I heard a speech about PTSD a little while ago, and this story came to mind. I'm using this story as a method to raise awareness.

I might add another chapter, we'll see. Review please if you want me to continue.

Disclaimer: Transformers is property of Hasbro. The author only owns the OC Jesse, and this plot.

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Heavy trigger warning, PTSD (both Military, and Family Abandonment issues).

If you don't think you can handle it (no offense), please don't read.

~000~

Jasper High School

There was only one more period left in Jasper's small high school, and Miko was on the verge of insanity.

"I can't take it anymore!" she screamed, though more to herself than anyone else.

Several students turned to stare at Miko as she flounced towards her final class of the day.

"School's over in 45 minutes, I'm sure you can last that long." Jack stated calmly, though he wasn't really listening to her.

Other students rushed past the frustrated Japanese girl, as they hurried to their next class.

~000~

Jack stared out the window distractedly, ignoring the sound of the class.

His mother June had gotten a phone call from the Marine Corps two days ago, saying that Jesse, Jack's older brother would be taking the next flight home from Iraq.

Though Jack never really talked about him, it still brought up a lot of painfully sad memories of his, childhood and Jesse's departure for Jack.

Jesse had joined the military when Jack was just a child of eleven, as a way to make money to support their family after their father left. Jack had never heard from him since, until now. He knew that Jesse's paychecks arrived each month, but that was the only indicator that Jesse still lived.

And now, since their mother June was working a double shift at Jasper Hospital, Jack was expected to go to Las Vegas and pick up Jesse himself, which meant taking one of the Autobots.

Jack truly dreaded having to tell them about his older brother, and he really didn't want to face any of it right now. So sitting in the back row of the class, Jack thought long and hard about how he would present his case to the Autobots.

Miko watched him curiously out of the corner of her eye as she discreetly texted under her desk.

~000~

By the time the bell rang Jack had thought of an almost decent way to present his case to the autobots.

He would ask them politely if they would like to help him pick up an "Important Package" from the Las Vegas Airport since his mother was busy at work. If they asked him what it was, he would say "It's a surprise!", and answer everything else as vaguely as he could.

~000~

The three Autobot guardians were waiting patiently outside the small Nevada school for their charges as the end of day bell gave its final dying shriek.

Miko ran full-speed for Bulkhead's large green form.

"Bulk! Track Seven!" she cried excitedly, jumping into the passenger seat, carelessly dumping her school bag and electric guitar onto the back seats.

"Sure Miko, buckle up and let's roll!" Bulk chuckled and tore out of the school parking lot, with Track Seven blaring from his impressive speakers.

Raf laughed at the exchange student, shaking his head and jogging ahead, waving a greeting to Bee. Bumblebee chirped and swung his passenger door open, revving his engine playfully while Raf hoped in.

Raf carefully placed his laptop bag on the rear seat, before buckling up. As soon as he was secure, Bumblebee made a perfect three-point turn, and they were on their way.

A nervous Jack simply walked up to Arcee, trying to seem casual.

"Good afternoon Jack. How was school?" she inquired.

"It was alright, I…." Jack began hesitantly.

Jack started trying to think of a good way to ask her,

"I … never mind I'll ask you about it later at base." He sighed awkwardly.

'Dang, this is gonna be harder than it looks,' Jack thought.

Arcee, picking up on his awkwardness complied, "Sure thing. Wanna see if we can beat our speed high score?"

Jack nodded vigorously while putting on his helmet, "Lets go!".

Autobot Base

The ride to base was quick, as Jack expected, but it was just enough time to think of a good way to ask Optimus about his "Important Package" problem.

He sighed inwardly getting off Arcee and made his way over to Optimus.

"Hey Optimus, I was wondering if… could you maybe… *sigh* ….. Mom asked me to pick up a package for her from the Airport. She said it was really important, and I kinda need a ride… please?..." Jack said, his words an awkward jumbled mess.

Miko, who was standing next bulkhead laughed.

"Wow Jack! That was the most I've heard you say all day," she sniggered.

Jack blushed, obviously embarrassed.

"Of course Jack, Bulkhead would be the best suited for this task, you both may leave as soon as your ready."

Jack nodded relieved, as he slowly walked up to Bulkhead.

"Ooh, ooh, can I go too?" Miko asked, jumping up and down.

Raff looked up from the video game he was playing with Bumblebee.

"Yeah, I've always wanted to see the Las Vegas Airport!" Raf looked at Jack and Optimus hopefully.

Optimus not knowing quite what to do in this situation nodded hesitantly.

"If that is acceptable to Jack and Bulkhead, it seems acceptable to me" he answered evenly.

Jack hiding his bitterness nodded.

"Sure why not?" he stated, turning to Bulkhead, who was in his alternate mode with all four doors open.

"Lets roll" was his reply as all three kids jumped in.