Well, here's the next chapter. I've seriously gotta stop making deadline promises on my updates, as so far I seem to be setting a 'day late' record. At least I'm still managing to update this weekly. Hopefully I'll continue to do so.
Okay, so I'll be introducing something called a 'featured song' on select chapters. I've read other stories where authors try to match their chapters with a song of a suitable mood, and I loved that so much that I want to do it with my story. Also discovered some great music that way. I won't be able to do it every chapter, but ones that I can find a song for certainly.
You don't have to listen if you don't want to, but if you want some extra effect, there it is. Most of the suggestion I make can be easily found on youtube, such as this song here.
Featured song: 'Dreams' by Eyes Half Closed (suitable for the first half of the chapter)
I've decided to answer reviews again at the bottom. Now on with the story! :)
~Chapter Four~
When The Waves Come Crashing Down
I stared at the black dress suit that was laid across the motel room bed with a growing sense of unease. This day felt distinctly surreal, and it was certainly an entertaining thought. To keep believing this was all just some elaborate dream. Except that I now knew the difference between real and vivid thanks to the gruesome nightmares that had been stalking me through my dreams all week, an unwelcome reminder.
Making me remember, even when I tried so hard not to. It was making me truly realize what a futile effort it was to block everything out. You couldn't choose what memories you wanted to repress. The mind just didn't work that way.
It didn't help that Will had still been questioning me about the circumstances of our fathers death, though he wasn't pushing the issue as hard as I new he could be. Probably trying to be sensitive to the fact that I was his younger sister after all, and we were both dealing with a very personal issue right now.
As for his friend Ratchet, he hadn't pursued the issue as all since then. It surprised me after he'd been so forward before, but every time he glanced my way I got the distinct feeling that he was simply trying to wait me out. That I'd break down eventually and simply tell them on my own terms...
Ha. Like I was going to make it that easy. I had to keep this secret like my life depended on it. It didn't matter how understanding they seemed to be at the moment, as soon as I told them the truth they were going to demand I have a mental examination... Or just throw me in some version of the looney bin, either or.
Not happening.
Today though, I wouldn't have the choice when it came to blocking it all out. No more trying to avoid the entire matter in my head, if only for respects sake. It would feel like dishonouring his memory if I refused to recall anything about him in a vain attempt to preserve my own emotional stability. He deserved better than that.
Today was Thomas Lennox's funeral.
"Skylar, are you ready yet? We have to leave soon!" Will called through the door, disturbing my reverie as he rapped his fist against the door loudly.
"Give me a few minutes." I called back and started putting on the suit that had been bought only a few days ago. No dresses or skirts, that wasn't my type. This was a military funeral anyways, and the suit was more formal.
At least the bruising was fading for the most part, so I wouldn't look too bad to everyone else. Getting the shirt and blazer on was a challenge since it caused the pain from the bruised ribs to spike, but I managed. I tugged at the high collar of the grey undershirt, satisfied when it hid the birthmark on my chest perfectly, then smoothed over the jet black blazer and pant legs to rid them of any creases.
Taking a deep breath to calm my nerves, I opened the door and stepped out of the motel and into the overcast day. Will was leaning against the driver side of his large black truck, clean shaven and dressed in his military suit and beret. Ratchet was leaning against his own vehicle, a yellow Search and Rescue Hummer, also dressed in military garb. Both their attention's settled on me.
"You look nice." Will complemented.
"Thanks." I smiled weakly. "So do both of you."
"Ready to go?" He asked delicately. The smile disappeared immediately.
No... I'm as ready as I'm ever going to be...
"Let's just get this over with." I said plainly, walking over to the passenger side of the GMC Topkick and heaving myself up the side of the insanely tall truck, buckling in. Will and Ratchet shared a look before they both followed suite and got in the driver's seats of their respective vehicles.
Will started the truck, and the engine roared to life. Being a mechanic for all intents and purposes, the truck didn't sound quite right. It was supposed to run on diesel, but the sound was distinctly smoother. I spent the better part of the drive after both vehicles pulled out of the lot musing what the difference could be. Thinking about things like cars and mechanics usually helped distract my mind from other things, and it helped me block out the thoughts of the coming events for a little while longer.
