I do not own Transformers, only my OC's.

I think I've re-written this chapter 4 times in the last two days. Haha. But that's OK, really rather needed it. Got shorter too (split it into two chapters rather than one extremely long one. The dramatic feel was getting lost with everything going on and a perfect place to end this chapter was just sitting there waiting for me to notice it). This chapter really makes me want to get into Ironhides head and write out his version. So many complicated mind sets in this one. But, that's half the fun of writing 1st person. There will be something of an explanation later, but for now... well, see what you can make of it.

Thank you to all my reviewers! Two quick and little things I'm going to respond too. The "screaming stars" comment of Mel's came from her over hearing the name "Starscream" in chapter 12 but not knowing it was a name (and it was strange enough that she half remembered it until Ron's baffled reactions). And chapter length wise, sorry if some of my chapters seem short guys. Just how my brain functions. I don't write to fill a certain number of pages, I just write until the idea for the chapter runs it course or hits a point where it's better broken up for better effect (as is the case with this particular chapter).

XxXxXxXx

An obnoxious drum heavy song rattled me from a pleasant slumber. Morning had snuck upon me with its dark tendrils. Not even the faintest hint of light was on the horizon.

Stupid alarm. Stupid mornings. Why do they have to exist anyway? Groaning, I rolled over to smack the noise maker.

I fell right out of bed.

Startled, I sat up and look about. It was not my alarm playing. In fact, this was not even in my room. It was the cabin of the truck. I had fallen asleep on the back seat.

Right, Ron had locked me in, claiming it was too cold for me to be sitting outside. What a jerk. Since when did I need him telling me what was healthy or not? That's what relatives were for.

Pulling myself up to the front, I tried the door. It gave easily.

The frigid air made me shiver as I slipped out into the morning. Tiny white flakes were fluttering through the air, melting quickly upon landing. I reached out slowly, catching a one on my sweater. It looked like a perfect one, but melted too fast to be sure.

Off in the distance a screeching noise seemed to be ripping through the air. It had been quite a while since I had last heard such a noise. It was a jet engine, a low flying jet engine I was sure.

They still haven't grounded that pilot? One would think the military would be on top of such things.

Shrugging it off, I cast my attention back upon the white powder. It was rather early for it to be snowing, at least I thought it was. But I was far north, so maybe it was normal. As it were, the weather had been bit off in Texas this past summer, perhaps it was the being the same way up here.

The sound of the jet was getting louder.

A snowflake, larger than the rest, fluttered towards the ground. Smiling I mimicked its movements, trying to catch it.

Pain rocketed through my chest. Stars overtook my vision. Breath stolen right from my lungs.

Vaguely I felt my feet leave the ground and heard a slamming door. My ribs screamed and my lungs and throat burned as I choke desperately for air.

What going on? My heart hammered within my chest.

Someone help me, my mind screamed what my voice could not.

Something hot and hard pressed against my back. The force looped around my chest tightened, crushing my already pained ribs.

Who was doing this? Why was this happening?

I whimpered and struggled pathetically against my captor. Every movement sent shockwaves of agony ripping through my body.

"Keep still," a masculine voice hissed into my ear.

I mustered all the strength and breath I could, "Let go of me."

He clamped a hand over my mouth. "Unless you wish to get yourself killed, stop moving."

My throat constricted. What was that supposed to mean? A tear tricked down my cheek as I squeezed my eyes shut. What did he want from me?

The roar of a fighter jet rumbled through the air and shook the truck.

"That slagging seeker," the voice growled gruffly. The jet's engines vanished into the distance and I was released.

I shot right for the door. My body ached and my heart felt ready to burst. All I wanted was to get away, get out of here. Get somewhere safe, but the door would not budge.

Tears raced down my face as I pulled with all my might. Let me out, my mind cried desperately. Please let me out!

"Calm down," a yank to my hood pulled me from the door.

I whirled around, hand flying. It was stopped inches from striking. For a thunderous moment I stared at my attacker and he at me.

It was Ron.

His eye widened and he let go. "Melr –"

I shot at the door once more. It swung open easily, nearly making me to topple. I didn't even bother shutting it as I bolted for the house.

For safety.

XxXxXxXxX

School had been a horrible idea, but the idea of Ron coming back to the house outweighed my desire to skip. Uncle had raced out quickly after I had locked myself in my room, taking Ron where ever it was he had driven off to. Part of me hoped Uncle had found out about what had happened. He would keep Ron from getting anywhere near me if he knew, right?

I shivered at the memory. Only a few hours ago I had been happily sitting with him, watching the meteor shower.

What had brought all of this on? Why had he acted that way? Why did he hurt me?

All these thoughts ran through my head, but no matter how I tried I could not find a positive answer. I hugged my books close and clenched my teeth. My ribs were still throbbing and the action only intensified the pain, but for a brief moment it made me forget my horrors.

There was no lengthy distraction for me within this asylum. Not even a physics lab that had us playing with toys could keep my attention and working on Little Ironhide in study hall only proved painful. All I could think about was being frightened and trapped within the vehicle from which it had been modeled.

I shoved Little Ironhide away.

"What's wrong with you today," Lucas caught it before it rolled off the table.

"Nothing." I really did not want to talk about it.

"Doesn't sound like nothing."

The bell rang, saving me from this darkened conversation. Grabbing my notebook, I threw it in my bag. Lucas practically forced Little Ironhide into my arms.

Sighing, I jammed the truck in my bag as well. It took up far too much room now that the cannons were attached and as much as I did not want to deal with it, Little Ironhide was my responsibility.

