Hidden Spark on Earth (TFP)

Chapter 17

"Sorry, Jack. I am afraid when Ratchet gets into the mode..." She turned to look at Ratchet who rolled his optics at her. "There is no getting out of it."

Ratchet shook his head slightly. "Very well. But no more than a couple hours, tonight is still a school night."

Arcee rolled her optics in amusement. "I'm not a fool, Ratchet. I have been taking Jack to school for last week." She transforms into the motorcycle and revs her engine. "Let's get out of here, Saphira."

Placing the helmet on, Saphira walked over to Arcee and swung her leg over, sitting down and relaxing with her hands on the handle. "I'm ready."

Arcee did not need to be told twice as she speeds down the tunnel to the door to leave the compound. Saphira was still feeling uncertain about the idea of retrieving the sentimental things she had in her father's home. It seemed quite risky to her, not to Arcee, but to her. If her stepmother, stepsister and Xavier were able to figure out Saphira's work schedule, or see her with one of the autobots or kids...things could turn bad. And the autobots, unfortunately, would have to deal with the aftermath of it all. Especially if serious injuries occur.

As they drive out of the base onto the road, Saphira glanced at her watch. "I suppose we picked a good night to do this, Arcee."

"What do you mean?" Arcee asked curiously. "Is your family not going to be at the house?"

"On Thursday nights, my stepmother and stepsister go out shopping, followed by dinner at some fancy restaurant, and my father tends to stay behind at work for some overtime," Saphira explained, she doubted that has changed since she was forced to leave. "The house will be empty. I just hope I can sneak in without being seen."

"At least you seem to know what they are going to be doing tonight. Do you think they will notice the guitar and picture missing from your room?"

"By the time they noticed, I highly doubt they would be able to do anything as long as they don't have proof," Saphira responded as she began to enjoy the cool air rushing by as Arcee drives along the road. "As long as I avoid the front door camera, I can climb up to my window just fine. I would only be worried about neighbours as they could be home and they could see me."

"I will make sure to keep cover for you," Arcee said softly. "I am curious, Saphira. Why didn't you get help when you were living there?" Saphira frowned a little at her question. "I would assume people living in those kind of situations can get help."

"I tried once...but...that did not help me at all. If anything, when I tried to speak, it only made it worse. And...that was the first and only day my dad ever hit me." Saphira tightened her grip on the bars slightly as she thought about her past. "Because of that, I have a little resentment towards people like Agent Fowler because they weren't there when I needed them. He might have helped me now...but, that does not change the past."

"I guess I understand that. Hopefully now you'll be able to leave that weight behind and try to forget about it. Especially since your life is getting brighter."

"I'm trying to...but...it is going to take a long time," Saphira said softly. She looked ahead to see the lights of the town and took a deep breath. "Is it possible for you to roll without the engine on?"

"Yes, of course."

"When I guide you to the right street, could you shut off the engine? I really don't want to draw attention to us. I will let you know when we reach the right street...I just...the less attention we have the better."

Arcee could hear the nervousness in Saphira's voice. While the autobot was confident they could do it, she understood Saphira was worried. "No problem, Saphira. We are going to be queens of stealth."