It was peaceful, for a bit.
Then we pulled up to the funeral home. The hearse was parked outside, back doors open and waiting.
"Stay in here please." Will climbed out and approached the funeral home.
I turned away and used the time to inspect the many vehicles already lined up and waiting down the road for the short drive to the cemetery. There was a lot of military grade SUVs, probably borrowed from the nearest military base, and some plain rented cars.
The massive vehicle at the front of the line caught my attention, and as soon as I laid eyes on it I was filled with a sense of awe and shock. What was a vehicle like that doing here?
It was a customized Peterbuilt semi, adorned with a deep blue body and sporting bright red flame decals along the front grill and sides. I'd never seen a semi like that before, but it was both an amazing and cool sight to behold. There was also a certain sense of admiration to be had for it. Curiosity took over, pushing me to find out who the owner was, but the tint on the windows was too dark to make out any trace of a figure.
I slumped back into the seat, pouting in disappointment. When I turned back around towards the funeral home, my heart plummeted. Will and three other uniformed soldiers were standing on either side of a glossy mahogany coffin, carrying it over to the back of the hearse and loading it in carefully.
My body trembled, cold with temporary shock as another vivid flashback plagued my vision for the hundredth time, making my stomach turn in distress.
Will talked to the driver of the hearse for a brief minute before jogged back over to the truck. He seemed mildly unsettled himself as he shut the door and turned the key in the ignition, staring off into space for a beat as the other soldiers ran back to their vehicles and the hearse prepared to leave.
When he turned to me, the paleness of my face must have clued him in to my state. He reached over the cabin and grasped my left hand comfortingly. I nodded in thanks, the gesture helped to pull me back to the present.
The hearse started pulling away and my brother put his other hand on the steering wheel, driving straight behind it and slipping ahead of the Peterbuilt. I glanced in the rearview mirror as all the cars behind us started following at a respectfully slow pace.
"It's going to be okay."
The sudden words of reassurance from my brother startled me. A part of me wondered whether he was trying to make me feel better or to reassure himself. Probably a bit of both.
"…Yeah." I sure hoped he was right.
After a brief drive the cemetery turnoff came into sight and the long line of vehicles turned right onto the gravel trail that weaved through rows upon rows of gravestones, different sections ranging from weathered and crumbling to shiny and new. When the vehicles all stopped Will looked at me carefully. His eyes were filled with sadness, but also acceptance of that fact.
"Come on." He hopped out of the truck, making his way to my side where he opened the passenger door and offered a hand down. I stared at it for a second with mock scrutiny, delaying deliberately before I huffed and took it. Hesitation was only going to make this longer than it needed to be.
I climbed down and began following Will when an African American soldier called out to Will and jogged over, white teeth flashing in a blinding smile.
"Epps!" Will greeted happily as they patting each other on the back companionably. "I'm glad you could make it. I see most of the team came as well."
"We couldn't just leave you at a time like this, man. We're all sorry you have to go through this. And that goes to you too, Skylar." I jerked in surprise. I'd never see this man before, and yet he already seemed to know me without any doubt.
Seeing my shock, the soldier simply walked over, not discouraged in the least.
"You look so much like your brother, and I've heard a lot about you. Will and I have worked in the army together for many years now. I'm USAF Master Sergeant Robert Epps, call me Epps." He offered his hand to me, which I shook with little hesitation. He seemed like a very friendly, upbeat man. I followed his gaze as he inclined his head towards the line of cars. "And here comes the rest of the cavalry."
A large group of soldiers walked directly towards us, all dressed in the same uniform as my brother and Epps. Ratchet was closely flanking a rather tall man who appeared to be leading the group. I hadn't seen who had exited the massive decaled truck, but considering the fact that Ratchet's vehicle and it had both been the closest behind us, it was entirely possible the other man could have been the driver of the semi.
