News of what had happened at the Tavern spread around through Hobbiton the
next morning. Many wondered what had caused the fight between both Frodo
and Sancho and then the idea that it was over Kalista came to them, they
laughed with disbelief and amusement. Luckily, not much developed about
the gossip and soon the talk of the wedding that was taking place the next
day overcame the conversations of the town folk.
The only hobbit who did not let the subject drop was Kalista Gamgee. As soon as she woke up and dressed, she walked over to Bag End. The smell of bacon and eggs filled the air. It was rather early and Frodo and Bilbo must have been enjoying their first breakfast. However, this did not stop Kalista from knocking on the door. She waited patiently and after a few moments, Bilbo appeared offering the girl a polite smile. "Ah, good morning, Kallie-dear," Bilbo greeted. "Come on in."
Kalista agreed and entered the smial and looked around. The fire in the common room was going well and the smell of the bacon and eggs was even stronger than it was outside. In the kitchen area, Kalista could see Frodo sitting and eating quietly. His right hand was bandaged with white cloth and laid limp on the tabletop.
"And how is the bride to be?" Bilbo then asked as he led Kalista down the hall and into the kitchen. Frodo didn't even look up at her when she entered or when she sat down. He just ate his breakfast in silence. Kalista wasn't sure what to think at the moment so she focused her attentions to the older hobbit. "Nervous and yet excited. I never knew there was so much to do for a wedding," she exclaimed.
Bringing Kalista and cup of tea, Bilbo nodded with understanding of what she must be going through. "Now you know what I go through every year for my birthday parties."
"But you bring that on yourself," said Kalista with a playful sparkle in her eyes. "Had I known a wedding would have been this hard, I would have eloped."
"But where would the fun in that be?" Bilbo laughed. The hobbit then stood up and bowed to his guest. "I am going up to Hobbiton today, so if you excuse me while I go get ready. Help yourself to anything you want, Kalista."
Kalista nodded to Bilbo and watched him walk down the hall. She stood when she heard the door to his bedroom shut. Kalista was now alone with Frodo and was unsure of what to say to him. She looked over to his hand and knew it had to hurt, but he deserved the pain after what he did. Then again he was drunk; he did not know what he was doing, that was no excuse though. Turning to Frodo, the young hobbitess stood before him and sighed. "Frodo?"
After a moment, Frodo slowly lifted his head up to look at Kalista but soon, his face met the back of Kalista's hand as she slapped him hard on the cheek. Frodo grunted from the impact but showed no other sign that he was in pain. He looked up to the girl and was about to ask why she did that; but he knew the answer already and she spoke before he could.
"Do you mind telling me why you tried to make minced meat out of my fiancée last night?" Kalista asked harshly but low enough so that Bilbo would not hear, he voice was harsh and demanding. Frodo just scowled, knowing this conversation was to come sooner or later. He took his fork and stirred at his left over eggs on his plate.
"I do not want to talk about this," he replied.
"Well I do and I am not leaving until I have an explanation," Kalista retorted stubbornly. She stood in her place; her arms crossed over her chest and she said nothing else for a long time. Finally, she grew tired of waiting. "What's wrong, Frodo?"
"Nothing is wrong," Frodo mumbled, almost inaudibly. He then consented slightly, "Sancho just said things he should not have."
"You are just as guilty in that area as well," Kalista added sternly.
"Things got out of hand and I am sorry, all right?" Frodo finally said, growing impatient with the lass' interrogation. Frodo then stood and took his plate into the kitchen to wash.
"You are acting so differently," Kalista then said with disappointment in her normally cheerful voice. She watched as Frodo paused for a moment, her comment obviously had stuck a nerve.
"I am not acting different," he protested. "I just have a lot on my mind right now," he looked up to her, hoping she would take this excuse. But she did not.
"Frodo," Kalista said in a kinder voice than before. She walked into the kitchen and took his hands out of the dishwater and held them. She then looked up to him, gazing into his beautiful but saddened eyes. "As long as I've known you, you've told me practically everything, and I know something is wrong. I don't like it when you're hurting and you won't tell me what is wrong so I can help."
"You cannot help," Frodo replied as he let out a breath of air and bit his lip. He looked down at his friend; she was genuinely worried and scared. How could he have done this to her? Why could he not control his attitudes last night at the Green Dragon? This was all a mess and it was his fault.
"But I can try," Kalista urged on. She smiled at him and pleaded for a chance to heal her friend. She wondered what Frodo was thinking. He suddenly began to stare at her with a look of want and desire. Though he still looked at her with tenderness and gentleness, something was bothering Frodo terribly. Just then, Frodo surprised Kalista with a kiss. It was simple and yet she could feel him growing more intense. She then pulled away in shame; this was the second time he had kissed in such a way. Unfortunately, recoiling from Frodo only caused the other hobbit to become more upset.
"Then why do you constantly hurt me?" he asked, letting his pained emotions out. He then turned away from Kalista and continued with his dishes.
Kalista looked with curiosity to Frodo. She brought a hand up to her lips and touched them, as if savoring his kiss. So it was true; he did have feelings for her. But why had he never said anything. Now it was too late. "This can't be, Frodo. You know that."
"No, we can not," Frodo agreed with a silent nod. "You are marrying Sancho and there is nothing that can be done about it." Frodo looked at Kalista dead in the eyes. He had never felt so passionate about anything in his life and suddenly, all thoughts of how this would affect anyone else disappeared. The only thing that mattered to Frodo now was that Kalista understood truly his feelings. "Every time I see you with him it pains me."
"Why didn't you ever tell me you felt this way, Frodo?" Kalista asked. She stood in her place, wondering what was going on in her friend's mind. This had to be hard for him to say these things to her the day before she was to marry.
"I have tried telling you many times," Frodo answered as he pulled away from the dishwater and returned to Kalista's side. "But I never got anything more than a 'that's sweet, Frodo.' That is, if I got a reply at all."
