Hamfast stared at Simon, his mouth hanging open. He was confused, why couldn't he see Sam? "No?" he asked. "W-why not?"
"Because…" Simon started, thinking quickly, "…he's not feeling very well."
Hamfast shook his head, "I don't understand. He's feeling badly, so I can't see him?"
Simon stood up straight, trying to be the one in control. Nodding, he confirmed what Hamfast had just asked, "Yes, that's what I said."
"But he's my son!" Hamfast bellowed; he was getting frustrated now. He glared at Simon, causing him to take a step back.
From Hamfast's yelling, Simon got an idea. He put his finger up to his lips, "Shhh, please try to be quiet. Sam is sleeping." Hamfast didn't say anything; he just kept glaring at Simon. Simon smiled and went on, "Perhaps if ya would like, I'll fix somethin' for us to eat, and I can tell ya how he's been…"
Hamfast thought about this. He wasn't sure he trusted Simon. It seemed as if Simon cared for Sam, yet at the same time, didn't care; he seemed to be nice at times, yet constantly on edge. Hamfast shook his head - this was confusing. Finally, he made a decision. Sighing, he told Simon, "I just want to see that he's alright. Please let me see him. Then, we can sit down and talk…"
Simon nodded, ""Yes, that would be fine." He smiled, "I'll make some tea." He turned and started for the kitchen, but then paused and pointed to a door, "He's right in there."
Hamfast smiled, "Thank you." He headed for the door, shaking his head. This Simon was strange; Hamfast felt awkward around him…
~~~~~
Frodo groaned as his head started pounding. He slowly opened his eyes, and realized he was in his bedroom. How had he gotten here? Was Sam alright? Sam! Frodo sat up quickly. Suddenly, his head hurt worse, and everything became very blurry. Putting his hand to his head, he waited for the feeling to pass. When it finally did, he called for Bilbo.
Bilbo rushed into the room, followed by Saradoc, Merry, and Pippin. Sitting on the side of the bed, he asked, "Frodo, Frodo, are you alright?"
Frodo nodded slowly, "Yes, but…Sam? Where's Sam? Is he home? Is he alright? And, what happened? How did I get here?"
Saradoc kneeled down beside the bed and shook his head, "You don't remember?"
"Uh…" Frodo tried to think.
But before he could answer, Saradoc told him all that had happened. "And you don't remember any of that?"
"Well," Frodo said thoughtfully. "I think I might remember a little, but it's rather… well, rather hazy. I think I remember being awake, but I don't remember seeing you, or saying anything. I do remember being a bit confused, and my head hurt a lot."
"Well, it's alright," Bilbo told him. "You're home now. And Sam is probably home, as well. Do not worry about it right now." He smiled, "Would you like something to eat?"
Frodo thought about it. He was rather hungry, but his stomach was still a bit upset. Finally, he nodded, "Yes, Bilbo, thank you."
"Alright," Bilbo said as he left the room. "I'll be right back; it shall not take long to make something."
"I'll help you," Saradoc offered, then stood up and left. He knew Merry and Pippin wanted to be alone to talk to Frodo.
"You went on a trip, and didn't wait for us?" Merry asked, playfully crossing his arms.
"I didn't know you were coming," Frodo shook his head. "How long are you going to stay here?"
Merry and Pippin glanced at one another, as if they had both just remembered something. "Well…" Merry said slowly, and he made his way toward the door, "Probably a week, but I'll go find out." Frodo and Pippin were silent until Merry came back, a big grin on his face. "No, I was wrong. We're staying for two weeks."
"You didn't know?" Frodo asked curiously.
"Well, we planned to come over for a week, but Pip and I tried to get two! We didn't know if we could stay the extra week or not."
"Saradoc and Esmeralda told us they would think about it," Pippin added. "But they never told us yes or no."
"And then, since we both were excited about coming, we forgot to ask again," Merry finished. Then he smiled and added, "Until you reminded us just now…"
"Oh…" Frodo smiled. "Well, as I was going to say, maybe when I feel a little better, we can all go on another trip." He thought about everything that had happened, and added to himself, "A better one…"
"Hurray!" Pippin said excitedly, "That would be fun…"
"And Sam could come, also," Frodo told them. But then he had another thought, "That is, if his father will allow it. But even if not, I still want you to meet him…"
"You said Sam's father might not let him go this time," Merry told Frodo. "But what about Bilbo? Will he let you go again?"
"He might," Frodo shrugged. "But also, I guess, he might not," he sighed, "well, if we can go, that's fine. But if not, there's plenty to do around here…"
~~~~~
Hamfast was becoming more frustrated with Simon. They had been talking for almost an hour and a half, but Simon constantly avoided the subject of Sam. Simon would talk about anything else, but when Hamfast mentioned Sam, Simon would simply ignore him.
Finally, Hamfast stood up quickly and told Simon what he was planning, "As soon as Sam wakes up, I'm going to take him home."
Simon looked at him and nodded, "Yer from Hobbiton, eh? I haven't been there in a while. Has it changed much in the past few years?"
Hamfast slammed his hand down on the table. "Did you hear me?" he yelled. He thought for a moment, "No, nevermind what I said. I'm taking him now."
Simon hurried to block the doorway. He shook his head, "No, yer not…"
Hamfast glared at him, "Yes I am!" Pushing past Simon, he headed for the bedroom.
Simon grabbed his arm and tried pulling him back, "No."
Hamfast turned around quickly, frightening Simon, and causing him to let go. Hamfast sighed, "I do not want to argue with you." He pointed his finger at Simon, "I am leaving now. And I am taking my son with me…"
Simon backed away, and let Hamfast get his son. When Hamfast emerged from the room, carrying Sam, Simon told him, "I don't think ya should take him. He's sick, and he should probably stay in one place. Instead of going outside, where there's a chill in the air…"
Hamfast sighed and tried to answer Simon politely, "I appreciate your concern, Simon. But I truly think he would be more comfortable at home."
"But a cart ride would be so bumpy," Simon told him, shaking his head. "That won't be too comfortable."
"How else will I get him home? There is no pleasant way," Hamfast said, and started for the door.
"I have a way," Simon informed him. Thinking quickly, he added, "It would be much more comfortable for him; he won't be jostled around as much."
"How?" Hamfast asked curiously.
Simon smiled; his plan was working. "Put him back into bed and I'll tell you," he said. "I was about to mention it before," he lied. "But ya didn't give me a chance."
Hamfast thought about this. He didn't trust Simon, but… A ride that would be easier for Sam? That would be nice. But then, it wasn't a long trip, so…
"Thank you for the offer," he told Simon. "But it is not really a long trip, and I'd like to get him home soon. His mother is probably worried, also. She didn't expect me to be gone so long. So, if you don't mind, I should be leaving." He headed for the door.
Simon sighed. He tried, but…why? He started cleaning up the table, but stopped when he heard the fading sound of Hamfast's cart leaving. He went over to the window and watched as they left. Why had he done that? Why had he tried to keep Sam here? He shook his head, it didn't matter now, they were gone. Tearing his gaze off the cart, he finished cleaning the table…
~~~~~
To Be Continued…
