Disclaimer: *Pulls out file*Nope, not mine. *Puts it Back* Let's check again. *Pulls it out* Still not mine. *Puts it back* We could do this all day. Get the picture?
Reviewers:
Obelia Medusa: Thank you, and I hope this chapter suits you. Lotho will get something, but I'm not quite sure when.
Azaelia: Thank you too! I really don't try hard to perfect his personality, but I'm glad it comes out OK! And they're done going to Farmer Maggot's, sorry.
Ch.3
~*~*~
He went straight to the library where, as usual, he found Saradoc, Esmerelda, and several other hobbits sitting and talking. Nobody seemed to notice his lack of presence earlier. Or, if they did, they didn't say anything. They welcomed him into their conversation, though he wished not to participate as they were talking about his uncle, Mad Baggins, a topic undoubtedly chosen by Lobelia Sackville-Baggins, who had never hidden her dislike for him. He accepted their invitation, to sit down at least, and listened to what they were saying.
"Crazy, take my word for it."
"That wizard turned him funny. Disturber of the peace, him. Took Bilbo on his adventure, remember?"
"I heard he was thinking about adopting young Frodo Baggins here. Nonsense, if you ask me. No experience raising children. Frodo would just come running back here…if Bilbo didn't bring him back first."
The last remark came, of course, from Lobelia, who lived closer to Bilbo and knew those sorts of things. The conversation continued, participants oblivious to Frodo's reaction.
Uncle Bilbo? Adopt me? That would be nice. Better than here, at least. Not that it would take much. I bet he'd at least notice when I am or not at dinner. Yet, that mayn't always be a blessing. Like tonight. Aunt Lobelia said he would take me back here? After solitude like that I wonder if I could adjust again. It was hard enough the first time.
He was so caught up in his thoughts he didn't notice the time and before he realized it, it was bedtime.
So he went to bed, still thinking about what it would be like to live with Uncle Bilbo. It was more fantasy then anything, however, as he didn't quite trust the source. Sure, it would be nice, but he didn't really think it would happen.
But all in truth, it was meant to. Bilbo was thinking of adopting Frodo. In fact, he was on his way to Brandy Hall now to do it. He had noticed how no one really acted parental to Frodo, and how Frodo had never really recovered from his own parents' death. But Bilbo was coming to change all that. He would be certain to act paternal to the poor hobbit, and cheer him up, to chase away the melancholy ghosts that haunted him. Taking him away from the hustle of Brandy Hall would be preferable to Frodo, who had always chosen solitude over large crowds.
*******
Upon his arrival the next day, he found Lobelia and Lotho leaving in rather a hurry. He vaguely wondered what mischief they had been doing, but not for long. He was too focused on the task at hand.
The mischief they had been doing involved Frodo. He now lay face down on his bed crying. That was how Bilbo found him when he came in.
Hurrying to his side, Bilbo inquired, "What's wrong? Frodo, what is it?
Looking up at him, Frodo answered, " Nothing. Really. See?" He grinned.
"Something's wrong. You don't start crying over nothing. Keeping your feelings to yourself won't get you anywhere, Frodo."
"No, really, nothing's wrong. My eye's just hurt. That's all.
Not believing, but realizing he wasn't going to get a better answer, Bilbo replied, with disbelief evident in his voice, "OK, if that's it. Well I must go talk with Esmeralda and Saradoc, so if you'll excuse me…" Patting Frodo's head, he left.
Frodo sighed with relief after Bilbo had shut his door. 8 years at Brandy Hall had taught him to keep his problems to himself, because nobody would care, or they would just make fun of him.
*******
After sitting down in Saradoc's study, Bilbo began to explain to them his idea to adopt Frodo. Both agreed it was the best thing for him, for both of them, though neither was surprised. They trusted Lobelia more than Frodo, albeit only slightly.
*******
Bilbo went back to get Frodo's approval and found the room empty. Checking the library, the kitchens, and other rooms, Bilbo deduced that Frodo wasn't inside. He decided to ask Esmerelda his favorite spots outside, only she didn't know where he went, or even if and how often he went outside.
Finally realizing just how alone, abandoned, and overlooked Frodo really was, Bilbo brought his search outside.
At that moment, Frodo was actually in the top of a tree; his hiding spot concealed by leaves and branches. He alone could get this high, as he was lighter than most, and more limber than all, so he found it quite handy when Merimas and Merimac had nothing better to do than chase him, when somebody wanted him to do extra chores, or even when he just felt like being alone for a while. So he heard and saw Bilbo below, but Bilbo didn't see him. Safe for the moment, he began to reminisce of the morning.
After eating breakfast (first at least, he rarely ate second), Lotho had come into his room to talk.
"I know what Farmer Maggot did"
Frodo's hands automatically went to the cuts on his back and head. He said, "You know? How?"
"I figured. You never take that long to come back. I know what he does to trespassers when he finally snaps. My mother was right about Bilbo considering adopting you. He's coming now. But I'm sure he won't want a troublesome brat like you. You know they only took you here because the felt sorry for you, so recently orphaned at such a young age. Bet they're regretting it now. See you later." And he left.
****
Sorry for the delay, I was going to post it Friday, but I had to pack. Saturday and Sunday I was in Arkansas, Monday I was catching up on sleep, and then Tuesday and Wednesday ff.net wouldn't work for me.