"You never did answer that letter from Michel Delving, did you? I practically proposed in that letter. It took me two weeks to write it the way I wanted to tell you. But not so must as a 'I got your letter, Frodo,' came from your lips." Frodo then stopped, feeling quite foolish and embarrassed. He turned his glance away from Kalista and walked out into the common room.
Kalista was beside herself. She thought long and hard; it had been nearly a year ago since she had been in Michel Delving. Her thoughts strayed to the various letters she received from Frodo. Funny jokes that he heard from the 'Dragon,' news of her family, the latest gossip. She had read every letter over until she could memorize them; some she still remembered.
However, none of them even came close to what Frodo had described. Suddenly, one letter did come to mind. She had left her class and climbed a tree; it made her think of the oak her and Frodo would climb. She was reading a letter he sent when she fell out and was 'rescued' by Sancho. That letter was never finished. It was now lost, thrown away, or tossed into a fire for kindling. Her eyes turned over to Frodo and she knew nothing that she could say to explain herself. "Frodo, I am sorry."
"It does not matter now Kalista, you are getting married and it is just something I have to live with. I wish you both the best and happiest of luck. He will make you happy; more than I could." As Frodo spoke, he continued to stare out the window. He slipped his hands casually into his trouser pockets and sighed.
"Frodo," Kalista snapped with frustration tainting her voice. "I am tired of your childishness, if you want to act this way, fine."
"Fine!" Frodo retorted.
"Fine!" Kalista was about to say something to him, anything that could make things better to understand but as she was walking to Frodo, Bilbo came out to the common room and smiled proudly. "Ah, Kalista, how do I look?" he asked as he showed off his chocolate brown coat and trouser suit. His hair was combed through, allowing his gray curls to look fuller than usual.
Frodo looked over at Bilbo and before Kalista could say anything took his turn "Fine oh, sorry, you look fine Bilbo."
"You look very handsome, Bilbo," Kalista replied with a polite smile, although she was still slightly angered.
"Good, good," Bilbo said excitedly. "I am off to Hobbiton, do you need anything while I am there?" Kalista shook her head, as did Frodo and Bilbo nodded and walked over to the door but as he opened the large circular door, he looked over to Frodo who seemed rather distant. "Frodo-lad, if your hand if feeling any better, would you mind binding that green leather book I have on my desk in the study?"
"It shall be done by the time you arrive home," he answered, glaring over at Kalista, but talking to Bilbo who nodded with gratitude.
Kalista suddenly felt uncomfortable at the moment and she glared back at Frodo. The conversation had ended and now Kalista felt it best to leave him alone for a while. "Bilbo, let me walk you out, I was on my way home."
"All right, Kalista-dear, come along."
After a moment, the door closed, leaving Frodo along at Bag End. He watched the two other hobbits from the window. Bilbo was escorting Kalista down the road happily. Frodo let out a sigh, feeling only slightly better from relieving the weight of his burdens. With one more glance at the window, Frodo turned and walked into the study to bind that book for Bilbo.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kalista walked Bilbo to Hobbiton. She was hesitant to leave him because he was telling a wonderful story about the wedding of one of his cousins. "And the cake was everywhere and I said, you are suppose to eat the wedding cake, not throw it!"
Laughter burst from both hobbits at the story but soon, all fell quiet as Kalista began to ponder what she and Frodo had talked about. Bilbo immediately noticed the stress and placed his arm around Kalista's waist. "Kallie-dear, is everything all right?"
Kalista nodded softly and let out a sigh. "I am just nervous and the closer we get to the wedding, the more I wonder if I can go through with it."
"Ah, that is nothing to be worried about," said Bilbo with a knowing smile.
"But I just don't know if I want this. I hear rumors that I am too young to be married. I mean, younger than an average hobbit lass. Do I really want to do this?"
"Kalista," Bilbo sighed again, tightening his grip around Kalista's waist. "Sometimes you do not know what you want, and other times, what you want is all you know."
Kalista smiled at the words and wrapped her arms around Bilbo tenderly. "Thank you Bilbo."
"Anytime," Bilbo chirped before releasing Kalista out of his hold. The two then said their good byes and Kalista left to return back to her home. But as she walked, her mind became troubled with thoughts and questions again. Everywhere she turned she felt trapped and locked away from fresh air. Everyone thought she was too young, but everyone also thought she was the luckiest lass in the Shire for snagging Sancho. But if that was true, why did she feel so unsure.
Turning around, Kalista left the main road and into the woods towards the lake she and Frodo always played at. She brushed through the foliage and reveled at the cool, refreshing touch of the shade under the trees. A warm breeze blew past Kalista and pushed her loose tresses away from her face.
Walking up to the lake, she looked out over the water. It was clear and calm with a few leaves laid on the surface from the trees above. 'What had brought her here?' She thought to herself. Stepping into the water, Kalista watched as the liquid rippled around her ankles. She remembered the first time she went into this water: Frodo had threatened to throw her in if she did not join him willingly. A smile crossed her face at the remembrance. Those were good times, before she had to grow up.
But growing up was not so bad, was it? She had new responsibilities and freedoms. And she was getting married to Sancho Milbanks, one of the most wonderful hobbits she had ever known. But suddenly a question entered Kalista's mind. Did she really love him? Of course she did; she had too. Sancho was a wonderful hobbit; passionate, caring, but somehow, Kalista was afraid of him for it. He seemed to not know hate. He had never yelled at her for anything she had done wrong, never even became mad. He only held a pure unconditional love for her like love a babe held for its mother.
Frodo, however, never treated her in such a way that she felt he thought she was his mother. In fact, Frodo always made her feel independent and important. He never asked if she would cook a meal for him; he cooked it himself. And he was never shy about showing his affections for her. The kisses on her forehead were proof of that.
Kalista then began to wonder if she could see herself with Sancho in twenty years or even ten years from now. Would she still love him when they were old and wrinkly, or would she even love him on their wedding night? Suddenly, Kalista wondered if the passion of their relationship had blocked her true feelings. Was this love or puppy love?
