DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN I CARLY

"Hey. Is everything ready?" Sam asked as she entered the kitchen and went towards the refrigerator to get some ham. She caught Carly taking the popcorn out of the microwave.

"Almost. We're still waiting for Freddie." Carly answered as she took the popcorn out and into the living room.

The trio planned to watch some movie that night. Spencer was out with Socko and won't be back until morning so Sam would be sleeping over after the movie.

"Hi guys." Freddie said as he let himself inside the Shay's apartment. He sat on the couch and started eating the popcorn.

"Yo dork! The movie hasn't even started yet and you're finishing up the popcorn considering you're fifteen minutes late!" Sam yelled from the kitchen.

"Sam. Please be nice." Before Freddie could answer, he heard Carly say as she sat down beside him on the couch. "And please, hurry over here so we can watch the movie."

"Wait. I'm not yet finished with your ham. Why can't you wait for me like you waited for Freddork over there? But don't worry Carls. I forgive you!" Sam laughed as she took a bite.

"Alright Sam. Just get over here when you finished the ham." Carly responded. Freddie saw her smile. The smile he would never get tired of.

He didn't want to be alone with Carly even though Sam was just at the kitchen. It was so hard for him to be close to her when he knew he can never have her.

"So, why are you late anyway?" Carly turned to him and asked. She was still smiling.

"Uhm. I... I just finished packing my things." He answered seriously as he looked at Carly to see her reaction.

"Oh." Her smile disappeared and Freddie saw the sadness that took place in her eyes.

That night might be their last night together. Freddie and her mother would be flying to Paris the next day. They both knew if they were to see each other again, they'd have to wait for a really long time.

There was silence. Carly decided not to continue the talk. She knew she would be hurt. One of her best friends would be leaving the next day and she would really miss him a lot.

Freddie knew Carly would be sad so he decided not to say anything more. He didn't want to hurt her. After all, he was her best friend, only her best friend.

"It's movie time!" The silence was broken by Sam as she sat on the couch beside Carly. She noticed how quiet the two were and she knew what was wrong. She didn't bother to talk to them about it so they just started watching the movie.

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"Ugh. Glad that was over. Mind if I go up now Carls? I'm tired and I just want to sleep." Sam said as she got up and walked towards the stairs.

"Okay Sam. Goodnight." Carly responded. She too was tired but she wanted to spend the remaining time with Freddie.

"Goodnight Carls. Goodnight dork. Have a safe flight tomorrow." Sam yelled from upstairs.

"Goodnight Sam." Freddie yelled back and then he turned to Carly. "I'm gonna miss that woman." He said as he smiled.

Carle didn't respond. She just looked at Freddie and thought of how she would miss him.

"Freddie. Do you really have to go?" she asked as tears were starting to form in her eyes.

"Oh Carly. Don't cry please." He reached for her and hugged her. He could now hear Carly's sobs. He didn't want to go either but he has reasons.

Freddie didn't let go of her until she stopped crying. She rested her head on his chest as his arm was wrapped around her waist.

"Why are you going Freddie? You could stay with us while your mom works there. You don't have to go, right? We can go to the same college together. You don't have to study there." Carly told him. Freddie just let out a sigh.

"I don't want to go either but I have to." He replied.

"Is it because of your mom? I can talk to her for you."

"Carly. It isn't because of my mom. It's because of me. I need to be away."

"Away from what?"

Freddie didn't answer right away. He thought of how he was going to say his reason to Carly without hurting her.

"Freddie... Away from what?" she asked again.

"Away from… you." He let it out. Carly was shocked. She removed her head from Freddie's chest. She could not believe what she just heard. She wanted to cry. She was hurt and she never thought Freddie would say it.

"Wh-what? Wh-why?"

"Don't get me wrong Carly. I just… It hurts you know. It hurts to be this close to you. I know I am nothing more than your best friend and I was okay with that. But I figured I can't go on like this forever. I have to move on and I can't do it when we're like this. Sometimes I thought I was over you and that I finally let you go. But one word, one look, and one smile from you, I know. Again, I'd fall." He looked at her. He saw the tears falling from her eyes as she looked at the floor. "I'm sorry. I really am."

He lifted her chin and made her look at him. He wiped her tears with his thumb and hugged her one more time.

"What do you want me to do Freddie? What can I do to make you stay?" she asked him.

Freddie knew the answer. He wanted Carly to love him like he loves her. But he can't say it. He didn't want to force her. If Carly would love him, it should be because she really does and not because she was trying to prevent him from staying away.

"I'm sorry Carly…" that was all he could say.

Carly rested her head on his shoulder this time. They were not talking but they wanted to stay with each other longer. She gave up. She knew how Freddie was hurt and she did understand. She just had to accept it. Besides, he'd come back. They both just didn't know when.

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It was 1 am and Freddie was still wide awake. Carly was asleep in his arms. He smiled. He was happy but deep down, he was hurt. He wanted to hold her like this forever but he knew he had to go.

He carried her slowly towards her bedroom upstairs.

"Freddie. Please stay." She said with her eyes closed as Freddie put her to bed beside Sam.

"Just sleep. We'll see each other again tomorrow before we go to the airport." He tucked her in and when she didn't respond, Freddie whispered in her ear.

"I love you Carly." He planted a kiss on her cheeks. He saw her smile though she was really sleeping. This made him smile too.

He walked towards the door slowly and quietly. He wiped the tears flowing in his cheeks and went back to his apartment.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

R&R guys.

The story still has 1 or 2 more chapter(s) to go. I don't really know but this is not yet complete.

Thanks for reading. I'll try to post the next chapter tonight. ^_^