Authors Note: This story was inspired, in part, by a discussion I had with OneHorseShay about how we'd like to see certain characters develop before iCarly finishes. The following story will be written from Carly's PoV, unless otherwise stated.

Disclaimer: I still don't own iCarly or any of the characters or situations that have appeared on the show. If you don't recognise a character, then the chances are that I dreamed them up.

I struggled downstairs, said a sleepy "Good morning" to Spencer and ate a quick breakfast, which I had just finished when there was a knock on the door.

"Hey," said Freddie, entering our apartment. "Wanna ride to school today?"

"Yes, please" I replied, picking up my bag. "'Bye Spencer"

"Have fun kids!" he shouted as we left.

As we walked to Freddie's car I noticed an unusual spring in his step and a broad smile on his face.

"What's with the good mood?" I asked.

"What's to be unhappy about this fine Monday morning?"

I grabbed his arm. "Ok, spill it! NOBODY likes a school day THIS much – especially a Monday. We said no more secrets, remember?"

He sighed. "Ok. I had a date yesterday, with Rachel. I think it went pretty well."

"Oh. Uh, that's great." Then a thought struck me. "So have you told Sam that you're dating again?"

"No."

"Well, are you gonna?"

"I figured I don't have to." I raised my eyebrows after he said that. "Well," he continued, "she's never on time for school, I don't have a class with her until 3rd period and you're with her in P 1 and 2, so by the time I see her the whole school will know" he finished with a smile.

"Are you saying I can't keep a secret?" I asked, getting rather annoyed. He just looked at me.

"I won't say anything. But YOU will!" I snapped as he started the car.

I bit my tongue throughout first two periods; it was difficult not telling Sam, though fortunately she was asleep by the middle of first period and again in period 2. Finally it was break time and Sam and I saw Freddie by his locker. I decided it was time for Sam and Freddie to have a little talk.

"Hi Freddie," I said, looking pointedly at him.

"Hey girls." He smiled. I cleared my throat meaningfully in his direction. He rolled his eyes and sighed but then spoke up. "Sam, just so know you know, I was on a date with Rachel yesterday. I think it went ok."

"Oh," said Sam but then quickly recovered her poise. "So, what's wrong with the chick?"

Freddie looked annoyed at this but before he could say anything Rachel walked up to him, or at least I assume it was Rachel given that she stood behind him, wrapped her arms around him and rested her chin on his shoulder saying "Hey Freddie."

"Hey Rachel" he replied, confirming things.

I took stock of the girl. Roughly his height, pretty, shoulder-length ginger hair, cute smile. She seemed nice.

"Fancy hitting the mall after school?" she asked him.

"Sure" he said. "Though we'll have to swing by my place first. I gave Carly a ride in today so I have to get her home."

"It's ok" I spoke up. "Sam's mom will take me home, right?" I said looking at Sam.

"Uh, sure" she responded, only looking like she was half-aware of the conversation taking place around her.

"See you later girls" Rachel said, taking Freddie's hand and dragging him off somewhere leaving us behind, me smiling, Sam scowling.

"I hate that skunkbag" she growled in a low voice. I guess she's not happy that Freddie's dating.

3rd period was a frosty affair. Freddie was sat in front of Sam, seemingly oblivious as she glared at the back of his head throughout. I tried to make some small talk with Sam but to no avail. The one positive was that it was the first time all year she had stayed awake for the entire class. The rest of the day passed in similar fashion, Freddie ignoring, or being unaware of, the fact that Sam was furious, I was trying to keep her reasonably calm. It didn't help that Rachel was with us in last period (Science) and that with a new project starting, she and Freddie were working together. Unfortunately that left me with Sam, and I found myself having to do the work of both of us as she sulked and stared at them for the whole hour, despite my constant urging of her to pull her weight in the work we had to do. The second the bell went they disappeared hand-in-hand, leaving Sam and I staring after them.

"Come on," I said, "let's head to the parking lot and wait for your mom."

"She's not picking me up tonight" said Sam.

"What? You said at break she was and I could get a lift with you!"

"Did I? I dunno. I wasn't listening after the dork and that skunkbag showed up."

"Great! Now what do we do? Spencer's not back from his camping trip with Socko until later tonight. I guess it's the bus home then."

Sam's phone rang.

"Hey mom, what's up? You want me home now? Ok, I'm on my way" she sighed. "Sorry Carls, gotta go." And with that she left.

I rolled my eyes and looked around. Even for a Monday, this had been a really bad day.