iTurn Back in Time

Chapter 16: iHave A Promise to Keep

"Promise me that after you have been through all the trials in your life, you'll love someone and be happy with him forever."

Sam

I walked back and forth in Carly's apartment, thinking of a number of reasons why Freddie wasn't able to get home that night. It has been twenty four hours since he disappeared. My knees shook every time the idea of him being killed comes in.

Last night was the last time I saw him. Carly was sitting on the couch with Spencer, her face buried in her pale hands. I couldn't tell if she was crying or not but when the phone rang, her face lifted up from her hands only to reveal tears streaming down her cheeks.

"I'll get it." Spencer went for the phone, hoping it was Freddie. Marissa was inside their apartment, waiting for her baby's call.

We were all silent as Spencer talked through the phone. The tension was building up. The longer the cold machine pressed in Spencer's ears, the sadder Carly's face has become. She was sobbing so I hugged her tightly, trying to remove the anxiety she was feeling. "Carly, I'm sure Freddie's alright." Those words were bitter. I was lying. I have to convince myself that what I was telling my best friend was true.

"How can you be so sure, Sam?" Carly looked up to me. "Last night when he left…I didn't know that was the last time I was going to see him!" Carly's lip trembled in fear.

"Hush," I patted Carly's head. "Don't say that. The nub is alright! He's a geek and I am pretty sure he's got all those weird stuff with him, probably a laser gun or whatever. That Freddork is smart!" I closed my eyes, trying to picture Freddie's face smiling. But what gets in my mind was a picture of him lying lifelessly in a dark pavement somewhere in the streets of Seattle, rain pouring heavily from above, soaking his body.

I opened my eyes. No, it couldn't be.

We tried calling Freddie's number but we couldn't reach him. We were like this since a couple of hours ago and it's already the dead of the night, only the gleaming city lights of Seattle were keeping the place alive.

Spencer put the phone down. "It was Socko."

That's when Marissa came bursting at the door, all in tears.

Fear shook my entire body. As I saw her drop to the floor in her knees with the phone in her hand, these thoughts came to scare me.

Why didn't you tell them about last night? You saw Freddie! Tell them!

I shook my head. I couldn't tell them. There was this something that was holding myself not to speak. If Fredweirdo was here, I'm sure he would tell me to keep my mouth shut about last night.

My mouth started to quiver. Keep your mouth shut, keep it shut.

But my lips betrayed me. My voice came out a little shaky. "Freddie is-"

All heads turned to me. As soon as the words came out, I felt a sudden rush of regret flow. I wanted to run, hide and forget about everything. I clenched my teeth, trying to stop the pain in my throat. I held myself back from tears. Finally, I gave up.

Pucketts don't cry! A voice said in my brain. The teardrops went quickly out of my eyes as I blinked. This was my vulnerable side. I cried harder in defeat.

Everything felt like crashing at my feet. Now, the Sam you know is crying, her image of always being the tough girl in Ridgeway High utterly wrecked in front of these people.

Marissa opened her mouth to speak. "My baby just called. He's safe."

Everyone sighed in relief except for me. I wasn't breathing at all since the thought came in. But thank God he was safe.

He was safe.

Carly and Spencer hugged each other and Marissa got up from the floor, wiping her tears. "He said he'd be back."

"When?" I asked desperately. Oh please, tell me when!

Marissa shook her head to my disappointment. "He said soon. I told him I'll be looking for him but he said he is just okay and no need to worry about! God, I don't know what to do!" Marissa crossed her fingers. "Help us!"

It was in Marissa's eyes that divulged me that she would never give up on her only boy, those brown orbs lighting up with hope and determination to find him. I hate to admit this, but this was Marissa's strength of character.

And the night ended with Frednina's mother going back to their apartment and saying she would wait for Freddie. On the other hand, I went back home to Dad's and said goodbye to Carly and Spencer. I was exhausted and cried my eyes out when I'm alone in my room that night. I never noticed myself drifting to sleep.

"Sam, promise me that you won't change."

I was talking to someone I don't know. All I knew was that we were sitting next to each other in a white room. He was so familiar to me.

"No, of course I wouldn't change. Why?"

He shrugged. "Sam, promise me you won't ever tired of eating bacon."

I grinned. "Of course not! Bacon's like the best food in the world! And ham!"

