Thank you for all the reviews/follows/favorites. They mean a lot, and I truly appreciate them. Apologies for the short chapter- it's just setting the scene for the upcoming drama.
"What the hell, Carly?! What the actual hell?!"
I sit up straight- not caring about how my ribs are screaming in pain- and glare at her. I can't believe she just did that. She's never loved me- even when I was in love with her. And now- when I'm completely over her and happy with Sam- her best friend- she kisses me. Effectively disgusting me, not to mention- breaking Sam's heart.
"I'm in love with you, Freddie," she defends.
I stare at her. "It's too late, Carly. I am in love with Sam. Remember her? Your best friend. How could you betray her like this?!"
She drops her head. "I thought you loved me."
"I do love you," I reply. She looks up, a small smile crossing her features. "As a sister. Nothing more. But now, I'm not even sure I love you that way. You made me cheat on Sam, you betrayed Sam, and you don't even seem like you regret it."
Her gaze hardens. "That's because I don't."
"Get out," I say firmly. "I can't even bear to look at you right now."
"Freddie-"
"Go. Now." I point to the door, watching as she rises to her feet and trudges out of the room. In the doorway- she gives a dirty look to someone- I believe it's Sam- and my heart sinks.
Sam's seen everything.
I grin to myself- I just saw Freddie completely chew Carly out. I have an amazing boyfriend- he even kicked her out. I can't hide the fact that I'm still extremely hurt, but this does make it a little better. Carly walks toward me- giving me a glare.
I snort. "You're the one who kissed my boyfriend."
She doesn't answer- just continues to the door, and lets herself out- slamming the door. I choose that moment to walk into Freddie's bedroom. He stares up at me- eyes full of regret and pain.
"I'm so sorry," he whispers hoarsely. His face is red and flushed- he's been crying. Either physical pain, or he believes he hurt me and I'll leave him. He's too adorable- I wouldn't dream of leaving him- especially after what I've witnessed. "I know you saw what she did. I tried to push her off…"
I shake my head, setting the smoothies on his nightstand and leaning down to kiss his forehead. "Don't be sorry. I saw you yell at her. I know there was nothing you could do to avoid it. I'm angry at her- and really hurt by what she did, not you. I love you."
Freddie holds open his arms, and I crawl in next to him, burying my tear-stained face in his chest. "I'm sorry," he chokes out. I can feel him breathing heavily- wheezing almost, and it's obvious that he's in pain.
"Baby," I whisper. "Calm down. You're hurting yourself. Don't panic- it's alright. I'm not mad at you."
He gasps, wincing. "Took meds less than half hour ago. It's the stress. Not really stress, but I've been moving around too much. My ribs hurt."
"Freddie," I sigh. "You do realize, you have a concussion? You need to stop overexerting yourself. Now, I don't appreciate Crazy- in fact, I hate her much more than you do. And I'm so glad you told her off, because she's been practically non-existent, these past hours. However- if you don't stop being stubborn and get some rest, I will not hesitate to call your crazy mother in. And trust me, that's a lot worse than it sounds."
"When did you become so smart?" Freddie grunts.
"You've rubbed off on me, nerd. Now do yourself a favor, and go to sleep."
"Lay with me?" I sigh, nodding slightly, as he basically traps me with his adorable puppy-dog eyes.
He turns onto his side, and I bury my face in his chest. His arms wrap around me, and I can feel his breathing deepen almost instantaneously. He really was exhausted. I'm just glad he listened to me. Now that he is asleep- I have time to think.
I'd be lying if I said that what Carly did didn't hurt me. It really did. She betrayed me, and it hurts especially bad- mainly because we've been friends for over five years, and I've never done anything to intentionally hurt her.
It seems like she's always strived to be better than me. The webshow is named after her, she's prettier, she gets better grades, people aren't afraid of her… the list goes on. I don't have many qualities to offer- except my humor. All I do is diss school, eat a lot, and act like a complete pig. Carly has put up with me all these years, but I understand why she did kiss Freddie.
I honestly don't think I deserve him. I've had my heart broken so many times- I could never keep a boyfriend. Jonah cheated on me with Carly, Carly won the contest to date Shane- even though he avoids us both now, and Pete lasted what, a day? Nothing ever works out happy for me, except Freddie. Freddie and I have been together for seven months, and maybe he's getting tired of me? I know he told me he loves me and all that crap, but maybe he was just saying it for the sake of saying it.
I guess one thing is certain. If he wants Carly, by all means- he can leave me. I don't want to hold him back if he isn't happy. His happiness is more important than mine- after all, he's paying the price for saving Carly. He's in pain, and what he wants is really important right now. It's obvious that Carly wants him. And if he wants her…he can have her.
And I'll probably die of heartbreak- but I won't make any move to stop him.
"You got it?"
"I'm good, relax, Sam."
Around three days have passed, and we're finally back at school. I haven't spoken to Carly ever since I kicked her out of my bedroom- she's texted me continuously, but I haven't returned the messages.
I'm ashamed of her. I don't know how she could do that to Sam- trust me, she really hurt her. Sam hasn't been herself at all, and I know something's up. She won't tell me anything- claiming that my recovery is more important, but I honestly think that's bullcrap. She's just as important…and I wish I could make her see it.
I hobble alongside her, as Sam walks up to her locker. She turns to me- gaze questioning. "Want me to grab your books? I doubt you can kneel down." I nod gratefully- I was anticipating the entire kneeling process, and it honestly didn't look pretty.
She turns the combination on my locker and grabs the books I'll need for my morning classes. We usually stop at our lockers before lunch, to grab afternoon stuff- and Sam and I have all but one class together. She's in regular math, and I'm taking AP Pre-Calc.
"Hi Freddie!"
The devil herself- aka Carly Shay- strolls up to us. She grins flirtatiously at me, and I groan. Her continual advances are really annoying- especially since she knows I won't act on any of them.
"Why don't you get your own guy?" Sam snarls. She's caught the grin- she sees everything. Cautiously, I place a hand on her shoulder, warning her not to make this any bigger than it already is.
"Why don't you just let Freddie go?" Carly retorts. "Anyone with eyes can see that he's only dating you because he can't force himself to break up with you." Sam pales drastically, her eyes going wide. Anger seeps through me, and I know it's time to step in. No one talks to Sam like that and gets away with it- especially Carly.
"Here's an idea," I say. "Carly, why don't you shut the hell up? I'm with Sam because I love her more than anything- in no way is she forcing me to be with her. I don't love you anymore. I may've- but that was over a year ago. I'm completely over it, and hear me when I say this, you and me will never happen."
"You saved my life!" Carly snaps.
"I saved your life because I considered you a sister! Note the past tense. I don't love you in any romantic way, shape, or form. All that love is directed to Sam- it always will be. Why don't you do us all a favor and leave me and Sam alone?"
Carly's glare hardens. "You will be mine. And I'll do anything to see it happen. Anything."
Thanks for reading- please don't hesitate to leave your thoughts.
-Neha