Wordgirl: The Next Chapter
Life Changes
(It's Summer and now that Wordgirl has officially retired from superhero work, she can now concentrate on the rest of her life working at the library that is part of her brother, TJ's Wordgirl Museum, being the wife of Tobey the Third, and raising their two children, Stephanie and Teddy.)
(Wordgirl has passed the superhero torch onto her daughter, Stephanie, who's now the new Wordgirl, along with BJ, Stephanie's own monkey sidekick and son of older Wordgirl's sidekick, Capt. Huggyface.)
(Huggyface himself has moved back to Lexicon to be with his mate, Lillybud and their other baby, Honeylou.)
(It's now July and Becky is working in the library, reading to a group of kids and their parents.)
(As she reads, Doc and Bea come in with Rebecca.)
Rebecca: Mom, can I go and listen to Miss Becky reading?
LRW: Yes you can. Enjoy yourself, be amused, let yourself go.
Rebecca: Thanks Mom, Mother, Ma.
(Chuck then comes in with Matthew.)
Matthew: Dad, can I listen to her read?
Chuck: Go for it.
Matthew: Yay!
(Matthew goes to listen to Becky read.)
(Walks over to talk to Chuck.)
Dr. Two-Brains: Hey Chuck, how's the family?
Chuck: It's great. I'm taking Matty fishing this weekend. Stepfather/Stepson thing.
LRW: That sounds like great fun, enjoyment, pleasure.
(A little while later, Violet and her two younger kids come and join them, just as Becky finishes reading to the kids.)
Wordgirl/Becky: (After reading.) The End. How did you all like that story?
Boy #1: I did. You're a great storyteller.
Wordgirl/Becky: Thanks. Now it looks like it's time for Arts & Crafts. My friend, Violet Ming is here, along with Liam and Holly.
Violet: Thanks Becky. Hi everyone, I'm Violet Ming and today for the Arts & Crafts, I brought these unpainted clay animals for you all to paint.
Girl #1: Can we bring it home later?
Violet: Sure you can. Liam, Holly, can you help me hand these out to the other kids?
Rebecca: Can I help too, Mrs. Ming?
Violet: Sure can, Rebecca. I can always use more help.
Matthew: Me too?
(Soon, all the kids are working on their art projects.)
Wordgirl/Becky: Matthew is a great help.
Chuck: I'm so proud of him, even though he's stepson.
Wordgirl/Becky: He loves you a whole lot. It shouldn't matter that he's your stepson. I'm adopted as well and I never felt less important than TJ. I told this to Violet and Scoops back in high school. Biology doesn't always make a good parent. Does Mat's father ever call or anything?
Chuck: No, Sarah said that he left her after she got pregnant because he didn't want to bother with raising a child. He's a good kid. Why would his father not want him?
Wordgirl/Becky: You know, I can't answer that. But as far as I'm concerned, you're Mat's father, not Sarah's ex-boyfriend and living in your mother's basement all those years made you a better parent.
Chuck: Thanks. You're always so nice to me. I don't know why I used to battle you all the time.
Wordgirl/Becky: I can't answer that either. But we shouldn't worry about the past anymore.
Chuck: Even though you're not a super hero anymore, do you still have your powers?
Wordgirl/Becky: Of course I do. I will always have them too. I still am able to hear things in the distance, I can still fly, I'm still super strong, etc. I still help Teddy with his vocabulary skills. Stephanie has mastered hers.
Dr. Two-Brains: You mean you don't miss doing super hero work?
Wordgirl/Becky: Sometimes I do. But I wasn't really doing anything anymore because most of you villains have quit or retired. Stephanie still battles some of my old ones, like Rope Guy, Energy Monster, Learnerer, Steve McClean, Seymore Smooth, and Capt. Tangent.
LRW: Oh, Wordgirl, can I still call you that?
Wordgirl/Becky: Sure.
LRW: I forgot to mention, state, bring up that Butcher's 50th birthday is coming up.
Wordgirl/Becky: Wow, he's 50? He still seems so young.
LRW: We're having a special birthday for him. It's not a surprise but it's still going to be special. Do you want to come, show up, make yourself present?