Will and Epps drifted over to them. I hung back and watched from a distance as Will greeted the group enthusiastically, then spoke to man at the front as the rest of them walked off. The unnamed man was tall and lean yet strong, with short brown hair that was slightly tousled and greying at the sides.
Epps glanced over his shoulder when he noticed my absence and waved me over. I walked over slowly, almost shyly. The mystery man was in the process of speaking when I walked up to stand on the left side of my brother.
"-they send their condolences as well. They both wish they could have been here."
"I can't thank you enough. You really didn't have to do this."
"It is no problem. The base will still be well taken care of in both our absences. " The man had a deep baritone voice that was hard to ignore. It screamed authority and carried a strangely regal quality, drawing you in.
Then his eyes fell on me, and I squirmed uncomfortably under his gaze, previous notions increasing tenfold. His eyes were the same bright blue as Ratchet's if not brighter. They were intense and piercing, like they weren't just seeing me, but looking right into me. They also held measure of wisdom that didn't seem to match his age.
My brother took note of our stare down and quickly introduced me. "Skylar, this is someone very important to my division. He's a fellow leader and friend of mine. You can call him Optimus." He turned to look at 'Optimus' while I mused silently at the unique name. "This is my little sister." I bristled silently when he introduced me like that.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Skylar Lennox. I'm glad to see that you are well after the accident. I offer my deepest condolences. What occurred was should not have happened."
Flashes of fire and deep red eyes clouded my vision. No...it shouldn't have.
"It was a freak accident. But it is what it is." I spoke in a distant manner as I managed to focus back on Optimus as the nightmarish memories faded again...for now. "Thank you for coming all this way for my brother. It really means a lot."
After a while, all the condolences and sorry's began to deflect off you in instances such as this. However I did truly feel touched that so many of my brother's team made it here just to show their support. It was hard enough for soldiers to get time away from base when on duty. It looked like he had some really great friends. The thought almost made me want to cry before I forced my mind to go blank in order to stop the feeling dead in it's tracks, before it overwhelmed me.
Will glanced at me, surprised yet proud at my words and the emotional tone beneath them as Optimus stared sympathetically. "That same support is offered to you as well, young one."
Young one? Now that made me feel even smaller around him. As if he wasn't tall enough.
At that moment the minister came over to our group and informed us that they were about ready to start the ceremony. All the other attendants had been sorted into the correct standing points while we'd been talking. My brother turned to me after the minister walked back over to the gathering.
"Do you want to say anything during the ceremony?"
I shook my head sombrely. "I think the talking is best left to you. You'll know the right things to say."
Will gazed at me a second longer before he put his hand gently on my shoulder and guided me over to the standing group. Epps, Ratchet and Optimus followed closely.
We all walked to stand at the centre of the front row. Will stood on my right with Epps beside him, while Ratchet stood to my left with Optimus on the far side. The dark mahogany casket was right there in front of us as the minister took his place directly behind it.
The minister started a typical speech in memory of Thomas, similar to how normal funerals would go. Then he started citing some passages from the bible I didn't care to listen to. I didn't really believe in any of that stuff so I simply tuned it out for now, staring blankly ahead of me and trying to keep my mind quiet and calm for now.
Next, several military officers who had personally know our father stepped forward and offered their own words about his devotion and hard work in his time of service. Some where old veterans, others were younger soldiers that he'd obviously helped train for the Navy. From all their perspectives, he seemed like an amazing man to them. It hit me hard listening to them, but I still managed to keep the tide of emotion roiling deep inside at bay.
Then my brother walked up with once last glance at me, though I didn't show any signs of acknowledgement. He turned to face the crowd, looking down at the ground as he gathered his thoughts.
For a moment I considered tuning this speech out, because it would hurt the most... or it would be no different than every other soldier who'd spoken today. But I couldn't not listen. If anyone's words were important to me today, if any of them truly mattered, it was my brother's. I would hold it together in the meantime.
Finally Will looked back up at the crowd, cleared his throat and started.
