Sorry I didn't update when I usually do. I couldn't get my ideas on paper so I forced myself to finish it finally. I'm gonna try and update every Friday but I don't make any promises. Anyways onto the story!

Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers.

Chapter 3

Waking up in a different bed was a bit odd at first but I accustomed to it quickly. I didn't have to look at the time to know that it was 7. Nowadays my body automatically wakes itself up at the same time.

I opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling.

I have to get used to things and make my life here as happy as I can. And so I did. I got ready for my daily workout and was downstairs in no time. Not knowing either or not I should wait to eat, I decided to simply eat at a later time.

Stepping outside the first thing I saw was a huge contraption. And when I mean huge I mean huge. It was a black GMC Topkick C4500. The thing looked like the dinosaur of all cars. Thinking quickly on my feet I realized this must be Ron's vehicle. Ironhide.

I still found it odd that he named his car. Gawking at its exterior I continued down the driveway and onto the sidewalk down the road. The truck must be used on missions since it was so big and sturdy.

Nevertheless I made my usual hour jog a half hour longer just to get used to my new surroundings. Since the house was so far away from the city, it was surrounded by farm land and open fields. Will and Sarah owned a few horses; about 7 or 8 and a family friend would work for them and take care of them.

If there was one person you couldn't keep the horses from it was Anna. It seemed like she loved being around them more than humans.

I finished my workout and walked back into the house. I grabbed a banana from the counter and drank some water. Deciding to clean myself up, I opted for a shower.

After I finished my shower, I got dressed in more a more fashionable and fitting version of black cargo pants, a grey tank top and my favorite necklace that had a J on it. I decided to do an upside down French braid bun in my hair wanting something fun to do with it today. By the time I finished getting ready everyone was awake and I was being called down for breakfast.

" Did you sleep alright? " Sarah asked when I sat down to eat.

" Yeah, it feels good to sleep in my own bed. "

" I noticed you were lacking some clothes and thought It'd be a good idea to go shopping in town today. "

" I think that's a great idea! " Anna happily squealed. Will chuckled.

" Of course you do. You think anything having to do with clothes a good idea. " I snickered as she pouted.

" Oh Jess, I have a letter for you from the US military. Came in just this morning. " Will said.

I opened the envelope and unfolded the letter.

Dear Miss Jessica Lennox,

On behalf of the United States' Military Government and, on the recommendations of Lieutenant Colonel William Lennox and Chief Master Sergeant Robert Epps, it is my pleasure to welcome you to be part of the military organization entitled NEST. Your admission to NEST is your first step in becoming part of the US military.

As you have previously passed the physical and mental exams, you will see information attached to this letter about the specifications of your depart on the 2nd of September.

Additionally, we have decided to enlist a new program into the organization to improve abilities of our rankings. The program is called CANINE; where a breed of dog of your choice will be assigned to you with the week of this letter to help enhance your performance. Your companion is to be your responsibility at all times and to be trained on your own personal time until arrival at NEST.

More information will be given to you upon your arrival and this letter is to be burned after reading.

Congratulation and welcome to Nest soldier.

Sincerely,

General Morshower

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and NEST leader

" I received a letter as well so I know exactly about CANINE. You'll be picking your little buddy after your little excursion. " Will explained after I finished reading. I squealed with joy.

" Did you and Epps really recommend me? " I asked surprised.

" Yeah, I didn't know if you still wanted to go into the military after all these years so Epps and I went ahead and wrote our recommendations to Morshower. I'm just glad he accepted my letter since I'm your uncle and all. " He smiled.

" Thank you thank you thank you! " I hugged him with all my might. He chuckled as he returned the hug.

" What did you mean by little buddy dad? " Anna asked curiously.

" Oh don't you worry honey, you won't be missing out. " Will retorted.

After we had finished eating and cleaning the dishes we all headed out to the minivan. As I exited the house I could see the garage doors open. I peaked inside to see the black Topkick parked inside and Ron underneath the hood trying to fix it. He noticed my presence as he glanced over to the entrance of the garage where I was standing and I blushed at being caught. However, I was saved by my knight in shining armor Annabelle.

" Hey Ron! " She said walking in further than I was.

