Chapter 12: Pressure
Jasper High School/Riding through Jasper:
"Is that all they talk about? Their cars and racing?" Jack asked in regard to Vince and his little crew who were currently talking about this weekends race.
I just shrugged my shoulders, "Apparently so! At least their not tormenting another innocent kid." I said to Jack who in turn nodded his head in agreement.
"Those idiots wouldn't know a good car even if it ran them over!" Miko said as she came over by me and Jack.
I just smiled at her comment, "That's only because you've been hanging out with the Autobots too much!" I said with a laugh even though what she said is true.
"Your saying that like it's a bad thing!" Miko said as I just shook my head in disagreement. "Anyways the bots could beat those so called racers any day!" She said confidently.
"Miko does have a point there! I don't think anyone could beat them in a race. They've been driving longer than any of us have been born." Raf said as he adjusted his glasses with a smile as the bell rang.
Miko then ran out the door with Raf tagging along with her. Ever since meeting the Autobots, hearing the last bell of the day is music to my ears. Jack and I then made our way to meet Arcee outside. Although we didn't expect to see Vince still hanging around the parking lot. Jack and I exchanged looks that said 'just ignore him and he'll leave us alone' and we made our way to Arcee. Although we didn't get that lucky as Vince turned towards us.
"Hey cherry moped!" Vince said in a tone that was irritating to anyone in earshot.
Jack just sighed in irritation, "Uh this moped can go zero to sixty in three point five seconds!" He said while we took off towards town.
We drove all the way to the first stop light before Arcee spoke up, "Uh Jack a lady's vital stats are her own business." She said not to keen on Jack telling everything about her.
"Gotta respect privacy Jack!" I said with a laugh as he sighed, but we failed to notice that we weren't the only ones there.
Sierra, one of the most popular girls in school and cheer captain, was standing on the sidewall next to us with her friend decided to make her presence known. "Hey Nick right?"She asked in an unsure tone and it irritated me how she talks to my brother.
"Uh uh actually its Jack!" Jack stammered as he was taken totally off guard by her question.
I just sighed in annoyance, "You've known him since kindergarten!" I said with mild irritation because well its true she has known Jack since kindergarten, but not without earning a glare from her.
"Oh its nice to see you too Jordyn!" Sierra said in a fake happy tone, but I knew better than fall for that because I got under her skin and she knows it.
Sierra then glared at me for a second, but it then turned into a smile for Jack, "Anyways I'm Sierra!" She said in a sweet tone as if it wasn't obvious who she was.
"I-I-I know!" Jack stammered at a lost for words for once and its quite surprising that he can talk to giant robots from another planet without stuttering, but when it comes to Sierra its like his tongue is sandpaper.
Sierra then got a smile on her face at Jack's reaction, "You once offered to give me a ride." She said as I remembered that day we first met Arcee and Jack actually did offer one to her!
"Oh -oh I did! Anytime!" Jack said stammering yet again, but he forgets that the motorcycle were riding isn't a normal one.
Arcee took note of this and moved her mirrors to face Jack, "I'm your guardian kiddo! Not your wingman!" She said quietly as she could and I had to hold back a laugh.
"So how about now?" Sierra asked as Jack got a look of surprise on his face, but before any of us could say anything, Vince pulled up next to us.
Vince stuck his head out of his window on the roof of his car, "Hey small world!" He said with a smirk on his face and Jack and I sighed in irritation.
"Umm having a conversation here!" Jack said in irritation even though it wasn't much of a conversation, but I knew better than to get between Vince and Jack unless necessary.
"Cheer captain here might want to see you take on four wheels of muscle car!" Vince said his tone high with arrogance.
Jack just turned to face him, "Are you challenging us to a race?" His tone full of humor of the thought.
" You catch on quick ponch! What do you say?" Vince asked, his tone impatient yet challenging at the same time.
Jack for once didn't have a comeback so I decided to give him some advice, "Jack I don't think that this a good idea! You don't want to drop down to his level." I whispered so the others couldn't hear.
Jack on the other hand seem to ignore my advice and began to say he would do it, but the light turned from red to green and Arcee took off. We both struggled to hold on, but Arcee slowed down so that we can regain our balance.
I managed to regain my balance before saying, "A little warning next time Arcee!"
"Yeah you didn't let me answer!" Jack said taken aback by Arcee's action as he was shaking his hand back and forth.
"Nope!" Arcee said, knowing full well that she had every intention to interrupt his answer.
Jack just sighed, "Arcee we could've smoked him!" Jack said convincingly, but Arcee wasn't buying it.
"Yep!" Arcee said her tone sounded bored, but Jack still wasn't getting what she is trying to say to him. She doesn't want to race and neither do I!
