Chapter 6: Optimus "The Babysitter" Prime
Optimus awoke that next morning to the sound of laughter emanating from the kitchen.
It was Kira mostly.
Rising from the couch, and stretching out the unpleasant kinks in his back, Optimus stumbled across the living room floor into the bright light of the kitchen. Squinting Optimus had to allow his eye sight to adjust before he could see that it wasn't just Kira making the noise.
It was Kira alright. But joining her was Cole and Jacklyn as well.
Cole and Kira both sat at the island struggling with putting books, papers and other supplies into their school bags. Object that Optimus was quite familiar with, what with having seen Jack, Miko and Rafael work on school related projects at the base a number of times.
Looking up over her shoulder from the kitchen counter Jacklyn smiled warmly. "Well, good morning sleeping beauty. Sleep well?"
Kira giggled softly.
Looking between Kira and Jacklyn Optimus nodded. "I slept fine, thank you."
Jacklyn nodded and turned to Cole. "Cole, don't forget to bring your homework home this time. I don't want to get a phone call from your teacher again saying that you didn't get your work done on time."
Looking up from his Toaster straddle Cole nodded defiantly. "Okay mom I'll remember. I promise."
As Cole and Jacklyn discussed homework policies, Optimus looked around the room. He couldn't help but notice everything sitting out on the island. Everything from Kira's pink, flower patterned book bag to Cole's blue and black graffiti patterned book bag.
Jacklyn was dressed in her scrubs and grey and red tennis shoes. She was filling a green and blue lunch bow with a sandwich, chips and fruit.
Optimus yawned quietly and looked over at the clock on the microwave.
Six o' five am.
Jacklyn looked back up at Optimus and smiled sheepishly. "Sorry about waking you up so early. I tried to get the kids to be quiet. But…you know kids."
Stretching his back Optimus groaned. "It's alright Jacklyn. But what is it you're doing exactly?"
Looking up from her breakfast, Kira grinned. "Getting ready for school Opmus!"
With a look of curiosity, Optimus then turned his attention to Jacklyn. Jacklyn just smiled. "Their last day of thanksgiving break was last Friday. That's when you came."
Optimus nodded even though he wasn't quite sure what 'Thanksgiving Break' was. All though, he did recall Jack, Miko, and Rafael saying something about it not so long ago.
With a sigh and a mischievous smile on her face, Jacklyn again turned to address Optimus. "Well, since you're awake, I don't need to leave note for you telling you that Kira comes home at noon from pre-school and that there are left –over's in the fridge for your lunches. You can have that or the two cans of Spaghetti O's that are in the cupboard."
Suddenly Kira began to giggle and chant 'Spaghetti O's' over and over again as she ran repeatedly around the island in circles. Optimus watched Kira for a few moments and then looked at Jacklyn. "And where are you going?"
Shutting the lid of Cole's lunch box and handing it to him, Jacklyn sighed. "I have to work today. I was lucky enough to get the weekend off but now I have to make up for it."
Looking up at Optimus, Jacklyn handed him a piece of paper. "Cole will be home around four this afternoon. He can have a snack but he's not allowed to watch TV until his homework is DONE. This is a list of emergency numbers in case anything goes wrong."
Walking up beside his mother, Cole tugged on Jacklyn's shirt. "Mom, why can't Mrs. Johnson watch us?"
Looking at Cole out of the corner of her eye, Jacklyn sighed heavily. "Because Mrs. Johnson fell a couple of days ago and fractured her hip. She won't be able to move around a lot let alone watch you two for a couple of months at least."
Jacklyn then looked up at Optimus, smiled, and then looked back at Cole. "Besides, Optimus is already here…and he needs something to do."
Kneeling down Jacklyn gave Cole a kiss on the forehead, one that Cole took defiantly. She handed him his lunch smiling and whispered in his ear. "Just give Optimus a chance. He's not like the other ones. Maybe he might surprise you."
Cole looked at his mother in an almost pleading manner and whispered back. "But what if he isn't mom? What if he's just like the others? What if he's worse than the others?"
Embracing her son in a tight hug she whispered encouragingly. "He IS different from the others…please just give him a chance…for me?"
Pulling away from his mother's embrace, Cole nodded slowly and spoke in low tone. "Okay mom…for you."
Rising up from her kneeling position she looked at Kira and smiled. She then grabbed her book bag off of the island and helped her get it on. Kira laughed looking up at her mother who was standing over her. "Opmus and me are gonna have lots of fun, aren't we mommy?"
Smiling back down, Jacklyn kissed her on the fore head and scoffed playfully. "Yes you are. But you need to promise me you'll be very good for Optimus…okay?"
Jacklyn kneeled to meet Kira, as she turned and embraced her hug. Kira giggled jumping excitedly. "Yes mommy, I'll be real' good for you. You'll see!"
Jacklyn smiled and nodded. "That's my girl."
Standing, Jacklyn gently ushered the too past Optimus toward the door but stopped and turned. "Oh, and Optimus…there are some frozen pizzas in the freezer for you and the kids tonight. I won't be home until after ten tonight. I need you to have the kids in bed by eight thirty. Bye Optimus!"
And with that Jacklyn and the children disappeared out the door.
…
Optimus stood there for several moments taking in everything Jacklyn had said and told him.
After everything was sorted in his head, Optimus dragged himself over to the door, locked it and then shortly after threw himself back onto the warmth of the couch.
It was much too early to be moving around…even for him.
…
…
...
Optimus again awoke to a loud ruckus, but this time it wasn't coming from the kitchen.
