One Day At a Time ✔️

Ch. 37 Another Day

Drift's P.O.V.
My mind chooses to think, why won't Jamie talk unless upset?  I didn't think Crosshairs would hug me as I get things ready to take care of Jamie.
"She's getting better, even if it's slow," he reminds me, "I don't like she's not talking, but we can't make her. At least she's eating food."
I was hoping to give Jamie a bath, but she's in so much pain, and I feel so bad I held off starting another infusion of pain medicine. Now we have to worry about her broken ribs. I'd love to ask Ratchet to repair her ribs, but I know she's not strong enough for surgery. It's rough trying to get her comfortable until the medicine kicks in. I set up her tablet on the nightstand and put one of her favorite movies on.
"I was hoping to—," I try to explain, terrified Crosshairs thinks I'm refusing to give Jamie pain relief.
"I know, it's ok," he assures me, "she's been sick and sleeping that we've forgotten she's also injured."

Jamie falls asleep as the movie ends. I feel bad we're keeping her in diapers, but happy she's not trying to get up to go to the bathroom while in pain. Though I hope Jamie will get up once the pain relief kicks in. I do my best to change the diaper and clothes as she sleeps, dreading how red her chest is and looking at how frail she is. Again Crosshairs hugs me, but I can't keep myself from crying.

We sit on his bed before I see he's tearing up. I hate I can't comfort him as we see our little lady sleeping. I need to get her dressed and covered before she's troubled by how cold she is.

Sunstreaker knows our code to get in and lets himself in. Takes one look at us and finishes dressing Jamie and covering her with the blankets. He looks at us, uncertain if he should make us leave for a while or not.

Sunstreaker's P.O.V.
They need a break, but I don't think they can relax while not around her. I hate how frail Jamie is, and her chest is red. Her clothes are too big. I have been thinking should I buy a smaller size, or will it upset her guardians more?
Sunstreaker: uh, Ratchet, Crosshairs, and Drift are crying. Jamie is asleep, but I don't know if you want to do something or even know they're crying.
Ratchet: they don't want to leave her for a while, even with someone else with her.

I didn't think Ratchet would walk in five minutes later. Crosshairs and Drift will not like I told Ratchet about their current state. Ratchet doesn't know what to do other than get Optimus involved and tell me to tube feed Jamie after telling him I had to dress Jamie. We know her guardians didn't neglect her.

I can't ignore what's being said as I take care of Janie.
"I think you two need to let others take Jamie for the fay for a while. It's not good for you to get this stressed or depressed," Optimus suggests.
"No!" Drift argues, "I'm not leaving her alone again!"
"Shh, hey, it's ok," Crosshairs calms Drift, "somebot aside from Sideswipe will stay with her."

"I'll stay here," I assure Drift.
It's ten in the morning, and I just fed her. It's difficult to get both mechs to leave the room, and I know they have snacks to try to get Jamie to eat. She seems to stay relaxed for five hours before worrying about how her guardians are not around.
"You can take her for a walk if she wants that," Ratchet instructs as the other three leave the room, "hopefully, we'll get them to relax in the lounge room."
I know that means don't take Jamie there unless she's being difficult. Then I remember the last time I stayed while she was asleep and not sick; she was dealing with nightmares, but I wasn't warned about that. Ratchet leaves the room.
Are you watching her? Sideswipe asks through the bond.
Yes, but I think Drift will be livid if I let you join me. Even if I'll make sure not to leave her alone with you.
I feel Sideswipe's sadness.

Jamie wakes up an hour later, looking for her mechs. I know how to keep her calm as I hold her. I shouldn't let Sideswipe come here, but I need him to make Jamie some food. Jamie lets me put the speaking valve in the trach.
"You want to watch T.V.?" I ask her. I hate how Jamie looks at me, scared, "ok, I'll keep you here, but you need to sit up."
I prop up pillows and sit Jamie up.

When Sideswipe walks in with oatmeal, I take the bowl and have him get my art supplies.
"Eat a little, please?"
I don't know if we're still making sure she doesn't eat too fast; I'm still going to feed her, and hopefully, I can avoid her throwing up. Sideswipe made a fourth of a cup, and Jamie finished it.
Being careful, I move her so I can sit with her and work on a little art.

Sideswipe's P.O.V.
It's a good hour before Crosshairs texts me, wanting to know how Jamie is doing. I'm hoping they both want to know and Drift isn't panicking already. It's hard knowing they need to see their charge and best friend is ok considering what she's been dealing with, but they're struggling mentally, and it will not go well if Jamie notices. Sunstreaker decides it's time to get Jamie out of this room, but he asks Jamie to avoid upsetting her. I worry she's hoping to run off, even if it's to find her mechs.

"Glad this is from the hospital," I comment as I put the IV bag on a hook, trying not to extend the pole though I don't think we can hide Jamie is still getting medicine.
I still can't believe how worried Sunstreaker has been, and now he's taking care of Jamie. Feeding her was a surprise, but now taking her for a walk and ensuring she's warm.
I just wish she'd say something. Sunstreaker says.
It's hard since Jamie seldom talked to begin with. Add the trach. Jamie is used to not talking much, but Ratchet wants her to talk more to ensure she can keep her oxygen level up. We hate there are no answers on how to help Jamie. Hard to accept we still have a long way to go.