Wordgirl/Becky: Sure, that sounds like fun. I better start shopping for a gift. What would he like?
Dr. Two-Brains: Well, he saw this new meat slicer that he really liked. It's kind of expensive though.
Wordgirl/Becky: I'll go and check it out. (She then notices how close Liam and Rebecca are, as they interact.) Doc, look over at Rebecca. She seems to like being around Liam a lot.
Dr. Two-Brains: Oh great. I knew this day would come. She and Bea went to get her ears pierced and then they spent the whole day shopping.
LRW: Our little girl, pipsqueak, tiddler is growing up. (She looks at her watch.) Oh my, I'm going to be late for work, job, occupation. (She kisses Doc and hugs and kisses Rebecca.) I'll see you all tonight. (She then heads for the copy shop.)
(Later that day, after working at the library, Becky is heading home from the library when she sees her daughter, Stephanie and BJ going after a villain and she smiles.)
Tobey: (Standing on the lawn of their house with Teddy.) Hey Babe.
Wordgirl/Becky: Hey Tobey. (They kiss.)
Teddy: Mommy, Stephanie and BJ are going to fight a bad guy.
Wordgirl/Becky: Yes, I know. I just saw her fly above me, as I was coming home. So what do you want for lunch?
Teddy: Um, can we eat outside?
Wordgirl/Becky: Ok. I can make us some chicken sandwiches and salads.
Tobey: I'll help you.
Teddy: Can I play out here?
Tobey: Ok, but don't leave the front yard.
Teddy: I won't.
(As Tobey and Becky make a picnic lunch, the phone rings.)
Wordgirl/Becky: I got it. (Answers it.) Hello?
Mrs. Botsford: Becky, can I talk to Tobey for a minute. It's about his mother.
Wordgirl/Becky: You don't sound too happy.
Mrs. Botsford: I'm not. Can I talk to him, Dear?
Wordgirl/Becky: Ok. Tobey, it's my mother. She wants to talk to you.
Tobey: Hello, Mrs. Botsford.
Mrs. Botsford: Tobey, I have some really sad news. Your mother was killed in a car accident. It was a hit and run truck driver.
Tobey: NO! MOTHER! Thank you for telling me, Mrs. Botsford.
Mrs. Botsford: You're welcomed, Sweetie. I'm really sorry for your loss. I know she loves you very much and she wishes the best for you and for your family.
Tobey: Thank you for your condolences. (Hangs up.)
Wordgirl/Becky: I heard the whole conversation. I'm sorry about your mother too. I loved her a lot too.
Tobey: Thanks. I know Mother would love to hear that. I'm going to go and lie down for a bit.
Wordgirl/Becky: Ok. Do you want any lunch later?
Tobey: No thanks. I'm not too hungry right now.
Wordgirl/Becky: Ok. I'll be here if you need me.
Teddy: Daddy, sorry about Grandma.
Tobey: Thanks, my son.
(Later that day, Stephanie comes home from crime-fighting and she too finds out that her father's mother was killed in a car accident with a hit and run truck driver.)
Stephanie: (She goes into her parents' room.) Daddy, I heard about Grandma. I'm sorry. I really loved her a lot. She was one of my two favorite grandmas. Daddy, I want to help find this person and bring them to jail.
Tobey: Thanks Stephie.
Wordgirl/Becky: Are you sure you're up for it, Stephie?
Stephanie: Well, yeah. Didn't you have to fight these type of crimes too?
Wordgirl/Becky: Not really. Most of my villains only stole money and things like that.
Stephanie: Oh. But I still want to investigate this. Come on, BJ. (BJ squeaks 'Ok, let's go.') Daddy, I'll find the person that killed Grandma.
Tobey: Thanks. But you know it won't bring her back.
Stephanie: I know. But at least this can't happen to anyone else.
Wordgirl/Becky: We have one smart daughter.
Tobey: Very much so.
