Chapter Fourteen: Longing Winning Out Over Fear
Rosie absently twirls a rose between her fingers, sitting in the moonlit garden behind the hobbit hole. The heavens seem to entertain her by putting on a dazzling display of shooting stars. The moon shines brightly down on her, bathing her in pale white light. She almost creates a beautiful romantic picture. But Rosie is unaware of the impression she gives.
Instead her mind is full of wishes and fantasies. After tonight, there will only be two more nights of merriment, singing, dancing, food, and fun. A sigh full of longing passes her lips. Why? Why does it seem her desire to go to the festival is a forbidden fruit? She only wishes to have a taste of things she enjoyed before everything changed -- to see dancing, hear music, see old friends... This is her chance to go and have some fun. The festival will soon be over, and she will probably regret not going. But the fear causes her to wonder if it would not be better just to continue to stay at home. The strange tension between her and Aunt May has increased drastically since their late-night talk about Rosie's friendship with the four Travelers several nights ago. Rosie has been aware of May watching her closely like a hawk. Every time her aunt and cousins return home, barely a word May speaks to her but simply seems to appraise her. Rosie knows the wheels in her head are turning. What it is she thinks, Rosie does not know. But she has now become truly frightened of her aunt. She does not have the courage to even mention the festival in Aunts presence. Forget asking to go! Rosie doubts she would be allowed. But if only she could watch from the shadows, strain to catch a glimpse of Sam...
Rosie gives herself a mental slap. It is no use thinking about him now. He has his eyes set on another. And are you really hoping he might also see you? Rosie scolds herself, flushing. What a risk! Suppose Aunt May or Lily sees you. What dreadful trouble you would be in!
Yet, another part of her mind objects, at least just to enjoy one night of freedom...of old times would be worth it. And to see him just once would enough. To see him dancing the night away will get him out of your thoughts.
But if Aunt May catches you...!
The rose in her hand falls to the ground. She clings tightly to the bench; her knuckles turn white. The battle continues for a moment. Rosie lets out a long breath and stands up, returning inside.
Rosie gawks at the sight that meets her eyes. The lass before her stares back. The usually curly, shoulder-length brown hair is wavy, flowing locks down to her waist. In the candlelight the brown mixes with golden highlights. The yellow ribbon is a charming clash with the brown hair. Freckles dust her nose and pink cheeks. Her skin is clean and soft, smelling of apples and cream. Deep chocolate brown eyes, with specks of green, sparkle. The yellow dress fits perfectly. It is simple yet very becoming. Embroidered birds and flowers rest on the sleeves and skirt. A simple dress it is -- though making her natural beauty stand out all the more.
Rosie blinks, amazed by what she sees in the mirror. That cannot possibly be she! Surely she does not look like that! Rosie places her hands on her cheeks. Was this what she looked like when she still had a family? When did her hair get so long, so wavy, so pretty?! She would have never guessed that that hair had been in a braid and all dirty not two hours ago. Slowly she spins and smiles shyly. If she doesn't even recognize herself, surely not even her own aunt and cousins will know her if she runs into them at the festival!
With a cry of joy, Rosie skips out the door and merrily starts her journey toward the Party Field. This will be a night she will always treasure. Grinning, Rosie starts to sing, letting her excitement and longing win over her fear.
Author's Note: A very short chapter, I know. I'm sorry! I updated as quickly as possible. The next chapter will be longer, I promise. Please let me know what you think.
