled.
"Everyone, come take a seat, we'll start dinner" Delphine called out.
Everyone stood and headed to the table, saying hi and introducing themselves to the clones on screen. They started filling their plates as Delphine put wine on the table, while Charlotte walked over and put glasses of apple juice in front of Helena and her own spot. Going back to the kitchen, the doctor grabbed Cosima a second sports drink out of the fridge and brought it to the brunette with a kiss on the cheek.
Cosima smiled up at her "Thank you"
Delphine nodded and took her seat at the head of the table, bookended by Charlotte on one side and Cosima on her other. Charlotte was busy talking to Tony and MK on the screen and Helena had started a conversation with Sarah. She took the moment to turn to Cosima.
She scooted her chair closer and whispered in her ear "How are you feeling?" she asked.
"I'm okay. A little dizzy and warm, very crampy but I'm alright. This is nice, having everyone together" She smiled.
Delphine nodded and put a hand to her forehead "You're a little warm. Do you need anything?"
"No, thanks for checking in though" Cosima told her.
Delphine nodded "Of course, mon amour. I know this is important, but if you need to lie down, let me know."
Cosima nodded and they pulled away from their whisperings "Dinner looks wonderful, Delphine" the brunette noted.
"It's so good maman" Charlotte piped in just before she put another piece of lasagna in her mouth.
"MK, you really should have shown up. You're missing out" Sarah called over the table to the screen.
"I have pickled herring. I am happy" the digitized female clone told her sister who all laughed, save for Helena.
"Dr. Blonde hairs, next time we have pickled herring?" she asked.
"Sure, Helena. I'll make sure next time we have some just for you."
"Thank you Del-pheene" Helena responded.
They ate and conversed happily, Delphine actually enjoying the company. She noticed that Krystal was pretty quiet, observing the rest of the clones with a sense of distaste. Allison kept trying to make conversation with her, but she kept getting snubbed.
Allison eventually dropped by their end of the table "Who does she think she is? Marilyn fudging Monroe?"
Delphine chuckled and Cosima looked down the table at Krystal "I'm gonna go talk to her" she told her sister.
Cosima started getting up and Delphine was immediately up with her. Sarah noticed, confused.
The dreaded clone turned to the doctor "I think I'm okay on this one."
The French woman nodded and took a seat, watching her like a hawk. Cosima took each step carefully until she was seated in Allison's spot. Allison went to the kitchen to get dessert together.
Cosima turned to Krystal "Hey. Having fun?"
"Well at least you're a nine!" Krystal exclaimed, exasperated "I don't see how you all think that these women look anything like me. Maybe I'm not a clone."
Cosima chuckled, coughing slightly "I'd say that I agree with you, but you see that little patch of dry skin, right between your eyebrows?" she mentioned, pointing to it "We kind of all get that"
Krystal gasped "I've tried everything to get that moisturized and nothing works"
Cosima nodded and scrunched up her face "I know, right? Creams, lotions, the whole shebang, but nada."
"We must be clones!" Krystal finally decided, looking at Cosima.
"Yeah, welcome to the fucking trip" the dread head added in.
"Are you sick?" Krystal asked.
"Yeah. But don't worry, it's not contagious. It's one of the reasons we're here tonight" she said.
"Oh, okay. And the little one, who's is she?" the esthetician asked.
"My daughter…our little sister actually, but my partner Delphine and I adopted her" the brunette let her know, smiling wide.
"You don't look like a lesbian, neither does she" Krystal commented.
"I bet I don't look like a scientist either" Cosima noted.
Krystal looked her over "No, you definitely look like a scientist. You your hair is really beautiful" she told Cosima, reaching out to touch it.
Cosima sucked in air through the curve in her lips "I'm not a huge fan of people touching it without asking" she told her sister.
"Oh, sorry. I should have told you that I'm an esthetician. Just admiring the work. Who did these?" she asked.
"My dad started them and I keep them up" Cosima told her.
"Oh, you didn't like get them done professionally? They're really well done" Krystal told her "and they look awesome on you"
"Thanks, but that's not the reason I wear them. It's long and complicated but yeah. They are a part of me."
