The Wedding Day

Kalista ran through the trees, holding up her wedding dress and laughing as she chased after Frodo. The other hobbit was running briskly to a destination Kalista was not yet sure off. They were traveling a bit of a distance from the party field where her wedding to Sancho was about to take place and she was beginning to worry that she would be late for her own wedding.

"Frodo, where are you going?" she asked, trying to keep up with her friend. It was midsummer's day and the sun shown brightly in the sky. A wreath of dried roses and baby's breath circled Kalista's hair and she had to hold on to it as she ran so the floral crown did not break or fall apart. "Frodo!" she called again but the other hobbit did not answer her; he just kept running. Every once and again, he would turn, a bright smile on his face and in his eyes let Kalista know he was up to something or wanted to do something that only the two would be able to share. She fell silent and continued to chase after him.

Finally, the two came to a small, secluded pond. A tall willow tree wept over the water surface, providing a fine place to sit and talk. Frodo disappeared under the leaves and Kalista followed after him. Her steps became slower and more cautious, not wanting to let her dress get wet or ruined. A hand appeared before the bride and Kalista accepted graciously. She was led under the willow to the edge of the large and sturdy roots. There, she and Frodo sat down together in each other's arms.

Little was said between the two for a good five minutes. Sitting together was more welcoming than any conversation could provide. Frodo's secure arms rested around Kalista's waist and she gently leaned into his chest and closed her eyes. This would be the last day she would be able to do such a thing with Frodo. Once she was married, it was obvious things would change for them.

After a while, Frodo finally moved from his position. Kalista had almost thought the other hobbit had fallen asleep since he was sitting so still and quiet.

"Well," Frodo started as he took a deep breath. He looked up to her with a serious look. His eyes sparkled with memories and history of old times and he smiled. "Do you remember that time I took you swimming? And then you got in that fight with Lotho?

"Indeed, I do," Kalista answered. "I can still feel the hairs being ripped out of my head from Lotho."

Frodo chuckled and turned his gaze back to the ground. "Well, you said you had hit him because of me. You were looking out for me and, though I flat out called you a liar, I knew you would do anything for me. And what I am trying to say is that feeling has always been mutual. I would do anything to keep you safe and happy." Frodo paused for a moment as he took her hand and kissed it softly. He looked up to her eyes, his delicate blue on her emerald green. "If he ever hurts you, or makes you unhappy, I will always be here for you." Frodo blushed a little, not sure how Kalista would take his words but he meant them from the bottom of his heart. "I love you Kalista-Rose."

A tear rolled down Kalista's cheek. If was funny how certain things went. Both she and Frodo had been best friends for years and now on her wedding day she felt as if she might have made a mistake with choosing a husband. No, it was not a mistake; Kalista loved Sancho dearly. She just felt torn between the two of them. "Frodo..." she breathed but stopped her words. She did not quit know what to say. Instead of talking, she placed a light kiss on his cheek and smiled at him. "Thank you, Frodo."

Both Frodo and Kalista embraced each other again. Frodo did not realize he had begun to cry; he truly did not care. After they pulled away from each other, Frodo wiped his eyes and smiled to his friend. "We should probably get back before your husband thinks I kidnapped you." Kalista agreed and the two friends began walking towards the party field where the ceremony would be taking place in a matter of minutes.
A slight breeze lifted through the party area just enough to cool everyone from the hot sun. It was the beautiful day for a wedding. The party field had been decorated with flowers of all sizes, scents, and colors. Tables were set up for food and drinks and, on one side of the field, stood the platform for the band. Hobbits from Hobbiton, Michel Delving, and Hardbottle were gathered for the ceremony.

Kalista stood beside her mother and sister. Both lasses were crying while Kalista was ready to pass out from all her emotions of fear, excitement, stress, and anxiety blending into each other. Her sister, May, brought Kalista a cup of water to drink and Kalista chugged it down immediately.

"This is madness, I don't think I can do this," Kalista commented to her mother. She looked out at the crowed and saw Sancho standing with his own family. He looked so handsome in the blue vest and trouser set he was wearing. His sandy brown curls were combed neatly, a departure from how he always looked when he was working at the farm. A smile crept on her face as she thought about him. Frodo had been right, she did love Sancho deeply and being his wife was an honor she was more than grateful to have.

"You will be fine, Kalista," said Belle as she found a handkerchief to dry her eyes with. "You make the most beautiful bride,"

"Thank you mum," Kalista returned. She looked over to her mother and friend before bringing them both into a tight embrace. After the three pulled away, Kalista straightened her posture, took a deep breath and then whipped away the tears swelling in her own eyes. "Well, here I go," she gasped before turning around and walking towards her husband-to-be.
Sancho Milbanks stood beside Mayor Whitefoot while they waited for the bride. He was in no rush to start the ceremony so he did not send for anyone to go check on his fiancé. As guests walked by, Sancho's nerves began to become weaker and the hobbit almost felt sick to his stomach.