"Thomas Alexander Lennox was a great man. He was very successful in his career, commanding his ship and crew in the Navy with self assurance and the confidence needed to make a great leader. He was patient and fair to everyone, and I can see that his crew was treated no differently. He cared about people a lot and only wanted to see them reaching their full potential, helping and training them along the way. He will forever be a valued and remembered Captain of the United States Navy.
"But more importantly, he was a father. He was mine and my sister's father." Will's eyes flicked over to me so quickly I barely caught it, before returning them to view the crowd as a whole again. "He wasn't always there for us. Being in the military with a family so far away from from you is very hard, I understand that now more than I ever did. For half of our life he was away on rotation, and sometimes me and my sister would be angry with him for that fact... But it didn't change the fact he cared for the both of us very deeply. He told me once how much he hated that he couldn't have be with us more, to share in the moments we had growing up. But all he ever wanted was the best for both our futures, and he'd do anything to make it happen."
I change my mind, I shouldn't be listening to this. My throat was choking up and the pressure in my chest was steadily increasing to an almost unbearable level.
Will sighed, shaking his head as if to ward away tormenting thoughts, and continued. "I keep running through my mind that I'm never going to see him again, and that's a scary thought. He still had a lot of life left to live, a lot left to give." Will's voice thickened and wavered minutely, barely noticeable unless you truly knew him. He coughed to clear it the best he could. "But over this past week I've learned to come to terms with it in my own way. To accept that no matter where he may be now, we'll always carry his strength, his accomplishments, his legacy. Our love for him and his love for us always. As long as we continue to remember and to feel these things, he'll never be forgotten. He'll always remain with us and guide us, even in absence." As he spoke those last sentences his eyes settled on mine. They were so full of sorrow that the sight almost made me loose what little composure I had right there.
My brother was a very strong and collected man, so seeing that kind of pain was something no one was used to witnessing, and it unnerved me above all else. The sight weakened my own fading defences and I almost broke down pitifully. I could already feel my eyes beginning to water as I fought desperately not to let a single tear drop.
My saving grace at that moment was in the form of a dark skinned hand that wound around mine and squeezed gently. I accepted Epps comfort and held it tightly, using the support as an anchor as I stubbornly shoved the encroaching tide back, regaining control with a large swell of tenacity. My eyes no longer threatened to overflow.
"It means so much to see you all here today." Will wrapped up his speech. "My dad would have been very happy to see you and to know he meant so much. Thank you, every single one of you." Will drifted back towards the crowd and took up his place back at my other side as Epps released my hand and gave him his spot back.
A group of soldiers with rifles came froward to prepare for the three shot volley. My hand was now being occupied with Will's instead as the shots were fired. The loud bangs sent shocks through my ears, echoing through the grasslands and valleys of the countryside. I couldn't help but think that the shots seemed desolate and lonely as the third and final volley rang out and faded away, nothing to remind me they were even there to begin with weren't it for the lingering ring in my ears.
The service went by quickly after that. The minister said a few more words before he wrapped up the ceremony. He handed white roses to each family member and close friend our father had, and they each went up to set them gently on the top of the casket. My brother and I were the last ones to walk up and set ours down, and I remained skillfully detached from the situation. As the funeral finally ended, a few people walked up beside the casket to say their final goodbye's while others slowly trailed off back to the line of cars to give room for privacy. I stood at a distance and watched.
I vaguely knew a few of the people that stood beside the casket and whispered sombre words before drifting off so the next ones could approach. They were about the same age as my father or older. A few were younger ones, obviously new to the navy and probably trained by him no more than a few years ago.
As the last few people left my brother walked past me up to the casket like everyone else, back straight and stiff as he gazed down at it. I looked away for a moment to the vehicles, where most of the people had got in and were relaxing, waiting patiently for my brother and I to finish so they could all leave together. We were supposed to follow his division buddies to the nearest military airbase, where Will and I were going to catch a carrier plane to North Carolina, his farm.
Will's strange friends had not gotten back into their vehicles yet, and were currently leaning against them. The one named Optimus strangely had his focus trained on me. I couldn't read his expression from here, so I turned away to ignore him instead.