Stephanie: I love you, Mom. I love you, Dad. WORD UP! (She and BJ take to the sky and zoom around to look for the person who killed her grandma, Claire McCallister.) See anything BJ? (BJ squeaks 'Nothing'.) I wish we had more information that way we can find them better. (BJ squeaks 'Your mother mentioned that eight years ago or so, someone hit and ran someone else.') That's true. Maybe she'll know who this person is. (She zooms over to Ms. Question's apartment.) My mom says that she talks only in questions. (She arrives at Ms. Question's apartment and knocks.)
Ms. Question: Hello? Are you Wordgirl's daughter?
Stephanie: Yes and this is BJ. He's my sidekick. His dad was my mom's . Question: Did you know that you and BJ remind me so much of your mother and her sidekick? (Stephanie and BJ thank her with a smile.) So, why are you here?
Stephanie: My grandma was killed by a hit and run driver. My dad's mom. And my mom said that you were hit by one a long time ago.
Ms. Question: You want my help to help you find this person?
Stephanie: Yes, Ma'am.
Ms. Question: Does your mother know you're here?
Stephanie: Well, I told her and my dad that we were going to find this person and bring him to justice but I wasn't sure where to start and my mom mentioned your incident and that's why I'm here.
Ms. Question: Do you know that's a very smart move?
Stephanie: Thanks. Can you help me? (Ms. Question nods 'ok'.) So, my mom said that when you were hit, you were knocked unconscious, but do you remember anything about that night?
Ms. Question: Did you know that earlier, I was trying to rob the grocery store and I had fired question marks at your dad?
Stephanie: Really? (They talk for a few minutes about the incident that happened 8+ years ago.) Well, thanks for the information.
Ms. Question: Will you catch this person?
Stephanie: I will try at least. I can't promise you anything.
Ms. Question: Did my information help you any?
Stephanie: Yes it did. Thanks. (She and BJ wave bye to Ms. Question and zoom off.) She helped quite a lot for us. Maybe Mom knows the name of the truck. Let's go home.
(When they arrive, they see Violet, Eileen, and Victoria offering their condolences for her father's loss.)
Tobey: Hey Stephie. Did you find the person responsible?
Stephanie: No.
Tobey: Look, you probably never will either. I appreicate the effort and all and I know Grandma does as well, but looking for someone like that is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
Stephanie: I want to make you proud of me.
Tobey: I am proud of you. So is Mommy and Teddy. You're taking on a big responsibility in filling your mother's shoes and it wasn't easy for her either.
Violet: (She bends down to her level.) Stephanie, don't worry about catching the bad guy. As long as you do your best, then that all that should matter.
Birthday Girl: That's right.
Victoria: Just like Mrs. Ming said, do your best and you'll be the best.
Stephanie: Ok.
Wordgirl/Becky: (She walks out.) Stephanie, did you find who ever killed Grandma?
Stephanie: No, But I did talk to someone else who was hit by a hit & run driver. But I'll probably never find the person who did it.
Wordgirl/Becky: You know, I've been trying to find the person responsible for Ms. Question like a week after she was hit by someone like that and I was never able to find them.
Tobey: And like I said, you probably never will find them. But if you do, that's great. And if you don't, at least you tried your best and that's what's important. Ok?
Stephanie: Ok.
Wordgirl/Becky: Why don't you and BJ get washed up for dinner?
Stephanie: Ok Mom. I love you, Mom and Dad. And thank you, Mrs. Ming, Mrs. Riviera, and Mrs. Throbheart.
Victoria: No problem, Sweetie.
(Stephanie goes into the house.)
Wordgirl/Becky: I heard the conversation out here. Poor thing.
Tobey: I told her that it doesn't matter if she's able to find the person or not.
Wordgirl/Becky: Well, I hope she'll be ok. It's tough being a superhero. Trust me on that.
Violet: Well, I have to get home now.
Birthday Girl: So do we.
Victoria: We'll see you all later.
(That night, Becky is tucking in her kids.)
Stephanie: Mommy, are you really ok with that fact that I couldn't find the person who hit Grandma Claire?
Wordgirl/Becky: Yes. Being a superhero is hard and sometimes you don't always win. There were times I didn't win my battles. And the other thing, I was ten when I started my real superhero work and you're only eight. Don't put so much pressure on yourself.