Someone was running their vacuum cleaner in the apartment just adjacent to Jacklyn's.
Looking up from under the covers, Optimus yawned and struggled to wipe the sleep from his eyes.
Standing up, he arched his back backwards and heard a loud 'crack'.
He was starting to miss his berth. At least that was big enough for him to stretch out onto and sleep without being curled into a tight ball.
Looking up while rolling his massive shoulders, Optimus gazed tiredly at the clock on the microwave which read ten o' three.
Twisting around Optimus 'popped' his back again and let out a soft groan.
Walking over to the door, Optimus unlocked it and then stumbled back to the couch, grabbing the blanket up into his arms, folding it and gently resting it along with the pillow on the arm of the couch.
Reaching over the opposite arm of the couch, Optimus grabbed the remote and switched the television on.
Rising to his full height he then stumbled into the kitchen, all the while thinking of the things he WOULD have been doing had he still been a machine.
Though those thoughts still loomed in his mind Optimus was now beginning to think that thoughts of that sort were just starting to be a waste of time. For the time being, the task of being a human was what he needed to think about, and when…or…IF the time came that he could return to his rightful place, THEN he would think about it.
Grabbing a bowl and the cereal out of the cupboard, Optimus noisily searched for a spoon; then proceeded to move toward the fridge for milk.
Sitting at the island, Optimus built his breakfast and ate quietly, listening to the soft, crunching sound the cereal in his mouth made as his teeth ground the flakes up into mush. All the while thinking, wondering if it was wise for him to try to convince himself that NOT thinking of his true home was a wise action to do. After all, he had a responsibility to his comrades…to his friends…to his family. They had been through so much together, especially with the fall of Cybertron and the exile to empty space on a quest to find the energon reserves. How could he ever forget about that?
Swallowing the contents in his mouth, Optimus lifted another spoonful to his mouth, quietly consuming it.
How could he forget about the countless allies he'd seen fall on the battle front in the last days of Cybertron? How could he forget the journey to Cybertron's core where he extinguished the title of 'Orion Pax' and took forth the name he'd from that moment forth carry; 'Optimus Prime, Supreme Commander of the Autobots'.
Pushing away his now empty bowl, Optimus sighed with great heaviness on his now human heart.
He could never forget.
Even if he tried to push those memories out of mind, never could he truly forget, and he knew that. But how could he continue to move forward with everything that IS happening if he fails to let go of was HAD happened? Being an Autobot was in the past. Over and done for the time being, and being human at the immediate moment was starting to take precedence over that lingering fact that loomed on his brain.
After finishing the contents in his bowl Optimus slowly rose and walked over to the dishwasher, opened the door and placed the bowl inside.
Immediately afterward, Optimus pulled the cereal and milk off the counter and put them back in their proper places.
Wiping off the counter and island with a dampened towel, Optimus couldn't help but think of the fact that maybe activities like these where going to be the basis of the rest of his life. If he was to never return to his rightful dimension he was doomed to live out the rest of his natural life in the body of a human being.
Although, was that necessarily a bad thing?
Moving out of the kitchen into the living room, Optimus threw himself on the couch and flipped endlessly through channels, not really paying any mind as to what he was watching. Thoughts piercing his mind at this point had more importance.
Was being human really such a bad thing?
It had now been nearly two weeks since in this dimension and he already had the hang of things. Most of which seemed to come quite naturally to him. Though some things in human nature were less desirable than others, they were all part of the daily routine of human living…and Optimus could accept that. But how could he except the fact that IF he could never return to his rightful place in this universe, then he was deliberately leaving behind a cause that in a sense he had a great part in creating. If he didn't return to his rightful dimension, there was no telling what horrors Megatron could conceivably inflict on the human race…the human race that he knew.
However, this dimension did seem to have its own little perks.
For starters…no war; but even that fact still didn't lift the heavy burden of knowing about one taking place.
But then again, his new found friends could sometimes help him forget about the war…even if it is for only short periods of time. Cole and Kira had a wonderful ability to do just that. In a strange kind of way, Cole and Kira could pull Optimus' mind away from thinking about all his burdens even if it was only for a short time, but a short time was better than none at all, and Optimus was very well aware of that.
And then there was Jacklyn.
Now THERE was a thought to think about that could pull a mech away into oblivion even if he was standing in the middle of a battlefield, with artillery raining down on every side.
Jacklyn had been the first and only real friend Optimus had had since he entered this dimension. She was even so gracious enough to allow him to stay in her own home. True, those conditions were out of his control and were actually means of blackmail and manipulation toward Jacklyn's mother…but in all essence, Optimus was truly okay with that. In a sense, he was actually glad Jacklyn did that, because if she hadn't…maybe Optimus would have been as lucky as he has been so far.
And Jacklyn was nowhere near hard to live with.
Not at all.
Actually, living with her in his presence he considered…quite pleasant.
As Optimus flipped endlessly through channel after channel, Optimus finally let his aching thumb have a rest.
*("No Edward…please, Carrie is just using you to drive her husband into a state of jealousy! This affair can only end in disaster!"
"But Maria, how can I deny her? And how do I know what it is you're telling me isn't a lie?! I've known for two years now that you've had hidden feelings for Mark instead of me!"
"No Edward, it's not like that! I don't care about Mark! I care about you and only you!")*
Looking up at the television Optimus watched with curiosity as an unknown man and woman fought amongst themselves. For what exactly Optimus didn't know…but maybe it was worth his time finding out.
