Chapter 7 – Prom King
Carly and Ryan had made their way to the dance floor. Though she knew that she and Ryan were technically dancing together, Ryan was so busy acknowledging all his admirers, he probably wouldn't notice if she wasn't there at all.
As the last song ended, Principal Franklin took the microphone. "Ok kids. It is now time to announce this year's prom king and queen! May I have the envelope please?" To Carly's surprise, it was Gibby who was delivering the envelope to Principal Franklin.
As Principal Franklin asked for a drum role, Sam came up and nudged Carly. "Where have you been?" she asked Sam, aware that she had disappeared for a while.
"Taking care of some last minute prom details." Sam quipped.
"This year's prom queen is…..Carly Shay!" Principal Franklin announced followed by the spotlight shining on Carly as Gibby placed a crown on her head. Carly knew that Principal Franklin was about to announce that Ryan was king. She was not looking forward to the fact that she'd have to spend the rest of the dance following him around as his queen for the night.
"And, this year's prom king is none other than…..Freddie Benson!" Principal Franklin exclaimed with a shocked tone to his voice. The rest of the room seemed to be in shock as well as could be told from the strange looks and whispers going on.
Then Carly noticed the spotlight wasn't on her anymore, but focused on a section of the students nearest the door that began to slowly part. Then he was standing there. Freddie. Carly was so confused as Freddie came forward and accepted the king's crown from a very happy Gibby.
The music started for the king and queen's dance. As fate would have it, the entire dance hall was filled with the words "You are meant for me." As Carly and Freddie approached each other, Freddie noticed a tear running down Carly's cheek.
"Don't cry Carly. Please." He whispered in to Carly's ear as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I wanted it to be you. I wanted it to be you so badly." She whispered back.
And then, without thinking or caring where they were, she leaned in and kissed Freddie. And he kissed her back, while softly caressing the small of her back. It was as if they were all alone, dancing the night away in each other's arms.
When they finally broke apart from kissing, Carly could see that the life and happiness that had been missing from Freddie these past few days had come back and even more so than she'd ever seen. Over his shoulder she noticed in the corner of the room Sam and Gibby giving Spencer high fives.
"What's Spencer doing here?" she asked Freddie.
"Oh, he raced me down here. After Sam told me how much of an idiot I was for not being here, he offered to bring us back." Freddie explained.
"So that's where Sam disappeared to." Carly said.
In the corner, Spencer said, "Man, it's a good thing we got Freddie here in time. Who would have thought he'd beat Ryan for homecoming king."
"I know, almost too perfect isn't it?" Sam said with a grin. Then she pulled an envelope out of one of her bacon hiding places in her dress.
"Is that what I think it is?" Spencer asked.
Sam just smiled and said, "Now Spencer, am I the kind of girl that would rig an election?" And they both laughed and watched as Freddie and Carly were locked in another sweet embrace.