A tear slowly ran down her cheek as a slow realization came to Kalista mind. She was marrying the wrong hobbit! The soft Brown eyes that Kalista thought she loved were not the right ones. Kalista yearned to be with the familiar cerulean orbs that she had known for fifteen years but had always taken for granted. Kalista wanted Frodo. Stepping out of the water, Kalista looked down to her finger. Around it was a simple gold band, a symbol of eternal love from a hobbit she already had. She did love Sancho dearly and she did want to be his wife. But then, Kalista lifted her hand to her neck. There, a slender chain of silver dangled holding a small heart. Kalista then began to remember last Yule: Bilbo and Frodo had come to take Kalista to Michel Delving. Bilbo was giving out some presents to her family but Frodo took Kalista off into the kitchen to speak with her privately...
"I had this made especially for you, Kalista," he said to her with a smile on his face. His usual pale complexion was reddened with anticipation and yet embarrassed at what the girl might say. Kalista took the small box and when she saw the necklace, she fell silent with shock.
"No, Frodo, I can't accept this."
"It is my Yule present to you, of course you can accept it," Frodo replied with a huff before he chuckled and helped the hobbitess put the ornament on. "It looks stunning on you. Now I can say you wear my heart."
"You wear your own heart, Frodo Baggins," Kalista laughed as she admired the necklace. "I don't deserve this. I don't even have anything spectacular for you."
"Just knowing you are wearing that is enough of a gift." Kissing Kalista on her cheek, Frodo extended his arm to her. "Come, Michel Delving awaits the Bagginses of Bag End and Lady Gamgee of Bag Shot Row Number Three."
Kalista giggled with Frodo's teasing and took his hand. The two then said their good nights to the rest of the Gamgee clan and left for the Yule Party...
Kalista came back to reality then, finding she was still thumbing the necklace. A Yule gift from Frodo: his heart and the only heart she wanted. But it could not be; she was marrying another. Letting a sob choke her throat, Kalista looked up to the sky and called out: "What do I do now?"
Weak with Sorrow, Kalista laid down under the large Oak tree above her and cried, waiting for answers. She did not want to move, she just wanted to hide away from her thoughts and obligations. She just wanted to be happy with out grief. Suddenly, as she was lying on the grass crying, a name came to her mind and she sat up off the ground. It was as tart as a green apple freshly picked yet still, it rolled off her tongue with the saccharine taste of honey: "Frodo."
~~~~~~~~~~~
Running through the forest, Kalista rushed to Bag End. Locks of curly ebony hair flew behind her like wings that could make her fly. Once she arrived in front of the large circular green door, she stopped running and breathed heavily. She then placed a soft rat-tat-tat against the door and waited for an answer. After waiting a moment or two, she looked though the window and frowned. No one was in the common room. Where was Frodo? Placing another knock on the door, Kalista jumped back to the window and soon, as she had hoped, Frodo came walking out from the hallway.
Frodo opened the door and Kalista quickly returned to stand in front of it. Though Frodo was still a bit distressed about what had happened earlier, he looked concerned for Kalista. She was panting for breath and was staring at him oddly. "Kallie, is something wrong?" he asked, moving out of the doorway. "Come on inside."
The two went into the common and Frodo closed the door behind them. He then walked over to the fireplace and added a few pieces of wood into the flames. The warmth of Bag End grew with a renewed blaze and Frodo smiled as he listened to the crackling pop of sap. As Frodo did this however, no sound from Kalista was heard. He wondered what she was doing back here after their discussion. "Now, what is wrong? Did something happen?"
Just then, two soft hands were on his cheeks and he was pulled into the most zealous kiss he had ever experienced. Kalista kissed him harshly and it felt right. Never had Sancho kissed her with such passion and need, he was always gentle and delicate, and Kalista hated it. She pulled away from Frodo and took a breath before pushing him down on the couch. She then climbed up onto Frodo and straddled his lap.
"What are you doing?" he asked but soon fell silent when Kalista pulled him into another kiss. 'This has to be a dream,' he thought to himself. The kisses, passion, and the fact that the woman on top of him was the woman he always wanted were all too surreal to him. Frodo did not fight his friend's advances however; he was enjoying himself too much.
The warmth of her breath against his neck caused Frodo to let out a soft moan into her ear. She then began to unbutton his blouse and lead kisses down his naked chest. But Frodo's senses began to return quickly. No matter how much he wanted this or how much he wanted her, this could not happen. As she kissed him on the lips again, Frodo pushed her way delicately and held onto her wrists. Confusion swelled up in Kalista and she looked at Frodo questioningly. "What's the matter, Frodo?"
Frodo sighed and looked into her eyes; his sapphire meeting her jade creating a turquoise aura between them, "We cannot do this," he gasped.
"Yes we can, Frodo," Kalista argued as she forced herself downward and pressed against his lips once more. But as much as Frodo was enjoying her touch, he had to fight or Kalista would regret it later on.
Frodo brought a hand up to Kalista's face and caressed her cheek. His eyes were pleading for her to go on and to stop. He was so confused but this moment seemed so right. "No, we can't; your betrothed Kalista. You are going to marry a hobbit, share his bed and be his wife, this is a mistake."
"But I have realized something, Frodo," Kalista pressed on. "I don't love him Frodo. I don't love him like I love you. And I do Frodo; I do love you. I love you more then life itself, it just took me longer to see it."
Frodo's heart skipped a beat, suddenly all sense and properness escaped Frodo's mind. He looked up to the hobbitess above him, savoring every inch of her wonder and beauty. Did she mean it? Was it true? She felt the same way? "What did you say?"
Smiling adoringly, Kalista tightened her legs around Frodo. She then kissed his neck sensually before nibbling his earlobe and whispering, "I love you Frodo Baggins."
Amid the passion and the confusion, Frodo vanished into full surrender. All there were was the two of them and the romantic pop from the fireplace. The feeling of Kalista's velvety, ivory skin against Frodo's was intoxicating. The sensual passion and indisputable love they shared was unmatched by anything Kalista had ever experience with Sancho. But this frightened Kalista. This was something new and uncharted. She shook despite herself but continued to kiss her lover with all her might.