*("Edward, Carrie doesn't love you. She'll never love you! She's still in love with her rat of a husband! But you and I could have a real life together! Edward you have to give up this affair!"
"Why Maria? Why should I do that?"
"Because Edward…I'm pregnant with your child.")*
Sitting up Optimus watched the screen with wide intent eyes…whatever this television program was…the events in it had just proved themselves being interesting.
…
…
Twenty minutes had passed and Optimus sat intently on the edge of the couch watching.
*(" Oh Edward, how can you believe Maria? After all the horrible things she has done, she should have no right to point fingers. Besides, you KNOW I love YOU. I don't give a damn about Steven, and you know that."
"But Carrie, Maria is pregnant with my child. I've seen the ultra-sounds. I've taken the DNA tests. It's my kid and whether I like it or not I have to take care of it."
"Fine Edward, then you have to choose… ME or Maria?")*
Looking around Optimus made sure the coast was clear before jumping up and angrily pointing at the screen. "Edward don't be a fool! Maria was set up to be caught for those crimes but she is truly innocent! Carrie is a lying, thieving concubine! Maria is bearing your offspring! Choose her and remain loyal to her!"
Falling back to the couch Optimus watched with rising anticipation as the camera moved in on the actor's face, emphasizing the drama.
*(" Carrie, I do love you. But I know I have to do what's right…for everyone. That's why I am choosing to be with—)*
Suddenly the picture cut out into blackness…but only for a second.
*("DOES YOUR LAUNDRY DETERGENT REMOVE ALL THOSE DEEP DIRT AND GRASS STAINS THAT THE KIDS GET AFTER A HARD DAY AT PLAY? TRY NEW DAWN EXSERTS, GAURENTEED TO REMOVE ALL STAINS FIRST WASH!")*
Optimus sat in a state of what would have appeared as confusion, but on the inside was horror and disbelief.
That's it?
CURSE THESE ACCURSED THINGS CALLED COMMERCIALS!
Slumping back into the couch, Optimus huffed as he placed his feet up on the coffee table.
*("WHY SETTLE WITH BORING, BLEACH STAINING DETERGENTS WHEN YOU CAN GET NEW MANGO PASSION SCENTED DAWN EXERTS?! SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN IN LAB RESULTS, DAWN EXERTS WASHES THE SAME NUMBER OF LOADS IN ONE BOTTLE THAN THREE BOTTLES OF THE LEADING BARGIN BRAND. DAWN EXERTS, BRINING THE SCENT OF NATURE TO YOUR HOME…")*
Tilting his head ever so slightly, Optimus sat in pause…
Looking down at himself, Optimus took into his shirt into his hand. The commercial said that the detergent being advertised said that it was mango passion scented. Why would cloths have to be scented?
Bringing the shirt up to his nose, Optimus took a heavy whiff, and then cringed.
Oh…that's why.
Of course, when he came down to it he should have known better.
He's been wearing the same cloths for the past few days that he's been here and has not changed his cloths once. True, he had bathed himself just the other night, but that doesn't mean the scent of his body before that point had gone away. Cloth holds scents. It didn't take a genius to figure that out.
His body odor was by no means pleasant. Although, whose is?
But seeing as how it was HIS body odor in question, perhaps he should really do something about it.
Getting up off the couch, Optimus proceeded to walk into the bathroom. There was nothing in here that even remotely resembled the washing devise that was displayed on the television screen. There was a laundry basket, empty of course, with a bottle of detergent in it…but no washing machine.
Walking back out into the living room, Optimus thought that maybe it would be wise to call Jacklyn and seek out the information he required. Stopping in mid stride of picking up the phone Optimus suddenly recollected having seen one of the neighboring humans in this building carrying a load of cloths down the stairs the first night he came here. Perhaps there was somewhere else in the building he could wash his clothes?
Putting the phone back down, Optimus casually walked over to the door and peeked his head out looking up and down the hallway. There was no one in sight, the hallway was vacant.
Optimus then thought to himself that he maybe could wander the building and find the clothes washing facilities himself, but what if he lost his bearings and then couldn't find his way back?
Just then the door on the opposite side of the hallway swung open, and an elderly female human stumbled out with a small hamper in her arms that obviously looked as if it was getting the best of her. It was the same female that was watching Cole and Kira the night he came into Jacklyn's home…her name was Mrs. Johnson; if he remembered correctly.
Optimus could see it in her eyes that it was causing her some painful strain, from carrying a heavy load.
How could he just sit there and do nothing when she obviously needed help?
Stepping out from behind the door and pulling it shut with him, Optimus leaned forward. "Excuse me…"
The woman stopped and turned to him. Optimus smiled and motioned toward the heavy laundry basket. "I couldn't help but notice that you seem to be having some difficulty carrying that. You wouldn't happen to be in need of some assistance by any chance?"
The woman just stood there and looked at Optimus for what seemed a long time, but eventually she just smiled and nodded. "Yes, I think I would very much so like some help."
Turning around Optimus pulled the door shut and proceeded to approach the woman, and relieve her of the heavy load. She smiled and rested a wrinkled hand of his shoulder.
"Thank you so much young man…it's nice to have someone younger and with more stamina do the heavy lifting. An old woman like me with my bad hips should be doing it."
Looking at her Optimus smiled warmly, thinking to himself that in all reality he was older than her. "Then why are you?"
The woman just laughed and started to walk slowly down the hallway. "Because when you live by yourself, the only person around to do your dirty work…is you."