"Ugh you just don't get it!" Jack said as he sighed in frustration and irritation. I want to get back at Vince as much as he did, but I don't think this the right way to go.
"I don't make the rules Jack, Optimus does. And rule number one in case you missed it: never abuse power for personal gain. And that includes horsepower." Arcee said as we came to another stop light and before we could say anything, Vince came driving up next to us.
Jack and I both sighed in irritation before Jack spoke up, "Vince maybe racing isn't such a good-" But he couldn't say anything as he was interrupted by Vince laughing.
"Haha figures! You two ride around like that bike is something special, but its just a clunky, junky trike! And ugly!" Vince said with a laugh as he did a U-turn in front of us leaving dust in his wake. And all I can think is…did he just insult Arcee? Oh no!
I held onto the sides of my seat as I heard Arcee said, "That's it! The yahoo's going down!" She then did a fast U-turn to go in Vince's direction causing Jack and I to yell out in slight fear.
"Whoa! What happened to rule number 1?" Jack and I asked a little bit confused at Arcee's sudden outburst.
"Gets bent! Just this once!" Arcee said wanting some payback for what Vince just said. We then rode down to where Vince was parked…right next to Sierra no doubt telling her that we chickened out of a race. Well not anymore according to Arcee.
We then drove up to Vince with Jack saying, "Ready when you are Vinnie!" Even though I think it's a bad idea considering that if Optimus found out it would be a bad day, but putting Vince in his place for once…I'm willing to break the rules.
"Drucker's ranch! One hour!" Vince said with a smirk as he added. "I think all these ladies would like, including you Jordyn, to see what real horsepower is like." He said arrogantly trying to impress all of us, me especially since he's had a crush on me since the ninth grade.
"When hell experiences the next ice age Vince! Our motorcycle is more awesome than you think!" I said in defense to Arcee, Jack and myself as we then took off towards where we needed to go with Jack giving out directions.
I heard Jack laugh as we drove towards the ranch, "Thanks for the back up there Jordyn! Although Vince hitting on you was unnecessary!" He said in a slight disgusted tone and it also sounded like he was going to punch Vince the next time he says something to me. Jack has always been protective of me when it comes to boys.
"Your welcome! The jerk deserved it! Yeah it was unnecessary, but you know the guy has had a crush on me since the ninth grade so I'm used to it. Don't go all overprotective brother on me here." I said in reassurance as we pulled over to a stop as we arrived at the spot we're going to race.
Jack just laughed, "Hey I'm not overprotective. I just don't him talking to you that way." He said in his defense as he took his helmet off and I did the same.
"I have to agree with Jack there Jordyn. Although thank you for what you said back there, but it was very hard for me not to say anything for what he said back there to you so that's why we took off before he could say anything else." Arcee said in the same tone Jack had with me and to say it's slightly irritating.
I just laughed, "Guys I'm fine! I can handle Vince don't worry!" I said trying to reassure them and to me it sounds like I gained another sister; an older one. "Besides don't we have a race to get ready for?" I asked trying to change the subject and thankfully it worked.
"Oh don't worry about that! I got everything handled!" Arcee said a little mischievously and it kinda made me nervous at what she was planning, but I trust that she does know what she's doing.
Jack and I exchanged a look before saying, "Alright we trust you!" We then waited for Vince to show up along with Sierra and her friend. Let's hope this is all worth it and we don't get in trouble.
One Hour Later: Drucker's Ranch
Once everyone was in the position at the starting line, Vince finally spoke up, "From here to the next mile marker! Ready…go!" He said as he raced forward with us on his tail.
"Well that was fair!" Jack said in irritation as we raced right by Sierra and her friend as they watched us race from a distance.
"Since when is Vince fair?" I asked him, but I wasn't expecting an answer as we were trying to catch up.
Jack and I had the same thought when we said, "Uhh Arcee?" Confused at why she wasn't picking up the pace.
"Winning isn't enough Jack, Jordyn! You two wanna make him cry?" Arcee asked sounding like she wanted to put Vince in his place as much we did.
Arcee then kicked it up a notch as we sped up right next to Vince on the left side. Vince then turned his head and gasped in shock as Jack and I waved at him. Then Arcee lifted off the ground doing a wheelie no doubt showing off and we accelerated forward passing Vince. We then finally reached the mile marker sign, winning the race with no effort.
"Whoo hoo! Amazing!" Jack shouted with one arm raised as Arcee honked her horn in celebration.
"Awesome! Good job Arcee! Take that Vince!" I shouted happily as we went down the rode to head back to base.