And jumped and I came face to face with Will, who I hadn't heard walking up.
"Do you want to go now?" He asked tentatively, unsure of what I wanted to do and cryptically asking the exact opposite. I contemplated the casket laying alone now with few others in sight, and heaved a sigh.
"Can I have a few minutes? This is the last chance I'll get to for a long time I imagine." Will nodded in understanding before patting my shoulder and heading back to his black truck.
I stared at the coffin dubiously before steeling myself and walking slowly up to it. It felt awkward even considering talking to someone who was no longer there. Thinking deeply, I decided to instead reflect on all the good times I had with my father, even though the notable moments were far between. I smiled slightly.
Even if he hadn't been there a lot, and my grandfather had done half the raising himself, he had still been an influential part of my life. I counted and lost track of the many times I'd reflected his tenacity and determination in my own daily life. I wanted to live that on above all else. I'd almost changed my mind on talking to thin air when another thought popped into my mind.
How would everyone else remember him? I realized now that no one had mentioned how exactly he had died all throughout the funeral. What story or reason had they made up for the reason behind his death? It must be devastating having no clear explanation for why your friend had been taken from the world.
To think that you were going to see a person as they went on leave, away from the all the danger, and realizing that that moment with them was your single last... That was equally as bad.
Which left me with another question. Because my mind had still been a bit fuzzy in one small area, and I wanted the answer. I knew it lay just beyond that curtain.
What had been my last moment with him?
As soon as that thought occurred I realized my mistake. My mind had repressed something until now, it just wasn't the one I originally wished for.
It was too late to stop it. The one memory I'd miraculously managed to seal away, unknowingly, came forward and reared it's ugly impression.
The floodgates broke and so did I.
Maybe the blessed block had only been there because I knew subconsciously that it would do the most damage... and it did. It threatened to swallow me whole and submerge me as I choked, weeping and drowning in face of the most intense emotion I had ever felt. One so deep I lost myself to the cold tide as something inside me fractured. I couldn't save myself from what would follow and haunt me for many years to come.
I couldn't save myself from the guilt.
North Carolina
Will's hands tightened on the steering wheel and mimicked it's movement as the black Topkick turned off onto a familiar road that would eventually lead back to the farm, his home. He was ecstatic to see Sarah and Annabelle after months of duty on the isolated island headquarters of NEST. He'd phoned ahead and informed his wife he'd be returning home for a few weeks downtime. He wouldn't be coming alone either.
Will glanced towards the opposite side of the spacious cabin where his sister was apparently trying to set a record for world's quietest passenger. He hadn't even seen her move more than a centimetre since the ride started from the airbase. She was sitting in the seat with her back angled towards him, looking out the window so he couldn't see her face. He'd been more aware of Ironhide's presence as a sentient truck then her for the hour and a half long drive.
He was worried about the change. Skylar had barely said a word except when absolutely necessary since the funeral. He sensed the drastic change in mood as soon as she'd climbed back into the truck after standing by the casket for a while. She'd been holding up so well, considering the situation. Now she was simply...detached. Completely.
If he was honest with himself, the change made him beyond anxious. However he hoped it was simply a phase of the grieving process that would pass within the week. He didn't know what he would do otherwise.
Pulled from his thoughts, Will looked up eagerly when the turnoff to the farm's driveway came into view.
"We're just about there Sky." He informed his sister in an upbeat tone, using her nickname and trying to affect her with his own enthusiasm. She merely grunted in acknowledgement. Well, at least it was something other than the silence he'd been greeted with all day. She almost sounded like Ironhide when he was in one of his gruff moods, which was often.
Usually he would have teased the old Autobot about the similarity, but they'd agreed she wasn't to know about him or any of the others. As it was he had to pretend to drive the entire time since Ironhide preferred to do it because it was 'safer'.
They'd still got nothing out of her about the attack, but it wasn't safe to just assume she was oblivious of the Decepticon that had torn through their old home and life. If she knew she was in one of the very same species now she'd panic without question.
