Fining
"How great is it with us all being back in Seattle?" Freddie asked as he let himself into Spencer's apartment.
"Pretty great," Sam grinned as he stepped over and kissed her.
"It's crazy, we're like, real, actual adults now," Carly said. "I mean we have college degrees."
"I know," San nodded. "Thank God we're finally done with school, though. Now we can just relax."
"No…now we have to find jobs," Carly corrected.
"Yeah, this is the hard part," Freddie nodded. "I spent the entire morning emailing out my résumé."
"Same," Carly said. "I just hope somewhere calls me back…My dad's gonna be real upset if both his kids wind up unemployed."
"Wait…you mean you have to actually look for jobs?" Sam frowned. "They don't just start offering you stuff once you have your degree?"
"Um…no," Freddie frowned.
"Dang it!" Sam moaned. "So I have to do more work? We just graduated! Don't I get a break?"
"Come on, baby, you can do it," Freddie said. "You have a degree in English from a great university. You can do a lot with that! Haven't you always said you want to write for like, a magazine or something? There's a ton of places around here you apply at! How about tonight you and I fix you up a résumé and tomorrow you can go give it out?"
Sam sighed. "Fine. I guess I do need to find something so I can afford my half of the rent for the new apartment Carly and I got."
"Great, it's a date," Freddie said, kissing her temple.
"Real fun date," Sam scoffed as the front door opened again and Spencer walked in.
"Hey, how are the three college grads doing?" Spencer asked.
"We're just freaking out about trying to find jobs," Carly sighed.
"Oh yeah, it's scary, isn't it?" Spencer said. "I remember when I left law school how worried I was that I'd never find a job."
"But you didn't," Sam said.
"Hey! I work!" Spencer defended. "Sure, being an artist doesn't have job security or fancy insurance packages, but at least I get to pick my own hours and wear pajamas all day."
"Huh…that does sound nice," Sam said thoughtfully.
"So where have you guys applied so far?" Spencer asked, grabbing a soda from the fridge.
"Um, some tech support places, a couple of small firms that work design software for larger corporations, and a company that that does graphic editing on T.V. shows and stuff," Freddie replied. "But the place I'd really love to work for is the Pear Company. They're hiring people to work on all sorts of new projects they have going on! If I got the job, I'd be involved with the latest in technological advances!"
"Wow," Spencer said, impressed.
"I've just applied at a few fashion companies," Carly said. "I'm hoping I get this spot as a buyer in the accessories department of Jack Roberts. I'd be in charge of determining what the store buys to sell! How cool would that be? I'd be a professional shopper!"
"That is perfect for you," Sam grinned.
"I know!"
"What about you, Sam?" Spencer asked.
"Well, um-"
"She's working on it," Freddie said, putting his arm around her.
"Yeah," Sam said, a bit nervously. "I'm working on it…"
…
"Okay, so here, under experience, you can talk about those pieces you had published in that literary journal at Washington State," Freddie told Sam later that evening as they sat in Sam's room, working on her résumé. "And those blogs you managed for that project you did last year."
"That counts?" Sam asked.
"Sure!" Freddie nodded. "See? You already have a lot more going for you than you realized. And you should also talk about all the comedy pieces you wrote for iCarly. I mean how many other applicants can say that they put together stuff that millions of people found hilarious?"
"Okay," Sam smiled.
"This is really looking good, Sam," Freddie told her as he scanned over the résumé. "I'm sure a lot of the magazines you're gonna send this out to will be real impressed."
"You think?" Sam said.
"Yeah, I do," Freddie told her earnestly. "So do you know which ones you're gonna apply to? You have looked, right?"
"Yeah, um, I have," Sam said. "I actually found the perfect job…Well, perfect if I get it. It's this position at this magazine called Food Weekly. They do all these pieces on local restaurants, new food fads, professional chefs. I mean it's my two favorite things; food and writing!"
"Wow, that does sound great for you," Freddie chuckled.
"Yeah, I-I think I'd do alright there," Sam nodded. "But it's super competitive. I heard they get a ton of applications and only hire like, one out of every hundred. I-I'm just trying not to get my hopes up."
"Hey, there's no reason you can't be that one in the hundred," Freddie said firmly. "I told you; you have a great résumé here. And you know how to fake it in interviews…you have a real shot at any job you want, Sam. Don't doubt yourself."
Sam nodded, but didn't reply.
"Come on," Freddie said, taking her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. "Let's take a break from all this job talk. I mean this is the first time in four years we're not living across the country from each other."
"Yeah, that's true," Sam said, giving him a small smile. She moved closer to him and rested her head on his shoulder. "That long distance thing was getting real annoying."