Jack just laughed, "Maybe now would be a good time to offer Sierra a ride once around the block!" He said trying to slip one past Arcee during the excitement, but it didn't work.
"Don't push it!" Arcee said in warning as I was silently thanking her for denying Jack's idea. I don't like Sierra and she doesn't like me so we try to avoid each other as much as possible.
Jack just sighed and said, "Okay. Besides I don't want ruin Jordyn's silent celebration by giving Sierra a ride!" Apparently Jack picked up on my dislike for her very quickly. A twin thing I think.
"What gave you that hint?" I said trying to act innocent, but it didn't work as he turned around for a moment and gave me a look. "I'm sorry Jack I just don't like her and in case you didn't notice she's never liked me."
Arcee then decided to come in, "Any particular reason for that Jordyn? If you want to tell of course." She asked curiously turning her mirrors towards me.
"I'm not really sure why, she just resents me for some reason." I lied only because I don't want to make Jack upset with the truth and I'll just tell Arcee later, hopefully Jack won't pick up on my lie. Thankfully he didn't.
"Maybe she is jealous for some reason." Jack stated and I silently sighed in relief he didn't catch me lying this time.
I just shrugged my shoulders, "Maybe. I tried to be nice to her, but it didn't work so I'm just going the sarcastic yet truthful way of approaching her." I said while we turned on the last stretch of road before heading towards the base. "And don't worry I'm not going to ruin your chances of a date with her!" I said with a smile and even though I couldn't Jack's face, I know he's blushing slightly.
"I have no idea what your talking about!" Jack said in denial, but stuttering slightly and that indicates he's lying.
Arcee seemed to pick up on it, "Oh I think you do Jack!" She said and I could just hear the smile on her face.
"Do not Arcee!" Jack said still in denial which in turn made me laugh, but we halted the conversation as we entered the base.
Autobot Base:
After we got off of Arcee, Jack and I went for a walk down the hallway in search of Miko and Raf. Although we didn't notice Arcee driving next to us until she transformed and we came to a stop.
Arcee then looked down at us. "Not a word to anyone!" She said sternly, meaning no one should know about the race.
Jack and I just smiled and said, "Our little secret!" Arcee then smiled at us and walked away while Miko ran up to Jack and I in excitement.
"Vroom vroom vroom! And the winner is…" Miko said while making biking movements and waiting for our response in anticipation. This shocked Jack and I both and we wondered how did she find out.
"Miko who told you?" Jack asked in shock and no doubt hoping no one else was around to hear our conversation.
Miko just gave a look of disbelief, "Are you kidding?! Its all over school!" She said in excitement as Raf came up beside us.
"Wow that was quick!" I said with little surprise, knowing full well that Sierra told everyone about the outcome of the race against Vince.
"You beat the pants off that no good bully Vince!" Raf said with smile as Jack and I pulled them both into a group huddle.
Jack then gave out a stern warning, "You guys have to keep this on the down low!" He said as I picked up on his next warning. "Especially from Optimus!" They both nodded their heads in agreement and I hate keeping secrets, experience from lying to Pem, but this was a major secret not to tell.
"So how badly did you beat him? I want to know all the deats!" Miko said in excitement and Raf looked interested as well to hear the story.
I just smiled, "Well since Jack 'won' the race…he should be the one to tell the story!" I said starting to walk away because I really needed to talk to Arcee.
Jack then gave out a sigh, "You always find loopholes in story time don't you Jordyn?" He asked jokingly, he knows me better than anyone.
"Who me? No!" I said as I walked down the hallways to Arcee's quarters only to find her reading from what looks like a data pad.
Arcee then took notice of my presence, "Oh hey Jordyn! Is there something wrong?" She asked curiously as I made my way into her room.
"No nothing's wrong! Its just I lied earlier about why Sierra dislikes me." I said a little guilty as Arcee put down her data pad and turned her attention to me.
"I had a feeling you were. I could tell that you were hiding something so that you wouldn't upset your brother." Arcee said as I nodded my head in agreement. "Go on! I won't tell Jack." She said waiting for my explanation.
I just sighed, "I don't like Sierra because she is not a trustworthy person. She hides her true self from anyone and puts on this sweet innocent demeanor when deep down she isn't. She plays so innocent and forgetful so that she can win over almost anybody. Her main target: boys." Arcee then nodded her head, indicating for me to go on. "Now that's why I don't like her and the only reason why she doesn't like me is because I can see through her mask. It bugs her to no end that I can see right through her and that I can get under her skin every time I talk to her. Although she knows one way that she can get to me…" I trailed off in my explanation, not wanting to say it. Thankfully Arcee picked up on what I was going to say next.
