A few months had passed and Frodo was enjoying his time in Hobbiton very
much. Bilbo was wonderful and the two often did many things together.
Cooking, Walking and camping in the woods were Frodo's favorite activities.
Bilbo was even teaching Frodo how to read and write his letters. Frodo
was also having fun with the Gamgees; they were his closest friends.
Especially Kalista. Frodo made it a point to get up before sunrise every
morning so he and Kalista can sit in the old oak to watch the morning
begin. The two had become practically inseparable.
On one warm April day, the two had decided to visit the bakery in Hobbiton. They both had the urge to try the new Honey cakes being offered there. Hobbiton was busy, as always with all the people going about their business. Some of the women waved to both Kalista and Frodo as they walked along the streets and Frodo smiled back.
Kalista Laughed a little at the old women. They were always funny; trying to act young, but it only revealed their true ages. "Ah, there's the bakery." Kalista grinned and pointed towards the shop. "Want to race?" She said asked, her voice was full of competition.
Frodo looked impishly at Kalista and bit his lip in thought. Then, without warning, he pushed Kalista in the shoulder, knocking her off balance, and started running. "Hey, no fair!" She whined and began to chase after Frodo. Of course, Frodo was the faster runner and would easily beat Kalista, but it did not hurt to try and win.
As Kalista ran, she bumped into an older hobbit that was carrying a few rolls of cloth towards to tailors. The cloth fell to the ground and the hobbit started to yell. "Oh, I'm sorry." Kalista said as she stopped, about to help pick the cloth up, but continued to run again as she saw Frodo getting closer to the bakery. "Come back here!" She yelled at Frodo before speeding off again, leaving the old Hobbit quite flustered by bump and run.
Frodo laughed and looked back for a moment to see the old Hobbit looking back at them and yelling something not too polite. Unfortunately, he did not see a cart of apples being pulled up in front of him. As he returned his gaze before him, Frodo rammed into the Hobbit pushing the cart and the two knocked over to the ground, apples flying all over the market place.
Kalista stopped, mortified at what happened, but then began to crack up in a fit of laughter. "You did it now!" She called teasingly to Frodo, who was currently on the ground surrounded by apples. Kalista rushed over to help Frodo up, so they could run before anyone decided to yell at him or her but suddenly strong hands grabbed Frodo and Kalista by the backs of their shirts. "What is going on here?" Asked a stern, bewildered, and familiar voice.
Frodo looked up and frowned at the older Hobbit who did not look too happy at the disturbance. "Hello Uncle..." Frodo replied meekly. Bilbo glared at the two Hobbits menacingly, though it was apparent Bilbo was about to break into laughter. He only looked tough to keep his image for the staring Hobbits.
"Into more trouble I see." He stated as he pulled the two on towards Bag End. "Well, I am glad I found you two before you cause all of Hobbiton to fall to the ground."
Frodo was blushing with embarrassment as he was being carried home. He just remained quiet, grumbling every now and then. When he glimpsed over to Kalista, he saw that she was doing the same thing and Bilbo was chuckling at both of them. He could even hear the faint laughter and murmurings from the townsfolk as they left.
Kalista just kept her mouth shut, ever so slowly turning a wonderful shade of bright red. "Sorry?" She squeaked out.
"Yes, terribly sorry Bilbo." Frodo added as he looked up at Bilbo with innocent eyes.
Bilbo just sighed and let the younger Hobbits down from his grip. "Yes, sorry you both got caught." He stated with a chuckle. Bilbo then looked at Kalista. "Kallie, dear, your mother wants you home to help with chores."
Kalista frowned and let out a moan of disgust. She didn't want to do chores now. Why was she always stuck doing every thing at home? "Do I have too?"
"Yes, you have too." Bilbo stated as he looked at Frodo. "And as for you, I want you to get cleaned up. We have to take a trip to Michel Delving. We have a special audience with the mayor and some other officials who would like to meet you Frodo."