'What a mess weddings were,' Sancho thought to himself. 'Everyone watching you commit the rest of your life to a lass. And once that was done, his life as a bachelor was over. He would have children and many responsibilities.' Sancho then began to wonder how and why it all happened so fast.

Sancho's thoughts soon ended thought when May escorted Kalista towards his side. Straightening his posture, Sancho looked at Kalista and smiled as best as he could. Kalista returned the smile and it looked just as bad as Sancho felt. She seemed thoughtful for a moment and then Sancho notice her eyes glance through the crowd of people.

"Are you all right?" Sancho asked Kalista. The hobbit lass looked back at Sancho and nodded.

"I was just looking for someone," she replied to him before looking back over the crowd.

Sancho was silent for a moment. He looked through the crowd and studied all the guests. They were all mostly family and friends. He then noticed Frodo sitting with his uncle and the Gamgee family. A sudden urge of jealousy filled Sancho for a brief moment then. Even on her wedding day, Kalista was looking for Frodo. Though his bride denied it, he knew that there was something between both her and Frodo. Something Sancho would never be a part of. "He's there," Sancho said almost bitterly.

Kalista glanced over to her future husband and offered him a smile before taking his hand in hers. "I know."

"I am sure Frodo isn't thrilled with this wedding. I am surprised he did not try and stop it."

"Frodo is not like that," Kalista stated softly. "He is a respectable hobbit; he would not try to draw attention to himself. Nor would he ruin my wedding. I made a choice Sancho and that choice was you. I love Frodo, yes. But I love you in a different way." Kalista paused after she said those words. Every syllable was true. She did love Sancho differently than she loved Frodo. Frodo was not the marrying kind; he was a good friend, a good lover, but Sancho was forever. He was her future. Her hand then left Sancho's and glided up to his face where it stroked his left cheek.

Kalista smiled radiantly and was about to lean in for a kiss when the Mayor cleared his throat. "Now, now, you two; save it for after the ceremony."

A roar of laughter filled the field and Kalista nodded before releasing Sancho and then standing beside him so that the wedding could start. Folk began to sit down and become quiet. As they did so, the sound of singing birds became clearer and it made Kalista take a deep, relaxing breath. She could hardly believe this was the day she was to be married. She never thought it would happen, but it was here. She would not change it for the world.

However, Sancho was having different thoughts. Despite Kalista's words of comforts, he still had doubts. What if he said something wrong? Made a fool of himself by saying something stupid or passing out? The mayor was speaking but Sancho's mind was running in and out of reality and thought.

"We are gathered here to whiteness the union between-"

He was so young. How did he think he could support Kalista as his wife? What about children? He did not have the money to support children..."On this fine day, we share something special. Weddings are a way of beginning a new life with someone you care about-" He still lived with his parents. He supposed that Kalista could come and live with his parents too; but that wasn't very mature. Kalista will need her space and want to start her own family. Thoughts then went back to the children. Was he really ready to become a father? Little brats crying at all hours of the morning, diapers needing to be changed, and babies needing to be fed..."Do you Sancho, take Kalista to be your wife?"

"What?" Sancho asked out loud. He had lost all track of reality. He looked over to Kalista who was looking at him with curiosity. The mayor also seemed somewhat confused at Sancho's question. But he shrugged and offered the nervous groom a smile. "Will you take Kalista to be your wife?"

"Right..." Sancho trailed off into thought again. It was the moment, the time he would say 'I do.' But nothing was leaving his lips. Just then, Sancho realized he could not go on. The madness had to end. Kalista didn't deserve a low life, indecisive lad like himself. He had to stop the wedding. A moment later, Sancho ran down the isle, not saying another word, and disappeared down the road. He did not care about the gasps and chatter of the wedding guests as he left. Let them talk, it did not matter, as long as he was as far away from the area as soon as possible.

As the guests began conversing over the incident, Kalista was staring in shock. Sancho was leaving. Why? Tears of nervousness and fear filled her eyes. Was the marriage over before it started? Frodo saw the hurt in his friend's eyes and though he was enjoying Sancho's sudden lack of nerves, he knew that this day could not end in such a way for Kalista; he would not allow it. Immediately, Frodo stood up and ran after the other Hobbit.

Sancho was halfway down the road when he heard a male voice calling him. He stopped running and turned to see Frodo Baggins running after him. A frown filled his face; he did not want to deal with this hobbit now. "Frodo, I know what you are going to say and I can't do it. You were right; I would only hurt her. I am not deserving of her."

"Don't you say that," Frodo snapped back. When he reached Sancho and stood before him, Frodo took a deep, thoughtful breath and looked sincerely into the other hobbit's eyes. "You are deserving of her because she loves you and the only way you are going to hurt her is if you abandon her now."

"Frodo, I can't."