" Yeah? " He asked gruffly still bent over his car.

" We're going into town, you want to come? " He looked at her for a moment thinking then deciding.

" Yeah I need a few parts for the truck. " He said.

" Really!? Yay! You never come with us. " Anna exclaimed excitedly. Ron looked at her with a certain gentleness that didn't go unnoticed by me. The same feeling overtook me from when Anna hugged Ron yesterday. I had to stop this now. I mean I barely just met the guy and I was getting jealous from the way he was looking at my cousin?

" There's a first for everything isn't there? " He replied.

" Maybe it's because it's not just me and my mom going this time. " She said slyly. At that point I couldn't stop the blush that came over me and I looked down. I could practically feel his eyes on me. He coughed to get out of our current situation.

" Like I said I need some parts for my truck. " He answered back quickly.

" Suuurrreee. Whatever you say Ronny. " She looked at him innocently. He glowered at her.

" I told you to stop calling me that. " He said while whipping his hands.

" And I thought you knew better than to lie. " She retorted challengingly. He raised a brow at her but didn't reply to her comment.

" Tell your mother that were taking my truck. " After he said that I took it upon myself to exit the garage.

I can't believe that I just stood there blushing like a tomato and didn't say a word. I certainly lived up to the expectations of a blonde in that moment.

As Anna went to tell her mother who was still in the house, I sat on the porch to await the two women. When they came out we all headed to Ron's truck that he drove out of the garage. Sarah took the passenger seat as I took the one behind hers and Anna the one behind the driver's.

It didn't take long for us to arrive at the mall with Ron's extreme speeding. He was going 50 over and he managed to slow down whenever we passed a cop car to my amazement.

We all got out and headed to the entrance.

" I'm gonna let you ladies do your thing for a couple hours and we'll meet up for lunch later okay? " Ron asked.

" Ok I'll text you when we're done. " Was Anna's reply.

We headed to the first store of many and started browsing around. Anna found a few cute dresses and Sarah had picked out a few items as well. I didn't quite find anything I liked so I just waited for them to try on their clothes.

" So what do you think of Ron? " Anna asked me through the change room. My face grew hotter at his name.

" What of him? " I said. I really didn't want aunt Sarah thinking I liked him in that manner. Because I obviously didn't. I was just simply physically attracted to him. Quite a big difference if you ask me.

" Oh you know what I mean. " She said with what I could imagine was a smirk.

" He seems nice. "

" Nice? That's all I'm gonna get? Your eyes were totally all over him last night! " She exclaimed while coming out wearing a light green summer dress. And of course Sarah had come out at the same time with her new outfit on.

" Oh let her be Anna. We all know he is quite the looker. " Sarah said.

" Eww mom! He's totally not your age. " Anna scrunched up her face in disgust.

" What? We all know it's true. " My aunt said casually. I giggled at my cousin's reaction.

" Well you're not supposed to think that. You're married! " Anna replied still a bit grossed out.

" And? Doesn't mean I can't appreciate an attractive male. " I burst out laughing. The sales clerk looked at me oddly.

" Oh my ears! " Anna said dramatically.

After my laughter had died down we went to a few more store where I bought a few things I liked. I may or may not of have bought two new pairs of shoes but it wasn't my fault! They were on sale!

Anna had just texted Ron that we were ready to meet up for lunch. We separated when I told them that I wanted to check out HMV while they headed to the food court.

I walked into the store and headed towards the CDs. Even if it was easy to download music these days I still loved buying actually CDs to play in my laptop.

As I neared the aisle I could feel someone watching me. As I turned around I saw a man who looked to be in his early twenties with blondish brown hair and green eyes. He seemed like a guy that would have a majority of girls swooning at the sight of him. When I locked eyes with him he smiled at me like he had been staring at me for a few moments now but didn't seem to care. Go figure. I gave a small smile back to be polite.

I reached my destination and started looking for anything new. As I searched through the racks I felt a presence behind me but my better judgement told me to ignore it.

" What kind of music are looking for? " A voice asked beside me. I looked up and saw the same guy from before but he was more closer now. A little bit too close for my comfort.

" Anything pop or any oldies. I especially like the 90's. As long as it's not country. " I said to be polite.

