Disclaimer: I don't own these characters just the plot.

(A/N) I did not proofread this at all, I'll be honest. My fam and I just moved so I've been very busy with that. But I will check it later once I get the internet at my new house. And for the record, I did post this at work but my boss was aware of me doing so. I'm a hard worker. Blessings,

Sitting there thinking in the dark had been something he was always good at. In the dark there were no distractions, and the night hours warranted unprecedented solitude. He could search the deep corners of his mind, the parts that frightened him, without anyone knowing.

Tonight was one of those nights. He sat on the edge of his bed waiting for the appalling memories to come to him. The shame of being rejected, the thrill of falling in love, the pain of hearing his own heart break . . . and living here.

The past that defined him and confined him.

He rose and went to the window of his bedroom; the words of a familiar tune bearing themselves on his lips.

"My cherie amour, lovely as a summer day,
My cherie amour, distant as the milky way,
My cherie amour, pretty little one that I adore . . ."

The past had forced him to call this place home and the world was very content in carrying on without him. It really didn't need him; maybe not even want him . . .

"Maybe someday, you'll see my face among the crowd,
Maybe someday, I'll share your little distant cloud . . ."

But soon it would.

A smile crossed his lips as he viewed his pale reflection in the glass. In a few days, he'd get a second chance to win his life back.

He felt a burning in his eyes as tears strained to make themselves present. All the momories. Why these memories. Why not? Why not.

Now was not the time to wallow in self pity.

"Tyesha!" the man hallowed and turned to leave the room.

He threw open the door and hurried down the halls of the large mansion that was bestowed upon him. He was on a hunt for his assistant. He passed all the luxuries money could afford, all the fineries of high living, art worth millions and furniture of aesthetic pleasure.

"Tyesha! Where are you!?!"

The man then heard her soft voice coming from the guest bedroom; a room in the opposite direction of his path.

"I'm down here, sir."

The man doubled back and quickened his pace until he stood in the room.

"What are you doing in here?" he asked as he watched his assistant rummage through the closet.

"You told me to use the finest red materials and I think these would qualify."

The man looked at his assistant hold up the spear sheets from the guest room. It unfolded to reveal a beautiful rose pattern with golden thread woven throughout its intricate design. It was a fabric even kings would envy.

"They are nice, but . . ." the man titled his head as if inspecting the worn out tires of an old car.

"Is there something wrong? I'm sorry, I can find better . . ."

"No, no, it's just," the man raised a finger to his lip. "I was thinking, it would be better to use material from Mother Earth."

"Pardon me . . .?" Tyesha wasn't sure what she was hearing.

"Follow Tyesha, I have been struck by inspiration and I wish not to lose it."

The man quickly exited the room, his assistant struggling to keep up with his pace as she attempted to fold the sheets. She didn't want to leave the room a mess, as that would contradict the instructions her boss had given her earlier.

When the man sent a quick glance behind him he was aggravated by what he saw.

"Will you drop that!"

"Oh," Tyesha was surprised by her boss' sudden outburst. She dropped the sheets on the ground and ran to catch up to him.

The two proceed through the empty mansion. The staff had all gone home for the night except for her. She was her boss' constant companion. They walked the elaborate halls until they came to the cellar door.

"Now what I'm going to show you, I want you to swear you will Never, tell another living soul about." He spoke in a whisper to add dramatic effect.

"I, I promise." Tyesha gulped, almost frighten about what he could be hiding.

The man slowly opened the door for his assistant to enter; standing aside as she proceeded with caution. Downstairs was filled with items she had never seen before.

"Oh my." Tyesha's decent into the cellar was a slow one. She gazed upon the items with wonder and a hint of fear. How had her boss come to own such things? And how had she not noticed it after seven years of working with him?

The man smiled at his assistant's amazement. He followed behind her.

"Sir, what is this stuff?"

"I'm so glad you asked. They're things from Mother Earth." He smiled brightly.

The items ranged from kitchen utensils to furniture, all of which Tyesha had never seen the likes of before. He hopped up next to his friend, giving wild explanations for everything he saw; Tyesha doing her best to keep up. He was like a child in a candy store.