"Sorry again about the touching thing" Krystal emphasized.
"It's all good. Now you know" Cosima told her. She looked down and saw that the woman had only eaten salad "Not a fan of lasagna?"
"I don't do carbs or meat" she said, scrunching her hair in her hand.
"Oh, I didn't know, sorry about that. We'll make sure to have something veggie and no carb next dinner. Can we get you something else? I think we've got some Tofu in the fridge, I'm sure Delphine could turn those roasted veggies into a pretty great dish for you" the scientist offered.
"Why are you being so like…nice to me?" the blonde asked.
"Why wouldn't I?" Cosima responded.
"Touched" Krystal told her.
"Sorry, what?" she asked.
"I don't speak French. I don't like the way it makes my mouth look, so just imagine that word, in French" the blonde clone explained.
Cosima nodded "Alright then. Touched it is."
"That veggie dish sounded great. Thank you" Krystal whispered.
"I'll ask her to whip it up. And Krystal? Try to make some friends. We're all siblings after all" Cosima told her.
"If you insist" the esthetician sighed.
"I didn't, the dry patch did" Cosima reminded her.
The sick clone stood slowly and made her way back to Delphine, who stood and returned her protective hand to Cosima. In her absence, Delphine had noted how little she'd eaten.
"Can you make Krystal some kind of tofu veggie dish? She doesn't eat carbs or meat" Cosima asked.
"Of course, but Cosima, you need to eat more" she told her.
"Delphine, ease up a little. Let me worry about what I eat and when, okay? I appreciate the concern though" Cosima tried to soften.
Delphine nodded. Sarah came over immediately after witnessing this exchange. She hated how overprotective Delphine was being of her sister and read it as a jealousy thing. Every time Cosima got up to go talk to someone, Delphine had to make physical contact, and she gave her this awful look of warning. After all of her own experiences, seeing Delphine act like this to her sister, she assumed the worst. She needed to talk to Cosima now. As she walked up to the pair, she purposefully didn't make eye contact with the blonde doctor.
"I need to talk to you, upstairs, now" Sarah told her dreaded sister.
Cosima shrugged "Okay. Yeah."
Delphine gave Cosima a look.
"It's fine" Cosima reassured her, rubbing the blonde's shoulder.
Delphine sat down, sighing.
Cosima linked arms with Sarah, trying to seem nonchalant and they made their way upstairs. Once in the bedroom, Sarah shut the door, silencing the noise of the dinner party happening below. Cosima made her way to Delphine's side of the bed and laid down, taking a deep breath. Sarah walked over, sitting beside her, on the scientist's side of the bed.
"What in the bloody hell is going on?" Sarah asked, running a hand through her hair "Is she hitting you, Cosima?"
"What?" Cosima asked, startled. She shot up to a seated position "No, Sarah. Not at all. Why do you guys always think that?"
"Because I've been through that, and what was happening downstairs looked a lot like it when we were around people."
"What do you mean?" the dreaded woman asked.
"She's all over you, the hand, the following you across the room, scrutinizing what you eat. It's not okay" Sarah told her.
Cosima nodded "It's not what you think" she sighed, pulling the weed out of her sweater and reaching across Sarah to pull her vape and accessories out of the nightstand. "Lay down. Take it easy, and don't worry, I'm sharing."
Sarah went to debate, but listened, lying down on her sister's side of the bed and stretching out.
Cosima prepped her vape, setting it aside once she did, and then turned to look at Sarah. She cracked a small smile "I'm not in good shape" she admitted.
Sarah's face softened and she turned on her side to look at her sister "What happened?"
"I thought it was just my period, and it might have been, but…it's out of control now and there's not really anything we can do" Cosima confessed "I just kind of keep bleeding."
"Cos…" Sarah whimpered, reaching for her sister's hand.
Cosima took Sarah's hand, reaching for the vape and taking a couple puffs before passing it to Sarah "Low temp, light buzz. Just to take the edge off, make you real snacky."
Sarah nodded "Thanks. I'm guessing you told Delphine?" she asked, taking a puff.
