Episode 2 iRival
"Wake up! We must go to school!"
"I don't wanna go to school…"
"Come on, get up!"
"Just 5 more minutes…"
"If you don't take me, I'll be late. Well ok, I don't mind."
"What! I won't let that happen, missy! You are going to school, either you want it or not. (Spencer fell from the bed trying to get up) Ouch!"
"Reverse psychology. It always works!" Carly laughed.
At school, Carly and Sam were discussing while on recess.
"So, Carls, how are you feelin' now that your birthday's comin' up?"
"I'm feeling a lot of things Sam. I can't describe it actually. But one thing's for sure, I can't wait!"
"That Alex boy looks smockin' hot! And he looks interested in you, he was staring for quite a while. What do you think of that?"
"I don't know Sam. I've gotten into many situations like this and none turned out good. Just because he looks hot-ok he does!, this doesn't mean he is the right guy for me."
"You know better, it's you we're talking about. You did invite him though, didn't ya?"
"Yes. I've invited everyone from our grade. I don't think I could do otherwise."
"That's how it is being a celebrity kido."
"If I am, then you are one too Sam! (both smiled). I hope this new place has enough room for everyone"
"We won't have a problem, trust me!"
"Ok Sam. Let's get going now."
Meanwhile, Freddie and Gibby met just outside the A/V club, on the way to their lockers. After they greeted, they started talking about Carly's birthday as well.
"So Freddie, have you decided what you'll get for Carly yet?"
"No… I can't give her another cd of Cuddlefish, I've already bought her many. Plus, I want to give something special to Carly."
"In order for her to realize how special she is to you, right?"
"Yeah…"
"Don't look down like this, Freddio. I know you'll figure it out!"
"Thanks Gibby. What about you?"
"I've gotten her.." (Gibby looked around, then whispered to Freddie's ear)
"That's great! She'll love it…"
"Hey, I said don't worry! You will make it. You'll get your girl eventually" Gibby patted Freddie's shoulder.
"I really hope so, Gibby. Thanks for the uplift."
"That's what bros are for! I must be going now. As I've told you. Keep the spirit up!"
"I'll try Gibby. Thanks again! Goodbye."
"Bye Freddie."
As Freddie was left alone, he started thinking what he could give to Carly for her birthday. At some point, he noticed a poster in the wall.
"Fast-speed guitar lessons. Learn to write your own songs. Logical prices. Call this number and ask for Drake. (Once he read it, he was intrigued) Hmmmm.. This sounds very interesting. If I can pull it through, it will really be special!"
Freddie, due to being excited for this discovery, didn't notice a man approaching him.
"Hello, lad. Are you Fredward Benson?" The man was wearing a coat and holding a briefcase.
"Yes, I am. Can I help you with anything? Mr.."
"I am Joshua Katsopan, professor from Massachusetts Institute of Technology."
"MIT? Wow! And why you came here?"
"Your webshow, iCarly, has become famous and popular worldwide, especially here, in the United States of America."
"And?"
"While the two hosts are obviously talented, the ability of a boy in your age to cover every technological aspect and handle the entire production on its own is quite impressive. And goes unnoticed by many."
"Well, if you say so…"
"You are also modest. This is exactly the kind of people we are looking for."
"What do you mean exactly, sir?"
"I have come to offer you a full scholarship Mr. Benson. You will stay inside the university and we can provide a completely equipped apartment for your mother, very close to the facility. Everything is arranged."
"But, if I leave now, what will happen with my life here? My friends? Carl..I mean, iCarly?"
"You are not bound to give an answer right now, Mr. Benson. Take my card. It has my personal number. You have ample time to consider our offer. If you decide to accept, pay attention to what I am going to say now. When you reach the airport, call me on this number, so that we can assure that you and your mother will get the best tickets for the most convenient flight available."
"Thank you, sir. Honestly, I will seriously think about this."
"You are welcome. I know you will. I hope to see you again in Massachusetts Mr. Benson. Farewell."
"Goodbye, sir."
As the professor from MIT left, Freddie put the card in his pocket and appeared to be thoughtful. He walked away without being aware that someone was behind the lockers, watching him.
"When I get through with you Benson, you'll wish you never met me. I'll make you suffer. Bitter. And I know just the way (the boy had a wicked smile on his face)."
Carly's birthday finally arrived. She was walking down the stairs in her apartment, prepared for the party.
"My sister's going to break a LOT of hearts tonight!"
"Get out!"
"I can't, this is where I leave."
Little did Spencer know about what was going to happen that night when he was saying those words. Carly and Spencer heard someone knocking. They opened the door and it was Sam, who entered.
"Hi Sam! What's the matter, do you plan on stealing my thunder tonight?" Carly asked teasingly.
"Wo-hoo, take it easy cupcake, I couldn't do that even if I wanted to. You're amazing!" Sam got even.
"You look great too,Sam!"
