Hey guys. Thank you so much for the lovely reviews on this new story I am working on. I am very sorry that I took forever to update. Life just likes to take you by the hair and pull you away from these type of things but I am in winter break now so I will try my best to update as often as I can.
This story is only 15 chapters long and I have organized them all so I don't have to spontaneously write up a new chapter like I did with my other story. This is thoroughly planned.
Anyway, enjoy this chapter.
Brad, Gibby, and I were in the iCarly studio together waiting for Sam and Freddie to arrive for rehearsals. I was always used to Sam arriving late for rehearsals but lately, Freddie has also been arriving late and it was driving me nuts.
"How late do you think they are going to be this time?" Brad asked me.
"Who knows," I said.
Normally, I would freak out and panic about anyone being late to anything that is iCarly related but they did it so often that I lost hope of them being actually committed to the show. I bit my tongue as much as I could because I knew that they weren't in the happiest moments in their lives. They broke up so suddenly and the sadness in them was so obvious that even I could tell.
They didn't tell me why they broke up exactly. They just said that it wasn't working out right no so they decided to take a break. It was mutual but why did they seem so depressed? Also, if they weren't really working out right now, why are they back to the drawing board? If two people wanted to get to know each other better by being friends first shouldn't they actually act like friends?
"Get out of my way Freddie," I heard Sam yell from downstairs, interrupting my thoughts.
"No way. I was here first. You're the one who pushed me out of the way."
"Yeah, that's because I can't stand to be anywhere near you right now."
"Well tell me something I don't know," Freddie said, rolling his eyes.
"Guys, stop fighting," intervened Gibby. "Come on now, where is the love?"
"HAH," shouted Sam, sarcastically, basically implying that there is no love between them.
If anyone were to blink at that very moment, they would have missed this look Freddie had on his face for a split second when Sam acted as if there was nothing between them.
"Okay, guys, stop fighting please. We have to rehearse," I said, taking a clipboard that I placed on a chair filled with ideas.
"You're right, Carly," Freddie said. "I'm sorry for being late. I took a nap and somehow I missed the alarm on my phone."
"It's okay Freddie but are you okay? You've been napping a lot lately. Are you tired?"
"I'm good, don't worry about me," he said with a half smile.
"What about you, Sam? What's your excuse?" I turned to Sam.
"Oh… I was just having… you know, some ham and Fat Cakes," said Sam, looking down.
"Are YOU okay, Sam?" I asked. "I know you eat a lot but you've been eating A LOT more than normal."
"Yeah, I'm fine Carls."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes mom. Now can we please get this over and done with? I have stuff to attend to at home."
"Okay," I said, looking over the clipboard. "Brad came up with some awesome ideas and we were discussing them while you guys were taking your time napping and eating."
"Yes," said Brad as I handed him the clipboard. "We're thinking that for this week's iCarly, we introduce a new segment."
"Oohh… I came up with the idea of bathing in mayo," said Gibby with that conceited look on his face. He quickly sat down when we all gave him death stares.
"Anyways, as I was saying, we should introduce a new segment. Since you guys were like 13 or 14 when you started iCarly, I figured that we do something a little more mature but still maintain the humor that iCarly is known for."
"What exactly do you have in mind?" asked Freddie.
"Well, I was thinking about playing the hot seat."
"The hot seat," I continued, "is a game when one of us sits on a chair and we have to answer questions as quickly as possible. The catch is that the fans are going to be asking these questions. The game is over when you take more than five second to provide an answer. What do you think?"
"I like it," said Freddie.
"Ugh, of course you do," Sam rolled her eyes.
"What is that supposed to mean, Sam?" Freddie crossed his arms at her.
"That you are a total suck up!"
"SAM! We were having a civil conversation and you just had to ruin it with your pessimism."
"Stop using words I don't understand."
I groaned as they began to get into another heated fight. Ever since their break up, they have been at each other's throats non stop, looking for any excuse to get into a fight and I was sick of it.