"Well it's over now," Freddie assured her, wrapping his arms around her. "We never have to deal with that again."
"Good," Sam said, tilting her head up to kiss him. "Because I missed having you around all the time."
"I missed you too," Freddie said, kissing her back. "You know…you never get used to not having to be on alert for flying fizzbands or wedgies at all hours of the day."
Sam laughed as she cuddled up closer to him. "Hey…I was thinking the other day…it-it might seem a little crazy, but-"
"Tell me," Freddie said. "I'm used to crazy."
"Well…if we both manage to find jobs soon, we-we'd have a little bit of money," Sam said slowly. "If we save up, you-you could afford to move out of your mom's place and I-I could afford to find a new place too. I was thinking maybe…maybe we could find a place together?"
"Yeah?" Freddie smiled. "You'd want to move in together?"
"Do you want to?"
"I-Yeah!" Freddie nodded. "That-That'd be amazing, Sam! Our own place…we wouldn't have to worry about sneaking around my mom or making sure we keep it down. We could decorate the place the way we want and-and it just sounds perfect, baby."
"Well…let's not get too far ahead, Fredhead," Sam smirked. "We still need to get those jobs. But, you know, it's just something to plan for."
"Well, whenever it happens…it's gonna be great," Freddie told her. "Wow, Sam…look at us! Getting jobs, talking about moving in together…Being back together again really does have its perks."
"I know," Sam agreed as he kissed her again. "I love not doing that long distance thing anymore."
….
"I think I should convince Carly to let me paint this room a different color," Sam commented a few weeks later as her and Freddie sat in the girls' living room. "I mean white walls are so boring. This place would be so much cooler with red walls or something, don't you think?"
"Sure," Freddie laughed. "Whatever you say."
Suddenly, the apartment door burst open and Carly ran inside.
"You guys!" she exclaimed. "Guess what?"
"What?" Sam asked. "Did they finally lift the fine for playing in the fountain at the park? Because if they did, we're all going there right now and-"
"No!" Carly said.
"Aw," Sam sighed.
"What's the news?" Freddie asked.
"That company that was looking for a buyer for their accessories department just called me back!" Carly said excitedly. "And they gave me the job!"
"No way!" Sam cried, jumping up to hug her best friend. "That's great, Carly!"
"Way to go!" Freddie said, hugging the brunette as well.
"Thanks," Carly beamed. "I can't believe it…I'm a working woman now! I start on Monday and I can't wait! I've always loved fashion and now I get to be right in the middle of things all day! I've got to go tell Spencer the news, but I wanted to swing by here first and let you guys know. I'll see you later!"
"Wow…that's-that's something," Sam said as Carly raced out. "She really got her dream job."
She sat back down on the couch. "Well, she deserves it," she continued. "I-I'm happy for her."
"You alright?" Freddie asked gently.
Sam shrugged. "Shouldn't I have heard something by now from one of the places I applied to? I mean you've already got a million interviews lined up for the next few days and I haven't even gotten a call."
"I'm sure they're just a little behind, that's all," Freddie said. "It happens sometimes. I mean I still haven't heard back from the Pear Company."
"Yeah, but you at least got some response," Sam mumbled. "I don't have anything."
"You're going to be fine, baby," Freddie promised her. "So it's taking a little time; that's okay. That doesn't mean you're doomed."
"I know," Sam sighed. "But I just wish someone would call and at least tell me I didn't get the job so I could stop thinking about it. This is all so nerve wracking. I need some ribs or something."
"Well then come on, let's go get some," Freddie said. "My treat."
"Really?" Sam said.
"Really," Freddie smiled. "I want you to get your mind off this for a little bit and relax."
"Oh," Sam said. "Well…I think maybe going to that little fireworks stand behind the mall would help me relax too."
"Yeah…nice try," Freddie said, rolling his eyes.
…
The next morning, while Freddie was laying fast asleep in his bed, his phone suddenly rang loudly, waking him from his slumber.
"Hello?" he answered groggily, pressing the phone to his ear.
"Baby! Guess what?" Sam said excitedly on the other line.
"What? Is everything okay?" Freddie asked, slowly sitting up.
"Yeah, yeah, everything's fine," Sam said quickly. "But Food Weekly just called me! They gave me an interview!"
"What?" Freddie grinned, now wide-awake. "Sam, that's-wow, congratulations! I'm so proud of you! Get dressed, I'm coming over there right now and I'm taking you out for breakfast to celebrate."
"Let's wait to see if I actually get the job before we celebrate," Sam chuckled. "I don't want to jinx it."
