A Better Life

Chapter 7 Rides and Smiles

I couldn't help giggling the rest of the day. Even though I got in trouble because the blueberries I picked had been knocked over and I came home with an empty basket. It was still worth it to have fun like that with Merry. Except for the fact that he was really mad. Oh well. He was Merry, he would get over it. Besides I was more worried at what he might do to me. That night I went to bed very happy, but a little worried about what might happen tomorrow.

Camellia woke me up extra early and this time sent me down to pick apples. Apples! No no no no I thought. What if Merry was there? He was bound to want revenge and apples didn't help the matter. They were sure to hurt if they were thrown. Still once again I was ushered out the door and had no choice. I lazily made my way to the field where I started reaching into the trees and picking the best ones as fast as I could and soon the basket was full and brimming with shiny red apples. As I was lifting up the basket I heard a voice behind me. A very familiar voice.

"Thought you'd be here," the voice said cheerfully.

I turned around and yup! There he was Mr. Brandybuck himself. He smiled that crooked smile and I suddenly felt my knees buckle. Strange, that never happened before. My attention soon focused though on the apple he had in his hand. I looked at it and gulped. He noticed this.

"Don't worry," he said. "Wouldn't waste this on you. Too juicy and delicious. Besides I've already started eating it." He then showed me a bite mark in the apple. I sighed. Good. I was safe. Or so I thought. Slowly he walked up to me. I couldnt help but feel nervous.

"Want some?" He asked grinning.

"Um...no thanks," I said quickly.

"But I insist," he said and lunged at me...rubbing where he had bitten the apple all over my face.

He wouldn't make a fool out of me though so I grabbed the apple from him and took a huge bite of it. I smiled wickedly. But he was good because he grabbed the apple and bit it where I had.

"Mmmm," he said. "Is it possible for this to taste better? Kind of tastes sweeter if anything." He snickered and took another bite.

I sighed. I'd never beat him. So I picked up my basket and started to walk home.

"Wait!" He cried.

"I have to take these home now," I said pointing to the basket.

"Well alright, but I'm meeting my friend Pippin here in a bit. We're planning on doing a little...well mischief in Farmer Maggots garden. How about you come with us?" He asked quickly.

"Hmmm sounds like fun. Okay I'll meet you here in an hour. Oh and I'll bring my friend Tor...Bramblerose, if it's okay with you. I know she would enjoy it," I told him.

"Okay, sounds great. But how about I do you a favor first. Get on my back and I'll carry you home," he said sweetly.

I raised an eyebrow. A piggyback ride? Well I was rather tired so I nodded and he knelt down. I got up on his back and he abruptly started running. I laughed and held on for dear life. Now this was a way to travel! All too soon we arrived at my house and he put me down.

"Thank you for the lift Master Merry," I said curtsying.

"My pleasure Miss Autumn," he replied bowing.

Then I thought of something. I went over and quickly kissed him on the cheek and gave a wave before hurrying into the house.

If I had stayed a few more minutes I would have seen a big goofy grin creep across his face as he touched his cheek. I did however look out the small window to see him skipping down the road singing at the top his lungs. I giggled. Who knew I could have that effect on someone.