" Yeah I'm not a fan of country either. I much prefer jazz or pop myself. " He put his hand at the side of my head so that it looked like I was trapped between him and the stand. And as he placed his arm on the stand he made sure to flex his muscles to make himself feel superior and all macho I assumed.

" I can appreciate many types of music however. " I said trying to end the conversation. I wasn't looking at any CDs anymore at this point.

" The names Adam. " He stretched out his hand.

" Jessica. " I said wearily and shook his hand. He brought it to his lips and kissed the back of my hand and I swore he left some of his saliva on there. Gross. He held my hand for a few seconds too long. I retracted my hand and wiped it on the side of my pants as slyly as possible.

" So how's about I take you out for dinner sometime? " Adam asked me with hunger in his eyes. I internally shivered. I felt myself shiver physically a bit too.

" Um no thank you. " I said walking away. I didn't get far when I felt a hand grab my wrist.

" Aww come on babe don't play hard to get. " He tugged me back closer to him. I wish I hadn't given Sarah my shopping bags so I could of hit him with them.

" I'm really not interested. " I said trying not to be rude but also while trying to leave. However he wouldn't let go of my wrist.

" Just think about it. A guy like me. A girl like you. " His eyes roamed all over my body appreciatively at that last part. He turned me around so that my back was to him and had my arms pinned down. " We could have so much fun together. " He whispered in my ear. At that moment everything froze.

My mind was brought back to Nick and fear raked my body. Tears started to flood my eyes as my body went rigid. I had hoped not to feel like this ever again.

" Let her go! " An authoritative voice demanded. I looked up from my blurry vision to see Ron's threatening form not two feet from us.

" And what'cha gonna do about it pal? " Adam questioned. In one quick movement I was out of my captor's hold and Adam was the one being held by a fuming Ron. The latter had my captor's arms in a sickening hold that could easily break his arms.

" You leave her alone you got that? " Ron said menacingly. Adam gave a quick nod.

" Yeah man, whatever you say. Just let go. " Ron pushed him away and Adam went flying to the ground. At that point I was on the verge of tears but kept them from leaking out. Ron turned to face me and his once angered stance softened as he looked at me with concern.

" Come on. Sarah and Annabelle are gonna be wondering where we went. " He said softly as he wrapped an arm around my waist to guide me out. If I weren't in this situation I would of been blushing like crazing for having his hand on my waist. It's always been the most sensitive spot on my body.

We stopped to sit on a nearby bench. He sat me down beside him as I shook with fear.

" Hey it's alright. You don't have to be afraid. " He cooed. " Jessica look at me please. " He raised my chin with his index fingers so that I was looking right at him. He eyes were so blue up close.

" Forget what happened back there. He's gone and I'm gonna make sure nothing happens to you alright? " My shoulders shook with sobs and he wrapped an arm around my body to shield me from everything. In return I wrapped my arms around his waist and tucked my head under his chin. I tried to listen to his heartbeat to calm myself but all I felt was an energy like no other radiating off him. I chose to ignore it in reason of my sanity.

After a few minute my sobs calmed down and I was able to breathe normally. I slowly retracted myself from his warm body and looked up at him embarrassed.

" I-I'm sorry. " I whispered.

" You have nothing to apologize for. " He soothed my worries down.

" I'm ready to go now. " I took a few deep breaths before standing up. He stood up as well but looked at me wearily. He started to move forward and I picked up my pace beside him. I was still a bit weary of my surroundings and so I automatically intertwined my hand in his for comfort. Realizing my mistake I quickly retracted it back and mumbled an apology.

But before I could completely take my hand back, Ron grabbed it and intertwined our fingers squeezing lightly. I looked up at him and he smiled down at me gently. I smiled back half - heartedly and we were on our way.

When we reached Sarah and Annabelle I went to let his hand go but his hold wouldn't let me. I looked up at his questioningly. He simply gave me a look and sighed letting go.

I ordered a mango pineapple smoothie and a Greek salad to unclench my stomach and soothe my nerves. I sat down beside aunt Sarah as Ron was across from her and Anna from me.