"And this item here is called a blender. People on Earth use it to liquefy solid foods. And this is a telephone, I've seen it used by people to talk to others that had one. And this thing . . . I have no idea what it's called, but it carries your waste away from you."

"Sir, we have one of those," Pause. "It's called a toilet."

"Yeah, but this Earth toilet doesn't have buttons or a seat warmer, so it's still primitive and cool."

"Uh, sir?" Tyesha raised her concerns as her boss continued to dance around the room. "I don't mean to interrupt." Tyesha had never seen her boss act in such a manner. It was as if these things had somehow changed who he was.

"What is it?" he sighed.

"Well, it's not that I'm not very fascinated by your . . . collection, because I am, I mean I've never seen such things before. They're very lovely; it's just that, well. . ."

"Will you get on with it already?" His patience was wearing thin.

"I don't see how this is going to get us ready for WordGirl's arrival, sir."

The man faced his assistant and frowned. The two stood in silence for a moment.

"You know how I told you not to tell another living soul about this place?"

"Yes, and I still promise I won't, but. . ."

"Good, because I'm going to have you fire the whole staff so I can replace every object in the house with this stuff." The man watched his assistant's shocked face. "Don't want to break High Law by having them interacting with this stuff."

The assistance's mouth almost dropped to the floor as her boss's grin ran ear to ear.

"From what we know," the man continued as Tyesha tried to collect her thoughts. "WordGirl doesn't remember Lexicon and therefore would only be comfortable with things from Mother Earth."

"But sir . . ."

"I want her room covered in fine red Earthen materials and only her favorite foods prepared."

"Yes of course, but sir . . ."

"I also want her room to be painted before her arrival."

"But Sir . . ."

"No buts. You're from Lexicon, can't you think up a better conjunction?" He laughed as he made his way up the stairs again, but Tyesha's calls stopped him.

"You can't do that."

"What," he wheeled around with a rather discontented look. "I gave you an order I expect it carried out."

"With all due respect sir," Tyesha gathered her inner strength. She needed to be careful with the words she choice; these were dangerous waters she was treading upon. "You would be the cause of many Thesaurians losing their jobs."

"Yes," he looked around trying to see her point. "I'm aware of that."

"But sir, don't you think your acting a little too rash."

"Didn't I say not to use that word."

"Yes, but... I mean 'still', people will be without work and they have been so loyal. WordGirl's not going to be comfortable without any staff here to care for her."

Tyesha's boss slowly descended the steps. He stood over Tyesha.

"WordGirl's from Earth, and I am going to make this place as close to home for her as possible. Is that okay with you?"

"Sir, she needs to get use to . . ."

"Lexicon, I know. Here's the clincher: We're kidnapping her from her home, thrusting a past she wasn't aware of on her and expecting her to get over her fears before the 'King of Britannica' keels. I think the least we could do, is make this place a little less like a prison and more like a home. Capiche?"

Tyesha diverted her eyes.

"We can't change what it is sir."

The man clenched his fist and looked away from his assistant.

"This isn't a prison, but . . . yet, no matter what we do, it will always feel like one."

"Funny," the man said letting his anger subside. "I was told it's a safe-house."

o

Becky stared coldly at the teacher as he began the day's math lesson.

The whole ordeal at the club was still weighing heavily on her mind, especially since she wasn't really listening to the lesson. She could only imagine how awful it must have been for Scoops.

There was also the issue that someone was still out there planning another trap for her. Whoever they were, odds were they wouldn't give up until they reached their goal.

Becky sighed. What could she do? She hadn't the faintest who would do this to her and she still had other villains to focus her attention on. Hopefully Dr. Two-Brains would take a break for a while. He seemed a little upset by the episode Tuesday as well.

At the back of the class, an unlikely train of thought was taking place.

Tobey found himself staring at the back of Becky's head. He hadn't expected her to share that bit of information about herself. In fact, he didn't expect her to care about his feelings at all. Tobey was indeed baffled. His relationship with Becky was to be one of rivalry in which he was always the victor, but today. . . Becky was more of an equal. Someone who understood something he thought only he could fully comprehend. Not to mention she was willing to ask him for help when she sought to behave mischievously.