Following behind carrying the basket of laundry Optimus sighed. "I see."
As they approached the elevator, woman stopped and hit the button to go down. They waited for only a moment before the doors slowly slip open. Stepping inside the woman motioned Optimus to follow. "Well, come on young blood…lets go."
Optimus stepped in behind her and the woman pressed the button to go down. The doors then slid shut and the elevator began to descend slowly.
Optimus remained silent as he held the basket and stared at the ceiling of the elevator. True, there were some things he would have liked to ask the woman, but he didn't want to come off as being rude or nosey.
"So…"
Optimus looked down at the woman. She was staring up at him smiling.
"I couldn't help but notice that you're living with my neighbor Jacklyn and her children."
Optimus smiled and nodded. "That's correct."
As she looking Optimus over, her smile got bigger. "So what's your relation to them? Friend or family?"
Optimus sighed and looked away, thinking carefully about the answer he was going to give. "Friend."
The woman nodded also and looked away, her smile bigger. "What's your relation to Jacklyn?"
Optimus was silent for a moment and then answered. "She is a close and dear friend. Why do you ask?"
The woman shook her head and continued to look away. "Oh, no reason."
Just then the elevator stopped and the doors slid open.
"Come on, this way."
The woman then slowly walked out, and Optimus fallowed close behind. She walked down the hallway a short ways and then turned into a room with three washing machines and three dryers. Only one dryer was currently in use.
Pointing to the floor beside the washing machine the woman sighed. "You can just set the basket down there young man."
Optimus nodded and set it down where she had instructed. Whimpering the woman bent over to try to pick up the clothes out of the basket. Stepping forward suddenly Optimus stopped her. Kneeling beside the basket Optimus gently grabbed small handfuls of clothes and handed them up to her to put into the washing machine.
Smiling warmly and gratefully, she did just that.
"What's your name young man?"
Looking up with a handful of clothes Optimus smiled. "My name is Optimus Prime madam. And you are?"
She smiled taking the clothes from him. "My name is Katherine Johnson. It is a pleasure to meet you Optimus."
Just then the elderly woman held out a hand to Optimus, which he took and shook gently. "It is a pleasure to meet you as well Katherine."
Grabbing the last of the clothes out of the basket, Optimus stood up and put into the running washing machine himself. Katherine then measured a cup of laundry detergent into the cap of the bottle and poured into the machine before closing the lid.
Walking over to the other side of the room, Katherine gently sat down on a bench and sighed. She then patted the bench for Optimus to come and sit.
Optimus did.
Sitting down gently with a soft sigh, Optimus looked at Katherine with slight curiosity. "So how long have you been living in this complex?"
Rubbing her wrists, the woman sighed achingly. "Oh, a long time now. I moved in here when I was about …oh how old was I? I think I was about 20, 21 years old. Me and my husband moved here with our son."
Optimus raised his eye brows in curiosity and leaned forward. "You have a son?"
Laughing, Katherine nodded. "Yes I do. His name is Thomas. He was only a year old when my husband and I moved into this apartment building. Now, he's fifty years old with a wife, four children and one grandchild."
Optimus looked away smiling. "So if your son is fifty now, and you moved into this complex when you were twenty years of age that now makes you-."
Covering his mouth with her hand, Katherine covered her mouth with one finger making a 'shh'-ing motion, then smiled. "Women don't like their age revealed."
Smiling under Katherine's hand, Optimus simple nodded.
Pulling her hand away Katherine smiled more broadly. "So Optimus…"
Optimus look up raising his forehead in anticipation, almost as if asking 'what?'
Katherine grinned patting his leg. "I have to ask, why were you peeking out your door into the hallway when I came out?"
Optimus froze for a moment and looked away, then looked back. "May I be quite frank?"
Katherine nodded. "Of course."
Sighing Optimus casually rubbed the back of his head. "I was actually looking for someone to tell me where the washing facilities were in this building."
Katherine raised an eye brow. "Oh? And why is that?"
Optimus grinned sheepishly. "I am in desperate need of some clean clothing."
There was a moment of silence as Katherine stared Optimus straight in the eye, then she proceeded to look him over.
"Now that you mention it, those clothes do look rather familiar. Have you been wearing those for the past three weeks?"
Optimus was silent but then slowly nodded.
Katherine leaned away slightly. "That would explain the smell."
Optimus scowled. He knew he smelled but he didn't think he smelt THAT bad.
Chuckling softly Katherine rose and started to leave. "Come with me."
…
…
A short time later, Optimus stood dead center in Katherine's living room waiting while she retrieved something from her bedroom.
Turning to look around Optimus found interest in looking at all the things that Katherine had; the countless knick-knacks and trinkets on the shelves, the decorative china in a glass cabinet, even the black and white pictures on the walls.
Walking over to one picture in particular, Optimus stood still and analyzed it in fascination.
It was an image a small, petite young woman with short, curly, dark hair standing next to a very tall broad chested man who was wearing a white uniform of some sort. Behind was a massive ship.
"Find something interesting to look at?"
Optimus wheeled around to see Katherine standing there holding a small pile of clothes in her arms.
Optimus looked at the picture and then at Katherine. "I was just curious about this picture. Who are the individuals present?"
Katherine laughed softly looking at the picture. "That's me…when I was nineteen years old."
Optimus again stared at the image. "And the male next to you?"
Katherine's smile got bigger. "That's my husband."
Optimus looked at Katherine and stood still. Katherine's eyes were glued to the picture. Focusing on that and that alone. Her eyes were lit up, glistening with the memories that that picture held.