Frodo just frowned. "Do I have too?"
Kalista grinned a little displaying the wide gap from her most recent lost tooth. She would have laughed at him if it weren't for the fact that he could easily push her and get away with it.
"Yes, now both of you get a move on. I have to go back to Hobbiton and finish my errands. I will see you in a few hours Frodo lad." Bilbo stated as he began to turn towards the town.
Frodo just grumbled and started walking to Bag End. "Just great..."
"You have go see the frumpy people!' Kalista taunted with a playful laugh. "Don't forget to stick out your pinky when drinking tea."
Frodo glared at Kalista and then looked towards the Hill. "I hate them. Always questioning me and examining me to make sure I am 'In good hands.' I rather eat rocks then go."
"Well, have fun Frodo." Kalista then laughed, jabbing her fist playfully into his arm before she ran off to her smial. Frodo did not pursue her; he was too much in a foul mood for any more games. He just walked passed the Gamgee smial and then entered Bag End where he prepared for the awful and long day ahead of him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A few hours later, Bilbo returned home with a basket of fresh fruit and some cheeses and newly tailored jackets for himself and Frodo. He arrived home in a wagon and pony, lent to him by Farmer Tom Cotton. It would make the trip to Michel Delving easier. Frodo was sitting in the leather chair in front of the fireplace, moping about as if he were sitting on death row. He was washed and wearing a matching brown pants and vest suit.
Bilbo smiled hesitantly at the boy and went into his own room to change. He was just as excited about meeting the mayor and his friends as Frodo was. Politicians and their wives were stuffy folk. And the list of questions he was sure to be asked ran through his mind in circles. After washing his face and putting on a light green pants and vest suit, Bilbo reentered the common room and smiled at Frodo.
"Are you ready lad?" He asked as Frodo followed Bilbo's lead and walked outside Bag End towards the horse. There was already some food stored in the back of the wagon for a late afternoon lunch, and for any meals afterward for the trip to Michel Delving.
Frodo was quiet during most of the trip. He was mostly thinking about what the wives would say and ask him. Sometimes they asked personal questions that Frodo did not feel comfortable answering. Luckily, Bilbo explained to Frodo that he did not have to tell them anything he didn't want to, especially if they were prying about his parents.
Bilbo noticed Frodo's melancholy and nudged his arm a little as he drove the pony down the road towards Bywater. "Come now Frodo lad, don't look so gloom. The faster we get this over with, the sooner we can get home."
"I know Bilbo, but it so tiring. I hate having to act so proper around all those people." Frodo replied with a sigh. "And the ladies always pinch my cheeks so hard, it hurts."
"I know you do not like going to meet the officials, Frodo. I am not too thrilled with them myself, but the mayor just wants to make sure you are being taken care of. They don't seem to think I am too much of a reliable parental figure. Imagine that!" Bilbo laughed. The jest in the older Hobbit's voice caused Frodo to crack a smile. Maybe the trip won't be so bad.
"Well, if it shall make you feel any better, the notice I received from Mayor Whitefoot stated that this would be the last of the social meetings." Bilbo then said casually. Frodo's eyes immediately brightened at the new revelation.
"Really?" He asked; not even trying to hold back a relieved smiled as Bilbo nodded.
"Yes, so make as good of an impression as you can today and it will be the last one you will have to do." Bilbo stated. Frodo nodded and promised to be on his best behavior for the trip. This was wonderful news. He knew everyone just wanted him to be safe and taken care of, but he did not understand why everyone was so leery towards Bilbo. He was a wonderful guardian and Frodo liked being with Bilbo more than anyone else in the Shire.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Bilbo and Frodo returned to Bag End late that night. Frodo fought to stay awake, as did Bilbo. They pulled the wagon in front of Bag End; it would be returned to Farmer Cotton the next day. Frodo immediately jumped out of the wagon and started to run to the Smial. The thought of a nice warm bed in a quiet room was so tempting at the moment.