To some degree Becky was . . .sigh. . . intriguing. Tobey was glad no one could hear his thoughts; the thoughts that had been harassing him since the events that transpired in his house Monday afternoon.

She's been nice if not inviting to him. Even after trying to destroy her house, she always attempted to speak with him and be friendly. Why? He never went out of his way to be nice to her. After his defeat at her home, when WordGirl saved the day, he had always been at odds with her. The chance to outsmart her always gave him delight and he reveled in knowing his robots could put to shame anything she could do. Art, camping, elections, Tobey was better than Becky and had to prove it . . . just like he had with everyone else.

But after that conversation, even if he beat her at everything, it wouldn't feel much like a victory. She was different; no other word better described her. Grant it, she wasn't better than him. Only WordGirl had managed to outwit him time and time again, but Becky was a person he could match wits with.

Admittedly, Tobey was a little nervous now about sharing ice-cream with Becky. At first he had done so just to annoy her and maybe find out why she had asked for the voice machine, but now. . .

He couldn't back out. To back out meant he'd lose to his feelings and Tobey hated to lose.

Just then Becky turned in her chair to face him. She had felt that someone was watching her and was a bit surprised that it was Tobey.

The boy quickly sent his gaze downward at his math book to hide the embarrassment coloring his face.

Becky just rolled her eyes and faced the front of the class again. The only thing that could be worse than Tobey crushing on WordGirl would be if he started crushing on her secret identity too. Hopefully that wasn't what she was seeing. She had enough on her plate right now. . .

As the end of the school day came, Becky remained seated in her desk as the bell rang. Many of the students were out the door before the teacher could wish them a safe and happy weekend.

Violet approached Becky with a large smile and high hopes for Saturday.

"Ready to head home Becky?" Violet beamed.

Becky smiled back at her friend. How nice it would be to walk with her best . . .

"No, Becky will be enjoying my company for the afternoon," Tobey forced his way between the two friends. "So why don't you just saunter on aimlessly alone."

"Hey! Don't talk to her like that." Becky protested as she rose to confront Tobey.

"Fine," Tobey didn't wish to get Becky upset before they went out; probably wouldn't be the best. "I'm sorry, er. . ."

"Violet." Becky informed him.

"Violet," Tobey's lip curled on her name as if he had swallowed a lemon.

Violet allowed a confused expression to take her features. Violet grabbed hold of Becky's arm and lead her a few paces away from Tobey.

"Why are you two hanging out?" She sounded almost hurt that Becky was choosing to spend time with Tobey over her. He was such a bad child. Violet just couldn't understand why anyone would want to share his company.

"I'll tell you later Vi," weak smile. "See you tomorrow."

Becky left with Tobey leaving Violet with a slew of questions.

o

Across town, Sally Botsford began packing up her day's work. She placed several case files back in the cabinet and straightened up her desk. Everything seemed to be in order, so she was ready to head home early; a fine reward after a hard day of comparing notes.

Sally had been working all day reviewing the case she was to help proceed in Florida. It appeared to be an open and shut case; all that was needed was a trial to convict the villain and a verdict. And with the heap of evidence stacked up, it looked like this trail would be over in a matter of days. She could enjoy the remaining two weeks with her family.

Well, most of her family anyway.

Sally stood in front of her desk staring down at the photos she kept on her work station. There was a picture of her two children posing; bright smiles. Sally reached out and took the frame in her hand. Looking at it now, she couldn't believe she would one day be gazing at a distant happiness. This moment in time was supposed to last forever, maybe get a little rocky through the teen years, but not tear apart at the seams.

Becky wasn't acting like herself.

That Monday when her husband had told their children about the trip, Sally had expected the children to be thrilled. It was going to be a month away from work where the family could spend some time together. But Becky didn't seem to share in Sally's vision. Becky wanted to stay behind. Sally had toyed with the idea that it had been Becky's mysterious past that enticed the girl to want to stay, but lately newer, and darker, theories had been invading her mind.