They finally turned down the long gravel driveway, climbing up the hill before the land dipped back down again, the road behind them falling far from sight. The yellow and white home came into view. As Ironhide pulled up close to the front porch, his beautiful wife Sarah came out the front door, with his year old daughter Annabelle sitting snugly in her arms. They both smiled happily at their arrival, Annabelle cooing and giggling as Will quickly dived out and engulfed them both in a warm hug.
"I'm so sorry I couldn't be there Will." Sarah whispered as she clung back. "I should have been."
"No. It's okay honey, I understand. I'm just glad I'm here with you now." He answered back softly, kissing her cheek. He understood and even approved of why his wife couldn't be there for the funeral. Annabelle was still so young, too young for either of them being comfortable taking her so far from home like that yet. They both would rather wait till she was older before she could travel unless absolutely necessary.
Will broke from the hug, planting a playful kiss on the top of Annabelle's head, before turning back to Ironhide, where Skylar still sat inside. He was glad to see she'd at least shifted position. She was observing the trio through the windshield with a rather blank expression. He raised an eyebrow at her.
"Get your butt out here Skylar!" He shouted at her, waving her over and approaching the front of the truck. Sarah followed closely with an amused glance at her husband, patting the front of Ironhide's hood in silent greeting.
Skylar sat still a beat longer before relenting and slowly climbing out of the truck with stiff movements. Will remembered something and quickly rushed over to her side in case she stumbled. Surprisingly she showed no signs of the vertigo she sometimes obtained after air travel as she planted both feel on the ground and walked around the front of the truck, looking over Sarah almost apprehensively.
His wife walked right up to Skylar and wound one arm around her as she balanced a curious baby on her hip. "It's so nice to have you here Skylar, it's been way too long since I've last seen you." His sister showed no outward reaction to the hug, her hands hanging limp at her sides, simply tolerated the gesture. "I'm sorry it couldn't have been on better circumstances."
"Thanks." Skylar replied in monotone.
"Come on. Let's get you inside and show you to your room. Will can take care of bringing the luggage in."
"Thanks for that. Really appreciate it." Will said with playful sarcasm, throwing her a mock glare as Sarah simply smirked and led Skylar inside the house, guiding her by the shoulder with one hand. Will let out a gust of air once they were inside and walked to the back doors of the truck where the suitcase and duffel bag sat on the seats.
"Is it normal for a human femme to be so...detached?"
Will paused in the backseat, looking towards the house before figuring it was safe enough. "People react differently to grief Ironhide. It's sometimes not necessarily healthy, but given the situation it's not surprising either."
"And if she stays that way?" The bot inquired.
Will scowled. "She better not. I'll kick her ass for it. But in all seriousness I highly doubt it. I think it's just her way of coping with whatever is going through her head for now."
"So I don't need to notify Ratchet?"
Will laughed. "No, you don't. He's bad enough at base, I don't think we want him coming here and kicking up a fuss like that." A thought crossed his mind, making him smirk mischievously. "So you're concerned for her that much already?"
To his surprise the bot didn't take the bait from the gentle teasing. "Of course. I'm here to protect this family from anything, your sister included." Ironhide paused. "And I must admit, seeing the femme that way... unsettles me."
Will quirked a sight smile. "She'll be okay. But it's nice to see you looking out for our family like that," As he picked up the bags and climbed out, he kicked the door closed gently and added, "Teddy bear."
Don't ask, his wife came up with that nickname.
"Call me that again and I'll make you regret it, Lennox." Ironhide growled lowly as Will chuckled, leaving the Autobot to his own devices as Will stepped inside his home. He put down the luggage inside the front door as he took a cursory look around. It looked much the same as it had months back, the same old homey country atmosphere that always made him relax. He took a moment to savour the sense of peace and security it brought him.
He turned to the sound of footsteps coming down the stairway on his right. Sarah was still holding Annabelle, but Skylar was no longer with them.
"I showed her the room. She said she was tired, so she's staying up there right now." Sarah eyes plainly showed their worry.
