Chapter 12

Freddie POV

The rest of the semester at the Valley went reasonably well. I got all A's, and life just keeps getting better.

Since it's December 20th, I am currently driving back to Seattle. I'm about an hour away from home. I actually have a lot to do in Seattle. Principal Franklin wants to have dinner, Spencer wants to make a sculpture with me, and I am going to work on more music for Carly.

Speaking of Carly, she, Sam and Jake parlayed my statement about the departure into a whole new level of, "Hey, let's pretend none of that really happened." Usually one of them calls every couple of weeks, asking what's going on. They really need to work on their acting though. I can tell that they are trying to keep me pacified, and the fact that Carly has spoken to me twice since the statement is kind of telling.

To offset that awkwardness, I brought my beautiful, female trump card. It helps that her parents are going to the Arctic Circle with her brother. Haley's never been to Seattle before, and it is going to be a ton of fun. She is currently sleeping in the backseat of the car, and I've got my pearpod going.

Now entering King County, Seattle, WA. Home of the Mariners, Seahawks, and iCarly.

Wait, iCarly? I didn't know that the entire city claimed us, especially since we're in "unincorporated" King County, nice of them to snatch us up.

"How long was I asleep? Asked Haley sleepily from the backseat.

"45 minutes max. We're about 5 minutes away. Are you ready?" I asked.

"Yeah, I guess so." She yawned.

"You have a new message from your mom. It says "Fredward dear, the hospital wants me working the late shift tonight. I'll see you in the morning."." said Haley.

"YES! I get to show you around how I want to!" I exclaimed.

"Why does it matter?" quizzed Haley.

"I want to show you my room, which is kind of a work in progress. I hired some people to put it back together," I answered.

"Can we get dinner after that?" she asked.

"Sure, where do you want to go?"

"Red Mill. I read that it's the best burger spot in Seattle." She retorted.

She honestly can't get any better. She's smart, trusting, honest, and loves me on top of that.

"It's amazing how you haven't even stepped into Seattle, and you already know the name of my favorite restaurant." I remarked, pulling into Bushwell.

"You never said it was this big." Haley said, sounding intimidated.

"It isn't all that big, it just looks big now. Come on!" I asked.

"Where?" she asked, grabbing her suitcase.

"To my real house. Duh." I answered, grabbing my suitcase and camera case.

We rode up the elevator, after Lewbert was stunned into silence once Haley walked into the lobby.

"Here it is. Floor 8. I'm on the left." I said.

"Yay!"

I opened the door. Finally home. Seems that nothing had changed.

"Wow, this is so….. you!" Haley exclaimed.

"Huh? What do you mean?" I asked.

She pointed to my audio booth. Next to it was my big computer. Glad there wasn't any dust. Always can count on Mom to keep everything clean.

I texted Spencer.

To: Spencer

From: Freddie

You have two temporary occupants next door. Can I come say hi? Are C & S around?

Haley and I unpacked happily. It is about 5:00 PM.

1 New message.

From: Spencer

To: Freddie

Carly and Sam are at the Groovy Smoothie, then a movie. Come over! NOW!

"Haley, Spencer invited us over." I told her.

"Let's go!" she squealed, running to the door.

By the time I had gotten out of the door, she had already knocked on the Shay's door.

Back to reality. Here we go…

The door opened. Spencer crushed me in a hug.

"Freddie! How's it going?" He exclaimed. "Is this Haley?"

"Yeah, that's her, and I'm good. Glad to be back." I said.

Much to my surprise, Haley tackled Spencer into a loving hug.

"Hi! Nice to meet you!" she somehow managed to say.

Spencer gave me a look that basically said "Ok, this girl is too cute."

"Nice to meet you too. Come on in." Spencer finally said.

The three of us walked into the loft. Everything seemed the same, except there was paint on the ceiling, pictures of Carly and Jake, and the Bottlebot sculpture was replaced by a silver egg. Yeah, I don't know.

"You guys want something to drink?" Spencer politely asked.

"I'm good, thanks though." I said.

"Do you have tea?" asked Haley.

"Yes, I do." Spencer answered.

"Can I have some please?" asked Haley.

"Sure." Said Spencer, bringing over a glass and the tea pitcher.

"Have things calmed down around here?" I asked.

"Kind of, I still have drama every now and then, but what can you expect with a sister that is also a web celebrity." Spencer admitted.

"What is it like on a day that iCarly is going on?" Haley asked.

"It used to be orderly and regimented," said Spencer, glancing at me. "But, now things are a bit more off the wall, more mature, and crazier." He finished.

"Thanks for the drinks Spence, I think we'll be over tomorrow or Friday." I told him.

"Sounds like a plan. See you lovebirds then. Nice meeting you Haley!" he called.

Haley smiled. "Thanks so much Spencer." And hugged him again.

I never knew she trusted my friends so quickly.

"Adios mi amigo." I called.

Carly POV

"What a good movie! Justin Bieber is such a inspiring guy." Sam admitted.

"He's ok, I guess." Carly said. Carly and Sam were walking back to Bushwell.

"Why didn't we take your car?" Sam asked.

"Because you needed the exercise." I told her, laughing. She had stopped in her tracks, looking at one of the cars.

"What is it?" I asked.

She didn't say anything. She just pointed to a black car with a iCarly, Ridgeway, and a sticker that said "The valley."

I snuck a look at the front. Camero. Oh Boy.

"Looks like Frednub is back." Sam said quietly."