Bilbo watched Frodo run, repressing a yawn himself. These things always made him tired, but then again, who didn't get tired from them people investigating and asking questions? The entire day was filled with questions about feeding habits, living arrangements, bed curfews and Frodo's studies. All Bilbo wanted to do now was rest in the quiet seclusion offered to him from Bag End. Not ready for bed just yet, Bilbo lit a small fire in the fireplace and then sat down in his leather chair to smoke a pipe for a few minutes.
Frodo came out of his bedroom, now wearing a long, white nightshirt and breeches. He was glad to get out of proper clothing and into something more comfortable for the night. As Frodo walked, Bilbo noticed Frodo holding his left cheek in his hand. The older hobbit repressed a laughed and blew a smoke ring out into the air. "They got you hard this time, didn't they lad?" He grinned a little, watching Frodo wet a cloth and place it on his reddened cheek.
"I thought if they pinched any harder, they would take off my face." Frodo grumbled in response. He came into the common room and sat on a chair by the main window and watched Bilbo relax.
"Well, it is over now and you don't have to worry about them any more. The mayor was quite please by the way I am taking care of you and that is a very good thing indeed." Bilbo blew another smoke ring and watched it sail over his head. He smiled proudly at its size and perfect round shape.
"Still, I just wish I could have disappeared when they came over and started inquiring about you. At least they were happy that I had gained a little weight." Frodo commented thoughtfully. He watched the fire kindling in the stone fireplace burning. It warmed the whole smial with a comfortable and relaxing heat.
Bilbo glanced over to Frodo and delicately nibbled the bit t his pipe. "Well, Frodo my lad, disappearing is not the answer to your problems. Why, I have many stories where I could not just disappear. I had to face the problem head on. That is what you did tonight, and you succeeded. Now we can go one about our business without further poking and prodding." A kind and knowing smile appeared on Bilbo's face as he finished his pipe and then cleaned it out.
Frodo let out a tired yawn and then stood up. Bilbo joined Frodo and the two walked down the hall and split up into their own rooms. "Sleep well Frodo lad."
"Good Night Bilbo."
On one warm April day, the two had decided to visit the bakery in Hobbiton. They both had the urge to try the new Honey cakes being offered there. Hobbiton was busy, as always with all the people going about their business. Some of the women waved to both Kalista and Frodo as they walked along the streets and Frodo smiled back.
Kalista Laughed a little at the old women. They were always funny; trying to act young, but it only revealed their true ages. "Ah, there's the bakery." Kalista grinned and pointed towards the shop. "Want to race?" She said asked, her voice was full of competition.
Frodo looked impishly at Kalista and bit his lip in thought. Then, without warning, he pushed Kalista in the shoulder, knocking her off balance, and started running. "Hey, no fair!" She whined and began to chase after Frodo. Of course, Frodo was the faster runner and would easily beat Kalista, but it did not hurt to try and win.
As Kalista ran, she bumped into an older hobbit that was carrying a few rolls of cloth towards to tailors. The cloth fell to the ground and the hobbit started to yell. "Oh, I'm sorry." Kalista said as she stopped, about to help pick the cloth up, but continued to run again as she saw Frodo getting closer to the bakery. "Come back here!" She yelled at Frodo before speeding off again, leaving the old Hobbit quite flustered by bump and run.
Frodo laughed and looked back for a moment to see the old Hobbit looking back at them and yelling something not too polite. Unfortunately, he did not see a cart of apples being pulled up in front of him. As he returned his gaze before him, Frodo rammed into the Hobbit pushing the cart and the two knocked over to the ground, apples flying all over the market place.