"Yeah. I asked her to keep an eye and a hand on me tonight. I'm…I don't want another concussion. I don't think my body could take it."
"Is that why we're here?" Sarah asked, exhaling and handing Cosima back the vape.
"Part of it. I think I should wait to tell you with the others" Cosima told her.
"That's fair, Cos" the Leda leader admitted.
"Sarah, if something happens…if for some reason I don't make it…I need you to take care of them" Cosima asked of her.
"Come on, don't talk like that, Cosima" the sister scolded.
"I have to, because it's a very real possibility. I'm going to sit down with Delphine this week and draw up my living will. And I want to put you as Charlotte's guardian in case of both of our deaths. I need to make sure that, that kid stays with family. She's been through enough" the scientist told her sister, feeling the earlier emotions well up. "And it might break Delphine. I know she's not your favourite person, Sarah, but she's fought so hard for me and our family and she loves me so fucking deeply. I won't be around to miss her, but I'm worried what my death will do to her. I need to know that someone's gonna have her back."
Sarah gulped. She really did have a distrust of the blonde doctor-a lot of it stemming from the odd feelings she'd had after that kiss they shared at the DYAD event- but if Cosima needed this from her, then she'd work for it.
"Fine. But I'm not fucking her" Sarah told Cosima.
"Woah! Totally not asking you to" the sick clone countered with a chuckle.
Sarah nodded and nudged Cosima's arm with her elbow "I'll take care of it."
"Thank you" Cosima told her.
"We should get back, eh?" Sarah noted.
Cosima closed her eyes, feeling the sharpness of the cramps, the nausea, and the weakness just barely get fuzzy. It was slightly better, but it felt monumental.
"Cos?" Sarah inquired, nudging her.
"Yeah, I'm coming" the scientist sighed, slowly getting to her feet.
Sarah found herself running to Cosima's side and wrapping an arm around her waist "Easy now."
"Thanks" Cosima smiled at her, wrapping her own arm around her sister as they left the room"I wonder what we would have been like as kids; growing up together would have been interesting."
"Naw, I'd just get you in trouble" Sarah told her as they headed downstairs.
The meal had been cleared and every seat had a file folder in front of it. Rachel was connected and Delphine was standing at the head of the table. She smiled as she heard Cosima and Sarah coming down the stairs.
"Perfect timing. Take a seat" she told the sisters.
Sarah let go of Cosima once she'd gotten close enough to the table and took her own seat. Cosima looked down and saw a mug full of what looked like soup. A simple broth with bits of tofu and veggies cut up very small. She looked up at Delphine and mouthed a thank you. Delphine nodded back in response.
Delphine then turned her attention to the table at large and took a deep breath. "Well, here we are. I bet you're all wondering why we're meeting. There are a few things that Cosima and I talked over and knew that all of you should debate as a group. First thing on the agenda, birthdays. I know some of yours, but if you could just go around the table and list your date of birth so we can make note, that would be great."
"Yeah, It sucks not knowing who's when. Makes it tough to buy you guys super awesome shit" Cosima noted, after finishing a sip of the soup.
The table was silent, no one wanting to speak first. Helena looked around "Sestra Sarah and me are March fifteen."
Charlotte took that down, as she was tasked with notes.
"I'm March 9th, 1984" Cosima piped in.
"Older than me, eh?" Sarah shook her head from across the table.
Cosima stuck her tongue out at her sister who giggled.
"I'm July 18th" Charlotte informed the group.
"March 15, like Helena said" Sarah added.
Allison smiled slyly "April 4th."
"Tony?" Cosima asked.
"March 25th, the second coming" he informed the group to a couple chuckles.
"I am April 1st" MK tossed in.
"March 31st" Rachel reluctant drawled out.
Krystal had a look of glee on her face "I'm the youngest! May 5!"
Charlotte raised an eyebrow, very characteristic of Cosima and stared at the esthetician "I'm the youngest."
Krystal's smile dropped "Oh, right"
"Well, now that, that's over, we need to talk about the elephant in the room. You each seem to have a genetic illness that affects your epithelial tissue: lungs, uterus, and esophagus" Delphine informed the group.