The two seemed to be intermeshed, like the shadow of night and the bright radiance of day. There were no unfilled places and no one could stop the emotions from flowing.
However, Kalista pulled away from their fervent kisses and breathed deeply for a moment. Frodo watched her bosom to rise and fall in a swiftly pace as she caught her breath. She was so lovely and so tempting. He then shifted his glance up to her eyes and he smiled at the inquisitive look on her face. "Is this fine with you?"
Frodo smiled and kissed her again before nodding. "Fine."
Kalista chuckled and nodded, "Fine." The two then fell into another passion filled kiss. Frodo eventually stood up and carried her into his bedroom. He gently placed her on the bed before walking over to the door and locking it, just incase Bilbo were to come home early. Turning back from the door, he looked at the stretched out lass waiting for him. He studied every bend and curve before making his way to her side. A smile crept across Kalista's lips as Frodo leaned in and kissed her. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled him closer.
Frodo quickly slipped off the shirt Kalista had unbuttoned earlier and let it fall to the ground. She ran her hands up his chest, sending a chill down Frodo's spine, making him kiss deeper and with more desire. An inaudible whimper escaped from his lips then as he felt her soft fingernails run from his chest and towards his back.
For once in her life, Kalista felt there was someone in the world that understood her and she understood him as well. She had found that understanding in the least likely of places. Folk would talk though; they would say things about what had happened between these two friends. But as Frodo pressed against her, she forgot about the public and no longer cared what they thought about her or Frodo. Both reveled in this one sensual, unrefined act. It had driven their love deeper into one another's souls unlike any other two friends or lovers could hope for. They had become one part of the great world they were living in.
When both were spent, they laid together in each other's arms. Frodo was peacefully sleeping while Kalista watched him. Her mind filled with many thoughts of what she had done. This was her best friend and she betrayed her fiancée with this one simple act of need. Now things would surely change. Though Kalista was happy and was already devising plans to be with Frodo, the thought of Sancho crossed her mind. What would he say? She still loved and did not want to hurt him. She was torn. If only things could be simple again.
Kalista let go of her thoughts for a moment and returned to focusing on Frodo. He was so lovely and innocent when he slept. A few of his dampened curls dangled over his eyes and she delicately brushed them away with her hand. At that moment, Frodo's eyes flickered open and he looked up to Kalista. She smiled, causing immense dimples to pronounce themselves on her round cheeks. Frodo could not help but smile himself but he wondered what she was thinking. "What are you doing?"
"I'm memorizing you," she replied before leaning down and kissing him affectionately.
"Oh, really?" Frodo raised an eyebrow with curiosity. "Memorizing me?"
Kalista nodded and ran a finger along his belly and up towards his shoulder. "You have a freckle, right here, above your left chest. And your stomach curves," she traced the lines on his body lightly. Frodo smiled as she did this, enjoying every touch. "And your eyes are like water; they're like sapphires and emeralds and gold all at one time, letting me see your soul. They always have." She smiled and leaned over for another kiss and Frodo happily returned it.
The two laid together in silence for the rest of the afternoon. The sun was setting outside and the room was slowly becoming darker. Bilbo would be home soon so the two began to dress and prepare to leave each other's company. Neither said anything, not knowing what would happen if they did. However, speaking needed to be done. Kalista turned around and watched as Frodo buttoned his blouse and she let out a sigh.
"I shall call off the wedding," she commented, causing Frodo too turn his head to her. He was not sure what to say. She would call off the wedding and leave Sancho for him. Yet, that victory did not seem sweet at all. Just looking at Kalista's face, Frodo could tell she still loved the other hobbit.
Walking over to her, he wrapped her in his arms and shook his head. "I can not let you do that Kalista, you still love him."
"No, Frodo," Kalista argued. "I don't love him like I love you."
"You don't love me like you love him," Frodo retorted with a smile.
"Don't confuse me, Frodo," Kalista moaned with confusion. She took a seat on the bed and looked out at the window. Staring at the curtains blocking the full potential of the fading sun from Kalista's eyes.
"You are confused because you do still love him," Frodo confirmed. He walked to the bed and sat besides his love and placed a hand around her waist. "I will not be the cause of a ruined wedding." Frodo hated saying the words. He did not even know why he was saying them. He looked at Kalista and couldn't believe that if he wanted to, he could claim her as his own. Why should he worry about Sancho? But deep in Kalista's emerald eyes, Frodo could tell there was deep feelings for the hobbit farmer. Something about him made Kalista adore him and Frodo knew the two were perfect for each other. Could Frodo commit to Kalista like Sancho was ready to do? Frodo doubted it; he was not ready and too lead Kalista on would be too unfair. "You love him Kalista, marry him."
Tears began to stream down Kalista's face slowly, creating 2 gentle wet streaks against her cheeks. She knew he was right. What she and Frodo just shared would only be a one-time event. Sancho and Kalista would be a lifetime. "No mater what happens," she sniffled, "I will never forget this evening."
Frodo smiled, glad to hear her words for he would never forget this evening as well. He leaned in and the two shared a deep kiss before pulling away for the last time. Frodo stroked her face with his fingers, taking her in before they stood, finished dressing, and left the room. As Kalista walked to the front door, it opened quickly and Bilbo entered. "Ah, good evening to you two!" he greeted. Frodo walked over to the older hobbit and helped him carry a few packages into the kitchen table.
Bilbo looked at Kalista and Frodo, noticing a strange change in them. They were acting different than they had been in the morning. Though Bilbo was not going to argue; they seemed on good terms again.
"Well, I am off, I have a big day tomorrow," she kissed Bilbo on the cheek and was about to do the same to Frodo, but something held her back. Instead, the two embraced each other and the hobbitess quickly left Bag End. Frodo was staring at the door as it closed. He let out a sigh and Bilbo cleared his throat to catch his nephew's attention. Frodo then turned to Bilbo and smiled at him.
"Well, how was your day?"