What if Becky didn't like being with the Botsfords? Becky's behavior Tuesday was so upsetting to her. Why had Becky acted that way? Sally had reasoned that her daughter was out of sorts due to her sickness, but the feeling of rejection kept welling up inside her. Even as Becky lay sick in bed, she was constantly asking her parents to leave her alone to 'rest.' Maybe Becky really was worrying about her real parents.

Sally could feel her eyes tearing up. She quickly placed the picture down and wiped the offending drops away. They proved to be more resilient. Sally found herself crying softly into her hand. They were foolish ideas to have, but they infested her thoughts and fueled her fears.

Outside Sally's office door stopped Claire MacCallister. She had come to share some news with Sally, but upon seeing her co-worker's fragile state, she lingered at the door. She waited several moments before gently knocking.

Sally was surprised by the noise. She swiftly cleared her face before facing her visitor.

"Oh, Claire, hello," Sally sniffed as she put on a smile. "I was, I didn't expect anyone to come in here."

Claire watched in silence as Sally moved around her office collecting a few papers to look as if she were busy.

"I was just packing to head home early; I have so much to get ready for. . . not that you didn't know."

"Well," Claire spoke with caution. "Since you're done early, perhaps you have a minute to talk."

Claire gestured for Sally to take a seat at her desk while Claire pulled up one of the spear chairs in the office. Sally did as she was told. Claire didn't speak but waited for the District Attorney to open up.

"Claire I don't know what's wrong." Sally looked down at her desk and raised a hand to her forehead. "I feel like I'm losing my daughter."

"I might be able to relate," Claire shifted her weight in the chair. "Tobey's not necessarily the easiest child to raise." Sally did not shift in her position. Claire sighed realizing that Sally's troubles did not stem from Becky's disobedience. "But something tells me Becky's behavior isn't what's upsetting you."

"Like I said, I don't know."

Tears began dropping from Sally and onto the calendar taped to the desk. Claire watched as Saturday began to wash out.

"It has to be something Sally."

"It's because . . . I'm not her mother and, it just bothers me to think that maybe, maybe Becky wants her real parents." Sally felt her throat tighten. It was hard to speak those words.

"And why is that a problem?" Claire's voice was straightforward.

Sally had just bore a deep part of her hurting soul and her co-worker didn't seem to see a problem with her pain. Sally stared in disbelief as her colleague continued.

"Just because she wants to know her real parents doesn't mean she loves you any less."

Accurate, but still a hard pill to swallow.

"She's not mad at you Sally."

"How do you know that?"

"You're the person who chose to love her and care for her when her real parents stepped out. If anything, she's grateful to you."

Pause.

"She was going to want to know sooner or later," Sally concluded as she looked up. "I'm worried she'll be mad at us when we don't have an answer."

"She maybe mad at first, but it is just a fact she is going to have to accept. And if you raised her right, which I'm sure you did, she shouldn't have trouble moving on."

"Thanks Claire."

"Don't thank me quite yet." Claire rose to her feet. "I was actually sent down here to pick up your remaining case files for the next week."

Sally blinked. Why would she need to give up her cases? She had to prepare for Chuck's trial Tuesday and The Amazing Rope Guy was trying to get an appeal in which she needed to pass on her collected data. Claire spoke up again before Sally had a chance to protest.

"They've asked that you be set out to Florida as soon as possible."

"What?!"

"Some evidence from the case has gone missing, and there's reason to believe more might disappear."

Sally couldn't believe what she was hearing. She stood from her desk and glared over at her co-worker, as if Claire had somehow contributed to the disappearance.

"How can evidence go missing?! Are the Florida prosecutors losing their minds!"

Claire held her hands up and waved them as a signal to calm down.

"Now, now Sally. . ."

"No Claire, this is ridiculous."

"They think the evidence may have been stolen." Claire's words stopped Sally's rant. "And based on the nature of the crime more might go missing. They want to get the case over with as fast as possible so they can convict the defendant before any more crucial evidence goes missing."

