Ratchet's P.O.V.
Audrey's nap was short as she woke up hungry. We have been able to get her on a schedule to the point I can make her bottle before she wakes up, avoiding letting her cry and wake up Jasmine.
"What are we going to do about your sister?" I ask her as she drinks her bottle.
I think we'll try the bassinet tonight. Maybe having Audrey by the bed will help Jasmine.
Ryley comes by to take Audrey for a walk. We're still keeping Audrey in the base, being careful who holds her for now. Ryley is concerned about what happened this morning.
"I don't like how the judge didn't say what he's looking for," Ryley tells me, "I'm terrified he's looking for a full recovery, but it could be months before Jasmine is fully recovered mentally."
I lay Audrey in her crib and hug Ryley. I don't know what to say since I'm worried like her.
It will take time, but I'm terrified everything will fall apart.
I call Florence, hoping she could get answers for us. She tries to assure me, explaining the judge knows there's no way Jasmine can fully recover in a month.
"... I think he's looking for progress in Jasmine's recovery. That she's taking care of Audrey and how well her support is."
Which we are struggling with. This is still a lot to achieve in three weeks. I don't tell Florance what we've been dealing with before ending the call.
Jasmine is up an hour later as Ryley comes back with Audrey. Ryley and I are happy Jasmine wants to hold the baby.
"Awe, you're a happy baby today," Jasmine smiles.
The terror twins come by, hoping to get Jasmine to take Audrey for a walk, even if it's around the base.
"I've been thinking, it's only September and not the peak of flu season; couldn't we take Audrey for a walk around the park?"
"Yeah, if we keep people from touching Audrey, but the main reason we're not going for walks out of the park is Jasmine doesn't feel safe being here, so out in the city is really going to trigger her. I'm not sure if the outside courtyard will trigger her."
"I think at least out in the courtyard with the terror twins and maybe Ironhide during lunch will be a good start. I'll go talk to them."
She leaves the room with the twins while I clean up and call Drift to check on Jamie.
"... he's not doing good. Even Jamie thinks it's time," Drift tells me.
No way I can ask Drift to come back and help with Jasmine.
"Damn, all right, take care of her."
I dread informing Optimus, but he's going to want to know.
Jasmine's P.O.V.
The Autobots love seeing Audrey around the base. I know some soldiers question the decision of having a baby stay here, but it's understandable. This is a military base, and the Decepticons can attack anytime. No one has said anything, but that might change as Sarah Lennox approaches me.
"Awe, so cute," she coos, "are you ok?"
I phased out and didn't know Sunstreaker had me sit on the floor or that Sarah was sitting next to me.
"Did you yell at her?!" Sunstreaker scolds.
"No, you two know I don't come here often, especially after the twins' birth. I have been waiting for the right time to see Audrey, and I know she's not old enough for play dates with my girls. Though the three babies won't interact with each other until they're a little older."
"She will not hurt you," Sideswipe assures me, "she wants to hold Audrey."
Sideswipe gets Audrey from the stroller and gives her to Sarah.
"I just picture three toddlers running around the base," Sarah comments.
It's funny seeing how displeased Sunstreaker is with the idea, yet he's the one who wanted to resume his duty as my guard, and that now includes being Audrey's.
It's fun watching Audrey laying on her stomach on the play mat. She's trying to keep her head up. I don't think Audrey will be months behind, but Audrey will take a little longer developmentally. I'm unsure if she's considered a newborn until her original due date in October or how that works, so I doubt I can say she's ahead of schedule.
"It's too confusing to think about her adjusted age," I hear Ratchet as he closes the door, "we should focus on making sure she reaches her milestones."
Ratchet isn't bothered that I crossed paths with Sarah and that she's hoping Audrey will play with Sarah's twin daughters when the three girls are older.
Ratchet's P.O.V.
This is tricky; do I tell her not to think that far ahead or let her think we'll be adopting Audrey and Audrey will have two friends? I doubt Rung will know, and I don't think I'm supposed to be asking our lawyer.
Ratchet: I know you're not a psychiatrist, but should I tell Jasmine not to think we'll be adopting Audrey and Audrey will be friends with the Lennox twins?
Ryley: unfortunately, I think this might be when we want to upset her. Now or at the next court date? But then what if all goes well? This positivity could help her recovery.
Audrey had enough of lying on her stomach and enjoys playing with the toys hanging above her while lying on her back. I can only hope all goes well with my femmes. Worried this will turn out like my relationship with Compass. I know she was killed in battle on Cybertron, but I worry Jasmine will become suicidal. Everything falls apart at that point, and I lose both my femmes.
It's a relaxing afternoon with my femmes. After Audrey's afternoon nap, we brought her to the cafeteria and got dinner. Everybot loves seeing Audrey even while knowing what could happen in a month. Hoping what Optimus has planned will happen. Watching Jasmine, I can only hope her recovery will be smooth without issues.