A Better Life

Chapter 8 The Mischief

I begged Camellia and begged her. Finally she agreed I could see Merry. I had to go and ask Tori though. I never mentioned the fact that we were going to be getting into mischief but rather had said that he and Pippin (yes the Pippin) were going to show us around the big parts of the Shire. I skipped out the door and wandered down the road. To be honest I really didn't know where she was living, but luck was on my side and I spotted her working in a nearby garden. She was grumbling and pulling weeds. I walked up to her and spotting me she wiped her hands on her apron and stood up.

"Hey guess what?" I asked giggling. I couldn't hold it in any longer. I was so excited.

"This must be good," she remarked. "What is it then?"

I explained to her about the run ins with Merry and all the fun we had. She eyed me jealously, but I saw the amazement as well. She was my best friend and knew how much it meant to me. Finally I got to the part about Merry and Pippin. As soon as I asked her if she could come with her face lit up.

"Yes yes yes!" she shouted.

She told me to wait a moment while she went inside and asked Poppy. After a few minutes she came rushing out with a brand new dress on.

"Poppy said it's okay, same with Berilac, that's what I love about them, it's like they're still kids and they know how to have fun," she explained smiling.

"Well what are we waiting for?" I said. "Let's get going!"

So we raced all the way down to the field where we fell to the ground exhausted. We didn't even notice we had fallen in front of two male hobbits. Not just any other hobbits, but Merry and to my delight Pippin. Tori simply stared up at them bewildered. I nudged her arm and she shook her head. We got up and dusted ourselves off. I smiled widely at Merry and he once again gave me that crooked grin right back. I then turned to Pippin.

"Hello, the name's Autumn Hardbottle pleased to meet you," I said with a friendly smile.

"Pleasure's all mine, my name is Pippin Took," he said in a very smooth Scottish accent. "Who may you be?" He asked staring at Tori.

"Oh Merry, Pippin, this is my best friend Bramblerose Boggy-Hillocks," I answered.

"Hi there," Pippin said shyly.

"Hello," Tori mumbled a little nervous.

"Well let's get going then!" Merry said enthusiastically.

Very soon we found ourselves in Farmer Maggots garden piling our arms full of potatoes and mushrooms. Tori was no longer nervous of Merry and Pippin and was chatting away. What a Flirt.

"Oi Autumn you like carrots?" Merry called.

"Oh yes, " I replied.

"Then catch!" he called again.

Out of thin air flew a carrot and I caught it with one hand.

"Nice," Pippin said grinning.

"Yeah I know I'm good," I bragged.

Unfortunately our adventure was cut short when we heard a nasty shout. It was Farmer Maggot. Someone yelled, "Run!" But I cant remember who exactly. All I know is we ran and ran and finally made it back to the field where we all sat down by a nearby river to enjoy our prizes. What a day. But when you're with Merry and Pippin what else kind of day would it be? The end of the day didn't turn out that good however. Because at home some startling news awaited Tori and I.