"Fredward's gonna faint when he sees you!"
"Oh, shut your mouth! (Carly smiled) But he should've been here by now. Anyway, we'll go pick him up. Spencer, are you ready?"
"Always ready for my sister, let's go!"
They exited the apartment and knocked on Freddie's door."Come on Freddie, the party's today!"
Marissa Benson opened the door. "My son told me to inform you that he'll meet you in the party's location. Happy birthday, Carly Shay."
"Thank you Ms. Benson! (Freddie's mother close the door) So, let's go find him."
"Off we go!" "Ahoy, captain! Spencer and Sam said respectively.
The party was organized at the recently opened Youth Spot, mainly a juice bar with plenty of features such as dance floor, gymnastics room, martial arts class, arcade video games and many more. Carly, Sam and Spencer picked up Gibby on their way there. Just a few minutes since it started, the party was already pretty vivid with lots of people. But still no sign of Freddie, which kept all of the gang guessing. Suddenly, a voice was heard from the speakers.
"May I have your attention please?"
Everyone turned and saw Freddie standing on a specially designed elevated platform, that served as a singing scene.
"What is he doing there?" Carly asked with question shaped in her face.
"I dunno, having a microphone and a guitar, I'll risk and say he is about to sing!" Sam said.
"I thought of that!" Carly replied.
"Hello boys and girls! Sorry for what you're going to hear, I am not a very good singer but there is a girl here who is very special to me and I made a song for her (he looked Carly and smiled. Then he whispered to himself) Logical prices-for him! (Then he started singing)
It's all about you girl, on your eighteenth birthday
pay attention to you girl, everybody has to do just what you say…"
Despite his warning, he sounded good. The audience cheered.
"Well, he isn't bad! Right Carls?"
"Not bad at all." (Carly smiled and her smile became progressively bigger)
"You've got your very own spotlight tonight (Freddie gave a quick sign and a spotlight fell on Carly, who blushed)
'cause it's all about you, it's all about CARLY
You're the birthday girl"
Everyone clapped and cheered- or almost everyone. Freddie approached Carly and Sam.
"So, what do you think?" he asked the girls.
"I'm gonna leave you two alone" Sam walked away, smiling.
"Freddie.. that was the greatest gift I've ever gotten. It was so sweet of you. I-I don't know what to say…"
"You don't have to say anything if you don't want to. I'll go fetch you a drink. Perhaps then we can pick up from where we stopped."
"Okay."
Freddie was celebrating as he was walking away. After he made his order, he went to find Sam.
"Hi Sam. I believe I owe you some explanations. Look.."
"You don't need to explain anything Fredward."
"Sam, I.."
"I said, there's no need for you to come up with excuses."
"I just didn't want you to feel bad. And.."
"Come on, Freddie. We all know with who you were in love since day one. What we had was nice for as long it lasted. And don't worry about me. I'm tough, don't you remember?"
"Sure Sam." It was hard for Freddie to find more words to say.
"Mama will be ok. And why are you still here? Your girl is waiting!"
"Thank you Sam. You're totally awesome, you know that?"
"Yeah, I know! (Sam smiled). Now go!"
Freddie started moving towards Carly. Gibby came close to Sam.
"Mind if I sit here?" he asked.
"Suit yourself, Gib!" Sam told him.
Meanwhile, a boy saw Freddie getting close. "It's now or never." he whispered to himself and approached Carly.
"Hello Carly. Great party you have here." he said, faking a weak voice.
"Thanks Alex! Hey, what's wrong? You seem sad."
" Carly it's your birthday, I don't want to.."
"Alex please tell me!"
"My little sister, April. Here's a She is in the emergency room, intubated… Her condition is critical…"
"Oh my God, why?"
"She had an accident with her bicycle. Here's a photo of her before that.. I came to give you your present and wish you happy birthday and then, leave immediately. If anything happens to her.."
"Come on Alex, be strong. Everything's going to be alright."
Carly showed her virtue of compassion once more and hugged Alex, as Freddie arrived seconds later. This was just what Alex wanted. He wore a cocky smile as Carly was hugging him and he was looking Freddie. Then, all of a sudden, he kissed Carly. Freddie was frozen, like a statue. The drinks dropped from his hands. He ran away, before anyone saw him crying.
"What on Earth was that? " Carly withdrew almost immediately. "And where is Freddie? I saw him standing close by seconds ago!" She was stressed.
"Come on cuttie. I know you like me. I like you too."
"(Carly noticed something) Hey! In the back of the picture it says that the name of the girl is not April, it's Helen! And the last name is not yours either. You lied! You wanted to hurt Freddie and planned this all along! God, you're such a monster!"
"Dump that loser and come with the real deal."
"Freddie is not a loser! He is countless times better than you!"
Carly slapped Alex with all her strength, making him fall down. Afterwards, she kept running back and forth, asking nervously if anyone saw Freddie.