Chapter 6 - Private Deliberations

Pippin was walking towards the booth where he last remembered his sisters to be. "Pippin! I've been looking everywhere for you!" He turned and saw Pearl walking in his direction, then she saw Pippin closer, walking with a stiff gait, "What happened to you?" Pearl took his chin to examine his face.

"Nothing."

"Something happened, Pippin! What kind of nonsense did you get yourself into this time?"

"I told you, nothing!" He walked past his sister.

Pearl grabbed Pippin's arm, "Ahh!" He cringed in pain and gently held it to himself. Pearl didn't know what to think, "Pippin! I'm sorry--but you must tell me what happened!"

"I can't!" Pippin felt so...alone. He loved Pearl dearly, but she wasn't a lad, and felt she wouldn't understand.

"Why not?"

"Because--it's a lad's problem!"

Now even more baffled, "Pip--did a lass do this to you?"

"Don't be funny!"

"What else am I to be, Pippin?" Pearl was at her wit's end, "If you don't tell me what has happened, then I can't help!"

Pippin sighed and looked at his sister, "Then don't help, Pearl; I need to work this out myself."

The ride back to Great Smials was bumpy, and fortunately, a short one at that. Pippin's shoulder and arm was aching by the time they turned up the lane. As the little cart rolled to a stop, Pippin jumped out the back, "Tell mother I went swimming in the pond!"

"I will do no such thing, Peregrin Took!" Pearl yelled to him, "Get back here!" But he was already too far away to hear her.

Pippin sat in the shallow end of the pond and dipped his shoulder into the cool water. Most of the pain had subsided, but there was still a trace that lingered in spite of the cool temperature of the water. I can fool some hobbits all of the time, and all hobbits some of the time, but I can't fool mother!, he thought, What am I to do? His shoulder was swollen and it ached terribly. He sat down on the bank and searched his brain for a way to fool her this time.

And I told Merry I could stay away from trouble all day--and without him!, A little voice in Pippin's heart began a conversation inside his head, "Look around, you ninny! Is Merry anywhere to be seen? I think not. Now what are you going to tell him? If Merry were with you, those lads wouldn't have been so quick to turn on you! If Merry was with you, you could have played your own game of Chess between yourselves--in the comfort of the pub; while enjoying a mug and a pipe! If Merry was with you, you wouldn't have felt so alone. You always have fun when you're with Merry! If Merry was with you...

On and on the little voice inside spoke to Pippin, and his heart was the victor. It was at this moment, this very second in the rift of time, that Pippin realized who his friends really were--especially one in particular--his cousin, and now also...his best friend. How could I have said those things to him this morning?! I must make amends with him--if he'll let me. Pippin headed back home cradling his injured arm, and with his wet shirt in hand.