"Well, we'll leave her be for now. Let her relax and settle down." Will glanced down as his phone abruptly went off, and frowned at the caller ID as he answered. "Hey Epps, what's going on?"
"Um...I hate to do this to you man," Epps started, no so promisingly. "But I think you're vacation is going to have to be put on hold for a little bit."
"What? Why?" Will's frowned deeply, bewildered. Sarah's glanced warily at her husband, silently asking what was going on.
"Well, see, there's this new guy in D.C. that's been asking for your presence at a formal 'introduction' and meeting regarding NEST's functions and progress. Apparently he's the new National Security Advisor for the President. He wants you there in a few day's time."
"But I can't. I only just arrived home, literally just walked through the front door. I can't leave." He declared firmly, starting to pace restlessly and raking a hand through his hair in agitation. "Wouldn't he be willing to reschedule the meet in a week's time at the very least?"
"I already tired that for you man, but he wouldn't budge. After that little chat I had on the phone with him I'm inclined to think he doesn't know or give a shit about what you've just gone through. I got a really bad vibe from him." Epps sounded equally upset about this turn of events, as well as extremely apologetic.
Will visibly deflated. It wasn't Epps fault. He'd just have to go and get it over with so he could get back sooner. He just couldn't catch a break, could he? "Okay. Text me the details and I'll get ready to leave again soon. Anything else I should know?"
"Well, me and the Autobots plane's turned around mid-flight on the way back to base. We're en-route to a landing zone somewhere in Detroit."
Will paused halfway through dragging his hand down his face in exasperation. "Another Decepticon?"
"Nope." Epps grin could practically be heard through the speaker.
"Wait." Will caught what his friend was insinuating. "Autobot?"
"Yup!"
Will grinned himself. "Epps, that's the first good news I've had today. I guess Optimus' signal did work after all." Will was absolutely thrilled. They had been waiting moths for someone to intercept the Prime's signal and follow it back to Earth. They'd almost lost hope after all that time waiting. Maybe this was the start of even more receiving the message as well. NEST could really use the reinforcements, and the Autobots would certainly enjoy knowing another of their comrades was still alive.
"There's a slight problem though." Will sobered up when Epps voice dipped down concern. "Ratchet's almost positive from the signal's energy levels that this new bot's been injured. We should arrive at the site roughly around the estimated impact time, so we're all hoping the new guy can hang on long enough to land safely and Ratchet can get to him."
"Tell Ratchet I have faith in his ablilties." If the medic wasn't barking out on the other end then it meant the new Autobot would hang on. "Keep me informed on how it goes."
"Will do, Lennox."
"Talk to you soon." As the two men said their goodbye's and hung up Will turned to his wife's saddened and disappointed face, though she tried hiding it. Even his daughter seemed to somehow understand. His little girl was pouting, bottom lip trembling and eyes watering, threatening to overflow. Will instantly felt a wave of guilt at the sight.
"I'm sorry."
Sarah schooled her features, instead showing kindness and understanding. They both knew what they were getting into when they married. It would never be easy. "You did what you could. I know you wouldn't leave unless you had no other choice."
"When I meet that guy in D.C., I'm going to make him understand exactly how much of a line he's crossed." Will promised, taking Annabelle into his arms and cuddling her affectionately. She cheered up almost instantly, hugging her father's neck close and giggling again.
"Oh I'm sure he will." Sarah's lips curved up knowingly, moving in to kiss her husband gently. She pulled away after only a few seconds, and upon Will's confused gaze she turned her eyes towards the stairway. "What about Skylar?"
Now he felt even worse about going. "I guess I'll just have to tell her I'm leaving and will be back as soon as possible." He glanced out the front door where the Topkick sat, no doubt privy to the conversation. "I think Ironhide should stay here while I'm gone. I can take a taxi to the nearest base, and he'll help keep watch and make sure you are all okay." He thought back to Skylar's current behaviour, considering something carefully. "And to make sure Sky doesn't do anything stupid. She's not one to start trouble, but I worry about what she could do to herself in the state she's in right now."