Frodo bit his lip, "good, I'm going to bed." He said quietly before turning and heading back down the hall.
Bilbo chuckled, "good night Frodo-Lad."
The only hobbit who did not let the subject drop was Kalista Gamgee. As soon as she woke up and dressed, she walked over to Bag End. The smell of bacon and eggs filled the air. It was rather early and Frodo and Bilbo must have been enjoying their first breakfast. However, this did not stop Kalista from knocking on the door. She waited patiently and after a few moments, Bilbo appeared offering the girl a polite smile. "Ah, good morning, Kallie-dear," Bilbo greeted. "Come on in."
Kalista agreed and entered the smial and looked around. The fire in the common room was going well and the smell of the bacon and eggs was even stronger than it was outside. In the kitchen area, Kalista could see Frodo sitting and eating quietly. His right hand was bandaged with white cloth and laid limp on the tabletop.
"And how is the bride to be?" Bilbo then asked as he led Kalista down the hall and into the kitchen. Frodo didn't even look up at her when she entered or when she sat down. He just ate his breakfast in silence. Kalista wasn't sure what to think at the moment so she focused her attentions to the older hobbit. "Nervous and yet excited. I never knew there was so much to do for a wedding," she exclaimed.
Bringing Kalista and cup of tea, Bilbo nodded with understanding of what she must be going through. "Now you know what I go through every year for my birthday parties."
"But you bring that on yourself," said Kalista with a playful sparkle in her eyes. "Had I known a wedding would have been this hard, I would have eloped."
"But where would the fun in that be?" Bilbo laughed. The hobbit then stood up and bowed to his guest. "I am going up to Hobbiton today, so if you excuse me while I go get ready. Help yourself to anything you want, Kalista."
Kalista nodded to Bilbo and watched him walk down the hall. She stood when she heard the door to his bedroom shut. Kalista was now alone with Frodo and was unsure of what to say to him. She looked over to his hand and knew it had to hurt, but he deserved the pain after what he did. Then again he was drunk; he did not know what he was doing, that was no excuse though. Turning to Frodo, the young hobbitess stood before him and sighed. "Frodo?"
After a moment, Frodo slowly lifted his head up to look at Kalista but soon, his face met the back of Kalista's hand as she slapped him hard on the cheek. Frodo grunted from the impact but showed no other sign that he was in pain. He looked up to the girl and was about to ask why she did that; but he knew the answer already and she spoke before he could.
"Do you mind telling me why you tried to make minced meat out of my fiancée last night?" Kalista asked harshly but low enough so that Bilbo would not hear, he voice was harsh and demanding. Frodo just scowled, knowing this conversation was to come sooner or later. He took his fork and stirred at his left over eggs on his plate.
"I do not want to talk about this," he replied.
"Well I do and I am not leaving until I have an explanation," Kalista retorted stubbornly. She stood in her place; her arms crossed over her chest and she said nothing else for a long time. Finally, she grew tired of waiting. "What's wrong, Frodo?"
"Nothing is wrong," Frodo mumbled, almost inaudibly. He then consented slightly, "Sancho just said things he should not have."
"You are just as guilty in that area as well," Kalista added sternly.
"Things got out of hand and I am sorry, all right?" Frodo finally said, growing impatient with the lass' interrogation. Frodo then stood and took his plate into the kitchen to wash.
"You are acting so differently," Kalista then said with disappointment in her normally cheerful voice. She watched as Frodo paused for a moment, her comment obviously had stuck a nerve.
"I am not acting different," he protested. "I just have a lot on my mind right now," he looked up to her, hoping she would take this excuse. But she did not.
"Frodo," Kalista said in a kinder voice than before. She walked into the kitchen and took his hands out of the dishwater and held them. She then looked up to him, gazing into his beautiful but saddened eyes. "As long as I've known you, you've told me practically everything, and I know something is wrong. I don't like it when you're hurting and you won't tell me what is wrong so I can help."
"You cannot help," Frodo replied as he let out a breath of air and bit his lip. He looked down at his friend; she was genuinely worried and scared. How could he have done this to her? Why could he not control his attitudes last night at the Green Dragon? This was all a mess and it was his fault.
"But I can try," Kalista urged on. She smiled at him and pleaded for a chance to heal her friend. She wondered what Frodo was thinking. He suddenly began to stare at her with a look of want and desire. Though he still looked at her with tenderness and gentleness, something was bothering Frodo terribly. Just then, Frodo surprised Kalista with a kiss. It was simple and yet she could feel him growing more intense. She then pulled away in shame; this was the second time he had kissed in such a way. Unfortunately, recoiling from Frodo only caused the other hobbit to become more upset.
"Then why do you constantly hurt me?" he asked, letting his pained emotions out. He then turned away from Kalista and continued with his dishes.
Kalista looked with curiosity to Frodo. She brought a hand up to her lips and touched them, as if savoring his kiss. So it was true; he did have feelings for her. But why had he never said anything. Now it was too late. "This can't be, Frodo. You know that."
"No, we can not," Frodo agreed with a silent nod. "You are marrying Sancho and there is nothing that can be done about it." Frodo looked at Kalista dead in the eyes. He had never felt so passionate about anything in his life and suddenly, all thoughts of how this would affect anyone else disappeared. The only thing that mattered to Frodo now was that Kalista understood truly his feelings. "Every time I see you with him it pains me."
"Why didn't you ever tell me you felt this way, Frodo?" Kalista asked. She stood in her place, wondering what was going on in her friend's mind. This had to be hard for him to say these things to her the day before she was to marry.
"I have tried telling you many times," Frodo answered as he pulled away from the dishwater and returned to Kalista's side. "But I never got anything more than a 'that's sweet, Frodo.' That is, if I got a reply at all."
"You never did answer that letter from Michel Delving, did you? I practically proposed in that letter. It took me two weeks to write it the way I wanted to tell you. But not so must as a 'I got your letter, Frodo,' came from your lips." Frodo then stopped, feeling quite foolish and embarrassed. He turned his glance away from Kalista and walked out into the common room.