Stephanie: Well, I do stop bank robbers and shoplifters and I sometimes battle some of your old villains that are still villains. But that's all.
Wordgirl/Becky: Then that's good. Don't worry too much, Stephie.
(Two days later, at the funeral for Claire McCallister, the mother of Tobey McCallister the Third.)
Tobey: Hello everyone. I'm Tobey McCallister the Third and I wanted to say a few things about my mother, Claire McCallister. I loved her very much, even when I was a young lad and she used to pull me by my ears when I did anything wrong. I know she did those ear tuggings because she wanted me to be a good boy and to do the right thing. I don't know if she ever knew that I was considered a villain. Well anyway, I love my mother and I will miss her very much and I will never forget the lessons she had taught me and the unconditional love she showed me, even though I feel that I didn't deserve it at times. I love you, Mother, I will never forget you and if it wasn't for you, I would've never met Becky. If you are all wondering, Mother and Mother-in-law introduced Becky and I when we were ten. They had organized a couple of playdates.
(Later at the end, Tobey and his wife and kids are standing together in front of Claire McCallister's grave.)
(The tombstone reads: Rest In Peace, Claire McCallister, Loving Mother of Tobey McCallister III.)
(Tobey then goes to place some flowers onto her grave and then stands there for awhile.)
(Becky and their two kids are behind him.)
Teddy: (Holding his mother's hand.) Mommy, is Grandma Claire an angel?
Wordgirl/Becky: I say she is. And she's watching over us as we speak. (Tobey walks over to Becky and she gathers him in her arms as he cries for the loss of his mother.) I know you miss her.
Stephanie: Daddy, someday I'll find the person who did this.
Tobey: (Bends down to her level.) I know you will, Stephie and even if you don't, your dedication and determination are fully appreciated and adored. I know Grandma Claire appreciates it as well. Well, let's go guys.
(They walk away from the grave and Tobey gives the tombstone one last kiss with his fingers and heads home with his wife and kids.)
(A month later, Butcher is celebrating his 50th birthday with his friends.)
Butcher: I thank you all for this great party.
Dr. Two-Brains: No problem, Buddy.
Chuck: Yeah, no problem.
Wordgirl/Becky: So, how did you like the party we threw for you?
Butcher: It was great. I thank you as well, Wordgirl. I can still call you that, right?
Wordgirl/Becky: Yeah, I don't mind you all calling me that.
Dr. Two-Brains: So, how is Tobey doing since his mother died?
Wordgirl/Becky: He's doing ok. He's still upset about it, but he's trying to get on with life.
Chuck: I know how he feels.
Dr. Two-Brains: And why is Stephanie so sad?
Wordgirl/Becky: Well, she wanted to find the person who killed her Grandma Claire, but wasn't able to and now she feels that she's not doing a good job at being a superhero. Tobey and I both told her that she shouldn't have to worry about that and that her effort is what's important.
Dr. Two-Brains: She's trying to be just like you. She probably heard all the stories you told her from when you were a superhero and she feels that she needs to live up to that standard.
Wordgirl/Becky: I understand that. But she's eight and I didn't really start fighting crime until I was ten. I also told her that I didn't always win my battles.
Butcher: I always thought you did a very good job in your battles. (Doc and Chuck both agree.)
Wordgirl/Becky: Thanks. But Butcher, when I first battled you, it seemed like it took me forever to defeat you.
Dr. Two-Brains: And there were times that you needed help from us as well.
Wordgirl/Becky: That's true.
Chuck: Does she have any villains of her own yet?
Wordgirl/Becky: No. She's still battling some of my old villains. Rope Guy, Seymore Smooth, Steve McClean, Glen, Learnerer, the Energy Monster, and Capt. Tangent.
Butcher: That's about seven villains. How many did you start off with?
Wordgirl/Becky: Five. And in the end, four of you became some of my best friends and one became my husband.
Chuck: So, how many villains did you have all together?
Wordgirl/Becky: Hmmm, let's see. (Thinking in her head.) I say about 27 to 30, not including Miss Power and Gigglecheeks.
