Transformers Prime: Princess of Cybertron

Chapter 17: June Meets Team Prime

Sari's POV

"Thanks for walking me home, Jack," Arcee said as Jack walked her into the garage. I was flying overhead, keeping a lookout for anything suspicious. "You're a real gentleman."

"I don't want you revved up before bedtime," Jack replied. "Mom's a light sleeper, and I don't think she'd understand about–"

"Understand what, Jack?" Jack's mom interrupted him, getting out of her car. "You breaking curfew for the third time this month?"

"Mom," Jack tried, but his mom wasn't finished.

"Or why your boss called about you missing another shift at work?" she continued. "Or maybe the email I received from your Art history teacher, who's concerned that you've been falling asleep in class."

"Well, two words, mom," Jack said. "'Art' and 'history.'"

"Tell me the rumors aren't true, Jack," she said. "Tell me you're not racing that motorcycle." Scrap.

"No, no," Jack quickly said. "Wait, wait. Where did you hear that?

"Small town," Jack's mom said. "People talk. I work in an emergency room, Jack. I've seen what can happen. So, please tell me you haven't fallen in with a bad crowd?"

"What?" Jack asked. "N-no. No, no, no. My friends are the good crowd. Seriously good."

"I let you have that bike because you convinced me you were mature enough to handle it," Jack's mom said. "But I think you may need a gentle reminder."

"Message received, Mom," Jack said. "Loud and clear. I- I'm glad we had this talk."

"I meant, let's see if a few weeks without the distraction of your motorcycle will do the trick," Jack's mom corrected him.

"But --" Jack started.

"No buts," his mom said. "You're grounded from everything but school and work. And if you want to take a bike to either, you'll pedal. Serious face, Jack. If I see that motorcycle out of the garage... Now go wash up and get some sleep. I love you. I'll miss you while you're grounded."

"Don't worry, Arcee," Jack said. "I'll visit you here every day."

"Uh, Jack?" Arcee asked. "I won't be here. Sitting on my fat tires for two weeks is not an option."

"No, no, no," Jack said. "You saw Mom's serious face. Look, Arcee, I feel badly enough that I've had to lie to her all this time, but if you're not here, she's gonna think that I'm blowing her off."

"Deep breaths, Jack," Arcee said. "Your mom works late nights. I'll try to be back in the garage before she gets home. But no promises."

*The next day*

I was picking Jack up from work (since I figured it probably wasn't a good idea for him to ride his bike all the way home on his own) when his phone rang.