Kalista was beside herself. She thought long and hard; it had been nearly a year ago since she had been in Michel Delving. Her thoughts strayed to the various letters she received from Frodo. Funny jokes that he heard from the 'Dragon,' news of her family, the latest gossip. She had read every letter over until she could memorize them; some she still remembered.
However, none of them even came close to what Frodo had described. Suddenly, one letter did come to mind. She had left her class and climbed a tree; it made her think of the oak her and Frodo would climb. She was reading a letter he sent when she fell out and was 'rescued' by Sancho. That letter was never finished. It was now lost, thrown away, or tossed into a fire for kindling. Her eyes turned over to Frodo and she knew nothing that she could say to explain herself. "Frodo, I am sorry."
"It does not matter now Kalista, you are getting married and it is just something I have to live with. I wish you both the best and happiest of luck. He will make you happy; more than I could." As Frodo spoke, he continued to stare out the window. He slipped his hands casually into his trouser pockets and sighed.
"Frodo," Kalista snapped with frustration tainting her voice. "I am tired of your childishness, if you want to act this way, fine."
"Fine!" Frodo retorted.
"Fine!" Kalista was about to say something to him, anything that could make things better to understand but as she was walking to Frodo, Bilbo came out to the common room and smiled proudly. "Ah, Kalista, how do I look?" he asked as he showed off his chocolate brown coat and trouser suit. His hair was combed through, allowing his gray curls to look fuller than usual.
Frodo looked over at Bilbo and before Kalista could say anything took his turn "Fine oh, sorry, you look fine Bilbo."
"You look very handsome, Bilbo," Kalista replied with a polite smile, although she was still slightly angered.
"Good, good," Bilbo said excitedly. "I am off to Hobbiton, do you need anything while I am there?" Kalista shook her head, as did Frodo and Bilbo nodded and walked over to the door but as he opened the large circular door, he looked over to Frodo who seemed rather distant. "Frodo-lad, if your hand if feeling any better, would you mind binding that green leather book I have on my desk in the study?"
"It shall be done by the time you arrive home," he answered, glaring over at Kalista, but talking to Bilbo who nodded with gratitude.
Kalista suddenly felt uncomfortable at the moment and she glared back at Frodo. The conversation had ended and now Kalista felt it best to leave him alone for a while. "Bilbo, let me walk you out, I was on my way home."
"All right, Kalista-dear, come along."
After a moment, the door closed, leaving Frodo along at Bag End. He watched the two other hobbits from the window. Bilbo was escorting Kalista down the road happily. Frodo let out a sigh, feeling only slightly better from relieving the weight of his burdens. With one more glance at the window, Frodo turned and walked into the study to bind that book for Bilbo.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kalista walked Bilbo to Hobbiton. She was hesitant to leave him because he was telling a wonderful story about the wedding of one of his cousins. "And the cake was everywhere and I said, you are suppose to eat the wedding cake, not throw it!"
Laughter burst from both hobbits at the story but soon, all fell quiet as Kalista began to ponder what she and Frodo had talked about. Bilbo immediately noticed the stress and placed his arm around Kalista's waist. "Kallie-dear, is everything all right?"
Kalista nodded softly and let out a sigh. "I am just nervous and the closer we get to the wedding, the more I wonder if I can go through with it."
"Ah, that is nothing to be worried about," said Bilbo with a knowing smile.
"But I just don't know if I want this. I hear rumors that I am too young to be married. I mean, younger than an average hobbit lass. Do I really want to do this?"
"Kalista," Bilbo sighed again, tightening his grip around Kalista's waist. "Sometimes you do not know what you want, and other times, what you want is all you know."
Kalista smiled at the words and wrapped her arms around Bilbo tenderly. "Thank you Bilbo."
"Anytime," Bilbo chirped before releasing Kalista out of his hold. The two then said their good byes and Kalista left to return back to her home. But as she walked, her mind became troubled with thoughts and questions again. Everywhere she turned she felt trapped and locked away from fresh air. Everyone thought she was too young, but everyone also thought she was the luckiest lass in the Shire for snagging Sancho. But if that was true, why did she feel so unsure.
Turning around, Kalista left the main road and into the woods towards the lake she and Frodo always played at. She brushed through the foliage and reveled at the cool, refreshing touch of the shade under the trees. A warm breeze blew past Kalista and pushed her loose tresses away from her face.
Walking up to the lake, she looked out over the water. It was clear and calm with a few leaves laid on the surface from the trees above. 'What had brought her here?' She thought to herself. Stepping into the water, Kalista watched as the liquid rippled around her ankles. She remembered the first time she went into this water: Frodo had threatened to throw her in if she did not join him willingly. A smile crossed her face at the remembrance. Those were good times, before she had to grow up.
But growing up was not so bad, was it? She had new responsibilities and freedoms. And she was getting married to Sancho Milbanks, one of the most wonderful hobbits she had ever known. But suddenly a question entered Kalista's mind. Did she really love him? Of course she did; she had too. Sancho was a wonderful hobbit; passionate, caring, but somehow, Kalista was afraid of him for it. He seemed to not know hate. He had never yelled at her for anything she had done wrong, never even became mad. He only held a pure unconditional love for her like love a babe held for its mother.
Frodo, however, never treated her in such a way that she felt he thought she was his mother. In fact, Frodo always made her feel independent and important. He never asked if she would cook a meal for him; he cooked it himself. And he was never shy about showing his affections for her. The kisses on her forehead were proof of that.
Kalista then began to wonder if she could see herself with Sancho in twenty years or even ten years from now. Would she still love him when they were old and wrinkly, or would she even love him on their wedding night? Suddenly, Kalista wondered if the passion of their relationship had blocked her true feelings. Was this love or puppy love?