I followed Lucas to the bus, half paying attention to where I was going. "Are you fighting with Ron again?" he asked as we took a seat.

"Something like that." My heart heaved and my stomach almost followed. I shook my head wildly to stop the thoughts. My ribs jolted. "I'm going to have to leave a little early today," I almost couldn't hide the cringe.

Lucas nodded, "alright."

Even if it was against my uncle's wishes, I just wanted to walk home tonight. The cold air would do me some good.

It would also spare any chance of seeing Ron.

I was kept busy at the shop, though not in the regards of building. Lucas's father wanted things moved around to make room for a new stock of toys. So I spent most of the afternoon pulling items of shelves and playing interior decorator. It did a fine job of keeping my mind occupied, but did a terrible job on keeping me pain free. The constant lifting and reaching kept my sides constantly aching. I had already taken one too many pain killers today. I simply had to deal with it. Complaining would only alert Lucas to my lie- I had told him I had pulled a muscle stretching this morning.

Flipping open my phone I saw I still had an hour to go. I placed it on the shelf next to me. As occupied as my mind was, I still wanted to leave early.

I ripped open a box and removed one of the new packages. They were small wind up tin toy robots. They were modern creations, but crafted after the vintage design.

I thought they were adorable.

Sitting myself down in front of an empty shelf I wound one up I let it go. It waddled back and forth on its little legs, pincer like hands outstretched towards me. Tiny sparks erupted in the enclosed chest cavity. Its face was drawn in a tight frown.

"Better watch out, he'll bite," Lucas squatted down next to me with a grin. "They're cool aren't they?"

I nodded with a smile. "I want one."

"You can't have one yet," Lucas informed me with matter-a-fact expression, "because now I know what to give you for Christmas."

I laughed. It was like a dose of medicine.

Removing two more tin robots from their boxes for display, I neatly stacked the rest. Twenty minutes before closing I went for my coat. Lucas came up to me with a cardboard tube, "Here."

Several fireworks sat inside.

"The truck is ready for some heavy testing," he said, "figured it didn't matter if we did it together or not."

Another words; cheer up, here's something explosive. "Thanks," I smiled at him. Lucas could really be amazing sometimes. Closing the lid, I put the tube in my backpack.

The evening air was nearly frigid enough to make me reconsider waiting. Nearly. I zipped up my jacket and put on my earband. I wasn't going to sit around and wait.

The sun was almost done setting at this point. I'd be walking in the dark. Perfect, I grumbled. Puffy white clouds trailed behind me as I took off down the alley and onto the back street. At a brisk walk I could be home in forty minutes or so.

Shops along the stretch were getting ready to close. Clothing shops were re-hanging their merchandise and the vacuums were running in the antique shops. About the only places remaining at a constant pace were the pizza and pastry parlors.

A pastry sounded wonderful.

I stepped inside, the door bell jingling behind me. It was comfortably warm and the aromas of sugar and dough were heaven sent. Ordering a hot chocolate and piece of strawberry cheesecake I sat at a booth savoring ever bite I could. Sugar always had a way to cheer me up, especially if it involved strawberries.

My mum used to make strawberry cheesecake every year for my birthday. She was amazing at it, I always told her she should open a shop, but she never listened.

I miss them, I sighed heavily, cringing as my ribs protested. God damn it Ron, I mentally cursed.

Throwing my empty cup and plate away I grabbed my bag and headed for the door. I was already late, might as well not delay any longer than necessary. The frigid air rushed to greet me as I stepped outside.

"You're not supposed to walk home, remember."

I jumped. Ron was leaning against the building, arms folded and eyes turned on me.

He'd been waiting.

It wasn't even six yet, but he had somehow managed to find me. In a shop no less. On a different street.

"Get in the truck," he stood upright. The vehicle was in front of the next store.

Memories of this morning flooded back. A shiver ran down my spine. "No."

"I don't believe I asked a question."

"I'm not going anywhere with you."

Ron rolled his eyes. "Are all human females this stubborn?"

"Are all men opportunistic pigs?"

That seemed to click. "You've completely misunderstood what I was doing this morning."

"Whatever you say," I turned and stalked off in the opposite direction. I wasn't being coaxed to go anywhere, especially not by him.

Ron grabbed my wrist and whirled me around. "Would you stop being so temperamental."

No amount of yanking would free my hand. "Would you stop being a perverted brute."

"I have no interest in your fleshy little body," he snapped.

"Sure you don't, you just want to trap me in a truck."

"You don't know what kind of danger you were in this morning- "

"The only danger is from you!"

"Would you listen for half a cycle!"

"Let go of me!"

"Listen!" My bag slipped from my shoulder as my back connected with the brick wall. Ron held me pinned, clearly vexed. Fear and anger raced through my veins. Why was he doing this? Why couldn't he just leave me alone? I struggled, but he was too strong.

"Look –"

I wanted everything to go away. The pain in my wrist. The pain in my chest. All of it. I wanted it to leave me alone. I wanted him to leave me alone.

"That jet-"

I didn't want to hear excuses. I know what I felt, what I still felt. "I HATE you!"

Silence struck like an after burst. Ron stared dumbly at me. His hands trembled and his hold weakened.

I did not ask questions. I wrenched myself free and ran. I hadn't a clue of where I was going, all I knew was I wanted to get away.

Far away.

XxXxXx

Please review!

There Ironhide goes... acting without thinking. But what was he trying to do anyway?

Next chapter preview:

At first I thought it was settling into the dirt, but then a bizarre array of clicking and clattering noises filled the air. Before my eyes pieces of the plane shifted and grew.