~~~~Here is the next part. It wasn't supposed to be but I can't stop writing them. The poem later on is Oliphaunt,and I noted as to where it's from beside the poem. And as usual they are all Tolkien's characters, places even that specific poem. The story idea and my little Rosie poem were dreamed up by your truly. Please read it then review, cuz its fun to get reviews. Thanx.~~~~

Chapter 3

Tending the Roses

It was just after lunch and Frodo was tidying up in the kitchen while Bilbo retired to his study to work on his book. Outside it was warm and sunny and when Frodo looked out the window he saw Sam working in the garden.

Sam's gaffer was nowhere to be seen because he had begun to let Sam take charge a couple days out of the week in the garden.

Frodo was about to turn away when something outside caught his eye. He moved closer to the window and upon closer inspection he could see someone's curly golden hair peeking over the top of the hedge, just above where Sam was working.

Frodo smiled to himself. There was only one person he knew of that had a head full of such golden curls—Rosie Cotton. Just then Sam turned his head to the side and Frodo saw that Sam was talking to himself.

Rosie's eyes peeked further over the hedge then quickly ducked back down when Sam glanced up. Finding the situation to be quite amusing, Frodo slowly opened the window to see if he could hear what was going on.

Sam was singing a poem that Bilbo had taught him the night before.

"…As I tramp through the grass;

Trees crack as I pass.

With horns in my mouth

I walk in the south,

Flapping big ears.

Beyond count of years

I stump round and round,

Never lie on the ground,

Not even to die.

Oliphaunt am I,…" (Tolkien, Tales From the Perilous Realm, P. 102)

Then half way through the song Sam stopped and began to carry on a dialogue with the roses in the garden.

"Hello Rose… Rosie…hehehe… Rose."

Frodo stifled a laugh as Rosie's head shot above the hedge, eyes wide. She noticed Frodo in the window and he quickly put a finger to his lips so she would stay quiet.

"It's a beautiful day." Sam continued, "Wouldn't you say so Rose—ey." Sam took a little leaf of one of the roses and shook it as though shaking a person's hand. "I was wondering if I might tell you something Miss Rosie?" Sam tipped the rose forward as though nodding yes. "I have a poem for you then." Sam cleared his throat.

"Honey curls and bluebell eyes,

A dress to match the clear blue skies,

A smile to brighten all the days,

And kindness showed in many ways."

Just then, as Sam finished the poem, he stood up without any warning and was face to face with the real Rosie. She gave a little yell and fell backwards onto the lane.

Sam stood frozen, eyes wide and mouth hung open. Frodo stared, bewildered at what had just occurred in front of his window.

"Sam?" Frodo whispered. Sam whirled around and looked at Frodo, his eyes wide with fear and embarrassment. Sam heard movement from the road and spun back around as Rosie stood up.

"Sam… I…" Rosie was about to say something but Sam bolted across the yard and into Bag End.

Frodo pulled the window closed, leaving a stunned Rosie standing by the road, and ran into the main hall. Sam was sitting with his back to the door, face buried in his hands.

"Oh Sam, I'm sorry, are you alright?" Frodo asked with a small smile. Sam looked at Frodo; his face was as white as a ghost's.

"How long were you two there, did she hear it all?" He asked Frodo.

"I think so Sam." Sam's head fell back against the door, his eyes closed.

"I'll never be able to talk to her again. She must think I'm a real strange one."

"I doubt it Sam." Frodo tried to reassure his friend but could think of nothing else to say.

Sam opened his eyes and noticed Frodo was standing by a window. "Is she gone?" he asked.

Frodo glance out the window, "Yes, Sam, she's gone. It's safe to go back outside."

Sam stood up, "I think I'll go home now." He was about to open the door when Bilbo called from somewhere in Bag End.

"Is that you Sam?" Bilbo called.

"Yes, Mr. Bilbo, sir."

"Are you coming or going Sam?" Bilbo asked.

"Going, sir." Sam replied.

"Well come back later this evening and I'll have another poem for you!"

"Alright Mr. Bilbo." Sam opened the door, "See you later Mr. Frodo." He felt a little better as he left, at least his day wouldn't all be so bad.

~~~~ There ya go, hope you liked it. Review it and maybe I can come up with some more =P~~~