Disclaimer: I don't own anything by Tolkien; I only own a few random characters, including Ali.

Chapter Nine

The days seemed to fly by as Ali spent her time in leisure activities with the hobbits and getting to know the neighbors. One of her favorites was Sam's father, the old Gaffer. He was like the grandfather that she knew before he died several years ago.

One day Ali was taking a walk along the river when she saw someone walking ahead of her. Coming closer, she realized that it was Merry and he seemed deep in his thoughts that he didn't realize she was next to him until Ali spoke.

"Are you alright there, Merry?" Ali asked and he jumped in surprise before giving her a forced grin.

"I'm perfectly alright, Ali. I was just thinking about some stuff, is all," Merry said, his usually merry eyes hard around the edges.

"Well, that's what I've been wanting to talk to you about. Why do you hate me so? What did I do wrong? I thought we used to be the best of friends until I came back and now you act like you don't want me here," Ali exclaimed.

Merry was so silent that Ali thought that he didn't hear what she said. Just when she was about to open her mouth to repeat what she had said, Merry spoke.

"It's just that so much has changed, Ali. Pippin's my best friend and we used to be able to do everything together. Even I have changed and I don't turn to my mischievous ways anymore. But whenever I look at you, I'm reminded of the changes that have occurred in the past year or so. And that's what's making me so angry. It has nothing to do with you."

Ali stared at Merry in shock, and somewhat in hurt. So he was angry that everything's changed and that she helped change the events, as well?

"So you're telling me to go away and let you go back in peace so you and Pippin can go back to your happy old days? Well, I'm sorry, but that's not what's going to happen, because you can't change the past and nobody's the same anymore. I have found the love of my life and I wish to be with him for the rest of my life. I just have to find myself for a while. And if you can't handle that, well, you better change your mind right quick," Ali nearly yelled angrily.

Turning on her heel, Ali rushed back to Frodo's house and ran into her bedroom, slamming the door behind her. Flinging onto her bed, Ali began sobbing into the pillows. She knew she should've handled everything better, but the pain of Merry's words made her sob even harder.

Several hours later, Ali heard the door opening, but she didn't look up. Whoever it was could come and go as much as they wanted to, she didn't care. She was something unwanted.

"Ali, is it alright if I sit here and talk to you?" the voice said. Looking up slightly, Ali saw that it was Frodo and she nodded silently.

For several moments, Frodo sat there studying Ali and by the time he spoke, she felt as if the older hobbit learned all of the secrets she kept inside her.

"You and Merry had a row, didn't you?" he asked softly and again Ali nodded. "Well, you should know that Merry's a little stubborn sometimes. He just wishes that everything could be the same like it once was and is having a hard time trying to accept the fact that he and the rest of the Fellowship will never be the same again."

"But why couldn't he be nicer to me? I don't remember ever doing anything to him," Ali cried.

"I know, but as I've heard you say, old habits die hard," Frodo said and when Ali looked up, she saw him smiling with a twinkle in his eyes.

Finally standing up, Ali looked out the window beside her bed. "I need to get away, Frodo. I need to go somewhere, maybe Gondor or someplace. And maybe by the time I get back, Merry will be over his grievances."

Frodo smiled sadly. "Parting from you would be such a sorrow."

"If I don't leave I can't be missed." Ali lifted her chin in defiance. She was determined to show Frodo that she was strong enough to leave, though deep within her she didn't want to leave Shire and the people in it.

"I know of someone who left his troubles at his doorstep and left it to the burden of others," Frodo stated.

"But that's not what I'm doing," Ali protested.

"But let me ask you this before I leave the room," Frodo said, standing up, "are you doing this to benefit everybody here, or are you merely running away from home?"

And with that, Frodo left the room. Ali stared after him in shock. Was that why she was doing all of this, because she was scared of home and wanted to leave burdens for others? But all she wanted to do was find herself and help everybody get back on their feet.

After much toiling, Ali finally made her decision to leave. She had to, or she'll always be an outsider in the Shire, especially by Merry. Turning around, Ali began packing a small bag and finding her walking stick she picked up the other day, Ali headed towards the front door.

Sitting in a chair in the front hall, Ali saw Frodo there, smoking a pipe. He looked like he always did, but this time; he was watching Ali silently while chewing on the end of his pipe.

Standing straight and putting back her shoulders, Ali smiled at Frodo.

"I've made my choice, Frodo and I'm leaving. Goodbye."

And with that, Ali headed out the door. Turning back around, Ali looked at Frodo one last time before she left.

"Go on then, Ali, there's no one stopping you. If you see anyone I know, make sure to tell them I sent my regards," Frodo said, and with that Ali closed the door behind her, and left.

Author's Note: Whew, my first chapter I've written for this chapter in a little over a year, but I'll try to update when I can, as my inspiration is slowly coming back after writing for other stories. I hope you enjoyed. I would do my usual reviewer chat, but I forget where I stopped and started, so I'll begin again in the next chapter. Hope you all enjoyed and I'll keep writing if you keep reading. Cheers.