Episode 5 iSay Goodbye

Carly couldn't cry anymore, only because her tears had dried up. She was crying all day and all night. Her face was red and irritated. And she was depressed. Spencer tried to tickle her but to no avail.

"Come on, young Shay, let's go to school."

"I don't want to, Spencer…"

"Hey, look at me sis! Life has ups and downs. It can hurt a lot. But you must never give up hope. Trust me, I have a bit more experience than you."

"Haven't you realized what's happening? Freddie is leaving! For good…"

Carly lowered her head. Spencer lifted her back up. "Carly, for how long do we know Freddie?"

"Many years.."

"Exactly."

"But Spencer, I told you before, it's different now."

"Have faith, baby sister. Everything will turn out alright."

"I wish I could share your optimism, big bro. I really do.."

Carly and Spencer left to go to school.

At the classroom, the kids were waiting for the History lesson to start.

"The teacher who replaced rocks. Even I like her!"

"That's great Sam.." Carly was supporting her head with her hand. And matters could become only worse since she was sitting behind Freddie's empty desk. Sam was feeling Carly's pain.

The teacher entered the room. "Hello, class!"

"Hi Ms. Dedger!" all students replied in a happy tone-save Carly.

"We will start with our usual mini revision on what we've done so far. Let's see who's turn is alphabetically. (The teacher took a name list on her hand). Shay, Carly."

"Yaay…" Carly whispered ironically.

"Ah, one of the best students. This one will be easy for you. Who was the 26th President of the United States of America?"

"That popular toy was named after him.."

"Yes, you're in the right track, keep on."

"The Freddie bear!"

Everyone was puzzled, trying to figure out what Carly meant.

"Aw, teddy bear…Theodore Roosevelt."

"That is correct."

At recess, Carly and Sam were at the cafeteria.

"Carls, I really hate seeing you like that. It makes me lose my appetite." Sam wasn't kidding. She had eaten only a sandwich a few hours ago.

"I can't help it Sam."

"Your mind keeps being in Fredworld, right?"

"He's leaving Sam… For good. And I don't want this to happen…"

"Me neither."

"Because you won't have someone to constantly torment?" Carly briefly forgot about Freddie's departure and smiled a bit.

"You know I'll miss Fredward, cupcake. Besides, there's good ol' Gibby for that!"

"Sure, how could I forget?"

"Guess we'll just have to use leaving without Freddie anywhere near us…" For Sam's image, this was a moment of weakness. But in reality, it was only something human.

"This won't be easy Sam. Not easy at all…"

"I understand Carly."

"But why Freddie didn't? Why he thinks my feelings are not real?"

Sam looked the ceiling for a moment, then turned her head around. One would say that she felt guilty-at least partially. Gibby passed by at that moment.

"Hey, girls."

"Hi Gibby.." Carly and Sam replied.

"Carly, it pains me seeing you like that. Isn't there anything I can do?"

"I don't think anyone can do something, Gibby.. But thanks."

"Aw, bummer!"

It was night time at Bushwell Plaza. Freddie's mother had contacted a transportation company. Carly and Sam were waiting at the lobby.

"I can't believe this is really happening… Why is it happening?" Carly had great difficulty suppressing her grief.

"Carly…" Sam was trying to provide comfort. But the situation wasn't easy for her to deal with either.

Freddie and Marissa Benson came down the stairs. Awkwardness between the iCarly gang was more than obvious.

"Mom, can you wait for me outside please?"

"Don't be late. I salute you, Carly Shay. Samantha Puckett."

"Bye, ."

"Bye."

Marissa Benson exited from the building.

"Who am I going to tease and befriend at the same time now?" Sam was full of emotions.

"Don't you have Gibby for that Sam?" Freddie said playfully.

"It's not the same…" Tears came out of Sam's eyes.

"Am I such a dork and made you emotional again?" Both Sam and Freddie knew the real meaning behind those words.

"Yeah, you got it…"

Freddie and Sam hugged tightly for quite some time. No wedgies this time. Neither seemed willing to let go.

"Guess I should leave you two alone again." Sam finally broke the silence. "I'll wait outside."

After a pause in which both were looking down, Carly and Freddie hugged with force. Again, no one wanted to let go.

"Why you have to leave Freddie? Just..why?"

"I need to, Carly."

"No, you don't!"

"Carly..."

"Freddie, why don't you believe me? Why? I love you.." Carly couldn't hold out any longer. She burst into tears.

"Oh my God, please don't cry…"

"Why, Freddie?"

"I want to believe you Carly. But it's not that simple. A part of me is afraid. Afraid that..that…" Freddie continued after a pause. "..that what you're feeling is not real."

"I'd beat that part right out of you! Or better yet, have Sam do it!"

Awkwardness returned once more for both.

"So, I guess this is goodbye." Freddie mumbled after some moments passed.

"What? How can you say goodbye so easily, like everything's just fine?" Cary tried to look angry. But she was only sad.

"It's not easy, Carly. Especially to you…"

"Then why it looks to me that it is? Freddie if you love me or ever did, don't leave!"

Freddie was caught especially off guard. It was the last thing he expected to hear. "Carly, please, not this…Ask anything else but this…"

Carly's expression suddenly changed. "Freddie, I'm sorry I told you that… You have shown that you love me with actions, not just with words… I'm so sorry… Just…take care…Goodbye..." Carly made some slow steps backwards, then started running.

"Carly, no…" Freddie didn't manage to say more words. He was devastated with what just unfolded before him.

Carly quickly entered her apartment. Before Spencer could say anything, she ran up the stairs. "I'm going to the shower!" she yelled with a very sad tone.