"Yes, we know this. Get on with it" Rachel spoke from the monitor, adjusting her jump suit.
"I didn't know about this? I'm sick?" Krystal asked in complete horror.
"Yes, but not quite…we don't know" Cosima expressed.
"That is one of the decisions you can each make for yourselves. I know that you have been subject to a myriad of medical testing without your consent your entire lives, but I feel that it is crucial that we continue to monitor each of you. It is your personal decision as to whether or not you come in for testing, and you get to choose what of it all you get done, but we are closer to figuring out the inner workings of this illness if we have all of your data. I have secured some clinical space at a local clinic and Rachel, I have spoken to the prison. For those of you who are interested, I can do the testing myself with the aid of Scott and Cosima, but can also receive data from a physician of your choice. The choice is completely yours, individually."
"Yes, but guys, its super important. Finding this thing early, if anything else can help like…boatloads in treating it. We're hoping to just get a cure that we can give you all so that we can cure it before you get it, but once you do…it's bad."
Allison nodded "And what kinds of tests will be done?"
Delphine flipped through her packet "On page 30 of the packet in front of you, I have detailed a suggested schedule of tests. Of course the results of this testing will be made available to you. You will know exactly what is happening at all times, and can stop any test at any time. You are in control. You are not science, you are patients."
"Well, I'm in. I mean I've already got the thing" Tony said.
"Thank you, Tony" Delphine sighed. "I have also included on the first page of your packet all the information to the Clone Cloud, a portion of storage where all of this information and anything we find will be posted. The second page is everyone's contact information…"
Delphine's voice drowned out in Cosima's mind as they all talked about the logistics that her and Delphine had wanted to sort out before the big problem came up. Her mind wandered. For feeling so crappy, she felt really good. Maybe it was the weed, but she felt like a big part of it was not having to carry her illness alone. She wasn't carrying the fear of falling over and smacking her head and killing herself on her own shoulders. She could look over at Delphine, and knew that with a single look, the woman would be at her side. She shared the burden and it seemed so much more bearable. She was snapped out of it by Charlotte tugging on her sleeve. She looked up to see everyone very consumed in what was being said by Delphine.
"Mummy" Charlotte whispered a whimper.
The dreaded clone turned to her daughter and her stomach hit the floor. Charlotte's hand was splattered in blood, some blotted on the corner of her mouth. Cosima took her kid's hand and got up, walking her to the bathroom. She fought her tears, knowing her daughter was as scared as she was. She closed and locked the door behind them. She sat the youngest clone on the closed toilet lid and grabbed a wash cloth, getting it wet. She kneeled in front of her daughter.
"Is this the first time?" she asked calmly in a hushed tone.
Charlotte nodded, tears filling her eyes. Her mother wiped her hands, and then dabbed at her mouth. Cosima then leaned forward and hugged her. She felt the tiny arms wrap around her neck and she rubbed Charlotte's back softly.
"It's going to be okay, alright little one?" Cosima whispers, quickly putting a hand to the tiny forehead. "You're nice and cool, that's good. Does anything else hurt?"
Charlotte shook her head. And Cosima nodded, putting two fingers to her kid's wrist, taking her pulse.
"What's gonna happen to me, mummy?" Charlotte asked, terrified.
There was a knock at the door "Charlotte? Cosima?" Delphine asked from the other side.
"Do you want me to let her in?" Cosima asked her kid.
Charlotte nodded and Cosima unlocked the door, opening it to Delphine who whirled in to the bathroom, closing and locking it behind her. She immediately had a hand to Cosima's forehead, another firmly on her back.
"I had everyone take a break. Are you okay? What happened?" she asked, flustered.
Cosima took Delphine's hand off her forehead and shook her head "Not me" she whimpered, her bottom lip quivering.
Delphine's composure crumbled and she turned to her daughter, shaking her head and kneeling. She saw the cloth that Cosima was holding, covered in the blood of her daughter and she dropped to her knees, hugging her little girl. Charlotte hugged her back.
"What can we do? She has no fever, dizziness, or other symptoms" Cosima asked.