"We won't let anything happen to her." Sarah stated confidently. "She'll be well taken care of, and if she needs anyone to talk to I hope she'll confide in me."
"Thank you." Will's thoughts strayed to what Ratchet had been concerned about back at the hospital. "Oh, and can you make sure she's eating well? Ratchet was concerned about her eating habits when he scanned her a while ago."
Sarah was quick to answer. "I'll make sure she's eating properly, and if she doesn't want to I'll try my best to convince her. I hope she likes my cooking."
Will chuckled lightly. "I'm sure she'll love it. God knows I miss it when I'm at base." He glanced back up the stairway. "I guess I should let her know I'll be leaving soon and call that taxi." Sarah took Annabelle back into her arms and Will trucked his way up heavily up to the guest room nearest the banister. He knocked at the door. "Skylar?"
When he received no response he decided to crack the door open and take a peak inside. He spotted Skylar sitting on a wooden chair by the window, arms folded on the windowsill with her head resting upon them, wide awake. Her eyes gazed out blandly upon the landscape. He suddenly had a notion of wariness and foreboding sweep over him. He needed to be here more than anywhere else right now, and he wanted so badly to stay. Despite her outward demeanour, his sister was hurting very badly over something, and he had a feeling it wasn't just because of the loss anymore.
"Skylar?" She still refused to look at him, giving only a small hum to show him that she heard. "I was supposed to be on vacation for a while, but duty calls... so I'm going to have to put that on hold for a little while unfortunately. I'll be leaving today for D.C.." He waited for some kind of reaction, any kind.
"Okay."
That was not what he'd been wanting to hear.
"You're alright with that?" He asked her cautiously.
"Yeah." There it was again, that same simple, bland response. Uncaring, monotone.
He walked up to the window beside her and knelt down to her level. "Do you want to talk about anything before I leave? I'd be happy to listen if you have something on your mind that you'd need someone to listen to."
"I'm fine."
Will's shoulder's sagged as he exhaled in defeat, averting his eyes down at the floor momentarily. "Well I won't be away too long. I'm gonna try to make it back as soon as possible, and we can talk then if you want to."
She grunted in dismissal, not a flicker of emotion passing through those blue irises. He watched her a minute longer before he stood back up slowly and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I'll see you soon kiddo."
He hesitantly stepped out of the room, compulsively looking back several times before he finally closed the door behind him, feeling for all the world like a failure as a brother.
Hope everyone liked it. Sorry if it was a bit sad, and cruel. One more chapter and we'll be getting to the stuff I'm very excited to write! One question for my reviewers. I'd like to hear what you think the reason is behind Skylar's guilt. I'm really interested in hearing the answers.
Now on to my reviewers;
CurlyBookWriter94: Thanks for the follow! You think my story is cool? I'm extremely flattered! It's about to get cooler ;)
LittleManY2K: Sadly, the nickname Sunflower of Doom isn't mine. I read it in another story, only I've read so many stories with Sunstreaker that I can't remember which one. I don't think I'll be using it in mine, but I did have a sit down a long time ago and came up with a few more nicknames to push his buttons with in this one ;) There's just no resisting harassing him through the safety of fanfiction
CastielLunaWinchester: Thanks, I'm glad you're liking my story and my OC! And yeah, working hard can be stressful, but for some people it's also a welcome distraction. Cue, Skylar's problem lol
galaxywolf169: Yeah...Sky's going through hell right now, but it'll get better with time. And I'll always read my reviews because I love hearing about my readers reactions. Also it gives me that extra push to work on the next update ;) And there will be plenty of action, no worries there. Sky has a lot of growing to do before then, but at a certain point in the story it'll become her consistent companion. The romance will be coming later on too, it's just going to take a while... for certain reasons I can't divulge yet. No spoilers! :D
Guest: Lol I wonder who your friend is ;) Thanks for the review, I'll do my best!
emztdaffan: Thank you very much! I'm so glad you can visualize the scenes based on the descriptions, it means I'm doing it right!
Once again, thanks to my favourites and followers. I'll be posting again as soon as possible!
Date posted: August 29th, 2015