Disclaimer: I do not own this show or its characters. I write as a fan. Enjoy.

The sky was black.

On the streets, there wasn't a sign of life anywhere. Lights glowed faintly from the street lamps only providing enough light to see one's next step.

The vacated buildings seemed to moan in their loneliness as a single shooting star fell from the heavens.

WordGirl stood in the middle of the empty road gazing straight ahead. At first nothing. Then she could see only the shadowy outline of something out in front of her. Something lifeless. Something dead. She couldn't identify it.

She wanted to fly to it, but she was grounded. So she walked. And walked and walked. The object did not become any clearer.

Voices.

From the abandoned rooftops came the cries of the city. They rose to such volumes that it hurt to try and make sense of them. But one voice did resonate louder than others.

"Where's Becky!"

The object came into focus. That heap of lifelessness was . . .

o

"Miss. Botsford!"

Becky shot up. She had fallen asleep in class. Gazing around, she felt light-headed and disoriented. Her eyesight was still bleary, but she could make out the figure of her teacher, standing rather disappointingly over her desk.

"Perhaps we should have a talk before recess." The teacher moved away from Becky's desk to resume the lesson, the other students snickering at Becky's scolding.

Today was not shaping up to be that great. Now not only did she have to worry about Tobey trying to destroy the city, but she was going to have to listen to a frivolous lecture about "respect" all within a thirty-minute time span. A time in which she needed to be in the media center.

The rest of the morning Becky spent trying to keep her eyes open. Her lack of sleep was really beginning to catch up with her and the teacher just seemed to ramble on and on and on and on and on . . .

Becky couldn't afford another mistake. If she acted up again the teacher may hold her back from recess altogether. She had to meet with Scoops; the city's livelihood depended on it. So, to prevent sleep from overtaking her again, Becky would go over her plan for the Daily Rag in her head.

All she needed was the school paper to say there were summer activities and Violet's mother would be sure to let Becky stay; it would also provide proof for Becky's parents that there was a good reason to leave their daughter behind for a month.

Of course, Becky couldn't let a lie like that be printed in the paper, so she would have Scoops write the story as a pitch for a summer program that the school couldn't afford, then all Becky would have to do is print two papers that didn't include the paragraphs about the school not being able to run the activities mentioned in the paragraph above. Sounded good, but what about Violet's mom. She would want to send the girls to the events.

Becky couldn't ask Violet to lie through the summer. Violet wouldn't lie to her mom, not to mention she would want to know why Becky was lying in the first place.

The student in front of Becky suddenly turned around. He was passing a stack of papers to her.

"Take one and pass it on," he wheezed placing the papers on her desk. The student then began to cough into the hand he used to pass the papers to Becky.

"Excuse me," he sniffed, "The weather's got me feeling sick." He turned back to the front.

Becky cringed at the sight of the paper. She doubted his excuse for contaminating the worksheets, but Becky did send a glance over to the classroom window.

It had gotten darker outside. Maybe, if she were lucky, it would rain and she wouldn't have to worry about Tobey unleashing his robots on the city.

Becky shook a sheet from the middle of the stack before passing it back. Turning back around she caught a glimpse of Violet who was seated up front. Violet must have been watching Becky, waiting for her to look her way, for when she did Violet started mouthing words to her.

Though Becky loved to read, lip-reading was a language Becky never mastered. Despite Violet's determination, all she received was a blank stare from her friend.

Becky just smiled back and returned her attention to the front of the class not wanting to draw the teacher's attention to herself. Whatever it was, she could talk to Violet about it later.

Now -what was it she was thinking about- oh yes the Daily Rag. All she needed was two papers and . . .

The class suddenly rose to their feet and began moving around. Students were pulling their desks together and filling out the worksheets.

Becky mentally kicked herself for not paying attention.

"Hey Becky," Violet quickly appeared next to her best friend. "Can I interview you?"

. . . What?

"Why?"

Violet laughed softly as she pulled a chair up to Becky's desk.

"You're my best friend so I thought I'd interview you, silly."

"Oh. . ."

Now seemed like a good time to actually look at the paper she had been handed. Becky read over the paper; yet another time when superpowers were useful.

The handout read:

"Interview another student in the class. They can be a friend or another student you have always wanted to get to know. This will help get you ready for your project. Ask them questions about:

Their Family-

Friends-

Favorite foods-

Favorite memory-"

The list went on to include many interview questions. But what Becky was most concerned about was the word "project."

"What project?"

"Huh?" Violet had gotten her pencil and paper ready and must have asked her first question for she looked poised to write whatever came out of Becky's mouth.

"This handout is talking about a project we'll be doing. Why?"

"Weren't you listening, we're going to make a book about us and our families. I'm really excited."

Becky just sighed as Violet continued.

"I'm going to interview my Grandfather about our family this Thursday when he comes over to help us pack."

Pack?

"Pack? Are you leaving this summer?" Becky must have sounded distressed.

"Yes," Violet tiled her head in confusion as her friend placed her head on her desk. "My mother says that someone wants her to paint a mural inside the Luva Museum in Lakeville. Mom says it's a job she can't refuse but it will take several days to complete, so I'm going with her."

