FrodoBaggins87: Thank you for reviewing. :-) Yes, Frodo's fall will be much harsher indeed.

A/N: When reviewing, please say whether you would like a sequel to this to deal with why he went to Valinor. It will be very helpful as I already have nearly three chapters of it written. Also, I have a bit of work to do on the last chapter (this next one), so it will take a little while before I update. If you all don't want a sequel, then I will have to add a chapter or two at the end. If it is a split, I may just do the chapter or two for the people who don't want a sequel and a sequel for those who want one.

March 24, 1420 S.R.

Pippin came by yesterday. I suppose Sandy must have told him I was here. How many others will know before I leave here? Surely, he only told Pip because he is my cousin; surely, he would not just tell anyone. I was relieved that Pippin stopped by because my back was hurting badly, and I could not get up to even search for the medicine.

Just how much longer will I have to stay here? I hope to be at the Cotton's before tomorrow afternoon, for that is when Sam, my former friend, returns, and I don't want him to "worry" over me. I think I shall take Arwen's place on the ship if he proves for sure not to be a friend. The only one I have is Sandy, but he is not that close. I shan't ever miss him as much as I will those who I cared for more deeply – Merry, Pippin, Sam, and Uncle Bilbo (though Uncle Bilbo may come with me).

Perhaps being with the elves can keep me from having those dreams I now have. Everyday I am here; I fear I shall have them again. They are horrible. I do not wish to have them again, nor do I think I can bear them again. I just feel down still, though I am beginning to feel happy. How long will the ability to be happy, the privilege, stay? I hope forevermore. F.B.

Sandy smiled evilly as he returned the journal to the spot where he had found it. Frodo had made the mistake of leaving it out in the open when he had hobbled slowly, yet much quicker than before, to the kitchen. Sandy had seized the opportunity to look for ways to play Frodo for a fool and further his plans.

What he had found at the beginning was a bunch of nonsense as far as he was concerned – tales of the outside world, riders dressed in black upon black horses, something called an orc, a giant spider, a creature named Gollum – and he skimmed through that. Then, he got to where it interested him. It was perfect. Frodo was suicidal, which he thought a bonus. Perhaps he could get rid of Frodo a little more permanently than he had ever thought possible.

Sandy quickly composed himself and prepared to act as Frodo's friend. He walked in the kitchen quietly, finding his patient sitting serenely in a chair deep in though. "Hello, Frodo."

Frodo turned his head and smiled. "Hello, Sandy."

"How is your back doing?" he asked, cringing inwardly. It sickened him to speak in that manner with the hobbit that, as he saw it, was responsible for the downfall of Lotho. He had to avenge that for his relative. Bag End was theirs, not any Baggins, Brandybuck, Gamgee, or Took's (related to the Baggins). The others were not noble enough to have it, as they spent time with the Bagginses everyday. Nevertheless, he continued talking to Frodo only to ensure the success of his plan.

"It still hurts, but it is much better," replied Frodo with a grimace as he turned his attention to his back.

"Then, I shall give you a different medicine – a weaker one."

Frodo sighed. "Thank you, Sandy. I reckon it is good that I no longer need as much."

"Yes, it is," Sandy answered, while digging through the cabinets until he finally pulled a bottle out triumphantly. "Here you are," he added, while pouring the purplish liquid into the small cup and handing it to Frodo.

"Thank you." Frodo quickly drank down the medicine and took a few sips of water to cleanse his mouth of the taste.

"When do you think I can go back to the Cotton's?" he asked after the flavor was out of his mouth.

"Ah…a good sign that you are feeling better, wanting to return to your dwelling place," Sandy replied, forcing on a wanton smile.

"What's the matter?" asked Frodo as Sandy's smile faded.

"Oh, nothing. It's just that I'm – well, I am going to miss you." He took a seat across from Frodo. "You see, I've never had a friend before that was like you, none so trusting, so kind. None, other than you, ever fully trusted me, depended on me…oh, there was one not too long ago that I thought was my best friend – he'd go wherever I went – but he turned out to just be after a good reputation by spending time with me. He would do so with any member of my family if they would let him be their friend, just for the reputation our upheld name provided. I would not put it past him to even marry one in our family…my sister even, just to get back at me for figuring out he was not a true friend and scarring his name."

Sandy grew silent suddenly, as though remembering something from long ago, allowing Frodo's emotions to get him worked up as he contrasted Sandy's friendship with his friendship with Sam.

"We were practically brothers," continued Sandy as he saw emotions of sadness, longing, and hurt appear in Frodo's face. "It was like a blow to the face when I found him out. I thought I was dumb and very naïve at first…even a fool, but then I realized –" Sandy began to break down to make it seem real, which it was to some extent. "I'm sorry; he was just such a good friend. I realized that he was the fool; it was he who was naïve and dumb for thinking I would never find out, for playing me for a fool. A lot of time invested in that friendship – a lot of wasted time it seems now." Sandy was no longer crying, but his voice was bitter.

"I'm so sorry," Frodo said quietly. "I know what that feels like. I too, recently, have lost a friend, one who was like a brother."

"Really?" Sandy asked, mocking surprise.

"Yes, my gardener, Samwise. I now think he may have been after Bilbo's treasure. No matter, let's not dwell on the unfortunate past hurts."

"Let's," replied Sandy in agreement. The second phase of his plan was complete. Now, he would stop putting medicine in Frodo's food, allowing the dreams to come back, and let him go to town and return to the Cotton's. Then, he would be rejected and would either flee to Bree, or, even better, be gone form the world for good. He had Frodo's trust, so if he ran back, he could convince him to flee to Bree, never to return, promising occasional visits. It was all too easy. He would get what he wanted. Frodo would be miserable, while he was living in luxury, happy the Baggins name was removed from the Shire forever.

Sandy stood. "Well, I must open the doors for patients. You stay back here though so you can easily get to the medicine when you need it."

"Yes, I will stay back here, but you need to eat your breakfast first," Frodo replied, looking up.

"I ate it before you got up. I'll check on you later." With that, Sandy walked to his office on the other side of his home.

As soon as he unlocked the door, a worried-looking Sancho Proudfoot came in. Worried without cause. He had no idea that Sandy had any plans to eliminate Frodo from the Shire. "Sandy, the Cotton's are worried. They are getting suspicious."

"Well, just tell them he said he will return tomorrow," replied Sandy calmly.

Sancho's expression grew surprised. "Are you sure?" he asked, confused

"Yes, Sancho, I am sure. He's almost got his strength back. Anyway, go! Frodo wishes the Cottons not to see him until he returns. Assure them before they come over here."

"Will do. Good day to ye," Sancho said while rushing out the door."

Sandy stood and shut the door. I hope that he can keep them away, he thought. My plan will be ruined if they come. At that time, his first patient came in, and he had not time to worry the rest of the day.

TBC...

A/N: Please, review, and remember to say whether you'd like a sequel or not. Thank you for reading, and I hope you've enjoyed this so far.