A/N – Thanks for all the feedback on the last two chapters – but on the whole story as well! I've got over 100 reviews now and I love you guys for it! I can tell you guys are excited to see what'll happen when Carly comes, so I decided to flash forward a bit to the summer!
The summer drew near quicker than expected – today was Benji's last day of pre-school! Once Sam and Freddie had picked him up, he went out with Cat and Robbie to a play-area. Sam and Freddie waited anxiously for Carly to arrive. They didn't have to wait long though, as soon enough, there was a knock on the door.
Carly looked the same as ever – the same glossy brown hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a flowery dress – just like she always used to. Sam greeted her with a ginormous hug, and Freddie was next. They shared a long group hug before they sat down and the questions started. "So, where do you live?" Sam asked.
"I live in a tiny house, just big enough for the two of us." Sam and Freddie noticed she was being vague.
"Do you still see your dad?"
"No, he had to move to France. There was urgency for him to be there."
"So why didn't you come back?" Freddie asked.
"I-I, I didn't- I thought- I was embarrassed." She admitted.
"Why Carls? You know we love you, no matter what you do." Sam smiled.
"I know, but I just…"
"Tell us what's wrong." Sam said kindly.
"There's so many things…"
"Start with one." Freddie said, subconsciously moving closer to Sam.
"Well, I-I-I work at Inside-Out Burger."
"And what's wrong with that?" Sam asked.
"Well, I always wanted to be something big, like the vice-president or a lawyer or a princess or something."
"You still have time to do all those things." Freddie said.
"Yeah, you're only young."
"I feel like I've disappointed you." Carly sniffled.
"Don't be ridiculous."
"And I fell out of touch with you. I thought you'd hate me for that."
"We'd never hate you!"
"But we just want to know why." Freddie said.
"I thought you'd be disappointed in me."
"Just about the job?"
"Well, that, and er-"
"Carly." Sam cut her off. "We know you have a child."
Carly spat out her drink.
"What the chiz? I don't!" She shouted.
"Yeah, you do. We have proof."
"I think I'd tell you if I had a child."
"You do! And you left him on MY doorstep!" Freddie said.
"This is getting stranger. Sam, Freddie, I do NOT have a child!"
"We know you do!" Sam argued. "We have him here!"
"I think I'd remember giving birth!"
"We have the papers to prove it!" Sam retrieved the papers from her room. "Look!"
"These papers clearly state that Carlo Savino – your boyfriend – is the father of Benji!"
Carly took the papers and stared in shock for a moment. "T-That means…"
Sam could see the looks of fear and distraught on Carly's face. They were pure. "He's not your child, is he?" Sam whispered.
"N-No." Tears started to roll down her face. "Erm, how old is Benji?"
"He's four." Freddie replied.
"Oh my God, I'm so sorry Carls." Sam pulled her into a hug.
"He's had a-a child with s-someone else – whilst seeing m-me."
Freddie also hugged Carly.
"Maybe he can explain?" Carly said hopefully.
"I don't think it would be a good idea talking to him ever again."
"I can forgive him!" Carly said, though anxiously.
"He also has a criminal record." Sam bit her lip. "Two accounts of rape and one of murder."
"Manslaughter." Freddie corrected. "It was manslaughter."
"It was murder, Freddie. I did my research."
"I-I…" Carly sobbed.
"Shhhh, look, it's okay! Well, it's not, but it will all turn out fine!" Sam soothed.
Carly sat up. "I don't want to go back." She said.
"What?"
"To Italy. I think I need a new start."
"You can stay with us!" Sam offered.
"Do you have room?"
"Well-" Sam started.
"No." Freddie finished.
"What about the apartment next door? That's up for rent, right?"
"Sure." Carly sniffed.
"Awww, Carls, I feel so bad for you."
"Don't worry." Carly smiled. "I'll be fine."
There was a knock on the door. "I think I know who that is." Sam smiled. "Come in!"
Carly turned around to face the door. "GIBBY!" She cried happily.