"That's is!," I yelled. "Everyone OUT. Rehearsal is over. GO HOME. Brad and I will discuss what segments to put on this week's iCarly. BYE"
"Good," said Sam and ran out of the room before everyone else. Soon Freddie apologized and walked away.
"Hey, I can stay here too right?" asked Gibby.
"OUT!" I yelled and he ran out of the studio, scared.
"I'm sorry you had to see that Brad." I sighed and plopped down on a bean bag chair.
"I'm used to it," he said.
"How can you be used to that. I've been dealing with that ever since I was a little girl and it annoys me more every day."
"Maybe that's just their way of bonding."
I raised my eyebrow.
"I highly doubt that, Brad."
"Why? They've done it before, right?"
"Yes, but it's different this time. Sam and Freddie are no longer frenemies. They are exes."
I threw my head back in frustration.
"Why are you so stressed about this? They seem to be perfectly fine fighting each other. It's better than not talking... right?"
"I am stressed because we can't even last five minutes during rehearsals. I'm surprised they can manage to stay professional when we are on air but when we're off, they go at it like to monsters."
To say that I was desperate would be a major understatement. This wasn't my problem anyway but I was letting it get to me. I really didn't believe what Sam and Freddie told me when they broke up. Their reason is not believable. They were fine before despite their differences. I refused to sit around and let them hurt not only the show but themselves. Clearly they miss each other and they hide behind their insults. I decided to take action.
"I got it!" I sat up to face Brad.
"Got what?"
"We are going to find out exactly why Sam and Freddie broke up and get them back together." I was smiling like an idiot and I bet I seemed a lot more eager than normal.
"Oh no, Carly. You are not dragging me into this," said Brad and jokingly made a cross with two of his fingers in front of my face.
"What do you mean?" I really didn't know what he meant by dragging him into it.
"The last time you tried to meddle with someone's love life, Sam and I were in a very uncomfortable situation. Need I remind you that you left us alone in a dark room at school."
"Ugh," I groaned. "I am so sorry but I really did think that Sam liked you at the time."
"And what made you think that?"
"Well, there are no way on Earth that she would ever like Freddie. She was always so repulsed by it so I figured that it was you. Besides, I always though that you two would make a cute couple"
"Eh. I like Sam but she's really not my type." He shrugged his shoulders and looked down.
"So what is your type?"
"You know what, Carly? I think I'm gonna help you get Sam and Freddie back together. What should we do?"
After faking choking on a cherry, I was sent home. Brad faked sickness as well and we agreed to meet at the loft. Before trying to figure out why exactly Sam and Freddie broke up, we figured that we should try and get some information from their moms. Sam and Freddie are stubborn and Brad said that they might not tell us right away so talking to Ms. Puckett and Benson should be where we start this little mission of ours.
"Okay so we have a few hours before school is over so we need to move quickly," I said as I paced back and forth in the studio.
"So who are we going to talk to first?"
"Oh, that's easy. We're going to talk to Freddie's mom first?"
"Why?"
"Well, that woman hates any girl who stands next to Freddie. She already hates me for making him interested in girls... you know, back when he used to like me. Sam's mom is weird but she's nice to me at least."
"Okay, let's go but you are doing all the talking."
I laughed as we made our way out and in front of Freddie's apartment. We knocked on the door a few times before she opened. She had a bowl of cut up cucumbers on her hands.
"Oh it's you. What do you want?"
"Hi, Mrs. Benson," I greeted her nervously. "Can we come in?"
"I guess," she said and she let us in. Before we sat down, she sprayed our butts with anti bacterial spray.
"So... what are you making?" I figured that making small talk would soften her up to me a bit.
"Cucumber cups for my Freddie. He's been mopey lately."
Bingo. This the perfect bait.
"Mopey? Why is he mopey?"
"Why do you want to know, Carly?"
"Uh...," Brad interrupted. "Actually, Ms. Benson. We've noticed that Freddie has been acting 'mopey' too and we're concerned. We figured that if we figure out why he is upset, we can find a good solution."
Ms. Benson sighed and placed the bowl of cut up cucumbers down and sat down next to us.