"Is through Jack!" Arcee said in disbelief and in anger as well. "She is playing with his feelings!" She said now with anger dominant in his voice.
"Like there one of Raf's video games!" I said with anger and sadness in my voice. "I try to protect him the best that I can, but sometimes that isn't enough. Jack can be too stubborn to listen to anything I have to say about her. Ugh I wish sometimes he would just listen!" I then said in frustration as I rubbed my temples trying to calm myself down.
Arcee then put a hand on my shoulder, "Hey Jordyn it's alright! Your not the only one going to protect him anymore! I'll be here to help!" She said with a smile, her anger fading and I smiled appreciatively. "Although it seems to me that she is afraid of you in some way."
I just shook my head, "No, she just knows better than to mess with me! She tries to avoid me the best that she can." I explained to Arcee truthfully. "She knows better than to cross the line with me! Trust me!" I said with confidence and that made Arcee relax a little.
Arcee and I then kept discussing what we needed to do in order to protect Jack from Sierra and from himself as well. It's going to be a hard task because of the insane crush he has on Sierra even though he wouldn't admit it. Jack can be as stubborn headed as a mule sometimes and it irritates me to no end. Although with Arcee on my side, her stubbornness can outweigh his…I hope!
Time cut to Jasper High end of the day:
Today I have become more popular then I have been since I started high school. Everybody heard about our race against Vince and would ask questions constantly, but I didn't fail to notice that Vince was fuming in the back. He isn't the one to ignore a blow to his pride and I hope Jack realizes that. Vince is going to find some way to get back at us for beating him at one of the things he does best: racing. Other than Vince, I was watching Sierra as well, she kept making her way towards Jack every chance she gets, but I managed to step in each time. It pisses her off each time not to mention Jack as well, but I'm his twin sister so he's used to me being by his side. On the other hand Sierra wasn't and she let me know of that when I was putting stuff in my locker while Jack was waiting outside.
"You know you can't keep him away from me forever." Sierra said as she approached me at my locker and I just kept silent while she talked to me. "He's going to get annoyed with you hanging around him like glue you know." She said with an arrogant smirk on her face.
'Maybe but at least he's away from you!' I thought to myself, but remained quiet as she continued talking.
Sierra kept her little arrogant smile on her face, "I know you can look at me like I'm a piece of glass Jordyn, but your brother unfortunately can't." She said trying to get me to talk, but it wasn't working as I stayed silent and I could tell she was getting annoyed. "So the silent treatment huh? How mature of you! So you won't mind me saying that your brother is to oblivious to know the truth and that he'll never make it in this world if he relies too much on his heart and not his head." She said arrogantly with the biggest smile on her face, feeling proud of what she said. I then slammed my locker as hard as I could and Sierra jumped back with a look of fear on her face, knowing she pushed it to far this time.
"At least he has a heart unlike you! Jack will make it in this world believe it or not! He does use his head all the time in situations that seem impossible!" I said with anger that would match Arcee's perfectly and Sierra started to back away a little from me. "Don't ever talk about my brother that way again because if you don't…I hope you have an ambulance on standby because your going to need one when I'm done with you!" I threatened as she got a look of fear on her face, but then changed to a smile.
"Oh I know you won't beat me up Jordyn because you wouldn't want to damage the twin relationship you two have. If you intentionally hurt me because of your dislike towards me, Jack will be hurt in the process. Crushing his crush will make him feel betrayed by his own sister." Sierra said now in mock horror, but the smiled that fake smile.
I clenched my fist into tight balls as I said, "That's where your wrong! Jack would never act that way and our relationship as twins will be fine maybe even stronger!" I said confident yet still angry at the little witch standing in front of me.
Sierra then started to walk away while saying, "Maybe, maybe not! We'll just have to see shall we!" She then walked towards the doors no doubt to go talk to Jack and I rushed after her.
She may think that she has gotten me, but she failed to notice that I had my phone on record the whole time. Even if Jack doesn't believe what I say, I have proof that will!
'Always one step ahead of you Sierra!' I thought to myself as we both made it to the doors and like clockwork Sierra put on her sweet demeanor as Jack turned to face us.
"Hey I've been looking for you! The race! How great was that! I was like 'Yeah go Jack!'" Sierra cheered in the same peppy voice she has at cheerleading. It took every ounce of my control not to punch her right now!
Jack then got a smile on his face, "It-it was no big deal!" He said humbly, but was shoved aside as Vince came up to stand in front of him.
"You got that right! You think you can run with the big boys…the Circuit tonight…11 p.m." Vince said convincingly and in front of Sierra, no doubt trying to pressure Jack into racing.
