The nightmare comes home


After finishing up, Pippin and Merry said their goodbyes to Frodo and Sam and left. Of course, the little girl left too. She walked at Pippin's side. She was actually holding his hand. Pippin was a little freaked out by this, but didn't say anything. "Well, Pip," Merry said smiling at the two of them, "It looks like you do have yourself a pint - sized girlfriend." The little girl smiled. "Oh shut up, Merry," Pippin muttered coloring a little. Merry wasn't the only one who noticed the comedy of the scene. "Well, well," said a raspy voice, "when's the wedding?"

Pippin didn't have to look up to know that it was Aurchibuld Farthrotter. He always had something mean to say about everyone. Aurchibuld laughed as he came over to examine the scene. "Awww," he said, looking down at the little girl, "Isn't she adorable? I'm sure she'll make a good wife for good old Pip - squeak!" The little girl was frowning now, but no one noticed. "Shut up Aurchubuld!" said Pippin, now crimson, "not everything is funny, you pimple - bottomed pig!" "What did you call me?" Aurchibuld asked menacingly. The little girl stepped in front of Pippin, blinking up at Aurchibald. "Well," Aurchibuld said with a laugh, "You got something to say sweetness?" The little girl nodded with a smile. Merry and Pippin both looked. It would be the first words they'd heard out of her. Aurchibuld leaned down to hear what the little girl had to say. Without warning, the little girl punched him in the face. Aurchibuld went flying backward. He was knocked out...cold.

As people began to gather, Pippin picked up the little girl and flew from the scene, Merry behind him.


**********************


The little girl led them to her home. It was a nice home, neither too small or too large, with lovely flowers at the open windows. After standing in front of the fence for a few seconds, Pippin sighed and walked the little girl, who had not budged, to her door. As he did so he cast an angry glance at Merry, who was trying his hardest not to laugh.


"Well here you go," Pippin said when they came to the door. The little girl opened it and looked back at Pippin. "Um...bye." Pippin said, smiling uncertainly. The girl said nothing, but continued to stare at him in a penatrating manner. It made Pippin squirm a little. Finally, the little girl went into her house and shut the door.


"Whew," said Pippin as he came back to where Merry stood, "That's the end of that." "Aww," said Merry batting his eyelashes, "You didn't kiss her goodnight." He then promptly burst into hearty laughter. "Shut up, Merry," Pippin muttered sullenly as they walked away.


The little girl peered out the window at them as they left, her eyes mostly on Pippin. Thoughts and plans swirled in that little head, which ducked out of the window.


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That night, when Pippin had gone to bed, he couldn't help but chuckle at the situation. The girl had been sweet, even if she was kind of creepy. Of course, he didn't plan on seeing her again, at least not for awhile. As he slid into bed and made himself comfortable, and dreams creeped into his mind, he did not hear his door open. He didn't hear the tiny footsteps. He didn't see the little body crawl onto the edge of his bed.


It wasn't until a cool wind blew, and Pippin moved to tug at his blanket, that he knew something was wrong. He looked at the lump on the edge of his bed and had to put both hands to his mouth to keep from screaming. It was her. Again. "What are you doing here?!" Pippin whispered angrily. He got out of bed and lit a light, which made the little girls eye's seem to glow as they watched Pippin. "This is far beyond obssesive," Pippin exclaimed as he began to dress. At the sight of the little girl's eager eyes, Pippin said, "You, know, it isn't polite to watch people when they dress." The little girl closed her eyes. Pippin began to dress again, only pausing when one of the little girl's eyes popped open, and then shut after being discovered.


After dressing, Pippin picked up the little girl, "Okay, now I have to take you home," he said, "since I know your parents are worried sick." The little girl giggled, causing Pippin to put her down immediately. When he had done so, the little girl took a note out of one of her pockets in her dress and handed it to Pippin. He took it and read the neatly written words:


Dear Mr. and Mrs. Took,

I know this may seem a bit strange, but

my daughter, Susie, had asked me

if it would be alright to stay at your house.

Now, this request is strange since my daughter

is normally very shy and quiet andhas never

shown any interest in visiting or socializing

with anyone before. We were hoping she would

grow out of this quiet and isolated way of her's

and it appears she has. We would appreciate

it very much if it were okay. She is a very

good girl and is no trouble at all. If yes,

please have someone send her home tommorrow.


Thanks

Lily Burrowsbee


Looking back down at the little girl, Pippin said, "So your name is Susie Burrowsbee, eh?" The little girl nodded. "I also take it that my parents have seen this letter and have given you permission to stay the night." The little girl nodded again, this time with a smile. Sighing. Pippin went over and opened his closet. He pulled out a thick, quilted blanket, and a thinner one. "I can't believe this," Pippin muttered as he spread the thicker one on the floor. He then spread the thinner one over top. After grabbing a pillow, Pippin turned to see the little girl settling herself on the blankets he had laid. "No, no," he said, rushing over and placing the little girl on the bed. "You can sleep on the bed," he said, "I'll sleep on the floor."


Pippin then undressed again. This time Susie had been good enough to keep her eyes closed...mostly. Pippin got under the blanket of his bed on the floor, and snuggled in deeply. "Goodnight," he said to Susie with a yawn. The little girl had settled herself in his bed. He looked over to see her looking back at him, the same intense and penetrating glance that she gave him when he had walked her home earlier. In the candle light she almost seemed to glow. She was rather lovely, Pippin said observing her, with very beautiful eyes.....


WHAT AM I THINKING!!!! he thought to himself, SHE'S HALF MY AGE!!! Little Susie smiled gently. After a long silence, Pippin gave a little nervous laugh and went and blew out the candle. He got back under his blanket and then went to sleep. After a while, he awoke and found that Susie was sound asleep beside him. She looked so peaceful that Pippin didn't have the heart to disturb her. He simply went back to sleep.


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