(A/N: Sign language
Commlink/Messages)
Wheeljack had been working on a side project at the Autobot base, the Ark, before he realized he had to go pick up Marie from school. Marie had been with the Autobots for a few months now, but it felt like years. To Wheeljack, the 15 year old was his friend and assistant. But the one thing he knew Marie hated about their friendship was the fact she could never be able to hear his voice. Wheeljack pitied for Marie and always tried to find a way to help her. He was her friend and guardian.
"Wheeljack, isn't it time for you to pick Marie up?" Sideswipe's voice came through his comlink.
"Yeah, in a klik."
And with that, the inventor was on his way to pick up his charge, hoping she had a good day at school.

Marie's POV
I was thankful that it was the end of the day. I was making my way to the school parking lot when a hand grabbed my shoulder and pushed me forward. My face met the ground.
Ow...
I lifted my head up and frowned. Jessica Walters, the bratty, snotty, popular girl, was smiling down at me. She then started flapping her mouth, knowing full well I couldn't hear. But I could catch a few lip-read words: accident, no parents, deaf, and baby. Oh boy was I furious at her when she said that. She had struck a nerve.
I quickly got up and started to sign:
I hope that you die alone. I have done nothing wrong to you. You are a snotty, mean, pain in my ass who also preys on weaklings. I hope you rot in hell.
Of course, Jessica had no idea what I signed. So instead, she cat-scratched me in the face and she walked away, laughing no doubt.
Lovely, now I have to explain this to Wheeljack. I thought.
Picking up my books, I resumed my way to the lot, where a white, green and red Lancia Stratos car was waiting for me. I frowned nervously and got in the passenger seat, the seatbelt protectively wrapping around me. Suddenly, the screen by the steering wheel lit up with a message, saying:
Marie, what happened?
Oh man. He knows.
A girl pushed, tormented and scratched me today.
Oh no. Kiddo, you're going to keep getting pushed around if you do nothing.
The fact that I have a disability doesn't make me feel better about believing in myself, 'Jack.
There was a pause.
How's your project coming along?
Hey don't go changing the subject. I'm serious, Marie. I don't want to see you hurt because of something you beat yourself up for.
I didn't reply because I knew he was right. But I had a reason. I was afraid. Scared that my disability would hinder my ability to be brave. It seemed to me that it was a constant reminder that I had a weakness. Nothing would change that.
I sighed and looked out the window to think. Trees and road blurred by and soon the Ark came into view. Wheeljack rolled into base, I got out with my backpack and he transformed. He looked down at me and signed:
Do you want to help me with my project?
Sure. I just want to check in with Optimus and the others. Gimme five minutes. I signed back.
Wheeljack nodded in approval and headed down to his lab while I sprinted to the Rec room of the Ark. The Autobot ship was enormous, especially to me. I was glad that I was a fast runner.
By the time I made it to the Rec room, my face was red with sweat. Jazz, Bumblebee and the Terror Twins noticed my entrance and my red beat face.
"Marie, you're back!" Bee said.
"You a'right lil lady? Did ya run here again?" Jazz questioned.
"Yeah I couldn't wait to say hello to my favorite bots. I think I beat my personal best. Anyway, do you guys know where Optimus is?"
"Yep, he's in his office. Hey remember, we have a prank to pull later!" Sunny reminded me. I nodded with a smile, and left to say hi to Optimus. When I reached Optimus's room, he was looking over something on a data pad. It seemed serious because his faceplate had a look of concern. I cautiously knocked and waited for him to let me in. Optimus turned, saw me and nodded. Once he noticed that it was me, his concern expression vanished and a welcoming one took its place. I slowly walked in and made my way to Optimus's desk. As I did so, the Autobot leader's hands fluttered to life as he asked:
"Hello, Marie. What brings you here? Is everything alright?"
I frowned. I hated how everyone thought that I wasn't alright. I inwardly groaned and nodded.
"I'm fine. I just wanted to say hi."
"Alright. I am pleased to see you again. I assume that your studies are going well?"
"Yeah."

I glanced at my watch and realized that I was late meeting Wheeljack in his lab.
"It was nice seeing you,Optimus. I gotta go." As I started to leave I quickly poked my head back in and asked:
"Oh before I forget, could I help Wheeljack in his lab today?"
Optimus raised an optic ridge and replied:
"You do understand that Ratchet will expect you to check in with him every cycle?"
"Yeah I know. Don't remind me. He's a mother hen with me as it is."
"Then you have my permission. Just be careful."
I smiled with happiness and nodded.
"I will! Thanks!"
And with that, I sprinted back to Wheeljack's lab. Once I reached it, there was a sign that read:
Please think twice before entering. Wear safety gear due to hazardous materials!
I smirked. It was in my handwriting which was done a few weeks after I started helping Wheeljack. I grabbed my safety goggles and closed the door behind me. Yup, it was great to be back.