Kalista stopped, mortified at what happened, but then began to crack up in a fit of laughter. "You did it now!" She called teasingly to Frodo, who was currently on the ground surrounded by apples. Kalista rushed over to help Frodo up, so they could run before anyone decided to yell at him or her but suddenly strong hands grabbed Frodo and Kalista by the backs of their shirts. "What is going on here?" Asked a stern, bewildered, and familiar voice.
Frodo looked up and frowned at the older Hobbit who did not look too happy at the disturbance. "Hello Uncle..." Frodo replied meekly. Bilbo glared at the two Hobbits menacingly, though it was apparent Bilbo was about to break into laughter. He only looked tough to keep his image for the staring Hobbits.
"Into more trouble I see." He stated as he pulled the two on towards Bag End. "Well, I am glad I found you two before you cause all of Hobbiton to fall to the ground."
Frodo was blushing with embarrassment as he was being carried home. He just remained quiet, grumbling every now and then. When he glimpsed over to Kalista, he saw that she was doing the same thing and Bilbo was chuckling at both of them. He could even hear the faint laughter and murmurings from the townsfolk as they left.
Kalista just kept her mouth shut, ever so slowly turning a wonderful shade of bright red. "Sorry?" She squeaked out.
"Yes, terribly sorry Bilbo." Frodo added as he looked up at Bilbo with innocent eyes.
Bilbo just sighed and let the younger Hobbits down from his grip. "Yes, sorry you both got caught." He stated with a chuckle. Bilbo then looked at Kalista. "Kallie, dear, your mother wants you home to help with chores."
Kalista frowned and let out a moan of disgust. She didn't want to do chores now. Why was she always stuck doing every thing at home? "Do I have too?"
"Yes, you have too." Bilbo stated as he looked at Frodo. "And as for you, I want you to get cleaned up. We have to take a trip to Michel Delving. We have a special audience with the mayor and some other officials who would like to meet you Frodo."
Frodo just frowned. "Do I have too?"
Kalista grinned a little displaying the wide gap from her most recent lost tooth. She would have laughed at him if it weren't for the fact that he could easily push her and get away with it.
"Yes, now both of you get a move on. I have to go back to Hobbiton and finish my errands. I will see you in a few hours Frodo lad." Bilbo stated as he began to turn towards the town.
Frodo just grumbled and started walking to Bag End. "Just great..."
"You have go see the frumpy people!' Kalista taunted with a playful laugh. "Don't forget to stick out your pinky when drinking tea."
Frodo glared at Kalista and then looked towards the Hill. "I hate them. Always questioning me and examining me to make sure I am 'In good hands.' I rather eat rocks then go."
"Well, have fun Frodo." Kalista then laughed, jabbing her fist playfully into his arm before she ran off to her smial. Frodo did not pursue her; he was too much in a foul mood for any more games. He just walked passed the Gamgee smial and then entered Bag End where he prepared for the awful and long day ahead of him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A few hours later, Bilbo returned home with a basket of fresh fruit and some cheeses and newly tailored jackets for himself and Frodo. He arrived home in a wagon and pony, lent to him by Farmer Tom Cotton. It would make the trip to Michel Delving easier. Frodo was sitting in the leather chair in front of the fireplace, moping about as if he were sitting on death row. He was washed and wearing a matching brown pants and vest suit.
Bilbo smiled hesitantly at the boy and went into his own room to change. He was just as excited about meeting the mayor and his friends as Frodo was. Politicians and their wives were stuffy folk. And the list of questions he was sure to be asked ran through his mind in circles. After washing his face and putting on a light green pants and vest suit, Bilbo reentered the common room and smiled at Frodo.
"Are you ready lad?" He asked as Frodo followed Bilbo's lead and walked outside Bag End towards the horse. There was already some food stored in the back of the wagon for a late afternoon lunch, and for any meals afterward for the trip to Michel Delving.
Frodo was quiet during most of the trip. He was mostly thinking about what the wives would say and ask him. Sometimes they asked personal questions that Frodo did not feel comfortable answering. Luckily, Bilbo explained to Frodo that he did not have to tell them anything he didn't want to, especially if they were prying about his parents.
