iBeautifulDisaster

Chapter 3: iTease

Chapter 3: iTease (updated spelling and grammar)

SAM'S POV:

After iCarly, I watched as Carly enveloped Fredbags in a hug that seemed to stretch on far too long for my liking—and judging by the disgusted expression on his face, for his liking as well. He practically rebuffed her attempt to get close by firmly gripping her waist and keeping her at arm's length. What on earth was that about? She released him, and he moved closer to me, almost as if he expected me to protect him. Or maybe it was just instinct? I couldn't fathom why I'd be his default instinct. Haha. Me protect him? That's a laugh.

"Hey, Sam, did Laura text you?" he asked tentatively. Why was he bringing Laura up?

"Yes... Why?" I replied cautiously.

"Well... are you going?" he inquired anxiously.

"UH, NO. And you shouldn't either," I stated firmly. Why would he want to attend a party like that?

"UH, I can do whatever I damn well please. You're not my keeper. You don't get to tell me what to do anymore. I am going, FYI," he retorted with angst.

"Whoa, dude. Chill. All I was implying was that it's not a good idea to go alone, but go ahead with your apparent bad self," I said, trying to defuse the tension. Damn, can he lose his temper any quicker? Something was clearly bothering him. I was annoyed with myself for still being able to read his moods so accurately. I mean, let's be real, he's my best guy friend after all.

"I wouldn't be going alone if you came," I added. Was he deaf?

"No, Freddie," I stated firmly, omitting a nickname. Wow, good job, Sam.

He raised an eyebrow, clearly aware that I'd used his actual name.

"Fine. Alone I go," he declared, testing me.

"I'LL GO," Carly piped up, all girly and cute. Ah, so that's what's been bothering him. Silly Carly, he REALLY hates ignorance, overly girly laughs, and the sneaky touchy-feely stuff. I'll have to tell her that later.

"Uh, no offense Shay, but um... Yeah, this isn't your scene," he said edgily. He seemed more than just annoyed... he was teetering on the edge of a hot-headed breakdown.

"Well, I can handle parties, Freddie. I can be anything you want me to be. Anything," she replied, laying on the girly charm thickly while grabbing his bicep and leaning her body against him. Wow! I'm surprised he's still tolerating her presence. Oh, this is entertaining. Someone pass me the popcorn. I smirked to myself.

"Not this time, Shay, sorry," he said, brushing off her attempts with casual indifference. He avoided her gaze and lightly pushed her away. Was he... giving up the chase with Carly? Right when she wanted to be pursued? Hell, she practically wanted to be caught red-handed at this point. She crossed her arms in frustration. Was he out of his mind? This party could've been his chance with her, a game-changer!

"I'm out. See y'all losers Monday," he announced, his tone unusual. Monday? He usually hung around here every chance he got. Oh god, what's happening? He shoved his hands in his pockets and exited. Wait... Did he just call ME a loser? Oh, he'll regret that. I heard Carly sigh.

"Yeah, I need to head home tonight, Carls. It's 'Puckett Pizza' night," I stated, using my usual excuse to avoid staying at Carly's. Whenever I needed a break from everything, I'd slip away to sleep in the park. Lord knows I try to spend as much time away from my mother as possible.

"I didn't ask you to stay, did I?" Carly retorted with a tone that dripped with venom. Wow. She said it like the words were poison.

"Oh... okay," I replied, feeling confused about what I had done.