Delphine took a deep breath, trying to shake off the tears. She pulled away so she could look her crying daughter in the face. She wiped away the tears with her thumb and kissed her cheek. "Are you feeling okay?"
Charlotte nodded "I'm scared though"
Cosima covered her mouth, knowing that fear all too well. She couldn't imagine having to deal with this as a child.
Delphine nodded and took her hands "Je sais, mon petit amour. Ce soir, après qu'on est finit avec tes tantes et ton oncle, nous allons nous mettre sur le sofa et pleurer ensemble, d'accord? Mais, maintenant, si tu peux, nous avions besoins de retourner à la table et avoir cette conversation. I know, my little love. Tonight, after we're done with your aunts and uncles, we'll put ourselves on the couch and all cry together, okay? But right now, if you can, we need to go back to the table and have this conversation."
Charlotte nodded.
"You can sit in my lap, if you want, okay?" Cosima suggested.
Charlotte nodded "I don't want anyone to know."
Cosima ran a hand through the girl's now short hair "I know how you feel. Pity feels pretty lousy, but they should know, Charlotte. It might help them see the situation we're all in. I think some of them think they're immune like Sarah and Helena."
Charlotte nodded and looked up at her parents. She reached out for Mummy's hand and it was promptly wrapping itself around her own, much smaller one. She held tightly, using that link like a lifeline.
"I will go out first. I do not think that anyone has noticed yet" Delphine suggested.
Cosima nodded and looked at her kid as Delphine walked out "I have some Eskimo Pies hidden in the freezer so your maman doesn't eat them all. I know for sure that one has your name on it."
Charlotte shrugged and looked at her feet.
Cosima watched, letting her daughter have that moment to feel it all. She'd taken a similar moment earlier in the day. In fact, she'd taken a few. As much as she wanted to, Cosima fought trying to fill the silence. She simply held her daughter's hand and let her feel.
After a couple more moments, Charlotte looked up "Ok. Let's go back out."
Cosima nodded "You're a brave one. Let's do this" she affirmed, pushing the door open.
Delphine had been right, most people had not even recognized what had happened, or if they did thought nothing of it. Cosima went and took her seat again, closing her eyes against the weakness she felt in her shaky legs. Once lowered, she opened her arms to Charlotte, who eagerly climbed in to her lap, resting her body in the crook of her mummy's arm. Cosima wrapped both arms around her protectively, gently swaying them.
She looked up at her fiancée and cleared her throat, coughing, and swallowing the blood that came up. She let her cheek fall to the top of Charlotte's head and reveled in snuggling her daughter as Delphine called everyone back to the table.
"So, I have left the large chunk of why we are here for last, but before I bring it up, I just want a show of hands: who here has been experiencing symptoms of the disease? Coughing up blood, vaginal bleeding beyond a normal period, seizures, nose bleeds?" she asked, waiting expectantly.
Cosima's hand shot up "Well, duh" she joked.
Everyone looked around. Tony's hand went up on the screen, followed my MK's, and Rachel's. Everyone kept looking around, the looks of horror growing in gravity as Krystal raised her hand, but no one expected the horror that would befall when Charlotte buried her face in to her mummy's chest and raised her arm, Cosima kissing her face and holding it close to her.
Allison gasped "Oh no" she covered her mouth.
Sarah stared at Cosima, awaiting confirmation. The scientist nodded, tears in her eyes and Sarah dropped her head to the table, swearing under her breath.
Allison, Helena, and Sarah were the only ones without a hand up.
"Now that we understand the gravity of the situation, let us continue. Scott, Cosima, and I think that we may have found the cure" Delphine told the group.
"Oh thank gawdie!" Krystal outbursted.
Rachel was more leery "Then why call us here? To announce it? That seems highly unlikely"
Delphine nodded "We think that we have found it, but it does not mean that it is complete. We are here to discuss whether or not you, the Leda clones wish to pursue it, based on…"
"But of course we want to pursue it" Allison piped in "I vote curing, anyone else?"
Hands shot in the air. Delphine took a deep breath.
