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The various tones in which Carly calls Sam by her name

Chapter 2: Sam (pity)

Carly made her way hurriedly down Atlantic Street. She hadn't heard or seen Sam in two days and that was highly unusual so she decided to head to her apt. She made her way into the apt. complex and Sam's apt. She knocked on the door and waited. No answer. She continued to knock and wait. Ten minutes later she was pounding on the door.

'Alright, alright,' Sam said as she woke up to the pounding. She rolled out of the bed and went to answer the door. The pounding continued and did nothing to alleviate her headache. 'Geez Mom, I told you to check for keys before you left out,' she said as she opened the door. Instead of her mother she saw her best friend standing at the door.'Carls? What are you doing here?' Her voice was hoarse from coughing so much.

'You haven't been to school in two days. Is everything ok,' she asked as she walked in. She took in the sight of the Puckett household. There were dishes in the sink, the floors were sticky, and garbage was overflowing out of the can. She knew there was little to no food in the refrigerator as Sam spent most of the time at her house eating. She turned to look at Sam and saw how disheveled she looked in the light. Her hair was tussled, her clothes were dirty, and she looked really tired.

'You could've called. I'm sick.'

'Your phone's off. Did your mother pay the bill?'

'It is?' Sam sighed. 'I doubt it. My mom was supposed to be paying the bill and getting me some medicine. That was a few days ago.'

'Sam.' She went over and guided her best friend back to her room. She sat her on the bed and began going through her dresser pulling out clothes.

'What are you doing,' Sam asked around a cough.

'I'm packing you a bag so you can come home with me. Spencer won't mind.'

'Carls, I can't let . . . '

'Nonsense,' Carly said interrupting her. 'Who knows if or when Pam will be back. I'm not going to just leave you here. After you're better we can come back and I'll help you clean up.' Carly tossed her some sweats and a coat. 'Put those on. The faster we get to my house the faster I can nurse you back to health.'

An hour later they were back at Carly's apt. Sam had showered, ate, and was now resting comfortably in Carly's bed. Carly brought her in some medicine.

'Here you go,' Carly said as she held a tablespoon of reddish brown liquid out to her.

'Eww, that stuff is nasty.'

'It's going to make you feel better.'

'But I like you taking care of me,' Sam said with a smile.

'Don't get used to it. Now take your medicine.'

'Fine. Thanks Carls.'

End.