A tear slowly ran down her cheek as a slow realization came to Kalista mind. She was marrying the wrong hobbit! The soft Brown eyes that Kalista thought she loved were not the right ones. Kalista yearned to be with the familiar cerulean orbs that she had known for fifteen years but had always taken for granted. Kalista wanted Frodo. Stepping out of the water, Kalista looked down to her finger. Around it was a simple gold band, a symbol of eternal love from a hobbit she already had. She did love Sancho dearly and she did want to be his wife. But then, Kalista lifted her hand to her neck. There, a slender chain of silver dangled holding a small heart. Kalista then began to remember last Yule: Bilbo and Frodo had come to take Kalista to Michel Delving. Bilbo was giving out some presents to her family but Frodo took Kalista off into the kitchen to speak with her privately...
"I had this made especially for you, Kalista," he said to her with a smile on his face. His usual pale complexion was reddened with anticipation and yet embarrassed at what the girl might say. Kalista took the small box and when she saw the necklace, she fell silent with shock.
"No, Frodo, I can't accept this."
"It is my Yule present to you, of course you can accept it," Frodo replied with a huff before he chuckled and helped the hobbitess put the ornament on. "It looks stunning on you. Now I can say you wear my heart."
"You wear your own heart, Frodo Baggins," Kalista laughed as she admired the necklace. "I don't deserve this. I don't even have anything spectacular for you."
"Just knowing you are wearing that is enough of a gift." Kissing Kalista on her cheek, Frodo extended his arm to her. "Come, Michel Delving awaits the Bagginses of Bag End and Lady Gamgee of Bag Shot Row Number Three."
Kalista giggled with Frodo's teasing and took his hand. The two then said their good nights to the rest of the Gamgee clan and left for the Yule Party...
Kalista came back to reality then, finding she was still thumbing the necklace. A Yule gift from Frodo: his heart and the only heart she wanted. But it could not be; she was marrying another. Letting a sob choke her throat, Kalista looked up to the sky and called out: "What do I do now?"
Weak with Sorrow, Kalista laid down under the large Oak tree above her and cried, waiting for answers. She did not want to move, she just wanted to hide away from her thoughts and obligations. She just wanted to be happy with out grief. Suddenly, as she was lying on the grass crying, a name came to her mind and she sat up off the ground. It was as tart as a green apple freshly picked yet still, it rolled off her tongue with the saccharine taste of honey: "Frodo."
~~~~~~~~~~~
Running through the forest, Kalista rushed to Bag End. Locks of curly ebony hair flew behind her like wings that could make her fly. Once she arrived in front of the large circular green door, she stopped running and breathed heavily. She then placed a soft rat-tat-tat against the door and waited for an answer. After waiting a moment or two, she looked though the window and frowned. No one was in the common room. Where was Frodo? Placing another knock on the door, Kalista jumped back to the window and soon, as she had hoped, Frodo came walking out from the hallway.
Frodo opened the door and Kalista quickly returned to stand in front of it. Though Frodo was still a bit distressed about what had happened earlier, he looked concerned for Kalista. She was panting for breath and was staring at him oddly. "Kallie, is something wrong?" he asked, moving out of the doorway. "Come on inside."
The two went into the common and Frodo closed the door behind them. He then walked over to the fireplace and added a few pieces of wood into the flames. The warmth of Bag End grew with a renewed blaze and Frodo smiled as he listened to the crackling pop of sap. As Frodo did this however, no sound from Kalista was heard. He wondered what she was doing back here after their discussion. "Now, what is wrong? Did something happen?"
Just then, two soft hands were on his cheeks and he was pulled into the most zealous kiss he had ever experienced. Kalista kissed him harshly and it felt right. Never had Sancho kissed her with such passion and need, he was always gentle and delicate, and Kalista hated it. She pulled away from Frodo and took a breath before pushing him down on the couch. She then climbed up onto Frodo and straddled his lap.
"What are you doing?" he asked but soon fell silent when Kalista pulled him into another kiss. 'This has to be a dream,' he thought to himself. The kisses, passion, and the fact that the woman on top of him was the woman he always wanted were all too surreal to him. Frodo did not fight his friend's advances however; he was enjoying himself too much.
The warmth of her breath against his neck caused Frodo to let out a soft moan into her ear. She then began to unbutton his blouse and lead kisses down his naked chest. But Frodo's senses began to return quickly. No matter how much he wanted this or how much he wanted her, this could not happen. As she kissed him on the lips again, Frodo pushed her way delicately and held onto her wrists. Confusion swelled up in Kalista and she looked at Frodo questioningly. "What's the matter, Frodo?"
Frodo sighed and looked into her eyes; his sapphire meeting her jade creating a turquoise aura between them, "We cannot do this," he gasped.
"Yes we can, Frodo," Kalista argued as she forced herself downward and pressed against his lips once more. But as much as Frodo was enjoying her touch, he had to fight or Kalista would regret it later on.
Frodo brought a hand up to Kalista's face and caressed her cheek. His eyes were pleading for her to go on and to stop. He was so confused but this moment seemed so right. "No, we can't; your betrothed Kalista. You are going to marry a hobbit, share his bed and be his wife, this is a mistake."
"But I have realized something, Frodo," Kalista pressed on. "I don't love him Frodo. I don't love him like I love you. And I do Frodo; I do love you. I love you more then life itself, it just took me longer to see it."
Frodo's heart skipped a beat, suddenly all sense and properness escaped Frodo's mind. He looked up to the hobbitess above him, savoring every inch of her wonder and beauty. Did she mean it? Was it true? She felt the same way? "What did you say?"
Smiling adoringly, Kalista tightened her legs around Frodo. She then kissed his neck sensually before nibbling his earlobe and whispering, "I love you Frodo Baggins."
Amid the passion and the confusion, Frodo vanished into full surrender. All there were was the two of them and the romantic pop from the fireplace. The feeling of Kalista's velvety, ivory skin against Frodo's was intoxicating. The sensual passion and indisputable love they shared was unmatched by anything Kalista had ever experience with Sancho. But this frightened Kalista. This was something new and uncharted. She shook despite herself but continued to kiss her lover with all her might.
The two seemed to be intermeshed, like the shadow of night and the bright radiance of day. There were no unfilled places and no one could stop the emotions from flowing.