"I really don't know why he is so upset. It's been exactly two months since he started coming home from school, not bothering to do homework, napping all the time, and not eating any of the food I make him. I don't know what to do anymore. Nothing works."
Exactly two months is what she said. Sam and Freddie broke up exactly two months ago. Was he upset because he was no longer with Sam? Was he THAT upset that he was just moping around the house completely feeling enthusiastic about anything? I had to figure out what her feelings were on their break up.
"Ms. Benson? I know you never approved of Sam and Freddie's relationship but we really want to know how you feel. Were you happy when they broke up?"
"Broke up?" she looked at me with a confused look on her face but I could tell there was a hint of happiness in there. "When did they break up?"
"Two months ago. Freddie didn't tell you?"
"No. Why would he not tell me?"
"I think I know why," said Brad.
"Why? Why do you think my Freddie bear didn't trust me enough to tell me about this?"
"Calm down. I don't think he didn't tell you because he doesn't trust you. He probably didn't tell you because you didn't approve of their relationship in the first place. You'd probably be happy and telling him how much he is better off instead of comforting him. He probably didn't want anyone rubbing it in his face. As odd as it may sound, those two really care about each other and we want them to realize that breaking up over a small issue is stupid."
Wow. Go Brad. And he didn't even want to be involved. I looked at him proudly. I didn't think he would be so good at giving advice. If it was just me and Ms. Benson, we'd be at each other's throats and we would not have made any progress at all.
"So how do you feel about them breaking up, Ms. Benson?" I asked her.
"Well... the last thing I ever wanted was for Freddie to be with some delinquent who will do nothing but corrupt my poor baby..."
"BUT..."
"But... the last thing I really want is for my Freddie bear to be unhappy. If you tell anyone I said this, I will deny it. I will put a chip in your head and torture you when you least expect it, you got that? Both of you."
She sighed deeply before continuing.
"If that criminal really makes Freddie happy, then please, make him happy again. I can't stand Freddie being sad and mopey."
"Yay!" I jumped out of the sofa and clapped happily. No one could ever figure out how to convince Freddie's mom to approve of his relationship with Sam but all Brad had to do was stay cool, calm, and collected.
"We'll do whatever we can to make Freddie happy again, I promise," I said and I jumped to hug her.
"Okay okay, get off me. Go back to school. You shouldn't be here anyways."
"Uh... no, I was sent home because I choked on a cherry. BYE."
And with that, we were out of Freddie's apartment. Talking to his mom was a lot easier than I thought. I was very happy that she came to her senses and finally approved of Sam and Freddie's relationship. Of course, Brad and I agreed to not mention our plan of getting them back together to anyone, especially to Gibby who likes to open his mouth to anyone.
Now that Freddie's mom was taken care of, it was time to talk to Sam's mom.
Brad and I took a bus to Sam's house which was about half an hour away. I knew that her mom would be around because she usually works at night and sleeps the day away. I just hoped that she was awake so she could let us in. We arrived in front of Sam's house and I knocked on the door. Lucky for us, her mom answered after the 20th knock.
"Ugh... Carly, you know I like having you around but could you come back later? I'm exhausted," she said. Her eyes were squinted because of the sun.
"Actually, Pam, this is an emergency. We need to talk to you about Sam."
"Oh gosh, what did that crazy blond do this time?"
"Nothing. At least, nothing bad. Can we come in?"
"Sure, but make it quick."
We walked in and I heard Brad whisper to me that he thought Sam's place is really nice and I agreed. Sam always gave her house a terrible reputation but in reality, she has it good. She lives in a two story house with plenty of bedrooms Her house is not messy at all. Pam, although not the best mother, sure knows how to keep an apartment looking nice and clean. I never understood why Sam felt so ashamed of it. Maybe because people believe she lives in some trashy apartment so she gives them what they want.
We sat down in the living room while we waited for Pam who went to the kitchen. She came back with some mineral water.
"So... how can I help you? Did Sam tell you to skip school or something? You want me to punish her?"
"Oh... no Pam. I chocked on a cherry and I was sent home." Since when is Pam concerned about anyone skipping school?