"Fine," Freddie agreed. "Even though there's no actual logic to support the superstition that-"
"Dude…"
"Alright, alright," Freddie said. "So when is the interview?"
"This afternoon," Sam replied. "Carls and I are actually just about to go to the mall to find me something businessy to wear."
"Well good luck, Sam," Freddie told her. "Call me as soon as you finish up with it and let me know how it went. You'll do great."
"Thanks," Sam said, though Freddie could hear a slight tremor of anxiety in her voice. "Well, I better go. Shopping with Carly's gonna take some time. I'll see you later."
"Alright, love you," Freddie said.
"Love you too," Sam replied.
As Freddie hung up, he slowly got up out of bed, letting out a loud yawn. He really hoped Sam's interview would go well. She really deserved this job, and he knew if it went badly, Sam would be crushed and think she had no chance of ever landing any sort of job.
Just then, his phone rang again, and Freddie looked down at his screen and saw an unfamiliar number flashing across it.
"Hello?" Freddie answered.
"Hello, is this Fredward Benson?" a man on the other line replied.
"Yes," Freddie said. "This is him."
"Hi, Mr. Benson, my name is Peter Rodriguez and I'm calling from the Pear Company about an application you recently submitted to be a part of our design team."
Freddie's face lit up. Finally, his dream job had called back!
"Yes, I-I, what-what can I do for you?" Freddie asked, trying to contain his excitement.
"Well Mr. Benson, we've had a chance to look over this application and your résumé and our entire hiring panel was very impressed."
"Wow," Freddie grinned. "That's great to hear."
"We'd like to have you in for an interview right away," Peter continued.
"Of course!" Freddie said. "I'm available to come in whenever you'd like."
"Perfect. How's this Tuesday sound? We have a slot open at noon."
"Tuesday at noon definitely works," Freddie replied.
"Great, I'll put you in the schedule," Peter said. "Now your application says you in Seattle, correct? So I'll have my assistant email your travel arrangements."
"Travel arrangements?" Freddie repeated. "Oh, that's really not necessary. I'm only an hour away from the office."
"Er, I-I think you must be mistaken," Peter said. "You must be talking about our Washington office."
"Well…yeah," Freddie said.
"Oh dear," Peter sighed. "See, the position we're hiring for right now is in our Virginia office."
"Vir-Virginia?" Freddie repeated.
"Yes," Peter nodded. "Is that going to be a problem?"
"Um," Freddie said slowly. "I-I'm not-"
"Well, like I said, we really liked you application," Peter said. "So how about I put you on the schedule anyway, and you take a little bit to think it over. I can give you until the day after tomorrow to give me a definite answer."
"Um, yeah, that'd be wonderful," Freddie said. "Thank you."
Hanging up, Freddie sank back down onto his bed.
"Virginia?" Freddie moaned. "Why's this job have to be in Virginia?"
Taking a job in Virginia…he hadn't even thought about moving away from Seattle again, especially when he had just gotten back from MIT a month ago. He'd have to pack up and move cross-country again when he had barely unpacked from the last time. True, if he got the position, and from the way the interviewer had been talking, it seemed like he would, he'd be working at his dream job. He knew many people would kill to be offered such an opportunity right out of college, and he was honored to even be granted an interview, but still…moving to Virginia meant moving away from Sam again.
At that thought, Freddie felt his stomach drop. How could he even imagine leaving her again? It had been hard enough having to go through four years of college apart from her; he couldn't handle any more of that.
Maybe…Maybe if I talk to her she-she'd be willing to come with me, Freddie thought to himself. They have places where she can write in Virginia. We could start that life we were talking about there too.
Freddie fell back onto his mattress, still deep in thought. No matter what happened, he knew one thing for sure: he wasn't going to leave Sam again.
….
"Hey," Freddie said later that afternoon as he let himself into Sam and Carly's apartment.
"Hey," Carly smiled, looking up from a stack of fashion magazines she was reading. "Just figured I'd brush up on the season's latest fashion trends for work. Work…look at me!"
"They're gonna love you there," Freddie chuckled. "Hey, is Sam back from her interview yet?"
"No, not yet," Carly replied. "I hope it goes well. She's really excited about this."
"I know," Freddie sighed.
"So, have you heard back from any more of the places you applied at?" Carly asked. "I know Sam said you heard back from that place that does the graphic edits."
"Yeah, I have an interview there tomorrow," Freddie nodded.
"Well, I'm sure you'll be a shoo in for the job there," Carly grinned. "I mean look at all the stuff you edited on iCarly."
"Thanks," Freddie said.