LRW: Hello everyone, one and all, everybody. What are you all talking, chatting, conversing about?
Dr. Two-Brains: Hey Bea. (Kisses her.) We were just all talking about the past and all.
Wordgirl/Becky: Actually, Stephanie is still feeling a bit disappointed because she couldn't find the person who killed Tobey's mom. And I was just telling them that Tobey and I both told her that I didn't always win my battles. Or at least it took me awhile to do so.
LRW: Oh, the poor dear, child, sweetie. Did you tell her to not worry so much?
Wordgirl/Becky: Both Tobey and I told her that.
LRW: I know with your guidance, help, support, she'll do very well. Butcher, I came here because I brought someone special for you to make your birthday even more great than it is now, at the present, at this time. (She then puts her finger to her nose and produces a copy of herself, but not just any copy.)
Butcher: Dupey?! You're here.
Dupey: I'm here, Butcher. How's my meat-tossing man doing?
Butcher: I've been kind of lonely since you were gone.
Dupey: I know. I was kind of lonely as well.
Butcher: Are you here to stay this time?
Dupey: Sure, I hope.
(Both look at LRW.)
LRW: Yes, she's here to stay, remain, hang around forever.
Butcher: Thank you, Bea. (Hugs LRW.)
LRW: You're welcomed, appreciated, delighted.
Wordgirl/Becky: Butcher does give the best bear hugs.
Butcher: You know, hearing you saying such nice things to us has always made me wonder why us villains used to give you such a hard time.
Wordgirl/Becky: You all had your own reasons, Butcher. I'm just glad that most of you villains are doing what I've always hoped you do and that was to become law-abiding citizens and stay on the straight and narrow. And I'm proud of those of you who did turn your lives around.
Dr. Two-Brains: We're glad to hear you say that.
(Later, the party ends and the guests begin to leave.)
Butcher: So Dupey, when can I see you again?
Dupey: Um, how about this weekend?
Butcher: Ok. I'll see you then. (He then just remembers something he wanted to do.) Wait, Dupey!
Dupey: What is it?
Butcher: There's something I've been meaning to ask for a long time.
Dupey: What is it, Butcher?
Butcher: Dupey, I love you very much and I've loved you from the moment I laid eyes on you 20 years ago.
Dupey: I loved you for that long too, Butcher.
Butcher: So I think I can do this. Dupey, will you marry me?
Dupey: Oh, I've been waiting 20 years to hear that question and the answer is 'yes'.
Butcher: Thank you! I promise to be a good husband to you.
Dupey: I know you will.
(Everyone who is still at the party had heard him propose and they all congratulate the two of them.)
Dr. Two-Brains: I'm so happy for you, Buddy.
Chuck: So am I.
LRW: I'm happy, ecstatic, glad for the two of you. (She hugs her duplicate.)
Dupey: Thank you.
Wordgirl/Becky: (Standing with Tobey.) Wow, this is some day.
Tobey: Yes, it is. (He and Becky kiss.)
Wordgirl/Becky: Congratulations Butcher and Dupey. I know you'll be happy together like Tobey and I are.
Butcher: Thanks.
(Six months later, Butcher and Dupey are married.)
(Butcher's Best Man was Chuck and Dupey's Matron of Honor was LRW.)
(The bridesmaids were Wordgirl and Sarah, Chuck's wife. The groomsmen are Tobey and Doc.)
(The ring bearers are Matthew and Teddy. The flower girls are Stephanie and Rebecca.)
(At the reception.)
Dr. Two-Brains: So are you two going to have children?
Dupey: I can't have children because I'm just a copy.
Butcher: But we're going to adopt a little kitten.
Dr. Two-Brains: A kitten?
Butcher: Look, I know that you're afraid of cats but I love cats. Like the last one I had. Lil' Mittens. We're going to call the new one Lil' Mittens the 2nd.
Dr. Two-Brains: I guess it can't too bad. Just make sure it's not a vicious cat.
Butcher: I won't. The last one wasn't vicious at all. He was so cute that it was difficult for Wordgirl to defeat me.
Wordgirl/Becky: I heard you all say my name. Is there something going on?