"My husband, Marland, or Marley as his friends would call him, was a sailor, a soldier. He was part of the U.S. Navy. That was the day he was to be sent out to sea for twelve months. That was also the day he asked me to marry him…"
Katherine then looked up at the ceiling. "And I also think that was the day we conceived our son…"
Optimus looked away and shook his head. Certain details about other individual's lives Optimus really didn't want to know.
Seeing Optimus reaction, Katherine laughed loudly.
After letting her laughter subside, Katherine then sighed and handed the pile of clothes she was holding.
Looking them over Optimus shrugged in confusion. "What is this?"
Katherine just smiled warmly pointing to the bundle. "Those are just some of my husband's old clothes from when he was younger. You two look to be about the same size so while you're getting your other clothes washed, you can wear those."
Optimus looked the bundle in his arms over again and then asked. "Wouldn't your husband want these back?"
Just then Katherine's smile began to fade and a flicker of sorrow seemed to show in her eyes. With a heavy sigh she managed to look up at Optimus. "My husband has been dead for nearly fifteen years now. Lung cancer got the best of him."
Optimus wheeled back and looked away. "I—I'm sorry for your loss."
Katherine breathed hard and managed to put on a smile. "Oh don't be. You didn't know. Besides, the old goat went out swinging anyway. He went out with his boots on. The way every hard working man should."
Pointing to the bathroom Katherine smiled. "You can change your clothes in there, and then take the dirty things down to the wash room."
Optimus smiled and nodded his head gratefully. "Thank you Katherine. You are very kind."
Katherine's smile only seemed to broaden as she turned away and hobbled into the kitchen.
She was truly something else.
Completely one of a kind.
Those were the thoughts coursing within the synapses of his mind as he ventured into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.
…
A short time later, Optimus emerged wearing blue jeans and a red flannel shirt. Both of which seemed to be just ever-so-slightly tight, but comfortable.
Peering out of the kitchen, Katherine scoffed and then called. "Do they fit alright?"
Looking up Optimus nodded and called back. "Yes, they are quite adequate. Thank you."
She nodded and then looked away. "Don't worry about bringing them back, I have no use for them."
Optimus, shirt still slightly unbuttoned, stumbled into the kitchen. "Katherine, I cannot accept this. This clothing you have provided holds sentimental value to you. I could never take that."
"Optimus, Optimus, Optimus-." Katherine chimed as she slowly buttoned up his shirt. "Clothes are a material item. They come and go just as the sun rises and sets. I don't need these things. Just as long as I remember Marley and keep him in my heart, then he's never truly gone."
After buttoning the last button in place, Katherine gently patted Optimus' chest. "Take them. Put them to good use. I know that's what Marley would have wanted. Besides, they're JUST clothes. No more, no less."
Looking at the clothing now on him and then back at Katherine's warm gentle face, Optimus smiled and took her hand in his. "Thank you so very much Katherine, I am in your debt."
Optimus then lifted Katherine's hand up and kissed it. "You truly are a wonderful woman."
Much to Optimus' amusement, at that moment Katherine almost seemed to blush, but only for a moment.
"You better get back over to your apartment before Kira gets home, she'll be wondering where you are. And take it from someone who knows, she may have a pleasant "angel-like" disposition most of the time, but sometimes she can be a little demon."
Optimus chuckled and nodded. "Thank you for the warning. I'll be sure to keep that in mind."
As Optimus walked out the door he could hear Katherine's soft chuckles emanating from the kitchen as the door was slowly pulled shut.
"OPMUS!"
Just then Optimus felt something run into his legs and cling around them. He didn't even have to look down to know the being responsible. Chuckling he looked down to meet a big pair of blue eyes looking up to greet him. "Hello Kira."
Kneeling, to look at her he smiled. "How was school?"
Kira smiled pulling her book bag off her shoulders and scrambled to unzip it and search through the contents. "Really good! In art I even made you a drawing!"
Optimus lifted his eye brows in surprise. "Oh really?"
Kira grinned broadly. "Uh-huh."
Pulling out a piece of paper, Kira examined it, nodded in approval and then handed it to Optimus. Taking it into his hand, he paused to look it over. On the paper was portrayed a crude image of what Optimus guessed was Cole, Jacklyn and Kira, however there was another person drawn in the picture, a large male holding what he guessed was Jacklyn's hand. Looking at Kira, Optimus asked curiously. "Kira, who is the individual holding your mother's' hand?"
Kira just giggle and smiled. "Silly, that's you! Mrs. Olean told us to draw a picture of our families today in art. So I did! She even gave me a gold star 'cause she said it was so good!"
Optimus looked at the picture again with almost a sense of pride. Kira thought of him as being part of their family? Optimus smiled at that thought as he looked the character over and sure enough the character was larger than the others, had dark black hair, a black mustache, and even a small pink line over the right eye.
It was him alright.
Smiling Optimus looked Kira over and gentle shuffled her hair. He said nothing. He didn't need to, his smile said it all.
Looking up from under his large hand, Kira looked up with pleading, curious eyes. "So, do you like it?"
As he stood, Optimus held the drawing close. "Kira, I love it. It's beautiful."
Jumping up and down, Kira squealed in joy. Optimus chuckled softly at her enthusiasm. True, the drawing wasn't really a true work of art, but it came from the heart, and to Optimus that was all that truly mattered.
Taking Kira by the hand, Optimus walked to the door to the apartment and opened it. As soon as Kira was inside, she let go of his hand and threw down her book bag on the floor. Then rushed to find the remote and turn the television on.