"That just makes this case all the more difficult." Sally sank back into her chair. "Do they have any leads on who took the evidence?"

"Not at this time, but they want to say it was an unknown accomplice of the defendant."

Sally just shook her head in disbelief. Now not only was she going to break up her family for the summer, but she was going to have to do it a week ahead of schedule.

o

For the majority of the trip over, Becky and Tobey walked in silence. It seemed unnatural to pick up on the conversation they were having earlier due to its subject matter, but it was queer to remain quiet for three blocks.

"So," Becky broke the silence. "You seem to like ice-cream a lot."

"What kind of conversation starter is that?" Tobey sneered at Becky's remark.

"Well it's better than walking in silence."

"I was enjoying the stillness of this moment." Tobey smiled at Becky's obvious annoyance. "But seriously, why didn't you do your homework today; you being such a goody-goody and all."

"Please don't call me that." Becky glared at the menacing troublemaker beside her. It was bad enough he had to drag her out here. "Why are we even going on this escapade, Tobey?" Becky crossed her arms as the ice-cream shop came into view.

"Hmm," Tobey looked forward as well. "We're going out for ice-cream."

"I know; that's not what I'm asking about." She was a bit irked.

"No, you were asking about an es-ca-peed?"

"An escapade; that means an adventure that someone goes on or is involved with. In this case I was mocking you in calling this trip an adventure." Becky answered with a grin she hid from Tobey. It was nice stumping him on a word.

"Hmm." Tobey was clearly displeased by the statement but couldn't think of a comeback at the moment.

As they made it to the shop they both placed their orders and sat on the benches out front. The recent bickering was hushed by a mouth full of frozen dessert as the two ate quietly.

The afternoon had proven to be a good one as the clouds only loomed about without dropping rain. It was not too hot nor was there too much humidity in the air. It was a truely serene environment to find oneself in. A perfect environment for the two children outside the ice-cream shop to just think.

Tobey was about halfway done with his cone when he spoke.

"So what do you plan to do over the summer?"

"I don't really know yet."

"How don't you know?" Tobey raised an eyebrow. "Are you planning to spend the next month on the streets?"

Becky looked at Tobey and then to the store directly across from the ice-cream shop. She hadn't given it much thought, but it was now mandatory to figure out what she was going to do while her family was gone. She wanted to tell all her friends that she was with her parents so they wouldn't bother the Botsford residence while she acted as WordGirl all summer, but now that Tobey knew she was still in the area, she was going to have to compose a better alibi.

"Well," she couldn't say she'd be living by herself in the WordGirl secret hideout "I'm planning on staying with, some friends of the family."

Tobey took another lick of cream before responding.

"That statement holds about as much weight as dental floss; be honest, you're not staying with friends, I had to lie to Violet's mother, remember?"

Becky sighed.

"It's none of your business where I'm staying this summer."

"Fine," it was apparent Tobey hadn't given up, yet he didn't press the matter further. "But if you ever get bored hiding out . . ."

"Are you inviting me over this summer?"

"Maybe, yes." Tobey fidgeted his feet a bit as Becky rested her eyes on him. "I just don't want you to be alone all summer . . . That's dangerous." That last statement was quickly added.

Becky could quiet interpret what it was Tobey was saying. Why had he taken such a sudden intrest in her person. They weren't really friends so this all seemed out of place with a hint of deja-vu. WordGirl had once spend the day with Tobey and, amazingly, had enjoyed it. Tobey wasn't half bad sometimes but he would always ruin his likable nature by acting out with robots. If he'd learn to control his temper, perhaps a friendship would be possible between them . . .nah.

Soon Becky's gaze became too much for the boy to bear, so he quickly changed the subject.

"You know," he pointed to her ice-cream. "That's WordGirl's favorite flavor."

"Looks like we've got something in common." Becky looked back out across the street again as Tobey breathed a sigh of relief; a sound that didn't go unnoticed.

Becky grinned devilishly at the opportunity that presented itself.

"You must really like WordGirl in order to know her favorite ice-cream flavor."

Tobey could not suppress the sudden blush in his cheeks. Becky merely smiled returning to her icy treat.