"Guys, let her finish. It's important" Cosima chimed in.
Everyone's hands went down and Allison sat up a little straighter, folding her hands together on the table.
"Thank you, Cosima. The issue is that the cure we have in mind is based on the umbilical cord blood of a perfect genetic match" Delphine finished.
"You want to make another clone?" Sarah asked, dumbfounded.
"Well, well, Dr. Cormier, I didn't think you had it in you" Rachel mentioned "I am completely interested in this plan."
"Wait, wait, why can't we use Helena's baby's cord blood?" Sarah asked.
"Klara. I call her Klara" Helena interjected.
"Klara, whatever. Why can't we just use that blood? I mean, she's ready to bloody pop" Sarah noted.
Cosima shook her head, still trying to calm Charlotte by rubbing her back "It won't be a close enough match."
"The strongest chance we have is to create another Leda child" Delphine explained and sat down. "I am here for questions, but I want to make it clear that I am not participating in the debate."
"So, how do you expect to create a new clone?" Tony asked.
"We have Susan Duncan's data from Charlotte's creation. That, matched with Kendall's sequenced genome and the lab notes have proven to be enough. The science is done and complete, Scott has embryos ready to be implanted, but we are waiting for all of you to decide about this" Cosima told her siblings.
"Who will carry the child?" Allison asked.
"Does it like, matter? I mean, if it's going to make me better than like holy Toledo, yeah I want someone to get preggers and pop out a baby that will save my life" Krystal added to the conversation.
"Well, it does to me" Allison piped up.
"I will carry the child" Delphine informed her.
"I agree with this. Dr. Blonde Hairs, you are good mommy to little clone" Helena agreed.
Sarah stared over at her dread headed sister "Cos, is this the only way?" Sarah asked.
"No. It's not, but it's the only way we know of right now, and it's going to be the most predictably successful method. There's a reason people are conserving their newborn's cord blood. Those stem cells are precious, especially to the child who's specific DNA they contain. The previous failure of the cure was because the stem cells pulled from the embryo were not yet at the stage that those in cord blood would be. This is our best shot at kicking this thing's ass" Cosima explained.
"So what? We're just supposed to let you and Delphine run around, playing house and creating a life so that we can get cured? What about that poor child?" Allison asked, tears falling.
Everyone looked to her.
"Ally, it's not like that. Delphine and I have talked at length about this. We want this child. It's sooner than expected, but…"
"And what about all the crazy people who are always trying to kill us and kidnap us and torture us? Do you think because of some trial and two arrests it will all stop? That child will be hunted the way Kira was, the way Charlotte will be. I cannot get on board with this. I'm sorry Cosima, I know this is about saving you, but…I just can't" Allison argued, her hands shaking as she tried sitting on them and containing her sobs.
"That's not what this is about Ally. I won't make it to nine months" Cosima told her with no emotion "This is not about me. It's about you, all of you and keeping you all alive."
Cosima felt Delphine's hand on her shoulder and Charlotte hold on to her neck a little tighter. The table went silent.
Sarah took a deep breath "Cos, if this is the best shot, then I'm sorry Allison, but I cannot sit back and watch you all die without us having tried everything" Sarah noted, looking up at Delphine. "You have my blessing and even if they do come at this kid, we'll handle it like we have everything so far. We do this together, as a family, yeah?" Sarah looked around the table.
"Family" Helena nodded.
"And hey, I don't really know all this DYAD stuff, it sounds like a load of shit I don't want in my life, but if Blondie wants a baby, go ahead. More little kiddies to call me cool Uncle Tone" Tony added, sipping his beer.
Allison shook her head, having none of this.
Everyone turned to the monitor.
"MK, what do you think?" Cosima asked her sister.
MK slowly pulled the mask up off her face to reveal the blood dripping from her nose. She wiped it away and nodded. "Yes. Make the cure."
The table fell silent with the exception of the incessant tapping of Allison's heels on the floor as she bounced her knee with anxiety.
The silence set in for a while, until finally Charlotte sat up in Cosima's lap. She wiped the tears from her eyes and cleared her throat.