"I can't believe I am going to say this. So I will just say it and get it over with. If you want to embarrass your fiancé this way, by all means go ahead. And miss out on the chance of a lifetime. You will never find another lass like Kalista, believe me."

"Don't you think I know that?" Sancho hissed. He then bowed his head and looked at Frodo. All reason had left his mind. He was reeling in doubt, fear, and embarrassment. He fell to the ground and sat quietly for a moment. He did not move when he heard Frodo sitting down beside him. "I don't know what to do."

Frodo could do nothing but listen to Sancho's thoughts. He did not know what else to say; this was not his area of expertise, all he knew was he had to get Sancho back to the wedding before it was too late. Placing a comforting hand on Sancho's shoulder, Frodo sighed and offered a reassuring smile. "Go back there and marry the lass of your dreams. Everything will be all right."

At that moment, Sancho pulled Frodo into a tight hug. No matter what was between the two hobbits, they shared a moment then. They were connected, in love with the same girl but they knew in the end it would all work out. Sancho knew Frodo was giving her up for him and Frodo knew Sancho would take care of Kalista. After a few moments of settling down, Frodo and Sancho pulled off one another and Frodo smiled. "Come on, it is bad luck to keep a bride waiting."

"Why do you say that?" Sancho asked rather innocently.

Frodo then chuckled; Sancho was really dense at times. He then wondered how Kalista could fall for such a character. But it was not right to ask questions, especially now that things seemed to be under control. Offering Sancho a mischievous grin, he slapped Sancho on the back and stood up. "Well, unless you want to spend your wedding night in the pantry, you won't wait and find out."

Sancho laughed at the comment and nodded approvingly. He then stood up and followed Frodo back to the wedding area. When they returned, the audience quieted down and Sancho walked nervously to Kalista's side. She gave him a curious but grateful look when he came to her. Taking his hand, she turned him toward the mayor so the ceremony could start.

Frodo returned to his seat beside Bilbo. He said nothing about what had happened and Bilbo knew better than to ask at the moment. Perhaps Frodo would want to talk about it later that night. A smile appeared on the older hobbit's face. Frodo was giving up a lot and almost everyone who knew Frodo knew this was true. Bilbo placed and arm around his young heir's shoulder, letting him know Frodo did the right thing. Frodo smiled at Bilbo and then turned toward Kalista and Sancho as the ceremony began.

The wedding went as planned with no more cold-footed grooms. Both Kalista and Sancho looked as if they would explode with happiness, joy and love. They held hands during then entire ceremony and when it came time to kiss, Sancho wrapped his arms around Kalista, picked her up, and swung his new wife around before placing a loving, gentle kiss on her lips. The crowd, including Frodo, cheered and praised the new couple. Everyone wished them good luck and hoped that their future would be happy and prosperous.
"You did a good thing, Frodo," came a familiar voice behind Frodo, catching the hobbit off his guard. Turning around, Frodo saw Bilbo standing this with a gentle smile on his face. He glanced over to where Kalista and Sancho stood, talking to their parents and well-wishers. Frodo just frowned and turned away.

"Sometimes it does not feel that way, Bilbo. Part of me actually thought of not going to Sancho. Then I could at least have a chance with Kalista."

"You still have her as a friend Frodo," Bilbo responded. He led his young heir towards the food tables and sat down. "Love comes and Love goes, but friendship always stays." Frodo smiled at Bilbo's words, nodding with understanding. "She will respect you for saving this day from chaos."

"I suppose you are right," Frodo replied.

"I know I am right," Bilbo chuckled.

"I still love her though, Bilbo. I love her so much, it hurts." Frodo glanced over to Kalista and watched as she gave a kiss to Sancho and then hugged her mother. He wished it were him she was kissing with everyone congratulating him on this day. But it was not to be. Frodo knew he did the right thing, talking to Sancho. Though the two might still be at odds on certain points of view, Frodo respected the other hobbit and entrusted him with keeping Kalista safe and loved.

"And it always will, Frodo," Bilbo stated, interrupting Frodo's thoughts. At that moment, Kalista came over to the table where Frodo and Bilbo were sitting. She leaned in and kissed Bilbo on the cheek, then walked to Frodo and did the same to him.

"And how is the bride to be?" asked Frodo with a genuine smile. Kalista replied with a carefree giggle. "Sancho is off with his friends getting a beer, but I want to dance." Kalista then eyed Frodo knowingly and Frodo smiled in return. He then glanced over to Bilbo, who was nodding him on.

Standing, Frodo extended his arm out to the new bride. "Come my dear, may I have this dance?"

"You may, good sir!" Kalista replied, accepted Frodo's arm and then leading him to the dance floor. As the two began dancing, Bilbo watched them from the table. He pulled out his pipe and a satchel of pipe weed. He relaxed by himself, enjoying the party as best he could. He could not help but smile at the two friends dancing. He nodded to himself as if to reassure himself of his thoughts. "It will always hurt, my lad. But things always work out for the best."