Jack looked back at me and Sierra as I gave him signals that indicated this was a bad idea, but Jack ignored me as he said, "I'll be there!" Vince gave Jack a glare and walked past him to leave.
"See you there Jack!" Sierra then said sweetly as she started to walk away, but the stopped. "Bye Jordyn!" She said in a tone that infuriates me as I gave her a glare as she continued walking.
I then came up behind Jack and smacked him in the back of the head, "Ow! Hey Jordyn what was that for?" He said in confusion as he rubbed his head.
"Clearly we need new signals when it comes to bad ideas! Jack what were you thinking! Arcee will never go for it!" I said trying to get him to understand his mistake.
"I don't know what I was thinking, but I couldn't just say no in front of Sierra! Besides you want to put Vince in his place don't you?" He asked waiting for my response.
I just sighed in frustration, "Yes I do Jack, but racing in an illegal street race is not the way to go! Besides Arcee won't agree to it anyways!" I said calmly as I could, but was interrupted by Arcee driving up.
"Hey you two! How was school?" Arcee asked curiously as we took off towards base and when we both didn't answer right away, she knew something was wrong. "Hey are you guys okay?" She asked, worried now at our silence.
I put my hand on his shoulder urging him to go on and explain what happen to Arcee. Jack took a deep breath and began to explain recent events. I didn't speak much during the explanation, only at times when needed to. When Jack ended with him agreeing to the race that Vince pressured him into, needless to say Arcee was less than pleased.
"You agreed to what?!" Arcee exclaimed in shock as Jack and I cringed a little at how high her voice got.
"Some secret racing club! I don't know! I didn't have a choice! Sierra was standing right there!" Jack exclaimed trying to explain his decision.
Arcee just moved her mirrors in our direction, "You always have a choice Jack! And what part of 'just this once' did you not understand?" Arcee asked in a scolding tone my mom would use when we were in trouble.
"I know! I'm sorry! But we're on right?" Jack asked trying to pull a fast one on Arcee and he has yet to learn that never works on her.
"We are not on!" Arcee said, her tone final in her decision and Jack just sighed in defeat, knowing she wouldn't budge.
I just leaned over on his shoulder, "Told you she wouldn't go for it." I whispered quietly so that Arcee wouldn't hear. The rest of the ride was silent and none of us wanted to talk anyways.
Autobot Base:
As we got to base, Arcee said that she has to go on patrol and will be back in a little while. When she left, Jack was still silent from the conversation, but then I realized this wasn't his angry silence… it was his thinking silence. He was coming up with a idea to go to that race!
"Jack I know your coming up with a plan to go to that race!" I said in realization and brought Jack out of his silence.
Jack just looked at me and around the room to make sure nobody was listening, "Jordyn I have to go! Vince will never leave us alone if I don't! All I need to do is convince Raf if Bumblebee will race!" He said trying to convince me in a pleading tone.
"No way Jack! Raf and 'Bee will never agree to this! This is a crazy idea!" I said unconvinced by his so called plan to race.
Jack just sighed, "I know it is Jordyn! I have to try though!" He said making his way up to where Raf was playing his video game with 'Bee watching from behind.
"Jack!" I said while chasing him up the platform trying to prevent him from being in bigger trouble, but failing epically.
"Hey Raf?" Jack asked a bit hesitantly as the car Raf was racing crashed by his moment of brief distraction. "Uh can I borrow Bumblebee for like an hour?" He asked while pointing behind him at Bumblebee. 'Bee then beeped in a tone that sounded like he was offended.
I just sighed, "Jack he isn't an inanimate object!" I scolded lightly as he just gave me a look in response.
"Jack you know racing's against the rules! What if Optimus found out?" Raf asked in an unsure tone as if he was scared as 'Bee then beeped in the same type of tone.
Miko then decided to join the conversation with Bulkhead trailing her, "But Raf he's got to get the girl!" She explained trying to convince Raf to think otherwise and Jack just gave her a look.
"And?" I asked a bit annoyed, urging her to explain further which in turn she gave me a look.
Miko just raised an eyebrow, "And beat the bully!" She said convincingly, knowing full well that Raf couldn't turn it down.
"Well…" Raf then said in an unsure tone and I could tell that he was debating whether or not he should let them.
Jack, being Jack, came up to him in a pleading tone, "Come on Raf…just this once!" Raf then was silent for what seems like an eternity.
"Okay Jack I'm fine with it, but it's up to 'Bee too. 'Bee?" Raf asked looking up at his guardian who in turn beeped a response and Raf translated. "He said he will do it." Raf's tone still a little unsure.