Becky didn't move. Violet frowned. She didn't know exactly what was going on inside her friend's mind, but it couldn't be good. It was troubling to see a friend look as Becky did. She looked tired and angry. For the few years that they had known each other, Violet had come to know Becky was never one to share her feelings.

This always bothered Violet. She had always shared her thoughts and feelings with Becky, but whenever it seemed her friend was having a tough time she would never talk about it. Violet was never mad at Becky for this, but she wished her friend would trust her more and talk about things.

"What's wrong Becky?"

The word "everything" came out muffled. Becky wanted to scream, throw a fit, or at least rip up this homework assignment that was going to cause unwanted stress for the next two weeks.

Becky took a deep breath and tried to gain composure. She sat up slowly and faced her friend.

There was no point in getting mad at the situation. It wasn't like Violet's mom had purposely planned a trip to intervene with WordGirl saving the city. But now what?

"I'm fine Violet, what's your first question?"

Mrs. Botsford was going to call and find out there were no summer activities and Becky was going to get caught in her lie.

"We'll start off easy. Who's in your family?"

"My mom and dad, my brother TJ and Bob."

Becky would be punished for the remainder of the Botsford Family's stay in the city, and then she would be forced to leave.

"What's your favorite thing to do?"

"Read."

The city would be thrown into pandemonium. Crime would be uncontrollable by the time she got back. The city would wonder what happened to WordGirl and they would want to know why she didn't help people. Her reputation would be ruined.

"Where were you born?"

"Lexicon."

Her family might even . . . Wait! What did she just say!?

Violet stared for a moment. What did her friend just say?

"Is that the city west of ours?" Violet asked.

Becky could feel her face become hot. Why did she say that?

"No, no, I meant to say, here." Becky tried to laugh off her discomfort, but Violet seemed to only become more concerned. "I was born here. Born and raised here, right here."

"Oh," was all Violet could say. After a moment Violet spoke again. "I was born here too."

"Really?" Becky smiled, trying to sound as interested as possible. Taking her paper and a pencil Becky began to take notes on her friend, thankful the Lexicon comment had faded from memory.

"Mom always told me I was born right as dawn broke. The sun had barely risen over the tops of the distant trees when I began my first day on the Earth. She says that God placed a miracle in her arms when I was handed to her."

"Wow, that was really sweet."

"I know. My mom is so good with words; I think I might ask her to help me with my project." Violet beamed.

At that moment the recess bell rang. Students returned their chairs to their respective places as instructed by the teacher before heading out the door. Most of the children went to the library or art room fearing it might rain, but a few brave souls headed out the school doors to the empty playground that awaited them.

Violet rose.

"Do you want me to wait for you?"

"No."

"Are you sure?" Violet really wanted to help Becky. Something was wrong.

"Yeah, I'm going to meet Scoops after this, but I would love to walk home together after school today."

Violet smiled with the hope of talking things out with Becky later; Becky smiled knowing she could ask about the project then.

Becky lingered in her seat. She was going to wait for her hopefully short lecture. Becky waved goodbye to Violet as she left and then got comfortable.

The teacher gradually came over to where Becky was sitting. Each step seemed to go in slow motion. Could this teacher walk any slower? It felt like miles of room were now separating the two instead of just ten small steps.

"Miss. Botsford,"

It was strange being called by her last name.

"You are normally such a good student, what's wrong today?"

"I guess I'm just tired."

The teacher continued to ramble on about stuff. Becky would nod every so often or respond with a "yes."

It was kind of a funny situation though. Here "WordGirl," defender of the city was being reprimanded for being tired after a whole night of crime fighting. Becky couldn't help but wonder what her life would be like if people did know her secret. Certainly, her teachers wouldn't hold her after class or give her time-consuming projects in the last two weeks of school.

Finally, the lecture was over, and with twenty minutes left of recess. Ample time, not that it mattered. With Violet leaving for the summer there was no hope for Becky. Maybe if she still made the papers, she could make it appear that Mrs. Heaslip just couldn't keep her, then she could at least dodge punishment for lying about the summer activities. This wouldn't fix the problem of WordGirl leaving though.

Oh well, she would just have to think of something else.

Becky turned to the window before leaving the class and saw several small drops of water hit the glass. It was starting to rain.

Becky made her way to the door with a smile. There wasn't going to be any robot attack today; a pleasant reward considering the circumstances.

An unpleasant surprise awaited her in the hall, however, as Tobey was leaning against the wall outside of the classroom. At first, Becky anticipated some kind of "WordGirl" related harassment, but then she noticed he wasn't really paying attention to her, or anything for that matter. He was just staring.

Odd.

It probably would have made more sense for her to just walk away and leave him there, but that didn't seem right considering he might still be planning something.

"You okay?" Becky positioned herself in front of her foe. If she made good eye contact it would be easier for her to tell if he were lying.

He just blinked a few times before acknowledging her.

"What?" Tobey sounded angry as he straightened up. It took another moment before her words finally made sense in his head. "Why do you even care?"