Bilbo noticed Frodo's melancholy and nudged his arm a little as he drove the pony down the road towards Bywater. "Come now Frodo lad, don't look so gloom. The faster we get this over with, the sooner we can get home."
"I know Bilbo, but it so tiring. I hate having to act so proper around all those people." Frodo replied with a sigh. "And the ladies always pinch my cheeks so hard, it hurts."
"I know you do not like going to meet the officials, Frodo. I am not too thrilled with them myself, but the mayor just wants to make sure you are being taken care of. They don't seem to think I am too much of a reliable parental figure. Imagine that!" Bilbo laughed. The jest in the older Hobbit's voice caused Frodo to crack a smile. Maybe the trip won't be so bad.
"Well, if it shall make you feel any better, the notice I received from Mayor Whitefoot stated that this would be the last of the social meetings." Bilbo then said casually. Frodo's eyes immediately brightened at the new revelation.
"Really?" He asked; not even trying to hold back a relieved smiled as Bilbo nodded.
"Yes, so make as good of an impression as you can today and it will be the last one you will have to do." Bilbo stated. Frodo nodded and promised to be on his best behavior for the trip. This was wonderful news. He knew everyone just wanted him to be safe and taken care of, but he did not understand why everyone was so leery towards Bilbo. He was a wonderful guardian and Frodo liked being with Bilbo more than anyone else in the Shire.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Bilbo and Frodo returned to Bag End late that night. Frodo fought to stay awake, as did Bilbo. They pulled the wagon in front of Bag End; it would be returned to Farmer Cotton the next day. Frodo immediately jumped out of the wagon and started to run to the Smial. The thought of a nice warm bed in a quiet room was so tempting at the moment.
Bilbo watched Frodo run, repressing a yawn himself. These things always made him tired, but then again, who didn't get tired from them people investigating and asking questions? The entire day was filled with questions about feeding habits, living arrangements, bed curfews and Frodo's studies. All Bilbo wanted to do now was rest in the quiet seclusion offered to him from Bag End. Not ready for bed just yet, Bilbo lit a small fire in the fireplace and then sat down in his leather chair to smoke a pipe for a few minutes.
Frodo came out of his bedroom, now wearing a long, white nightshirt and breeches. He was glad to get out of proper clothing and into something more comfortable for the night. As Frodo walked, Bilbo noticed Frodo holding his left cheek in his hand. The older hobbit repressed a laughed and blew a smoke ring out into the air. "They got you hard this time, didn't they lad?" He grinned a little, watching Frodo wet a cloth and place it on his reddened cheek.
"I thought if they pinched any harder, they would take off my face." Frodo grumbled in response. He came into the common room and sat on a chair by the main window and watched Bilbo relax.
"Well, it is over now and you don't have to worry about them any more. The mayor was quite please by the way I am taking care of you and that is a very good thing indeed." Bilbo blew another smoke ring and watched it sail over his head. He smiled proudly at its size and perfect round shape.
"Still, I just wish I could have disappeared when they came over and started inquiring about you. At least they were happy that I had gained a little weight." Frodo commented thoughtfully. He watched the fire kindling in the stone fireplace burning. It warmed the whole smial with a comfortable and relaxing heat.
Bilbo glanced over to Frodo and delicately nibbled the bit t his pipe. "Well, Frodo my lad, disappearing is not the answer to your problems. Why, I have many stories where I could not just disappear. I had to face the problem head on. That is what you did tonight, and you succeeded. Now we can go one about our business without further poking and prodding." A kind and knowing smile appeared on Bilbo's face as he finished his pipe and then cleaned it out.
Frodo let out a tired yawn and then stood up. Bilbo joined Frodo and the two walked down the hall and split up into their own rooms. "Sleep well Frodo lad."
"Good Night Bilbo."