Jack then put a hand on his shoulder, "Hey it will okay Raf! Just this one race and that's it!" He said as Raf smiled a little in relief and I in turn just looked at Jack, worried. "Hey Jordyn you want to come?" He asked curiously as 'Bee transformed waiting for Jack to come.
I just sighed, "Only to make sure that you won't dig yourself any deeper!" I said as I made my way down to Jack and 'Bee. "And I want to see the look on Vince's if 'Bee wins." I said as Bumblebee made a beeping sound. "Okay when you win 'Bee! Geez everyone's competitive as of late!" I said defensively even though I can't understand him it was obvious he was disagreeing with me.
"Be careful guys!" Raf said in a worried tone as he leaned over the rail. 'Bee beeped something that I couldn't understand to him and it made Raf relax a little.
Miko then leaned on the rail, "Tell me how it goes! I want to know everything." She said in excitement and anticipation.
Jack then leaned out 'Bee's window, "We will and guys don't say anything to Optimus or Arcee please!" He begged as we raced out of the base with Jack giving directions to 'Bee on where to go.
The Circuit:
We managed to get there a few minutes before the race started and we went up to the starting line. I noticed that we parked right next to Vince's car and Jack rolled down driver's side window. Vince then finally notice our presence and gasped in shock at what we came in.
Jack then propped his elbow up, " Bike's in the shop!" He explained to Vince who just gave him a glare and Jack gave him one back.
"Yeah bike's going to be pissed off!" I muttered myself, but Jack managed to hear and give me a look. We then looked up to see Sierra standing in the headlights as the flag person and she smiled and waved to Jack. I looked at her with disgust, but Jack just looked at her like he's seen light for the first time. I snapped my fingers to get him to focus again and he then looked ahead as the announcer came on.
"Circuit drivers are you ready?" All cars and 'Bee revved their engines. "Make it mean, but keep it clean. Fire'em up in 5, 4, 3, 2...1!" Sierra then brought her hands down indicating the race's start.
Every car then took off at blinding speeds around each corner. We were neck and neck with Vince for the first position, but then Bumblebee managed to get around him easily. Jack was smiling at the prospect of winning and for a moment I was too. Things were looking up until we heard 'Bee starting to beep a little bit frantically.
"What was that 'Bee?" Jack asked confused as he turned around to look and I looked in the rearview mirror as well.
I then gasped when I recognized a car, "Is that who I think it is?" I asked Jack, wondering if he knew who I was talking about.
"Wait I know that car!" Jack exclaimed, but was interrupted as 'Bee drove up onto the sides at an angle and we hung on for dear life.
I was struggling to keep myself from slamming into 'Bee's door, "Hang on!" I said Jack ,but I managed to look and see a blaster pointed at us. "Scrap! Definitely a con!" I shouted while we were being blasted at and then 'Bee launched himself up over the side onto the road. We landed with a jolt as we raced off with Knockout following close behind us.
Racing outside/through Jasper:
"Can you lose him 'Bee?" Jack asked frantically and Bumblebee beeped in response. "What did you say?" Jack asked confused and 'Bee beeped another response and Jack gave up trying to understand. "I hope that means yes! I really don't want to call base for back up!" He said in a scared tone and I knew exactly why he didn't want to.
"Not saying I don't trust 'Bee here, but Jack it would be wise to contact base before anyone gets hurt!" I said calmly as I could given the current situation and he just sighed to himself, but nodded his head in agreement. It was silent for a moment before we heard Raf's voice over 'Bee's console.
"You're being chased by Knockout?!" Raf exclaimed in worry and concern.
"Sounds like a Decepticon!" Miko said stating the obvious.
"'Bee do not engage! You main priority is to keep Jack and Jordyn safe!" Arcee ordered before cutting off the connection.
"Oh well the cat's out of the bag! Now we got to find a place to hide!" I said to 'Bee as we were still being blasted at. Then all of a sudden I see Knockout spinning out on what looks like oil.
Jack and I looked at each other, "Slick!" We both said relieved as 'Bee pulled under an overpass and shut off for a moment so Knockout will drive right past us. It was working as Knockout drove above us and stopped for a moment, but then drove off.
"I think we lost him 'Bee, Jordyn!" Jack whispered in quiet relief, but we were still tense at the situation we were in. Just as things were in the clear, headlights flashed in our direction. It was none other than Vince. "You've got to be kidding me!" He said annoyance yet worry was evident as well.
I just sighed in irritation, "Scrap! How did he find us?" I asked to no one in particular and I have no doubt that he just gave away our position.
"DARBY!" Vince shouted as he cracked his knuckles and walked toward us angrily.
