Chapter 3 - Trouble Waiting To Happen

The following morning started out fine enough with breakfast for half past ten (everyone slept in late!) followed by a relaxing cup of tea. They all discussed their plans for the day; Pim and Pearl decided to go to the market. Pervinca was undecided if she wanted to stay at home and rearrange her new room, or if she wanted to go with her sisters to town.

The chatter was momentarily broken as Paladin drained his cup and got up. He wiped his mouth with his napkin and excused himself from the table, "Have a good day, everyone; I must now lock myself with Ferumbras in his Study until tea. But before I do," he held out his hand towards Frodo and Sam, "I wish to properly thank you both for your work in helping us move." Frodo stood up and shook his cousin's hand, and Sam did likewise--he went red in the face at the thought of shaking hands with the hobbit who will one day be the Thain, "Thank'ee, sir!"

"Goodbye, Father!" Came a small chorus from four hobbits as Paladin walked out, and with his wife close behind to see off her husband.

After they left, Pim grinned and looked at her brother, "So, Pip, what are you going to do today? Do what you do best and get into trouble?" Pim didn't get to tease Pippin at all the day before and wanted to make sure she didn't miss out today.

"I don't always get into trouble!" Pippin protested.

"Yes you do!" She laughed.

"Only when Merry's with me." Pippin jested.

"Don't be blaming your mishaps on me!" Merry replied.

"I'm not blaming you, Merry; I'm merely stating a fact."

"Fact?!" Merry retorted, "The only fact I see is that you get into trouble well enough on your own without me!"

Pippin's jaw dropped in surprise, "No I don't! I can sit here all day long and recount all the times you've gotten me into trouble!"

"Really?" Merry was getting a bit irate. "Well, I can tell you that this day would be the shortest day in recorded history! When have I ever been the one to get you into trouble?"

"Whenever you get near me!" Pippin shouted.

"Every time I get near you disaster strikes!"

"Disaster strikes because you open the door and invite it in!" Pippin stood up and shouted across the table, "I'll wager you that I can go the whole day without getting into any trouble! And without you near me!"

Merry shouted back, "I'll take your wager! Just to prove to you that I have no connection at all with you getting into your own trouble!" Merry stood up as well and none too gently he and Pippin shook hands. "Fine!"

"Fine!!" Pippin replied. Both lads remained standing with their arms crossed.

The rest of the juniors just looked at each other in complete silence. No one spoke--finally Pervinca broke in, "So, Pim.... I think I might to go to the market today as well! I need some fresh air!"

Frodo cleared his throat and laid aside his napkin and quietly spoke, "Sam, let's get our bags and head back to Hobbiton."

Merry, with his eyes still locked on his cousin, said "I'm coming with you." Then he stepped away from the table and followed Frodo and Sam out of the kitchen.

Pippin was left alone in the kitchen, standing at the table with his arms folded across his chest; his own eyes were still smoldering. I'll show him!