Before class she hates you, after class she's concerned; must be a girl thing.

"I was just asking."

"Well, maybe you should mind your own business."

"Oh, that's funny coming from you considering you were eavesdropping on me earlier."

Tobey continued his intent glare for a moment longer before rolling eyes.

"I don't have time for this."

Finally something they both agreed on.

With nothing left to say, Tobey turned to enter the class as Becky made her way down the hall. That was, awkward. Once safely around the corner, Becky decided to make a dash for the media center to save what little time she had left.

Unfortunately, Becky's hast ran her into an adult who had been walking in the hall.

"Ouch!" The man yelped as he was almost knocked over by her. "Watch where you're going, you little urchin."

The man straightened his coat before continuing down the hall.

"Funny," Becky thought. "I've never seen him here before." He must have been a visiting parent or new teacher. Sure was rude. But now wasn't the time to ponder that; off to the media center . . . wait.

Becky knelt down and picked up a folder that the man must have dropped. She stood quickly to try and get the man's attention, but he was already gone. He must have been in a hurry. She could drop the folder off in the library; there was a 'lost and found' there and it was connected to the computer lab.

Scoops had already started the article by the time Becky arrived after dropping off the folder. He had the layout of the paper up on the computer screen and he was filling in the headline; Financial Crises Ruins Summer Fun.

Becky frowned at the article. She really wanted it to look like an ad for the summer events. If Scoops wrote the article it would only talk about the school's financial problems.

Scoops was so busy reviewing his notes from earlier, he had not noticed Becky's presence yet.

"Hey there." Becky pulled a chair away from one of the other computer station and sat beside her friend.

"Great you're here, let's start."

Scoops held his notes open for the two of them.

"I was thinking we should defiantly point out how the school can't afford half of the after school activities that it use to. I remember my dad saying their use to be six or seven more classes he could take as a kid here."

"I was actually thinking, about. . ."

Becky stopped herself to think. Nothing else was working out, why did she need to do this?

She wanted the paper to prove to her parents that there really were school activities during the summer, but what was the point if Violet's mom wasn't going to let her stay. Whether Becky got away with lying or not there was no way she could prevent the family vacation.

"Why don't we write out a promo for the summer events?" She said this a little harshly.

Scoops raised an eyebrow.

"You know, make it sound cool so people would want to attend and then let them know that due to. . ." Becky was cut off.

"Due to a lack of 'subsidy' the school is unable to host such events." Scoops winked at the use of the word 'subsidy.' He was proud he could still remember. "I like it and since you're the one who came up with it, you should write it."

"Me?!" Becky never considered herself creative and if this didn't incorporate some imagination, Becky didn't know what did.

"Yeah, why not? Besides I need to get started on this Two-Brains story."

"What did you just say?"

"I need to get to work on this Dr. Two-Brains story. I've been putting it off since all I have left to do is upload the pictures on the computer."

Rising from the computer chair, Scoops stood by the door where posted was a bulletin board with several top story pictures pinned to it. Scoops pulled one of the images off the board and brought it to Becky.

"See this," He held up what looked like an empty patty-wagon. "Two-Brains escaped Saturday about two hours after WordGirl caught him. Luckily I was there to snap a quick picture and interview witnesses of his escape."

"How did he get out?! He was handcuffed and unconscious."

"Well I don't know about all that, but you're just going to have to read my report to find out what happened." Scoops made his way to the computers' scanners.

Becky turned to face the task at hand; she'd worry about Two-Brains later . . . or would she. If he didn't come out of hiding before school let out she might not get the opportunity to catch him again. Why couldn't he just stay locked up? Just for a month, that's all she wanted.

Becky looked at the cursor blinking on the screen. There was a whole column of blank space just waiting for what she would write.

Here goes . . .

"Come experience an engaging occasion amid a collective assemblage of acquaintances at the school's annual Summer Activities Event."

That didn't sound right. Maybe,

"Spend this summer here at school. . ."

She could already tell that was awful; no child would come to that.

"You need to be here. . . Summer only comes once a year . . . Want to do something fun and educational. . ?"

That didn't sound so bad.

"Want to do something fun and educational? Why not spend a summer hanging with friends and trying new activities here on campus. Games, food, prizes and more could await any student who wishes to take part in the events."

This was actually sounding pretty good.

Once Becky had set up the story for the event, she needed to print two copies and then she could finish the story with the part about the school not being able to host such festivities. Perfect.

Becky glanced over at Scoops. He seemed rather engrossed in his picture placement; he would never notice her printing.

Click.

The printer on the far side of the room hummed to life. Becky flinched a bit at the sound, but Scoops never looked away from his monitor.

That was easy.

Becky finished the article just in time for the bell.

"Well, I'm done." Becky rose from her chair.

"Great, I'll put your section with the rest of the paper. It will be handed out in the lunchroom after school so defiantly pick one up, okay?"

"Okay." Becky nonchalantly walked around the room, passed by the printer and was out of the media center. Finally, something had gone right today. Becky made a stop at her locker to place the fraudulent papers in before heading to class.

(A/N) If you enjoyed, feel free to review, if not, still review.