2 ~ Frodo's Great Idea

When Bilbo had informed Frodo of his plans for the evening, Frodo knew his uncle would be gone for a long time, perhaps even past two in the morning. This had given Frodo a very grand idea, which he was sure Merry and Pippin would like. Sam probably wouldn't like it, but he would go along with them anyway.

Frodo smiled to himself as he hurried to Merry's house. This was the best idea and it would be lots of fun. Frodo spotted Merry's house and began to trot down the lane. He noticed Merry was in the front yard playing a game with Pippin.

"Merry! Pippin!" Frodo shouted as he ran.

"Hullo Frodo!" they called back, waving.

Frodo hopped the gate into the Brandybuck's yard.

"I've got the best idea!" he exclaimed, panting.

"What is it? Tell us quick!" said Pippin. Pippin was a mischievous sort and loved a good romp or frolic.

"Well, Uncle Bilbo is going away for dinner tonight at the Gaffer's. He's going to be away for an awfully long time and I'll be there alone. What's to stop us from having a party and inviting everyone?" Frodo said, speaking very quickly and excitedly.

"A party?!" Merry cried, grinning, "Excellent!"

"Can we help you plan it? I know a couple of party animals we have to invite! And we have to serve some good drinks. Hmm, maybe I can sneak into the wine cellar," Pippin was talking very fast.

"No, no," said Frodo, "This is my party, I've got to plan it and since I'm the host, I have to get the drinks. Besides, Bilbo never locks the wine cellar, I can access it easily."

"Alright, but can we invite some hobbits?" pressed Pippin.

"Certainly. Now I must be off to see Sam and some other hobbits I intend to invite. Come to Bag End at seven o'clock sharp."

"Do you mind if we invite Daisy and some other girls?" asked Merry.

"Oh, okay," and with that Frodo was off up the lane to see Sam.

Merry and Pippin smiled at each other.

"Now, who else should we invite?" asked Merry.

"Well obviously Fern, and you should invite Goldie," said Pippin, "And I think we should invite Tommy Proudfoot, because he's the best partier I know."

The two started off down the lane, discussing who else was a must-have for the party.

Meanwhile, Frodo had arrived at the Gamgee's humble family dwelling. He tapped twice at the door with their bronze door knocker. Sam appeared a few moments later.

"Hello Mr. Frodo," Sam said.

"I told you Sam, you don't have to call me Mr. Frodo, just plain old Frodo is fine." said Frodo.

"Beggin' your pardon, but I don't think so," said Sam, "My dad told me I was to address you proper if 'in I was to work for your Uncle."

"Alright, well I've come to invite you to my party tonight. It's kind of last minute, but I want you to come."

"Is it somebody's birthday?" Sam asked innocently.

"No, not that I know of. This is just a party for fun." said Frodo. Sometimes he got tired of Sam's simple-mindedness.

"Oh. Is Mr. Bilbo going to be there?"

"No, Sam."

"Well I assume he's alright with it?"

"No, Sam, I didn't tell him. It's a secret party just for us younger hobbits."

"But Mr. Frodo, I don't know if it would be okay for me to go." said Sam worriedly.

"Well if you don't want to come, I guess you don't have to, but you'll be the only one not there." Frodo said slyly.

"Oh," Sam sighed, "Well, if you're sure we won't get into any trouble, maybe it would be okay."

"Don't worry, Sam. We won't get into trouble." said Frodo, patting Sam on the back.

"Alright, Mr. Frodo. What time should I come?"

"Seven o'clock and bring lots of flowers," said Frodo.

"I will do that, Mr. Frodo." said Sam.

"See you later, Sam," said Frodo, "I have to go invite some other hobbits."

"Bye-bye, Mr. Frodo," Sam said.

The rest of the afternoon Frodo spent going from Hobbit hole to Hobbit hole, inviting his friends. He made it home by five, half an hour before Bilbo was to leave. He entered the Hole, but Bilbo was nowhere in sight.

Probably off getting ready, thought Frodo. He began cleaning up the large front hall and the two spacious parlors off of it. He pushed the furniture back and picked up the little odds and ends that cluttered the rooms. He straightened rugs and even dusted.

Bilbo appeared shortly thereafter.

"Frodo my lad, today is not cleaning day!"

"I know, Uncle Bilbo, but I thought I'd help you out. It is getting rather messy around here," Frodo smiled at his uncle.

Bilbo glanced about, "Yes I suppose it is. Don't forget to put the furniture back when you're done with the rugs."

"Yes, Uncle Bilbo."

With that, Bilbo was off, heading up the lane and whistling a merry little tune.

Frodo quickly finished cleaning and then set about collecting snacks and drinks. He sliced bread and cheese, pared apples and boiled water for tea. He knew some of the Hobbits would not partake in the drinking of ale.

As seven o' clock approached, Frodo was ready.