"Oh! I almost forgot, I have an appointment at the salon in twenty minutes!" Carly said, looking at her phone. "I'm getting my hair done for Monday!"
"Have fun," Freddie laughed as Carly raced out.
He sat down at the table, still thinking about the call he had gotten earlier.
"This would all be so much easier if I had just realized this position wasn't in Seattle," Freddie mumbled. "Why didn't I read the fine print of the job description? I'm an MIT graduate; you'd think I know better than to-"
Just then the door burst open and Sam ran into the apartment.
"Freddie!" Sam exclaimed. "Good, you're here!"
"Hey," Freddie greeted her. "How'd the interview-"
"I got it!" Sam said, her face lighting up. "I got the job!"
"You did?" Freddie gasped. "Are you-Sam! Baby, that's amazing! Congratulations!"
He jumped up and threw his arms around her. "See? I told you! I told you had nothing to worry about!"
"They really liked all the stuff I had written that they saw," Sam said, her face still flowing with excitement. "And the interview was so good. I was on fire! They loved me! I start in one week…Oh, this is so insane; I have a job. Ha! If my parole officer could see me now, he'd be eating his words!"
"Yeah he would!" Freddie laughed, kissing her. "Alright, now that you actually got the job, I'm taking you out to celebrate."
"Okay!" Sam nodded. "Just let me change."
"Go ahead," Freddie told her, kissing her again.
As Sam hurried back to her room, Freddie ran his fingers though his hair, letting out a soft sigh.
He knew what he needed to do…
…
"-So my new boss emailed a list of the first assignments I'm going to have when I start," Sam said as her and Carly sat at their kitchen table the next day, eating lunch. "I get to interview this guy who can make a perfect soufflé in under ten minutes."
"Nice," Carly grinned. "Think he'll let you taste it?"
"Hopefully," Sam said. "Hey, are you going to be allowed to get free stuff from work?"
"Well, maybe not right away," Carly said. "But maybe after a little while I can score a handbag here and there."
Just then the door opened and Freddie let himself in.
"Hi, Freddie," Carly smiled.
"Hey," Freddie replied as he sat down next to Sam and gave her a quick kiss.
"How was the interview?" Sam asked.
"Well, considering they offered me the job the second I walked through the door, I'd say pretty good," Freddie chuckled.
"They did? Wow!" Carly said.
"Yeah, the guy doing the interview was a huge fan of iCarly," Freddie said. "He told me if I could manage all the editing of a super successful website when I was thirteen, I was more than qualified to do the editing on the T.V. shows the place produces."
"Dang, that's amazing, baby," Sam said. "Guess you being a tech monkey had more perks than we thought."
"Guess so," Freddie chuckled. "Anyway, I have to do a little training just to get used to the editing system they use, but I think I'll be ready to start next Monday when-"
"Wait, you took the job?" Sam frowned.
"Well…yeah," Freddie nodded. "Someone offers you a job, you don't turn it down. Not in this economy."
"But I thought you were holding out for that position at the Pear Company," Sam said. "Your dream job, remember?"
"Er, actually…about that," Freddie said. "They-They called me a few days ago."
"Really?" Carly said. "How come you didn't tell us?"
"It wasn't exactly good news," Freddie shrugged. "I didn't feel much like announcing it to the world. It turns out they-they had a couple other applicants who were a lot more qualified for me. They're gonna interview them and then make their decision from there."
"More qualified than you?" Sam scoffed. "Are you kidding? What kind of morons are running that place? No one's a bigger tech doof than you! You know what? They didn't deserve you there, baby."
"Thanks," Freddie chuckled.
"Are you okay?" Carly asked. "You did really want that job."
"Yeah, but I'll get over it," Freddie said. "I think I'm really going to like working at this new place. Who knows; I may wind up being more successful with this job than I would've been at the Pear Company."
"Good for you," Carly smiled. "You're taking this really well."
"I still say they're complete idiots at the Pear Company," Sam said, kissing his cheek. "But hey, who cares about them? We all have real, adult jobs now! Let's go get Spencer and-and do some stupid wacky kid stuff before we have to start the grown-up life."
"Well…Spencer has been hinting that he wants to go to the water park," Carly said slowly.
"Great, let's go!" Sam said.
"I'll go call him and tell him to get ready," Carly nodded.
As Carly stepped out of the room, Sam laced her arms around Freddie's neck and stared up at him. "I'm so happy for you. You're gonna do really great."
"So are you," Freddie said.
"I guess this is it…" Sam smiled. "We-We're really out there in the real world now. Crazy, right?"
"Super crazy," Freddie agreed as he put his arms around her waist. "But there's no one I'd rather have by my side through it all than you."