"What about him? Did he choke on a cherry as well?" Pam is so not gullible.
"No ma'am," he assured her. "We actually came because we're a little concerned about Sam. Has she been mopey lately?"
"How would I know? I barely see her."
This was going to be harder than it sounded.
"Well... when you DO see her, has she been quiet or seemed sad at all?"
"Hmm. Come to think of it, our therapist made us hang out at the park last week. Something about being at one with nature. Anyways, I asked her if she wanted to throw branches at skateboarders so they could trip on them and she didn't want to do it. We spent the entire day on the swings, not saying a word to each other. Sometimes, she grabs food from the fridge and locks herself up in her room for hours at a time. Now, that might seem normal because Sam loves food, but she packed like five times more food than what she normally eats."
Now, you know Sam is in a depressed mood when she refuses to inflict pain on others. She loves watching people get hurt, especially when it's sports related and she rejected her mom's offer. It's easy to tell when Freddie is sad because he makes it obvious but when Sam is sad, you could figure out a Rubik's cube faster than you could figure out what she is feeling other than hungry.
"I have to as you, Pam, you DO know that Sam and Freddie dated right?"
"Oh please, how could I not know? Before leaving for work every night, I could hear them video chatting and acting like all your gross lovey dovey couples. It's sickening. BUT, that was the happiest I've seen her so I didn't complain. Why? Did they break up?"
Oh gosh, Sam didn't tell her mom either. I could understand Freddie not telling hi mom but Sam's mom is a lot less judgmental. I'm sure she wouldn't rub it in her face. She'd probably buy her more food as a cope mechanism.
"Well... yeah, they break up because they said that it wasn't working out but I really don't believe it. I thought that maybe you'd know why but she didn't tell you either. Sam and Freddie have been at each other's throats since they broke up. It's a lot more intense than normal and we can't take it. If there is anything you can do to help us get them back together, please let us know Pam."
"Oh don't worry. I don't plan on letting her let Freddie be the one that got away. She finally found herself a decent young man and she's going to let him go like that? I don't think so."
"Oh Pam," I laughed. "You're the best. We're going to go okay?"
Pam walked us to the door and then we took the bus back to my place.
The next day, after school, Sam, Freddie, Brad, Gibby, and I headed to the studio for rehearsals. I had to force Sam and Freddie to come with us right after school to avoid any tardiness. I'd be lying if I said that Sam and Freddie didn't fight but it wasn't one of their intense fights. It was actually refreshing seeing them fight casually and then move on to what really mattered at the moment which was iCarly. We were set for the next show.
After rehearsals, Gibby was on my computer looking at videos of singing puppies while I made some lemonade. I bought lemonade powder, mind you, because everyone else hates the lemonade that I make. Brad was also in the kitchen with me making some fudge after a great rehearsal.
"Hey, hey, hey," I heard Brad whisper to me as he tapped my shoulder. "Look!"
He pointed towards Sam and Freddie. They were in the living room, sitting next to each other and watching tv. Sam looked like she was ready to pass out. She probably didn't get enough sleep because I noticed her constant yawning during rehearsals.
"I am falling asleep here. Fredturd, put something that I like before I pass out would ya?" asked Sam in an obnoxious tone.
"No way, I got the remote firs-" he was cut off.
Brad and I watched them closely. Sam must have been very sleepy because she fell asleep right now Freddie's shoulder. We expected Freddie to casually and carefully push her off of him but he didn't. he stared at her sleeping figure for a moment and then turned off the TV. Freddie was allowing Sam to sleep on his shoulder. I fought the urge to "AWW" out loud but they looked so cute. Freddie leaned his head back on the couch and closed his eyes as if he was savoring the moment, wanting to let it all sink in before it was time for Sam to wake up.
I decided to let them have their moment and I told Brad and Gibby to hang out in the studio with me.
About an hour later, we walked downstairs and Freddie was gone. Sam was laying on the couch with a blanket covering her body. A few moments after, I received a text from Freddie saying that he had to go back home because his mom made him special snacks. I laughed quietly because I knew that she made him those awesome cucumber cups. Spencer told me that he tried them before and they were awful.
