THE BEST Robot

Victoria Best was in love. With an unexpected other- Tobey McAllister. As she ran for her life from those stampeding robots that Valentine's Day, an unexplainable feeling crept into her heart. She liked Tobey. Something about a boy who was the best at what he did made her heart pound a little faster. Love works in mysterious ways.

But Tobey was oblivious to her feelings… probably due to the fact that she didn't know how to express how she felt. Besides, she had observed the way his eyes lit up as WordGirl destroyed his robots.

Victoria realized that the only way to win his heart was through the things he loved most- robots. Surely then he would notice her instead of that silly superhero.

"If I could learn everything about robots, he and I could build the best robot ever! The best!"

So fueled by the most powerful force on Earth, Victoria studied robots and slowly began to form plans for the best robot ever.

Armed with her written ideas and a nervous feeling in her stomach, she knocked on Tobey's door, holding her breath.

A tall woman opened the door and glanced at Victoria. "If you're selling Fair City Scout granola bars, we are not interested."

Victoria cleared her throat. "Um, no, Mrs. McAllister. Is Tobey in? We're working on a project together."

"One moment." Mrs. McAllister smiled as she left to find her son. It wasn't often that Tobey had visitors, especially the female ones. Maybe he was finally growing out of his trivial robot obsession.

Mrs. McAllister banged on Tobey's door. "Tobey! You have company! Someone form school is here to work on a project."

The door opened slowly. "Mother, I have no idea what you are talking about. I do not engage in project work- you know that."

"Well, there is someone here to see you, and you are going to make her feel welcome, whatever the reason she is here may be. Now come out of your room before I come in there and make you come out."

"But Mother! I have…"

"Tobey…"

Tobey huffed, annoyed, but followed his mother to the door. When she had that look on her face, he knew better than to argue with her. The girl on the stoop was rocking back and forth on her heels, looking at a sheet of paper. She looked up and smiled.

"Hi, Tobey," she said.

"Hello… Victoria," Tobey replied, a bit confused. What did Victoria Best want? They rarely interacted at school, and the one time they had a lasting encounter was when his robots had almost trampled her. "Um.. .come in." He led her into the family room.

Victoria sat on the couch and glanced once more at her paper. Then she looked up at him and said, "Tobey, how would you like to build the best robot ever. Emphasis on the best."

Tobey settled into a recliner. "I'm not sure what you're getting at, Victoria."

She rolled her eyes. "Isn't it obvious? With your robot skills and my plan…" She held up the sheet of paper. "We could build the best robot this city has ever seen. WordGirl would be powerless to stop it!"

Tobey smirked. "And what makes you think your plans will produce such a robot?"

"I did research. Besides, I'm the best. At everything. Meaning I am the best at research, the best at writing plans, and I will be the best assistant for building the robot."

Tobey frowned, still not convinced. "But what is in it for you? Every villain who wants to team up expects something in return. Take my team-up with Dr. Two-Brains. He used the robot I built to steal cheese while I stood by, waiting to tear the city apart. I, of course, didn't get the chance, so you can imagine my wariness about partnership."

Partnership. He called me his partner, Victoria thought wistfully. It won't be long now until he is mine.

"What's in it for me? A new experience. Adventure. The pleasure of knowing that I helped create the best robot."

"I don't buy it," said Tobey. "Villains have certain standards they live up to, and appreciating experiences and adventures are not high priorities. What's the real reason?"

Victoria took a shuddery breath. She was afraid this would happen. She wasn't ready to tell him. It was too soon. And yet…

"Because…" she stuttered, gazing into his piercing eyes. "Because…"

"Well?" he asked impatiently.

"Because I love you."