WOW, my story..I sorta let it collect dust here didn't I? Thank you to all my faithful readers. I apologize for the wait. Please let me know how you enjoy this chapter:)
Alex returned to her room and started to get into her night gown. Her mind occupied with Gandalfs words, and what was yet to come in this world if she were to stay there. Suddenly she heard a very loud (somewhat high pitched) yell coming from Sams bedroom. Alex rushed out into the hall to see what was going on, and found that there were about 10 or so people already in the hallway, trying to find out what all the comotion was about. She managed to spot Merry, Pippin and Mark so she started to head over towards where they were standing-until she observed what everyone was staring at...Samwise Gamgee had honey dripping from his side and arm. Mark was clever there, Alex had to admit, knowing that when Sam slipped he'd grab the table and get himself even MORE messy.
Gandalf was there by a very angry Sam, when he stood to his full height and said "I demand to know who is responsible for this mischief!". Alex wanted to be invisable at that moment, just KNOWING that someone would find her out. But then, she came up with a delightful idea "I tried to stop them Gandalf..I really did..but Merry and Pippin just wouldn't hear of it. You know how hobbits are, and when Mark gave them the idea to pour honey in everyones rooms-oh yes, I would warn you that everyones rooms are soaked with honey- Mark joined in with the hobbits to create havoc. I tried to go off to find someone to stop them, but by then it was meal time and the damage was done"
Alex kept her gaze on Gandalf the whole time, but she could feel Marks glare. Gandalf turned to the group of Merry, Pippin & Mark who by now the crowd had found and stepped away from, leaving them out in the open to be punished. Merry said "Shes not telling the truth Gandalf! You know we would never do a thing like that !!" Pippin nodded vigorously and added "Besides, she was there while we poured the honey in Sams room!" Mark groaned, and Merry smacked the back of Pippins head "Nice one..". Pippin gave a blank look and said "What? What did I do?" Gandalf had a small smile at watching bickering but he wiped it from his face and said "Since you three have decided to not only ruin property that was not your own, but you've also taken food from the pantry-first thing in the morning you will be responsible for scrubbing each floor" Mark opened his mouth to yell in protest "No way! I am NOT--" Gandalf raised his hand to silence him and continued "You will also help serve tomorrows meals at dining times since you have no way of replacing the food that you've ruined...I feel that is sufficent enough punishment, don't you?" Pippin began to protest, but Merry put a hand to his mouth to quickly shut him up. Mark was rubbing the back of his neck, he said "Ok, its fine.." knowing that if they argued with Gandalf they'd only get more & more chores to do. Gandalf nodded "Mmhm...Now, everyone back to their previous activities..there is nothing more to be done here"
As everyone began to walk away, Sam gave the three a good long glare and said "Just you wait, you'll get yours!" and with that he went into his room and slammed the door shut. Merry stuck out his tongue at the door, and said "In your dreams fatso!". He turned to Mark and said "That girl of yours needs a good fall on the face" Mark replied "Oh don't you worry..I'll make sure she gets it!"
Alex was trying to blend in with the crowd as the walked away. She wanted revenge against Mark, yes, but she hadn't imagined all the work they'd have to do to. She knew Mark wouldn't be the happiest, but these things happen...now only a few more steps to her room and she'd be safe---Mark grabbed her arm and spun her towards him "Going somewhere?" he asked, eyebrows raised "Uh..hah..yeah...I was just going to get into bed so yes I'm going now goodbye!" she tried to pull out of his grasp but he seemed determined not to let her budge. "Oh no no no" Mark said "You are going to explain to me why you just did that! Do you have any idea how long its going to take us to scrub this place, AND serve the meals? I can't believe you did that!" Alex smiled, her plan worked. "Mark, do you recall earlier when we were dining...yes I thought you might. Well, you decided to play a little 'joke' on me, and I thought it only fair to return the favor on a bit larger scale" Mark grabbed her other arm too "Aaarrrrggghhhh!! Did you know I hate you!!" he let go of her arms and started tickling her. She laughed and started running back towards her room, Mark chasing her. She reached her door and went inside, Mark let up on the tickling and he said "I will get you back for this, don't think I will forget!" he winked at her. She licked her lips and said "Ooh..I feel very, very threatened..NOT!!"
Mark looked at Alex, really looked at her..Her cheeks were glowing from her heart beating fast as she was laughing and running from his playfulness. Her hair was down and falling in her eyes a bit as the rest of it was on her shoulders. He loved her hair..why had he never noticed before? Alex was shifting from one foot to another and said "Ok, enough with the staredown don't you think?". Mark had to do it, he wanted to, everything about him wanted to..he stepped closer to her and before she could argue he kissed her. A kiss that he never realized how much he wanted before this very moment.