Union Chapter 3
Freddie's POV
As Freddie thought about his latest encounter with the blonde-headed demon, he couldn't help but sigh. It had now been 74 hours since Sam kissed him, 4 since they were stuck in an elevator together and he was still no closer to figuring out anything.
Usually when he was confronted with an unfamiliar situation, Freddie would think it over for some time, maybe create a pros and cons list and make a decision. But there were no pros and no cons in this dilemma because Freddie wasn't entirely sure what he was choosing between. He didn't know how Sam felt and he sure as hell didn't know how he felt.
Well maybe you should figure that out said the little voice in his head.
"How do I feel about Sam?" Freddie wondered aloud. He thought about it for a few moments but banged his desk in frustration when no words came to mind. He was supposed to be the smart one. He needed advice, and fast. But where was he supposed to get it?
His mother? Not likely. If she heard that his lips had touched Sam's, she'd run screaming for the nearest bar of soap.
Carly? Probably not a good idea. Anything he said to Carly would probably end up getting back to Sam and the last thing he needed right now was to put his foot in his mouth again.
Gibby? Not exactly a relationship expert.
Spencer? …..Spencer. That's it. Who better than someone whose known Sam and I for years and can provide a (relatively) unbiased opinion. Freddie sent out a quick text to Spencer asking him to come over. Sam and Carly were likely at the apartment and he needed to figure out his feelings before anything else.
30 seconds later, there was a knock on the front door. Spencer had helped them out of situations before but this was perhaps the most complex of them all. Freddie really hoped that Spencer had a few tricks up his sleeve this time.
Neutral POV
"Well it's about time, Freebo." Spencer said as he sat down on the couch. "I've been waiting on that text for 4 days now."
"Wait, you know about me and Sam?" Freddie asked.
"Of course I knew. You and Sam practically live in our loft. When you don't show up for days, and Sam and Carly start being secretive, I know something is up." Spencer deduced.
"Wow Spencer, it appears I have underestimated you." Freddie admitted, impressed. It took him a minute but Freddie found his voice.
"So...about Sam... what do I do, Spencer?" Freddie asked with hope in his eyes.
Spencer couldn't help but laugh. Ah, the perils of young love.
"Listen Freddie, you can't overanalyze this situation or else you'll just drive yourself crazy. Think about the facts. You and Sam have been friends for years. You know she's in love. You know she kissed you. What does that tell you?"
"That she's...in love with me?" Freddie stated with hesitance. Spencer's look affirmed his statement.
"But that's impossible! This is me and Sam we're talking about!"
"Exactly why it makes sense, Freddie. Don't you get it? You and Sam couldn't be more perfect for each other." Spencer exclaimed.
"Perfect for each other!? Are you high? Freddie asked incredulously.
"Freddie, you spend most of your life with two teenage girls. How is it possible you don't pick up even the most basic of signals?" Spencer shook his head.
"Signals? Are you referring to the verbal abuse or the physical abuse?" Freddie retorted. "If I'm in love with a teenage girl, it would be Carly not Sam." Freddie asserted.
Spencer gave Freddie a look that indicated otherwise. "Freddie, come on. Let's be honest. Are you really in love with my sister?" Spencer asked.
"Of course I am, I've had a crush on her since the 5th grade." Freddie answered.
"And that wasn't what I asked." Spencer answered back with a knowing look.
Freddie had to hesitate. Did Spencer have a point? Freddie had crushed on Carly since the beginning of time. But did he truly love her? He had to admit that the answer wasn't as easy as it used to be. 3 years ago, Freddie would have said yes without a second thought. But things have changed a lot since then.
First there was the fire escape. That was a huge moment in the development of their friendship. If you could even call what they had friendship. They fought constantly. Their friendship was more like a game of one-upsmanship. But Freddie had never seriously considered the possibility of a romantic relationship with Sam. He still had eyes for Carly, right?
"The answer is no by the way" Spencer interrupted Freddie's internal monologue.
"Huh?" Freddie asked.
"You're not in love with Carly anymore, Freddie. In fact I'd say it's likely you never were." Spencer stated. "Think about it for a second Freddie. Do you rush across the hall every time you hear the jingling of housekeys? Do you go out of your way to see her during the school day? Join clubs simply because she's in them? Even talk to her every single day? Freddie, you were never in love with Carly. Carly was your dream girl. You were infatuated with the idea of her. That's all."
By the end of Spencer's discussion, Freddie's jaw was hanging out. First, because he was wondering when Spencer got so eloquent and how he seemed to know Freddie's mind better than Freddie.
Second, because everything Spencer said actually sounded...plausible. Freddie knew, at least on a subconscious level, that his romantic interest in Carly was waning. He had been on the occasional date and routinely checked out other girls. But even if by chance he was over Carly, did that mean he was in love with Sam? Not at all.
"You may have a point about Carly, Spencer." Freddie admitted. "But that doesn't mean I like Sam. I mean who are we kidding here, Spence? The girl lives to torture me." Freddie remained steadfast on that opinion.
Spencer shook his head in amusement. "Freddie, you are one of the most intelligent people I know and you can't see what's staring right back at you. Haven't you and Sam grown closer over the last couple years?" Spencer gave Freddie a knowing look.
"Well yes but-" Freddie began.
"And does she really hit you that much anymore? Not that I've seen. You two have spent a lot more alone time together than you used to. There was a time where you only tolerated each other out of a mutual respect for Carly. Then you started the web show and became friends and now here we are today." Spencer finished. "If you were watching like I was, you could have seen this coming from a mile away." Spencer added.
Freddie wasn't sure what to think. Spencer had several valid points. I suppose it wasn't a complete shock that Sam had feelings for him. But could he have feelings for her?
"Spencer, I don't know how I feel about Sam." Freddie admitted. "What if I don't think of her that way? I don't want to lose her friendship for good." Freddie confessed. I guess I do care about Sam Freddie thought.
Spencer laughed to himself. "Freddie, you need time to do some soul searching obviously. That's understandable. But sooner or later you'll come to a decision. And I'm positive you won't be losing Sam once you do." Spencer remarked and stood up. "But don't wait too long. You and I both know patience isn't Sam's strong suit." Spencer commented which drew a smile from Freddie.
"That is certainly true. Thanks, Spencer. How is it that a guy like you seems to know more about me than myself yet still manages to set various objects on fire on a regular basis?" Freddie wondered.
"What can I say? I'm an enigma." Spencer said and seconds later he was gone, leaving Freddie with only his thoughts. It was time for him to talk things out with Sam. Freddie quickly flipped open his phone.
Can we talk? texted Freddie. Freddie waited a few minutes but no response came. With a sigh, Freddie closed his phone and shut off his light. His attempt may have been unsuccessful but Monday was on it's way. Sam couldn't avoid him at school forever. It was only a matter of time before they'd finally be able to discuss what happened. And maybe, just maybe, Freddie would find a way to figure out just how exactly he felt about Sam.
