Jasmine's P.O.V.
It's the Saturday before Thanksgiving. All eight femmes and I are going to the mall to get dressed for the photo shoot. I told them I don't want to spend the money for one day, but they think they'll use the dresses more often. I am hoping to find a good dress that Audrey can wear a few times before she outgrows it.
Ratchet and I are a little concerned about Audrey being out in public now that it's cold and flu season. She won't be coming to the mall, but we're ok with our friends holding her. They know to wash their hands and stay away from her if they get sick.
I walk out of the bathroom, to Sideswipe and Audrey.
"Jasmine, look," he chirps.
I see Audrey sitting up while being supported by the couch. I feel more sadness our parents aren't here to see this. Ratchet hugs me.
"I know it's not the same, but the Autobots are like family," he smiles.
I see what he means, but it's going to be hard not to think how mom and dad are missing Audrey growing up. Then the day Ratchet and I decide to give her a cousin, they'll miss that.
This is going to be hard to deal with.
The femmes walk in just in time to see Audrey sitting up before I put her down for a nap. We head out to the mall.
It's only eleven, but I ask if we can go to McDonald's. Not because Ratchet won't let me eat McDonald's food if I asked. It's nice spending time with the eight femmes.
It's the same as before; wait six minutes in line, and a few minutes to get all of our order.
Elita-1 still worried the crowd is too much.
"I'm fine, it's just hard knowing it's the holidays, and Audrey is learning to sit up, but our parents won't see all this."
All the femmes say exactly what Ratchet said. They are right, but this doesn't take away knowing my parents are gone and missing so much.
Again, because of how many of us are shopping, this takes a little time to find dresses. Once we have dresses, we find one for Audrey.
The one dress I'd love to put Audrey in doesn't come in newborn size. I look at the dress, trying to picture if she can wear it now and this dress will last awhile. I think I can place safety pins that won't make the dress uncomfortable. Rather than looking for another dress.
Aunt Ryley loves the dress I bought Audrey and thinks she can make it comfortable and not too big on Audrey. We dress Audrey in the dress so aunt Ryley can figure out how she's going to make the dress fit and we can have her wear it for a while.
"Tiny safety pins will make this a challenge, but I'd rather that than sewing and having to remove the stitching."
"Should I have bought the dress earlier?"
"I should be able to get this done in a week."
The problem is if she needs to make revisions.
I watch Sunstreaker walk down the hall, glimpsing the bag in his hand before he walks into his room. Not enough to get the name of the store he went to, but I'm thinking he bought a camera.
He said he'd take the pictures. I know it's art, but it's still interesting to see Sunstreaker wanting to take pictures.
"Awe, it's perfect," Ryley smiles, seeing Audrey in the altered dress, "I took a picture of the dress with the pins. Not sure if they'll stay in place during a wash."
Ratchet walks out of the bathroom, seeing Audrey dressed. He takes her so I can get ready.
Ratchet's P.O.V.
Jasmine picked a beautiful dress for Audrey even if it's a little big. Glad Ryley could get the dress to fit. It's a nice dress, but not too nice that Audrey can't wear it between today and Christmas.
Unlike Jasmine's dress. The long-sleeved dress goes to the floor. Definitely not an everyday dress. The V-shaped opening on the chest doesn't expose her breasts.
"He's speechless," Ryley smiles. I hug Jasmine, not thinking she'd kiss me, "seriously not in front of the baby."
Even with Sunstreaker being the one taking the pictures, we still have a schedule. Hoping Audrey won't miss her nap. I brought the stroller, so Jasmine and I can eat while she naps.
"Ok, I think first we should take the group photo," Optimus suggests.
"I know not every Autobot is here," Jasmine sighs, "it's a shame."
She knows what's going on that four Autobots aren't here. I know Jasmine is hoping to get pictures with them when the four return.
Audrey is calm while everyone takes turns holding her for a photo after the group photo. Some bots are lucky to get a laugh from her. Though I don't think Prowl appreciated the laugh after the stink bomb. His disgusted expression got everyone else to laugh.
The photos take an hour. Afterward, we go to the cafeteria. I forgot what Lennox does during the holidays. It's the first year since we all had to go into hiding. Remembering it took him a few years to decide to have Earth holidays here. Of course, Optimus loved the idea. Another way to learn about humans.
Now Optimus looks displeased. While Jasmine is in the bathroom and the femmes are with Audrey, I can go talk to him.
"Optimus?" I ask as I sit at the table.
"I should be happy things are getting better for you and Jasmine. That everything is almost as before the base was attacked, but—."
"You worry about Jamie?"
"Yes, especially this month after losing Buddy. You know how much she spoiled that dog."
"Jasmine isn't the only one who's going to have a hard time during the holidays."
Optimus thinks it's best if Jamie and the four Autobots that aren't here stay in her dimension, as it's better for her mental health. I'm not liking how I can only call Drift to know how Jamie is doing, but I need to help Jasmine get through this holiday season without her parents and Yazmine.