Optimus watched curiously as Kira nestled herself on the floor and started watching the screen. Standing back a ways, Optimus watched as small, colorful ponies captivated the screen, singing about summer or something like that.
Optimus shook his head and walked away wondering why any creature no matter how insignificant as a little pony would want to sing about summer. Just then a thought of Megatron trying to sing it shot through his mind. Snorting in amusement suddenly, Optimus restrained himself from bursting out in an uproar of laughter. Now THAT would be a sight to see. Too bad it would never happen.
Looking over her shoulder, Kira watched Optimus for only a moment before tipping her head sideways in curiosity. "Opmus, what are you laughing at?"
Clearing his throat Optimus shook his head and looked at Kira in all seriousness. "Nothing Kira, I was just thinking."
Nodding Kira looked away. "Ohhh, okay."
Grabbing the remote off the floor Kira switched the channel again, this time to a channel of real life activities. Police officers chasing down a criminal or something.
Sitting on the couch behind Kira Optimus watched intently. "What is this?"
Shrugging, Kira didn't take her eyes off the screen. "I don't know. But mommy watches this show all the time. I think it's called 'COPs' or something."
Optimus nodded not saying a word, watching as a human in a police officer's uniform pinned a large Caucasian male with tattoos and piercings to the ground, yelling at him that he had the right to remain silent.
Sighing softly, Kira turned her head to look at Optimus who was still on the couch. "Opmus, I'm hungry. Can we have Spaghetti O's now?"
Standing Optimus nodded, looking at the clock seeing that it was almost 11:45. "Yes, I suppose it is about time for lunch. What do you say to preparing it together?"
Smiling, Kira jumped up off the ground and raced into the kitchen. Optimus chuckled taking that action as a yes and fallowed, just hoping that these Spaghetti O's were easy to prepare…otherwise he was in trouble considering he's never cooked a day in his life. Although, how hard could it really be?
…
Kira sat quietly at the island watching Optimus intently, all the while giggling under her breath. Optimus was funny to watch.
Kneeling down, Optimus strenuously searched through the bottom cupboards for what the directions on the can had called a 'medium sauce pan'. On the can it was displayed as being a small metal container with a handle on it. Now if only he could find something that resembled that picture.
Giggling still, but more loudly this time, Kira tilted her head sideways. "Opmus, have you ever made Spaghetti O's before?"
Standing up with a sauce pan in his hand, Optimus shook his head. "No Kira, I have not."
Turning around, placing the pan on the stove and grabbing one of the two cans of Spaghetti O's,
Optimus then turned around smiling. "But how hard could it be?"
Looking back down at the can, Optimus might as well have taken back what he had just said.
Flipping the can over and over in his hand for a minute, the sudden thought beamed through his mind; 'how where you supposed to get this blasted thing open?'
Just then Kira handed him a can-opener, smiling the whole time.
Feeling like a fool is an experience that no sentient being likes, and for Optimus, that feeling had the same principle hold true. Being outwitted by a five year old human was a blow to one's pride, although all things considered, the task of opening a simple can to prepare food was a normal human activity, and Kira has more than likely witnessed her mother do the task countless times…and then some.
Taking the can-opener from Kira, Optimus smiled and nodded gratefully.
Now if he remembered right, he saw Jacklyn use this appliance the first night he came here. Which much to pleasure, he truly did.
Opening both cans, Optimus emptied the contents out into the pan and stepped back. The next thing he remembered having seen Jacklyn do was light the stove.
Looking at each knob Optimus saw that there was a small diagram above each knob, highlighting which burner that that knob was supposed to light.
After figuring out which burner was the right one, Optimus turned the knob cautiously. Suddenly there was a series of clicks and then almost a soft 'whoosh' sound.
Kneeling over slightly, Optimus was greatly pleased to see that he had successful ignited the stove, and the contents in the pan were well on their way to being heated.
Jumping down from her spot by the island, Kira came up and stood beside Optimus, watching the brilliant blue flame under the pot glow and flicker. Looking up at Optimus, she bounced excitedly in anticipation. Raising his eyes brows, Optimus released a soft chuckle. The way she stared at him, waiting impatiently was something of amusement to him.
Grabbing a serving spoon out of the drawer, Optimus gently stirred the contents in the pan and beamed quietly to himself, inside his mind where only he could hear. 'Cooking really isn't that difficult…'
…
A few minutes passed, and the contents in the pan were beginning to bubble.
Picking the can up into his hand, Optimus examined the instructions one last time and then looked at Kira. "Kira, how does your mother determine when the contents of this pan are hot enough?"
Thinking for a moment, Kira then smiled and pointed to the pan. "Mommy usually puts her finger in it to see if it's hot enough."
Optimus did this and pulled it out again suddenly then sticking his finger in his mouth nodded. "Yes, I'm declaring it 'done'."
Kira turned away saying a drawn out 'yeah' as she scrambled onto the counter and ventured into the cupboards for bowls.
Turning the stove off, Optimus turned and watched Kira.
She had gotten the two bowls and even two spoons and was climbing down. She then looked back up and stood on her tips of her toes trying to reach the bowls and spoons still resting on the counter.
Rubbing the top of her head, Optimus instructed Kira to just go sit and he would get it. Smiling Kira did as she was told and waited patiently for Optimus to bring the bowls and spoons and then the pan with a pot-holder so that the pan could be set on the island.