"Vince you have to get out of here! You win congratulations! Now go!" Jack shouted trying to get him to go away, but he wouldn't budge.
Vince then slammed his hands on Bumblebee's hood, "No start her back up losers! We're finishing this race! You don't want to take it to the track fine! Then we got something to settle right here and right-whoa! Ah!" Vince was the interrupted as Knockout grabbed him from in front of us.
We then jumped out of Bumblebee and ran on top of the overpass only to see Knockout driving off. Jack and I looked at each other wondering what we should do now. We then heard Bumblebee drive up behind us.
"'Bee he's getting away!" Jack shouted in urgency as 'Bee just beeped something that we couldn't understand of course and Jack lost it. "I can't understand you!" He shouted, frustrated at the situation at hand.
"Jack easy! It's not his fault! Shouting is not going to help the situation in anyway possible. Just calm down! We'll figure out we need to do." I said grabbing him by the shoulders to calm him down.
Jack took a deep breath, "Sorry 'Bee! I'm not Raf. Can you just honk once for good news and honk twice for bad news?" He asked a bit more calmly, but was interrupted by the sound of three honks. We looked up to see Arcee and Bulkhead driving towards us.
"I think it's a mixture between good and bad." I whispered to Jack as Arcee, 'Bee, and Bulkhead transformed and let's just say Arcee looked less than pleased.
Arcee then put her hands on her hips, "Jack, Jordyn we need to have a little chat." She stated a little bit more calmly than we expected, but she still looked pretty pissed. Although there were more important matters to handle at the moment.
"Later Arcee!" Jack and I said waving off her threat for now and focused on how were going to solve this predicament were in.
"Vince got snatched by that slick sports car con!" Jack explained to the rest of them and I nodded my head in agreement.
Arcee then got a look of confusion, "What would Knockout want with a random human?" She asked curiously looking down at us.
"He probably mistook Vince for Bumblebee's human friend." I stated as Jack nodded his head in agreement.
"She's right, but were not even Bumblebee's human friends." Jack stated as we both then came to the same conclusion. "It doesn't matter why he took him! Vince is in trouble!"
Bulkhead then just shrugged his shoulders, "Oh well! Tough break for Vince!" He stated as if he could care less.
"Bulkhead!" Jack and I scolded him at his last statement and he just got a look of shock on his face.
"What? The guy's a jerk!" Bulkhead said defensively as Arcee and Bumblebee gave him a weird look.
Jack just shook his head, "No argument there!" He agreed on one thing with Bulkhead's statement, but then Jack and I agreed on another thing. "But the guy is also innocent! Vince doesn't deserve to be crushed by cons!" We both stated, our tone final in this debate.
Arcee then looked at us and transformed, "Hop on!" She said in urgency and we both complied with a smile.
All of us then took off in the same direction Knockout went and we hoped to find him quickly. We were racing through town on a desperate search and when it all seemed hopeless, Knockout raced by right in front of us. We immediately got on his tail, but stayed at a distance. Knockout then turned into the storage unit area and we pulled back for a moment.
"Be on your guard boys! It could be a trap!" Arcee said in warning to 'Bee and Bulk who were on either side of us.
Jack then decided to speak, "Remember no shooting!" He reminded them because there was another human in play.
"Unless necessary!" I added as they both took off and Arcee pulled over to a nearby sidewalk to let us get off.
"Speaking of safety, here's where you two get off!" Arcee said as she then took off towards the others.
Jack and I both took off our helmets as we waited for the others to return. We stood in silence for a moment until we heard blaster fire. There were numerous noises coming off to our right and Jack got a worried look on his face.
"Easy Jack! I'm sure everyone's fine!" I said trying to calm him down, but it didn't help that I wasn't all too calm myself. Then I heard a roar of an engine as we saw Knockout drive by with Arcee standing on top. She was easily knocked off, but she transformed in the nick of time and sped off to catch up with Knockout.
Jack then got a slight smile on his face, "That's my girl!" He said proudly at watching Arcee kick it up to high gear.
"You taught her well! Street racing has it's advantages I suppose." I said with a slight smile, but faded when I heard more crashing in the distance and then silence. Just as I was about to say something, I heard Bumblebee drive up next to us with doors open. We then hopped in and chased after Arcee.
'I hope Arcee is okay!' I thought to myself as we continued down the road for what seems like an eternity, but then was caught by the sight of Arcee. Jack and I looked at each other, confused as to why she slowed down, but then we knew why. Optimus was standing there with a unconscious Vince in hand and Knockout running off. We were definitely busted now and by the look on Optimus's face he wasn't to pleased with any of us. Jack and I rolled down the windows to get a better look and to talk to Optimus.