Butcher: I was just telling Two-Brains here that Dupey and I want to adopt a little kitten and name it Lil' Mittens the 2nd.
Wordgirl/Becky: Awww, that's sweet.
Butcher: Then I told him about the time when I had Lil' Mittens the 1st and it was very difficult for you to defeat me.
Wordgirl/Becky: Yeah, that kitty was quite cute.
Eugene: (Granny May's grandson.) Everyone, it's time for the bride to toss the bouquet.
Emma: (Eugene's wife.) Even though there aren't really anymore single gals here.
Ms. Question: Didn't anyone see me here?
Leslie: We're still single.
(The two of them head for the center of the dance floor as Dupey tosses the bouquet and Ms. Question catches it.)
Ms. Question: I caught it? What does this mean?
Leslie: It means that you are the next to bet get married.
Ms. Question: What if I don't want to?
Leslie: You don't have to. It's just tradition.
Ms. Question: Really? So what do I do now?
Eugene: Now, you get to have a special dance with the partner of your choice.
Ms. Question: Who should I dance with?
Emma: He needs to be a single guy.
Ms. Question: Hmmmm? (She then sees Timmy Timbo, who was invited to the wedding.) Timmy Timbo, do you want to dance with me?
Timmy Timbo: I guess.
(As they dance.)
Tobey: You don't seem to worried about him knowing your secret.
Wordgirl/Becky: Timmy Timbo was never much of an issue for me. But he seems to like dancing with Ms. Question.
Tobey: He seemed to always have a small thing for her. They were in the Coach's Villain School.
Wordgirl/Becky: Yes, I remember. That's when I met both of them and Big Left-Hand Guy.
(Later.)
Matthew: Hi Stephanie. Do you want to dance with me?
Stephanie: Ok, Matthew. (She and Rebecca giggle.)
Matthew: You look very pretty in your dress.
Stephanie: Thank you, Matthew.
(Tobey is talking when he notices Matthew dancing with his daughter.)
Tobey: Becky, don't look now, but it looks like someone has a crush on our daughter.
Wordgirl/Becky: Awww. Is that Matthew, Chuck's stepson? This is so cute. (She walks over to Chuck, who's talking to Sarah.) Hey Chuck, look at your stepson. He's dancing with my daughter.
Chuck: What do you know? My stepson has a crush on your daughter. How weird would it be if they were to get married one day?
Wordgirl/Becky: Then you and I would be In-Laws. I'm already In-Laws with Eileen, sort of. Her husband's sister married my brother, TJ. If I can be related to the Birthday Girl, why not Chuck the Sandwich-Making Guy?
Tobey: You're also married to Tobey McCallister the third. And who knows who Teddy will fall in love with?
Wordgirl/Becky: Oh, my babies are getting older and that means so am I.
Tobey: (Speaking sarcastically.) Oh great. I knew this day will come. My mother used to do this all the time when I was a kid.
Chuck: What's that?
Tobey: When some women hit 30 years old, they start to worry about things like aging.
Chuck: I didn't think Wordgirl would be one of those women who worried about things like that.
Dr. Two-Brains: (Hearing the conversation.) Worried about what?
Tobey: Becky is starting to worry about getting older.
Dr. Two-Brains: She's not old. She's only 30. That's still considered young. But don't worry, Kid. Bea went through this same faze as well, when she turned 30. Then again when she turned 40. Women, they can be so hard to please sometimes.
Chuck: What is she doing with that mirror?
Tobey: She's checking for wrinkles, I think. I keep telling her that she has no wrinkles and that she's still gets acne.
Dr. Two-Brains: I never thought I see the day when Wordgirl worries about getting wrinkles.
Tobey: I guess it's a female thing and we guys aren't supposed to understand it.
(Later, after the reception, Butcher and Dupey head for their honeymoon.)
(Two weeks later, they return home and head for the local animal shelter and, by luck, they find a small kitten who looks exactly like the previous Lil' Mittens and adopt him, naming him Lil' Mittens the 2nd.)
(As it turns out this new Lil' Mittens is a descendent of the previous one that Butcher found 20 years ago.)
The End…