However, Kalista pulled away from their fervent kisses and breathed deeply for a moment. Frodo watched her bosom to rise and fall in a swiftly pace as she caught her breath. She was so lovely and so tempting. He then shifted his glance up to her eyes and he smiled at the inquisitive look on her face. "Is this fine with you?"
Frodo smiled and kissed her again before nodding. "Fine."
Kalista chuckled and nodded, "Fine." The two then fell into another passion filled kiss. Frodo eventually stood up and carried her into his bedroom. He gently placed her on the bed before walking over to the door and locking it, just incase Bilbo were to come home early. Turning back from the door, he looked at the stretched out lass waiting for him. He studied every bend and curve before making his way to her side. A smile crept across Kalista's lips as Frodo leaned in and kissed her. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled him closer.
Frodo quickly slipped off the shirt Kalista had unbuttoned earlier and let it fall to the ground. She ran her hands up his chest, sending a chill down Frodo's spine, making him kiss deeper and with more desire. An inaudible whimper escaped from his lips then as he felt her soft fingernails run from his chest and towards his back.
For once in her life, Kalista felt there was someone in the world that understood her and she understood him as well. She had found that understanding in the least likely of places. Folk would talk though; they would say things about what had happened between these two friends. But as Frodo pressed against her, she forgot about the public and no longer cared what they thought about her or Frodo. Both reveled in this one sensual, unrefined act. It had driven their love deeper into one another's souls unlike any other two friends or lovers could hope for. They had become one part of the great world they were living in.
When both were spent, they laid together in each other's arms. Frodo was peacefully sleeping while Kalista watched him. Her mind filled with many thoughts of what she had done. This was her best friend and she betrayed her fiancée with this one simple act of need. Now things would surely change. Though Kalista was happy and was already devising plans to be with Frodo, the thought of Sancho crossed her mind. What would he say? She still loved and did not want to hurt him. She was torn. If only things could be simple again.
Kalista let go of her thoughts for a moment and returned to focusing on Frodo. He was so lovely and innocent when he slept. A few of his dampened curls dangled over his eyes and she delicately brushed them away with her hand. At that moment, Frodo's eyes flickered open and he looked up to Kalista. She smiled, causing immense dimples to pronounce themselves on her round cheeks. Frodo could not help but smile himself but he wondered what she was thinking. "What are you doing?"
"I'm memorizing you," she replied before leaning down and kissing him affectionately.
"Oh, really?" Frodo raised an eyebrow with curiosity. "Memorizing me?"
Kalista nodded and ran a finger along his belly and up towards his shoulder. "You have a freckle, right here, above your left chest. And your stomach curves," she traced the lines on his body lightly. Frodo smiled as she did this, enjoying every touch. "And your eyes are like water; they're like sapphires and emeralds and gold all at one time, letting me see your soul. They always have." She smiled and leaned over for another kiss and Frodo happily returned it.
The two laid together in silence for the rest of the afternoon. The sun was setting outside and the room was slowly becoming darker. Bilbo would be home soon so the two began to dress and prepare to leave each other's company. Neither said anything, not knowing what would happen if they did. However, speaking needed to be done. Kalista turned around and watched as Frodo buttoned his blouse and she let out a sigh.
"I shall call off the wedding," she commented, causing Frodo too turn his head to her. He was not sure what to say. She would call off the wedding and leave Sancho for him. Yet, that victory did not seem sweet at all. Just looking at Kalista's face, Frodo could tell she still loved the other hobbit.
Walking over to her, he wrapped her in his arms and shook his head. "I can not let you do that Kalista, you still love him."
"No, Frodo," Kalista argued. "I don't love him like I love you."
"You don't love me like you love him," Frodo retorted with a smile.
"Don't confuse me, Frodo," Kalista moaned with confusion. She took a seat on the bed and looked out at the window. Staring at the curtains blocking the full potential of the fading sun from Kalista's eyes.
"You are confused because you do still love him," Frodo confirmed. He walked to the bed and sat besides his love and placed a hand around her waist. "I will not be the cause of a ruined wedding." Frodo hated saying the words. He did not even know why he was saying them. He looked at Kalista and couldn't believe that if he wanted to, he could claim her as his own. Why should he worry about Sancho? But deep in Kalista's emerald eyes, Frodo could tell there was deep feelings for the hobbit farmer. Something about him made Kalista adore him and Frodo knew the two were perfect for each other. Could Frodo commit to Kalista like Sancho was ready to do? Frodo doubted it; he was not ready and too lead Kalista on would be too unfair. "You love him Kalista, marry him."
Tears began to stream down Kalista's face slowly, creating 2 gentle wet streaks against her cheeks. She knew he was right. What she and Frodo just shared would only be a one-time event. Sancho and Kalista would be a lifetime. "No mater what happens," she sniffled, "I will never forget this evening."
Frodo smiled, glad to hear her words for he would never forget this evening as well. He leaned in and the two shared a deep kiss before pulling away for the last time. Frodo stroked her face with his fingers, taking her in before they stood, finished dressing, and left the room. As Kalista walked to the front door, it opened quickly and Bilbo entered. "Ah, good evening to you two!" he greeted. Frodo walked over to the older hobbit and helped him carry a few packages into the kitchen table.
Bilbo looked at Kalista and Frodo, noticing a strange change in them. They were acting different than they had been in the morning. Though Bilbo was not going to argue; they seemed on good terms again.
"Well, I am off, I have a big day tomorrow," she kissed Bilbo on the cheek and was about to do the same to Frodo, but something held her back. Instead, the two embraced each other and the hobbitess quickly left Bag End. Frodo was staring at the door as it closed. He let out a sigh and Bilbo cleared his throat to catch his nephew's attention. Frodo then turned to Bilbo and smiled at him.
"Well, how was your day?"
Frodo bit his lip, "good, I'm going to bed." He said quietly before turning and heading back down the hall.
Bilbo chuckled, "good night Frodo-Lad."