"Optimus this was my fault!" Jack and I both said, ashamed of ourselves and regretting what just happened. We looked at each other confused, not expecting the other to say that.
Optimus then removed his shield over his mouth, "We must get this boy to safety immediately. Explanations can come later from all of you." He said in a disappointed tone of voice and I have no doubts that were going to be lectured for this.
I moved from the passenger side to the backseat so that the bots could put Vince there. Jack, 'Bee and I then took off back to his car. The ride was at an awkward silence yet we needed it from what just happened. Well it was silent for a little bit until Vince stirred and finally woke up.
"What happened?" Vince asked still a little groggy from being unconscious for too long.
Jack remained calm while saying, "Some guys jumped you and we found passed out on the side of the rode." He explained smoothly like nothing has happened in the past hour.
"Really." Vince asked still a little confused at what Jack was telling him so I decided to speak up.
"Yeah it's true." I said calmly as I was readjusting myself in the backseat so my hurt foot has some leverage. We then stopped at the overpass where Vince's car was left at.
Vince then got out and Jack decided to speak, " You know Vince after what happened tonight…I decided that racing isn't really my thing. It's best if we moved on." He finally admitted with a defeated sigh.
"I hear you Darby. Hard to win a race driving a pedal car!" Vince rudely stated and I could tell that 'Bee has had enough for one night because he floored it, leaving Vince in his dust.
We then drove down the rode back to base in silence again to hear what Optimus is going to say to us. I was ready to own up to my part in this and Jack was too and I could tell that the trust between us and the others has dwindled.
Time cut to the next day at Jasper High:
Let's just say the lecture we received from Optimus yesterday wasn't an easy one on all of us. Optimus didn't yell at us, but the look of disappointment on his face made it seem like it. We all told of our part in the fiasco that we went through starting with the day before with Jack, Arcee, and I first race and so on. Optimus then began to explain how disappointed he was disappointed in all of us and I could tell he was most disappointed in Jack and I. Then Jack proceeded to say that none of this is my fault, just his only, despite my protests that it wasn't. Although Jack and I did give out our most sincere apologies to everyone there before leaving to go home. I've never been so ashamed of myself in my life and Jack felt the same way. It was a hard day at school today and even though everyone forgave us for what we did, the day was still hard for us. Jack and I were about to leave school and go to base when Sierra came by.
"Hey Jack! Do you still have time for that ride?" Sierra asked in that innocent tone again and I absolutely had no patience for it right now, but I held my tongue.
Jack then turned to look at Arcee and I and back to Sierra with a sigh, "I'm sorry Sierra I can't right now." He said sadly as he knew he didn't want to push anymore boundaries.
"No problem. I guess I'll see you around." Sierra said in disappointment and Jack just sighed in sadness. It hurt me to see him this way and it seemed that way to Arcee as well so she drove up next to Jack.
"Hop on!" Arcee said hoping to cheer up Jack and it worked because Jack lit up like a Christmas tree.
Jack was in shock at her decision, "Whoa really?" He said hoping that she wasn't playing around with him.
Arcee just wiggled her mirrors, "Just this once." She calmly stated and Jack went to stop Sierra and she looked excited to go and she went to go get her helmet out of her locker.
"Wait what about you Jordyn?" Jack asked curiously while turning my way with a slightly worried look on his face.
"Oh don't worry about me Jack! I'll just walk towards the edge of town and wait for you guys there!" I said with a smile and I started to walk away since I saw Sierra returning and I could see his smile reappear as they took off.
Making my way towards the edge of town taking my sweet time I might add so I could have time to think to myself for a bit. What happened last night was unacceptable to everything Jack and I have been taught our whole lives and we are deeply ashamed of it. We learn from our mistakes and unfortunately the pressures of high school can cause us to make those mistakes. Jack and I learned this and we hope never to do it again because not only did our mistake hurt us, but everyone else we care about in the process well with the exception of Vince. Now with that said I think I can move on from what happened and hope not to make the same mistake again and try not strangle Sierra every time I see her. Yes Arcee and I let her go on a ride with Jack only because he was having a bad day and we didn't want to see him upset. Sierra may think that she has gotten us all fooled, but if she crosses the line again…I still have the recording.
Well there you go guys another chapter down! I appreciate all the reviews and views I've gotten! You guys are amazing! I promise that there will be more development in Jordyn's healing abilities and the story will get better as it goes along trust me! In the next chapter Jack and Arcee go on a routine mission, but have to leave Jordyn behind because she is still on an Autobot grounding. But what happens when they don't return for a long time? How will Jordyn handle this? Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and like always reviews are appreciated! See you guys later!