NOT NICE SURPRISES

Freddie and Gibby are walking to Carly's apartment, Friday, after school. Dark, grey storm clouds are looming high above them. It's threatening to bucket down with rain eventually. Their conversation takes a turn for the most surprising.

"How did you know about Carly and me?" Freddie asked.

"Sam," explained Gibby. "She told me everything. Dude that is so messed up!"

"You think?"

"Why would you break up with her anyway?"

"I… It was a mutual decision."

"Yeah but you were dating Samantha Puckett."

"I know."

"Sam!"

"Gibby! I know I made a mistake. Quit saying her name!"

"She's upset, man."

"I've seen her face when Carly kisses me. I know. I feel awful. Last night I couldn't sleep, because her face was etched in my mind."

"Etched, eh?"

"No! Not like that! Will you stop nudging me please? I said it's not like that!"

"Yeah, but etched. That's deep, Freddie."

"Forget about the 'etched' already!"

"Sorry."

"I don't get it, Gib. You like her. You even said that you wanted to ask her out."

"She… erm… never mind."

"What?"

"I shouldn't say anything."

"Tell me. We're bros, right?"

"Sam still likes you. I couldn't date your lady friend."

"She's not mine anymore."

"That's what I don't get! Why trade a diamond for a pearl?"

"I never traded anything for anything."

"In your mind you didn't."

"You make no sense, Gib."

"So, are you saying, I should go after Sam?"

"Yeah, I am saying that."

"She's totally cut up about it, dude. About you and her, I mean. I don't know if I should. It's like a mouse going into a lion's den. You know what I'm saying?"

"I see her every day. You think I can't see it in that pretty face of hers?"

"She has a beautiful face, and you're an idiot for letting her go."

"I know."

"Is there another reason behind this?"

"What are you insinuating? That Carly's pregnant?"

"Whoa! Back up, man! Wait… is she? Are you serious? Dude! What the heck are you doing?"

"Our first time… we were out of control…"

"Meaning drunk."

"Yes."

"Holy chiz! I have to tell Sam!"

"You cannot say a word of this to her! Do you understand? This will kill her completely!"

"Let go of my arm! So, I have to lie? Are you crazy?"

"No. I'm being dead serious here. Sam finds out about Carly's 'situation', that's the end of our friendship."

"I'm not sure that you even have a friendship with her anymore, Freddie. You have to tell her! She'll just get angry if you keep this a secret. God knows how to deal with an angry Samantha Puckett."

"I will! I just need time!"

"Time ain't on your side, buddy."

"You're telling me. A month ago, I was happy and Carly was happy. Now…"

"She's freaking pregnant."

"Exactly."