dear carly

back to when it all began - 2

"Here it is," now back home, Freddie handed her a small, black notebook that was slightly worn by its spine.

Eyebrows knit together in confusion, Carly just blankly stared at him, "Is this the surprise?"

Freddie nodded slowly and replied, "Without saying too much, I can tell you that I've had this for a very long time and wasn't sure I should show you at all. But I've thought it over a lot, and.. not only do I want you to see it, I also want you to keep it."

Mouth agape, all Carly could get out was, "Keep it??" She looked it over hesitantly, then back up at Freddie, "Are you sure, babe? This is yours, you wrote everything in it.. isn't it very personal to you?"

"It is, but you're my wife and best friend, Carly. No one else knows about this journal except you, not even my mom or Gwen. That's exactly how I want it to be," Freddie smiled at her reassuringly, his thumb rubbing the inside of her palm.

A bit teary eyed, Carly smiled back and wrapped her arms around his back for a warm embrace, her head resting on his chest. "I love you so much, Freddie."

"I love you more than you'll ever know," Freddie softly replied, combing through her messy hair before tugging her closer to him.

flash back, about 17 years ago...

August 2007, start of 8th grade

Dear Carly,

I was so sad I couldn't walk you after school today, I was really looking forward to it :(

The only thing that makes up for it is that I managed to escape Sam's torturous teasing, at least for now. And to be fair, I did end up seeing you back home; easily the best part of my day!

Okay, I know you've told me time and time again that you aren't interested and just want to be friends. But I can't help it! Seeing you even once a day makes my whole week. My heart skips a beat and my lips turn up into a smile regardless of the day I had. I've never felt like this about anyone, EVER. I just don't know what to with myself; if I could stop liking you I would! But I don't think that'll happen any time soon..

Out of anyone in the entire world, though, I'm glad it's you. Whether you ever like me back or not (but I'm crossing my fingers here), I hope we always stay friends, Carly. I can't imagine life without you.

Yuck, I got a bit too sentimental there, but can ya blame me?

Anyway, I better go now, my mom's just finished with dinner and she's giving me a tick bath right afterward (gross, I know).

I think I'll be writing in this journal a lot more from now on. Not that you'll ever actually read any of this, but if by some rare chance you do: I hope you've had the best day ever.

Love,
your bud Freddie