" Did you find what you were looking for? " Sarah asked me between bites of her sub. I glanced shyly up at Ron who was already looking at me before answering.

" No, didn't quite find what I was looking for. "

After we finished eating we quickly made our way back to the Topkick and back home. Ron had complained that Anna had bought too much and the latter simply smiled back.

Arriving back home made me relax a lot more. Anna and I made our way upstairs after thanking Ron for driving to unpack our new purchases.

" Don't go far girls. You still have one more place to go. " Will yelled up from downstairs. Remembering about my 'companion', I waited for Anna and we both went downstairs to find uncle Will waiting for us.

" Where are you taking us dad? " Anna asked.

" You'll see. " He kissed her on the forehead.

The drive didn't take long. Maybe 15 minutes or so. We arrived at a grey looking building the size of a daycare. There was plenty of space around it. We entered the entrance and towards the front desk. Will started to speak with her while I looked at my surroundings. The lady at the front desk stood up and motioned us to follow her. The walls were a dull grey as well made our way back outside.

In a chained fence not ten feet before us was the best part of my day. About 20 different breed of puppies were running along happily and playing with each other. They all looked to be 8 to 10 weeks old.

" Jessica you can go ahead to pick one out for CANINE and you Anna can pick one out as well. " Will said.

" You mean that I can bring one home even though I'm not part of the program? " Anna said eyes growing big.

" You betcha. " Her dad smiled. She quickly ran to give him a hug before running to the pen of puppies.

We both entered and started to look around. Anna immediately spotted a golden retriever puppy with light golden fur and big brown eyes. She picked her up, I assumed it was a she, and rubbed her tummy. She seemed quite taken with the pup.

I looked around for a few minutes spotting a few that spiked my interest like the Dalmatian or the black Labrador. However my gaze fell upon a little ball of fur at the far back of the pen. As I neared I realized it was actually a puppy. I giggled at myself for thinking otherwise.

The puppy was mostly white with brown and black parts. She had black patches over both her bright light blue eyes. Her ears were spiked up halfway and the other half was flopped back over. She looked to be an Australian Shepherd Husky mix.

I reached out my hand for her to sniff it before hesitantly brushing my hand over her fur. It was quite soft as my hand reached behind her ear. She leaned into my hand and that was when I decided that she was the one. I carefully picked her up and walked back to everyone.

" Aww she's so cute! " Anna said approaching the pup in my arms. I smiled as the fur ball hid its face deeper in the crook of my elbow.

" Think of any names? " I asked her.

" I'm gonna call her Lady. " She smiled down at the golden retriever. I couldn't of any at the time for my own little one.

We headed back in where Will finalized everything and we collected all the necessities for the dogs. We arrived back shortly after. I let my puppy roam around the farm a little so that she could get accustomed to the horses.

Before I knew it I had already lost my dog. I officially sucked. A yell came from the garage moments later.

I ran in to see what was going on to find my cute little puppy peeing on Ironhide. Ron was torn between being baffled and being angry.

" NO! Don't lubricate there! " He yelled frightening the poor thing. He started to advance towards her but I quickly intervened. I picked her up and protected her from Ron.

" She's just a puppy she doesn't know any better. " I said.

" So she belongs to you? " He glared at me.

" Yes I just got her this afternoon. " I replied.

" Well you better make her stop peeing everywhere she's not supposed to. " He grunted.

" Well I just got her today and I'm trying. "

" Try harder. " Ron said turning around.

" What's that supposed to mean?! " I yelled angry.

" It means you should try harder so that your rodent doesn't lubricate all over my car and make it rust. " He said not bothering to turn back around.

" Rodent? She is not a rodent. She's my pet and she doesn't deserve to be treated that way. " I said harshly. I didn't stay to hear his reply and went back into the house by the garage.

Nigh time came quickly and I got ready for bed. I felt bad for treating Ron the way I did after all he did for me. But it still doesn't condone the way he treated my dog. I looked down at said dog on my bed. She was curled up in a ball on one of my pillows.

Looks like it was gonna be a habit but I didn't mind. I plugged my phone in before shutting off the light. I crawled into bed near my dog.

She was so small and fragile. My little one. My little Maisy.

Reviews are welcomed!