Chapter 4: The Human Element, Part 2
"So, what's the problem?"
Spike rolled out from beneath the RV on a creeper.
"Miss, your vehicle's got a broken transaxle. It's going to take us a day or two to get a replacement in stock, and then we're going to need a few hours to install it." he announced.
"Great. I'm stuck with the RV and my friends all got out in Portland." the woman grumbled.
Spike rolled his eyes and went back under the vehicle.
"Carly Gabor-Brooks, you certainly have the worst luck-" the customer continued muttering.
Just then, the sound of footsteps was heard on the garage floor.
"Spike! Get out from under there! There's a call for you!"
"Coming, Dad!"
Spike rolled back out from underneath the RV and took the cellphone from his father's hand.
"Hello?"
"Spike Witwicky, you had better get your rear end over here on the double!"
"Isaac, I'm at work here. Now is not a good t-"
"Do I have to spell it out for you? Constance said she couldn't make it, but you could. I need to get to the office, and Sari needs someone to watch her. That and you owe me money-"
"So I made some bad calls at the races. That doesn't mean I h-"
"Just get over to my house."
"Got it, Isaac."
Spike hung up.
"Dad, I've got to run. Isaac's kid needs a sitter, and Connie had to bail."
The elder Witwicky nodded as his son proceeded to the exit.
"Hold up there, buster." Carly piped up.
Spike stopped mid-step.
"No, my kid brother's name is Buster. I'm Spike."
"You get my point. The way I see things, I'm not leaving this town anytime soon. If you don't mind, I'd like to tag along on your little misadventure in babysitting."
Spike sighed.
"You sure y-"
"I just finished up a degree in robotics from MIT! I can handle watching a kid!"
BELLEVUE- AN HOUR LATER:
"Spike, I see you brought a friend."
Spike nodded.
"Just met her myself. Let's go through with the introductions. Carly, this is Isaac Sumdac. Isaac, this is Carly Brooks. She's in town because her vehicle broke down, and she wanted to see if she could handle your little hellion."
Isaac nodded.
"She's in the living room."
"We're making mischief-" the TV blared.
Spike and Carly wandered into the living room to see a young redheaded girl of East Indian descent settled into a large armchair.
"Sari? Earth to Sari?"
The girl turned to face the interlopers.
"Where's Constan-"
"Couldn't make it."
Sari began to tear up while the Misfits' music video continued to play.
"How about we go to Schmitz Park? You like it there."
Carly blinked in confusion.
"Local place. It's the last bit of old-growth forest in the city- and it's about half an hour from here. Want to come?" Spike explained.
Sari vigorously nodded, while Carly just shrugged.
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Trust me, I'm going somewhere with this. Also, keep Carly's last name in mind. If you have anything to write it down on- DO IT. It's going to be important later on, either in this or in Musical Illusionists. In addition, the Transformers are going to be showing up sooner rather than later.