I heard groaning coming form the couch. Sam slowly got up from the couch and looked at me confusedly.
"Uh... who put that blanket on me?" she asked groggily.
"I don't know," I said, trying to play it cool. Then I heard a loud rumbling.
"Give me some food, Shay. I'm starving."
"Okay okay."
As I walked to the kitchen, both Brad and Gibby said that they had to go home. All too soon, it was just Sam and me. This was the perfect opportunity to talk to her about Freddie. I wanted to know the real reason why they broke up and I wanted it ASAP. With a tray filled with ham, cheese, and crackers, I approached Sam on the table and we ate silently for a few minutes.
"So, Sam, can I talk to you about something?"
"Sure Carls? What's crackin'?
"Well... okay please don't get mad at me. I just want to know something."
"What?"
"I want to know the real reason why you and Freddie broke up." I said it so fast, I wasn't sure if Sam heard me. I also ducked for cover because I felt like Sam was going to hurt me for even mentioning Freddie. He has been a forbidden topic in our conversations since the last time we talked about the break up.
"Ugh... I'm telling you Carls, it wasn't working out."
"Well, I don't believe it. You guys were fine and then you break up out of nowhere? What's up with that?"
"Carly, I am not having this conversation. The last thing I want to do is introduce you to my fist." She walked out of the kitchen angrily and ran upstairs towards the studio. I ran after.
"I know you're not capable of hurting me Sam. All I want is for you to be happy and clearly you're not."
"And how do you know that?" By now, we were both in the middle of the empty studio, screaming at each other.
"Come on Sam. Everyone with a brain knows that you just act like Freddie is repulsive to hide the fact that you miss him. Why can't you just set your differences aside and get back together already?"
"I for one do not miss Freddie. I am over that geek. Why are you so obsessed with this?" She looked very angry. I'd be too but this was for her own good.
"Yes you do. Just admit it, Sam. Admit that you miss him. Admit that you want to get back together with him."
"No!"
"Yes."
"NO!"
"YES! SAM JUST ADMIT IT DAMN IT!" I was so angry that she didn't want to admit it that I started cursing.
"FINE!" She screamed in my face, basically pushing me to the ground. "I miss him. Is that what you want to hear? Do you really want to know why we broke up, HUH?"
I gulped and nodded, afraid to even speak in fear that she would scream at me again. She has never yelled at me like that.
"Freddie and I overheard you and Spencer talking about your relationship with that one girl that used to babysit him. You your stupid advice made us realize how different we are and that we couldn't force ourselves into a relationship so we took a break. And you wanna know what the worst part is? Freddie acts like nothing ever happened. He told me he loved me and now he acts like he hates me so I have to act like it doesn't bother me. Are you happy?"
"Sam I am so sorr-"
"It's okay, Carly. You didn't know."
And with that, she walked away. I heard a loud slam on the door when she left and I was left speechless. I thought this whole time that there was a completely different reason behind their break up but it turned out that I was the reason they broke up... indirectly at least but it was still my fault. Then I began to replay our fight in my head.
He told me he loved me.
He told me he loved me.
He told me he loved me.
He told me he LOVED me.
Oh my gosh. Freddie told Sam that he was loved her? I covered my mouth with my hand in surprise. This was more serious than I thought. I threw myself onto a bean bag chair feeling like a complete jerk. No matter how much I tried to convince myself that I had nothing to do with their break up, I was still the reason for their break up. Of course they didn't want to tell me the truth. They knew that the guilt would consume.
I had to make it right. I wanted them to get back together so they wouldn't hurt iCarly but screw iCarly.
My best friends are in love and I was the reason for their separation. I more determined than ever to get them back together.
So what did you guys think? I really want Carly to be involved in this story because I tend to neglect her in most of my work so I decided to make her a major part of this story.
So I want to know, do any of you ship Carly with Brad? There is going to be a lot of Carly and Brad development in this story so please look forward to it. Also, what did you think of that cute Seddie scene?
Please review and let me know what you think.