"I really don't want my mummy to die" she started, taking a deep breath as fresh tears stung her eyes. She felt her mummy's hand rub her back softly and didn't have to turn around to know that she was crying. "I don't want anyone to die. Auntie Allison, I know you're worried about the intentions of my mummy and Maman, but…" she stopped and turned to look back at her parents "out of everyone in the world, I would pick them to be my parents every time. My little sister is going to feel so loved and happy because it's how I feel every day with them. Maman having a baby might seem like a gift to Maman, but it's really a gift to the baby. And all of you, and Uncle Cal, Uncle Donnie, Uncle Felix, Mrs. S., Gemma, Oscar, and Kira…being a part of this family all full of love and laughing and caring is a privilege not many people get. Anyone would be lucky to be a part of our family" Charlotte ended, then looked up at her Maman "Maman, I want you to have this baby."
Delphine let her eyes overflow and nodded, gently tracing Charlotte's face with her index finger "Thank you, Charlotte."
Charlotte then put her head back in to Cosima's chest.
Cosima leaned in and kissed her, whispering in her ear "Thank you, kiddo. That was beautiful"
The youngest clone nodded.
A few moments passed in silence.
"Okay" Allison whispered.
Every head in the room turned to the soccer mom.
"Charlotte, if your mothers are half the parents you say, then okay. But I want to babysit…a lot" Allison told the group, barely above a whisper.
Delphine smiled "That will not be a problem" she told Allison.
Allison nodded and looked at her hands.
"We're having a baby" Cosima told the table and everyone chuckled.
"For once, you lot have made the right decision. It took you damn long enough" Rachel told the group.
"Delphine, send my people a list of all the required equipment and a quote for a completely finished lab with top of the line equipment. In exchange, I ask that you call the moment the cure is finished and send a dose of it with a courier to me. Do we have a deal?"
Delphine looked at the table "Any complaints? It would make testing all of you much easier" Delphine told the group.
"All in favour, say Oi" Sarah suggested.
A chorus of "Oi!" rang out around the table.
"We accept, Rachel" Delphine told her.
"Good. I will have my people contact you tomorrow evening. Have your papers in line by then. For now, I must return to my cell" Rachel told them.
"Yeah, I've gotta run too. Braves game is on" Tony called out.
Rachel signed off and everyone said their goodbyes to Tony and MK.
"Yeah. I'm outtie too. Thank you French Doctor lady and slightly less hotter than me, for your hospitally" Krystal said while standing.
"Hospitality?" Sarah asked.
"Yeah, whatever" Krystal shrugged, walking out.
"Helena…" Allison indicated, clearing her throat as she continued to wipe tears away.
"Oh yes, I go to sestra Allison and Donnie Hendrick home tonight. Much thank yous Sestra Cosima and Dr. Blonde hairs" Helena told them, slowly pulling herself up out of the chair with a hand from Sarah.
"Anytime, Helena" Delphine told her.
"Can I say goodbye to little sestra-niece?" Helena asked.
Charlotte nodded and sat up.
Helena walked over, hugging her and leaving a very overplayed kiss on the top of her head "Muah! I am sorry you are sick, little one. Your mommy will make things better. Do not worry" Helena reassured.
Charlotte smiled, this reassurance from her Auntie being void of the pity she expected.
"Goodnight little family" Helena told them, going to put her shoes on.
Charlotte ran to her maman and hugged her firmly.
Delphine scooped her daughter up and held her "My turn now" she whispered, snuggling Charlotte close to her.
Allison stood up and stepped up to Cosima "It was nothing personal, Cosima" she tried to explain.
Cosima put a hand up "I get it Ally. You're jealous that we can have a biological child and you can't. It's okay. I'm sorry that this was so difficult for you."
"That's not…it's not….hmmmff" Allison huffed. "Just bring the Tupperware back next time we see each other" she spat out, having been found out. She promptly turned on her heels and headed to the door. "Let's go, Helena" she urged her pregnant sister.
Cosima smiled "I love you too" she called out after the soccer mom.
The front door closed and Sarah let out a breath "Bitch."
