Chapter 7:
Too Late For Everything (Pippin's POV)
I'm hurrying back home as quickly as I can. The only thing on my mind is that I have to get home before Merry does. I have to destroy the poem before he gets a chance to read it, before he realizes my feelings for him.
"Pippin!"
Suddenly, I hear someone call my name and I look around. And I see him.
Merry!
My hearts jumps from pure joy before I see what he holds in his hands. Then my blood turns to ice in my veins. The poem. My poem!
A moaning "No" escapes from my lips. It's too late now: too late to destroy the poem, too late to run away, too late for everything.
"Pippin!" Merry calls again and comes running towards me. His voice is choked with tears and I feel tears rise in my eyes as well. I sink to the ground, sobbing, waiting for the blow of disgust that will no doubt come.
"It's too late!" I think to myself, not realizing that I spoke the words out loud. Then I feel Merry kneeling by my side, his hands stroking my hair. "Pippin?" he says, and the soft tone of his voice brings more tears to my eyes. How can he sound so loving, so caring, when he knows the truth? I know he hates me, so why is he toying with me like this?
"Pippin?" he says again "What's too late?"
My body shakes with sobs and my words stick in my throat, but I force myself to reply to him. "Everything, it's too late for everything!"
Then I feel his arms around me, his lips against my hair, and all I can do is let him hold me.
"Pippin!" he whispers, "I thought you were gone forever. How dare you run away from me like that!"
"I'm sorry," I cry against his shoulder. "I'm sorry I spied on you, I'm sorry I ran away, I'm sorry about the poem!"
All of a sudden, he jerks away and I feel him staring at me. Is he angry now? Is he sorry he came after me?
Is he going to leave?