He smiled at me. That was the kindest smile I ever saw. "Sam, promise me that you'll take care of your family and love them with all your heart."

"Woah. That was some kinda personal subject, bro but I will take it as an advice. Yeah, I will."

"Good. Promise me you'll never ever get tired of protecting Carly."

"You know, you're weird. How did you know Carly?" I put a hand on my forehead. "Oh, maybe you know her because you were watching iCarly! Aren't you taking an autograph?" I joked. "Nah, I was just kidding."

"I know, I know."

I stared at him for a minute. "You seem familiar. Sure we haven't met before?

He shrugged. "I don't know. Sam-"

I interrupted. "Dude, this is abuse." I grinned. "It's now your turn. Promise me you'll tell me your name as soon as this thing is over."

"Yeah, sure."

"Okay then. Proceed." I rested my chin on my hand.

"Sam, promise me you'll be happy with your life and that you'll be living it to the fullest, not even regretting a single thing you've done."

He's getting creepier. "Chiz! I'm always happy! Momma's always happy!"

"Promise me that after you have been through all the trials in your life, you'll love someone and be happy with him forever."

I fell silent after that.

"Promise me?"

I looked at him, wondering why he was asking me to do all those things. "Okay." I nodded obediently.

"Now, what you have to do is keep these promises and swear you'll fulfill them as long as you live. Deal?" He offered his hand.

I took it. His big hand was so warm. "Deal." We shook hands.

"Now, it's time to tell me your name." I smiled.

"My name?"

"Yes!" I said excitedly.

"My name is..."

Somebody shook me up."Sam, wake up!"

"WAKE UP!"

I opened my eyes. And there was the face of Melanie, looking worried. "Sam, you were screaming in your sleep! Were you having a nightmare?"

Every inch of my body was covered in icy sweat and my bed covers twisted like a straitjacket. "I was?" I was certain that I wasn't. It wasn't even a nightmare to begin with! What the bloody hell were they-

"What was that?" Mom came bursting into the room. Kate was behind her. "Is everything fine?"

Melanie nodded. "Yes Mom. Sam was having a nightmare."

Kate looked at me with a blank expression.

"You can now leave. I'm fine." I lied to them, lying down again on the bed. "No worries."

They all left except for the little lady who had her eyes on me for not quite some time. "Kate, what are you doing here?" I smiled weakly. "I-I'm fine."

She closed the door behind her. "I know you are dreaming of him again."

"Dreaming of who?" I asked, pretending to remain clueless about things.

"I always hear you mumbling and screaming in your sleep. You were like that since you moved in here with your mom."

"Yeah I know. It has been three months right?" I laughed. "Quite a long time."

"No. Don't change the subject. I know what is happening."

"Kate, you're a very intelligent girl. Whatever you know, please don't tell it to everybody, okay?"

With a nod, she left my room silently. Yes, it has been three months. Quite a long time since he disappeared.

I got up from the bed and sat on the windowsill. I have a French window in my room. I looked below, checking if someone was there. Pop's house was really big enough to let the whole family live here. He is a pilot so he's not around most of the time. But he does get home every weekend.

We temporarily stopped doing iCarly. Since the Freddie incident, none of us have rehearsed for the next webisode or plan anything for the show. We weren't complete. Life wasn't complete without the nub.

In a distance, I saw a boy with brown hair and eyes standing a few feet from the house. I looked closer.

My heart beat went faster and faster. I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

"Freddie?"

Then, exactly that moment, a voice whispered in my ear.

"Keep your promise, princess."

My heart skipped a beat. I spun around.

"Oh my God." I said, throwing my hands onto my mouth.

Erika's Chiz

Hi so this is Chapter 16! Hope you like this one. I have this written the same day I have written Chapter 15: iSee A Ray of Light. I'm doing the writing as much as I can because in a week, I'll be having my fourth quarterly examinations. :D If you also have the time, please visit my profile and take part of the poll. :)

And about my next Seddie fanfic...

I am currently planning on it. I think the title "iRise to Stardom" would fit it. I won't be telling you much about the details not until the final chapter of iTurn Back in Time. So, what do you think of this new fic? 8D

Oh wait, I can't possibly end this chapter without thanking you guys. :3

mekaylawrotethis, hankie212, johnh8616, Dude Your Awesome8 and Geekquality! :D