Sam smiled as he woke up. He felt so much more relaxed now, and was starting to feel better. He thought he had heard Frodo's voice before. Had Frodo come by? Or had he just been dreaming? He couldn't tell; he had been so tired before. But because of his cold, he kept waking up from sneezing, or coughing, or some other thing. So he had constantly been awake. Yet, he couldn't remember if he really heard Frodo, or if it had been a dream. He frowned in confusion, and called for his mother.

"She's busy," his older sister, May, stuck her head in through the door. Walking into the room, she asked, "What do you want?"

"Was Frodo here before?" Sam asked curiously.

"Yes, he was," May nodded. "But dad said he couldn't see you, because you were sleeping. He had some friends with him, also."

Friends? Frodo was with friends? So Frodo was having fun, while he was here sick. Sam didn't blame him, though. But he was curious; he didn't think Frodo had made many friends, yet. "Who were they?" Sam asked.

May shrugged, "I'm not sure. I looked through the window, but I didn't recognize either of them."

"Oh…" Now he was even more confused. He sighed, wishing he wasn't sick! He was beginning to feel left out; as if everyone was having a good time, except him.

"Did you want me?" Bell came into the room. "I was helping Marigold get cleaned up; she had been playing in a mud puddle." She sighed, "How are you feeling?"

"Better," Sam nodded slightly. He opened his mouth to say something, but May interrupted.

"Sam wants to know who was here with Frodo," May told her mother.

Bell looked to Sam and smiled, "They were some of his cousins, from Buckland." She paused for a moment, then shook her head, "I can't remember their names, though. When you're feeling better, perhaps you will meet them."

"I hope so," Sam told her, smiling.

"Are you hungry?" Bell asked. "I'll make you something."

Sam nodded, "Yes." Letting out a yawn, he added, "But I'm more tired right now…"

"Come along, May," Bell said. "Let your brother sleep."

"Alright," May agreed, and happily bounced out of the room, and called for her sister, "Daisy, do you want to play a game?"

Bell quietly shut the door to Sam's bedroom, and gasped as she nearly ran into Hamfast. "Oh," she laughed. "You surprised me. How was work today?"

"I'm not finished," he told her, as they both headed for the kitchen. "I came home for some seeds." He turned to look at her, "I heard what you said about Frodo's cousins." A curious look grew on his face. He was starting to doubt the decision he had made, "Do you think I'm being unreasonable?"

"Yes, I do," Bell told him softly; honestly. "But you're only concerned about Sam's safety. Frodo made a mistake, but that doesn't mean he's not responsible."

"Frodo's responsible," May interrupted them both. She and Daisy were starting a game, and had overheard their parents through the open doorway.

"And rather good-looking, as well," Daisy put in.

Hamfast raised his eyebrows. "Good-looking?"

"Well…" Daisy blushed. "It's just something I noticed. But I don't really like him. Not like that, anyway." She giggled at her father for what he thought.

Hamfast nodded, "Well, maybe I was a bit harsh in my decision about Frodo. We'll see what happens…"

~~~~~

Frodo, Merry, and Pippin were playing a game, chasing each other around.

"That's not fair!" Pippin yelled out. "You both are bigger, and I can't catch you!" He started to run faster, and almost caught up to Merry.

Suddenly, Merry bumped into something, and he heard a startled scream. "Oh, oh, I'm very sorry." He said to the hobbit lass he had run into.

"Well, next time, watch where you're going," lectured the lass.

Merry blushed with embarrassment, "I'm really sorry." He held his hand out to her, "Here, let me help you up."

"No, I can get up myself," she said stubbornly. She stood up, then looked back at Merry in anger, ready to say something. But the look on his face showed he truly was sorry, and she wasn't so angry, "Well, I suppose I can forgive you for a little bump."

"I'm sorry," Merry said again.

The lass smiled, and nodded, "I know you are. It's alright."

Merry smiled, "Thanks--"

"Estella! Come along!" a voice called from somewhere.

The lass smiled again and started backing away, "That's my mother, I have to go now." She turned to leave, but then quickly turned back around. "By the way, my name's Estella Bolger."

"I'm Merry," he told her.

Estella chuckled, "Well, though it was a rather unpleasant way to meet, it was still nice to meet you."

Merry's smile grew, "Uh… yes, it was nice to meet you, too." Nodding, Estella hurried off to find her mother.

Pippin walked up behind Merry. "Who was that?" he asked curiously.

Merry looked down at Pippin and shrugged, "Just a lass."

"Oh…" Pippin said slowly. "Well," he tagged Merry, and smiled victoriously, "I got you!" But seeing Merry was about to start chasing him again, he turned and started running.

Frodo watched the two continue their game. He would have joined them, but he was out of breath from playing before. "Hey, Frodo," he heard his name being called, and turned to find out who. Halfred Gamgee walked up to him.

"Hello Halfred," he greeted him.

"You must be feeling better, to be out here, instead of at Bag End," Halfred told him.

"Yes, I am," Frodo replied. "But I heard Sam is still not feeling well?"

Halfred shook his head, "No, he's not. Though he is feeling a little better. So, you've been by to see him?"

Frodo nodded, "Yes, but your father wouldn't let me in."

Halfred shook his head, "I didn't think so… then he told you about his decision?"

Confused, Frodo shook his head, "What decision?"

Halfred continued, by telling him what he had been told about Simon, and then everything about Hamfast's choice concerning Frodo. "…and he didn't tell you earlier? I thought he would have." Halfred shrugged, "Well, I'm sure it will turn out alright." He gestured toward a shop, "Anyway, I should be going. But it was nice talking to you…"

Frodo nodded and waved, "Goodbye." He turned, and started looking for Bilbo. So, Hamfast didn't trust him? That's why he wasn't let inside? Because he wasn't allowed? Well, Hamfast had seemed rather eager to get him to leave. He had been curious about that, also.

Frodo sighed; this was simply a misunderstanding. And as soon as possible, he was determined to straighten it out…

~~~~~

To Be Continued…

*Well, I say again, thank you to all who have reviewed this story so far! I hope you all still like it, and continue to enjoy it! Let me know?*