Cosima chuckled and picked up a pencil, flinging it at Sarah. Sarah attempted to use her reflexes to knock it out of the air, but ended up smacking herself in the side of the face, the pencil hitting her chin and falling in her lap.
"Oi! You could have poked my eye out!" Sarah blurted.
It took them a moment, but the sisters burst in to laughter. Still laughing, Sarah stood and walked over to Cosima who pulled herself to her feet. They hugged.
"Thank you, Sarah" Cosima told her, rubbing her back "You helped a lot today, little sis."
"You're not gonna let us forget that you're the oldest, eh?" Sarah asked
"Hell no. But seriously, we all look to you when we're lost. I appreciate you taking my side" Cosima thanked her.
"It's my side too, Cos" Sarah told her, squeezing just a little harder "And If I know this woman over here" she said, pulling out of the hug and turning to Delphine "you're not going anywhere. We're gonna cure you."
Cosima smiled and nodded "Yeah. I mean, we're sure as hell going to try."
"Auntie Sarah?" Charlotte asked from her Maman's lap.
Sarah walked over, rubbing her nose with the back of her fist as she squatted down "Yeah?"
"Can you please not tell Kira about me?" Charlotte asked.
Sarah's face softened and she nodded, giving Charlotte a light punch to the shoulder "It's safe with me."
"Thanks" Charlotte told her. "And I trust you to hug me and kiss me without asking. I promise to tell you if I don't like something."
Sarah smiled "Is that right? Well, the same goes for me, little bit."
Charlotte flung her arms around Sarah's neck and kissed her cheek. She whispered in her auntie's ear "Thank you for my sister."
"Oh you will have your mommies to thank for that" Sarah told her, letting go. "I guess I should go pick up my kid, eh?"
"Might be a good idea" Cosima noted.
Sarah stood up, running a hand through her hair and looking around "Do you guys need any help cleaning up?"
Delphine shrugged "We will leave it to morning, go be with your daughter"
Sarah nodded, giving Delphine a side eye "You know, you're starting to grow on me, keep it up Frenchie!"
Delphine laughed "Well, this feeling is mutual."
"Alright guys, have a good night. I'll call tomorrow" Sarah told them, heading to the front entrance and lacing up her boots.
Cosima turned around in her seat "I'll be waiting by the phone all day, like a sad puppy just waiting for your call."
"Cosima, stop being a brat to your sister" Delphine chastised her.
Cosima frowned comically.
"I like this, she calls you out on your shit" Sarah noted with a chuckle as she tossed on her leather jacket.
Cosima shook her head "Get home safe Sarah."
"I will" the Leda leader called out before heading out the door.
Cosima put a hand to her head and sighed, practically collapsing in her seat "I am exhausted."
"Mummy, you promised me an eskimo pie" Charlotte whined.
"You have eskimo pies?" Delphine asked, a wild fervor in her eyes.
Her eyes still closed, the brunette cracked a smile. "Well-hidden for this reason. Don't worry, tonight I'm sharing" Cosima informed her family, just happy that the conversation with her siblings was over and they were finally alone.
"Well then I'll have to share my snickers stash" Delphine told them.
"Maman! You have snickers?" Charlotte asked, dumbfounded.
"Bien sûr!" Delphine exclaimed.
"Clearly I need to find something to hide" Charlotte told them.
Delphine and Cosima threw their heads back in laughter.
A/N: So this has been the longest between updates. A whole 4 days! I took a little time away to spend hiking with my lady and playing lots of hockey. Hopefully the length and content make up for the wait. This ended up being a tough chapter to write, since I'm mostly focused on Cophine; but I'm happy with the way it turned out. I hope you all enjoy. Yay for a Cophine baby on the way and more science I don't know nearly enough about! Thank Gawdie for fic facts!
I just also want to take a moment to extend my gratitude to everyone who is still reading. We're like 50,000 some odd words in, in a super short time span. That's a lot of reading! Extra special appreciation for everyone who has left me a comment, review, or contacted me to tell me that they like what they're reading. It really does mean the world to me and keeps me highly motivated. See you in the comments and/or next chapter!