Sitting down beside Kira, Optimus dished her food and placed the bowl in front of her waiting hands. He then did the same for himself.
Spooning the food into her mouth, Kira noisily made an 'MMMmmm' sound. Optimus watched and chuckled softly before putting the spoon of Spaghetti O's from his bowl into his mouth.
The two ate without pause and without sound. That was until, unintentionally, Kira started humming as she chewed. Pausing as the spoon was halfway to his mouth, Optimus watched with curiosity. Kira continued to eat and hum until her bowl was gone. She then wiped her mouth with the sleeve of her shirt and pushed her bowl over to Optimus and beamed. "More pwease."
Optimus couldn't help but laugh as he put his spoon down back into his bowl and grabbed the serving spoon and scooped more into her bowl.
Taking it graciously, Kira practically dived right into it, again starting to hum.
Shaking his head Optimus looked back down at his bowl and continued to eat, thinking the whole time that Kira was defiantly something else.
…
…
Afterwards, when both were done eating and dishes were clean and put away, Optimus and Kira sat quietly on the couch watching television. Kira more on Optimus lap rather than the couch.
They were both quiet for some time before Kira finally leaned back and looked up at Optimus with a look of curiosity. "Opmus, why are you so big?"
Looking down at Kira, Optimus thought about it, but eventually just shrugged. "Because that is the way I was made."
Kira was again silent and looked away, but then quickly looked back up. "Opmus, how did you get that big scar across your eye?"
Again Optimus was silent and had to think about it. How could he tell her the truth without revealing the nature of who and what he really is?
Looking at Kira with a sheepish smile and said nothing.
Lifting Kira off of his lap and slowly rose from the couch. Walking away he couldn't help but question the wisdom in telling Kira the truth about how he got his scar.
Walking into the kitchen, Optimus opened the fridge and reached inside for an orange soda. Turning around he jumped, but only slightly at seeing Kira standing right behind him.
The thing about humans, especially young humans, was that they could be so quiet, especially when compared to Cybertronians.
"Opmus you didn't answer my question." Kira chided crossing her arms.
Shaking his head with a soft sigh, Optimus gently picked Kira up into his arms and carried her back out into the living room and sat on the couch. He situated her in his lap so that she was facing him. He smiled and spoke softly. "I received this scar by getting into a fight with a very bad individual."
Tilting her head Kira looked at Optimus curiously. "Who?"
Chuckling Optimus shook his head. "His name is not important. All you need to know is that you never have to be concerned about him."
Then a thought suddenly streaked through him mind…
Or does she?
Just then all at once the phone beside the couch started to ring. Gently putting Kira on the ground, Optimus rose and picked up the phone. "Jacklyn Helms's residence—."
Through the phone's speaker a voice rang out."Optimus? It's Jacklyn."
"Hello Jacklyn."
"Optimus, is Kira there?"
Looking down at Kira, who was staring back up at him with yet the same look of curiosity, Optimus smiled softly. "Yes Jacklyn, Kira is standing right beside me."
Optimus could hear Jacklyn sigh through her link on the line. "Good. Listen, I'm just calling because I just remembered that I had forgot to tell you that Kira has to take a nap around two."
Optimus nodded glancing at Kira. "I understand."
"Optimus, are you sure that you and Kira will be okay?"
Optimus could hear an edge in her voice. Optimus could only guess that Jacklyn felt somewhat uneasy about leaving her children with an individual, him, who was technically a stranger.
Sighing gently, Optimus chuckled trying to reassure her. "Jacklyn, I assure you everything is fine. Your children are perfectly safe with me. Of this you have my word."
Optimus could still hear the unsettling feeling emanating from her voice, but regardless he heard a sigh.
"Alright. Good-bye Optimus."
"Good-bye Jacklyn."
Jacklyn was the first to hang up, then Optimus.
Looking at the clock Optimus saw that it was exactly 1:57pm. He then looked at Kira noticing that she was almost wide awake staring at him with a smile.
Putting the phone back down on the charging counsel, Optimus looked at Kira. "Your mother tells me that you are supposed to take a nap at two, is this true?"
Immediately Kira playfully shook her head 'no'.
Optimus raised and eye brow cautiously. "Kira, are you lying to me?"
Looking away for only a moment, considering the question, Kira then smiled…and nodded, but then lifted a finger. "But I'm not tired, and you're here instead of mommy so I can stay up!"
Questioning Kira's statement, Optimus turned his head slightly watching her with cautious eyes. He wasn't sparked yesterday; he knew how a youngling's mind worked. Though it has been quite some time since those years of his life, he remembered well the defiant ways of youngling's. Kira, though human, was no exception.
"Kira, it is time to take your nap. Come along now…"
At that moment, Optimus might as well have set off a grenade in the apartment, because the sound retaliation that fallowed the words he spoke was worse than that of any artillery he knew of.
Throwing herself to the ground in a screaming, kicking and crying fit, Kira wailed and screamed something over and over again, but with all the tears and blubbering, Optimus couldn't quite decipher what it was she was saying.
Groaning softly, Optimus kneeled next to Kira who was still on the floor. "Kira stop this. You're a big girl; you do not need to throw a temper tantrum."
Looking up from her face being against the floor, Optimus saw that her eyes were red and slightly puffed. Sitting up she wiped her nose and sat still. Then out of nowhere she scowled, stuck her tongue out at him and scrambled up onto the couch, latching herself against the arm of the couch.
Over and over again she yelled 'no', 'no nap-time'.
