Chapter 52: Runaways, Part 5

"Well, at this point, I'm not sure if I should be relieved that you're OK or if I should be mad at you for running away in the first place." Jessica intoned.

"But-" Krissie began.

"Krissie, you and Ba Nee had good intentions and were trying to help, so I'll let you off the hook this time. On the other hand, I've found something for Deirdre…"


"How long do I have to do this?" Deirdre asked.

"Three days- just as long as you were gone. Now, get to scrubbing those pots and pans."


"What you Ba Nee doing?" Grimlock asked as he loomed over the young girl.

"Reading. Can you read?"

"No. That why me Grimlock run away from Autobots in first place! And why her Roxy leave Misfits!"

Ba Nee felt pity for the lumbering Dinobot.

"I have something that might help."

Grimlock's tiny arms and hands caught a small book that Ba Nee tossed to him.

"What this called?"

"My First Reader. I've got a copy for Roxy, too."

Just then, a robotic pterodactyl landed.

"Grimlock?"

Ba Nee cowered in fear.

"Swoop? Me Grimlock told you-"

"Him Optimus want you back. Him send him Bumblebee, him Powerglide, and him Wheeljack-"

"But me Grimlock Autobot no more! Me Grimlock honorary Starlight Girl!"

Jessica walked out of the mansion to see the two Dinobots and promptly fainted.


SEVERAL MINUTES LATER:

"So that's why there's a pair of robot dinosaurs in the backyard?" Jessica asked.

"That's about the shape of it, ma'am." Bumblebee answered, standing in front of the mansion.

"Well, I'll let you take Grimlock back. Then again, I don't know if h-"

"Me Grimlock now can learn to read! Me Grimlock return to him Optimus and be leader of Dinobots once again!"

"Well, that was quick."


THAT NIGHT:

"Why can't you do this, Stormer? You're better at it than I-" Jetta began.

"You caused this, so now you're going to help Roxy learn how to read and write. If not, you can find a new job."

The basement door closed.

"Wanker!" Jetta exclaimed.

Roxy cleared her throat.

"Fine. Now, turn to page 1…" Jetta began.