Sighing Optimus stayed in his kneeling position and tried to coax her. "Kira, what is so morbid about resting for a while? If I were you, I would take the opportunity gratefully."
Kira scowled and huffed. "I don't wanna nap!"
Rising to his full height, Optimus tried to gently lift her off of the arm of the couch. "Come along Kira, you need to rest. That was your mother's instructions."
Kira latched tighter holding that piece of furniture for dear life, continuing to scream 'no' over and over again.
Letting her go Optimus flopped over on the couch and watched her in heated frustration. He was annoyed by the fact that Kira was putting up such a fight, but more so he was annoyed by the fact that he KNEW he could remove her, but he didn't want to harm her in the process.
Still holding onto the couch, Kira turned and scowled at Optimus giving him the stink eye. Optimus had now officially at that moment gone from being her most favorite person, to her most hated person.
Sighing Optimus thought maybe he could at least reason with her. Calmly he spoke. "Kira, I know you do not wish to rest, but you must. I'm merely trying to accomplish what your mother has instructed me to do. So please, let go of the couch."
All Kira did was stick her tongue out at him and dig her face into the arm of the couch.
At that point Optimus lost all patience he had managed to gather up to this point. Admit tingly, Optimus was usually a very patient male, but only so far.
Kira had been crying and screaming for twenty minutes now. Enough was enough.
Standing again to his full height Optimus grabbed Kira and used quite of bit of strength to remove her…and succeeded.
At the moment her fingers lost their grip on the couch's fabric, Kira began to wail and throw an even louder fit. She kicked, screamed, whined and cried all at the same time.
From that point Optimus set himself back into his 'commander' personality and completely ignored Kira's cries, and Kira knew this…but what she did in retaliation was…anything but pleasant.
Kicking her foot back hard, the back of Kira's shoe planted itself right into Optimus' groin.
Optimus came to a screeching halt in the hallway cringing in painful agony. Breathing in hard, Optimus straightened up, quickened his pace and walked into Kira's room.
Putting her down on her bed, Optimus quickly removed her shoes and slipped her under her covers, the whole time, her staring at him, angrily.
Optimus left the room and closed the door.
…
Finally…silence.
…
Leaning against the wall of the hallway for support, Optimus slowly fell to his knees holding his groin, moaning quietly in agony. Getting hit in the crotch as a human hurts JUST as bad as being hit in the crotch as a Cybertronian. The only upside to being an Autobot though, and he admired it now, was actually have a plate over it for protection. All he had now was denim, which DIDN'T offer much if any protection at all!
Using the wall to pull himself up, Optimus slowly made his way into the living room and slowly sank onto the couch.
Just then he heard the click of a door being opened.
Looking over the back of the couch he saw Kira standing at the entrance between the hallway and living room.
Frustrated he rose to his feet and approached Kira, heaving her up into his arms, this time throwing her over his shoulder so that her kicking feet were AWAY from his already aching groin. He wanted to minimize any further, possible injury.
Opening the door with his free hand, Optimus stepped into Kira's room and gently set her down on her bed and tucked her in under the protective covers of her blanket. Pouting, Kira crossed her arms and jutted out her bottom lip.
Optimus scowled, but only slightly. "Do not look at me like that, you brought this upon yourself. Now…go to sleep."
Still pouting Kira shook her head 'no'.
Optimus merely shrugged. "The sooner you go to sleep little one, the sooner you can get up."
Kira's expression stayed the same. All she did was blink.
As Optimus turned away, he felt something soft and light hit the back of his head. Turning back around Optimus saw that Kira was sitting upright still arms crossed and pouting. Looking down, he saw a small stuffed animal that resemble a rabbit lying on the floor beside his feet. He could only guess that that was the object that struck the back of his head. Looking up at Kira, Optimus again scowled, more serious this time and again walked out the door, shutting it behind him.
Instead of retreating back to the living room, Optimus stayed in the hallway directly across from Kira's door and stayed there. He sank down to the floor with his feet out in front of him, arms crossed and ready for the inevitable.
Just then Kira's door slowly drifted open and she peeked out. Optimus was there waiting for her.
Optimus lowered his gaze and said nothing. All he did was point back toward her bed.
Pouting, Kira wheeled around and stomped back into her room and angrily climbed into her bed.
Pulling her covers over her head she began to cry softly. Not so much out of anger, but now more so out of disappointment.
Optimus again leaves the room shutting the door behind him and again took his position against the wall across from Kira's door…and waited.
…
Twenty minutes came and went and Optimus was still in his spot across from her door.
Quietly, he then rose to his feet and opened the door, peering inside. What he saw was indeed a sight of relief.
Kira was fast asleep curled up in her blanket, with her blue stuffed rabbit in her arms and was contently sucking her thumb.
Quietly opening the door Optimus ventured inside and sat in a chair that was close to her bed.
Watching her sleep, listening to her breath, he realized just how much he was starting to care about her.
But was this wise? Caring about Kira, or Cole, or even Jacklyn for that matter?
What would happen if come the day he had to return to his rightful place as commander of the Autobots and had to leave all of this behind?
Looking at Kira Optimus couldn't help but feel the sick, aching feeling of guilt festering in his chest. As much as he did not want to admit, with all Kira's negative behaviors considered, he would miss her immensely had he been able to leave that night. Though that outcome was unlikely, it was still true.
Leaning back in the chair Optimus breathed hard. There was definitely more to the current situation then met the eye…an internal battle…being fought right inside of Optimus' mind.
But one thing was defiantly certain...being a babysitter...was harder than it looked.