Decisions

The sun was low in sky and most hobbits would be preparing their dinner. Bilbo had forgotten all about his own as he wandered the house gathering all the things he would need if he were to go on a long journey away from Hobbiton.

He had his pack open, and all his possessions were spread out on all the living room chairs. As he stood pondering whether he had forgotten any essential items, a firm knock came from the front door. Bilbo looked towards it but didn't move from the spot he was standing. Whoever it was would soon go away. Another knock came, and Bilbo hesitated slightly; he did not like to be rude but this was an inconvenient time.

When a third knock came Bilbo could not ignore any longer. Sighing he abandoned his things and went to open the front door. He just hoped it wasn't another Sackville-Baggins coming to give his grief, but as he swung the door open there stood Hamfast looking sheepish.

"Sorry to disturb you Mister Baggins," said the hobbit, "but I've just come to let you know that I've finished tending to your garden for this week. "

"Oh," replied Bilbo rather absentmindedly, "thank you Hamfast."

"It is no trouble Mister Baggins. I've dead headed all the plants that needed doing. They are all looking splendid if I do say so myself." said Hamfast looking proud.

Bilbo smiled, "Thank you, you have done an amazing job. How much do I owe you?" he asked, patting his pockets for money.

"You've already paid me Mister Baggins. You gave me an advanced payment last month, remember?"

"Oh! Yes I remember now. I'm sorry my mind is elsewhere."

Hamfast looked at his friend more closely now, "Are you alright Mister Baggins?"

"Yes, I'm fine, and how many times do I have to tell you? Stop calling me Mister Baggins; it is too formal for my liking. Call me Bilbo. We are friends after all."

"Sorry Mister Bag… I mean Bilbo." Hamfast shrugged, "It's a habit I suppose."

Bilbo chuckled at that, "I know. I don't suppose you could do me a favour?"

"Of course," replied Hamfast looking intrigued now, "anything."

"If I give you another advance payment would you keep tending to the garden? I'm going away for a while, and I need someone I can trust to make sure everything is looked after here."

"You're going away again Mister Bilbo?" asked Hamfast frowning at him with a concerned look on his face.

"Yes," replied Bilbo looking away from his friend's gaze, "I need to get away for a while."

"How long for?"

"I don't know." answered Bilbo honestly, "Not too long I expect."

"When do you plan to go?"

"Tomorrow morning."

"Tomorrow?" repeated Hamfast, flabbergasted, "So soon?" Bilbo just nodded in reply, "Will you at least come to the Green Dragon Inn tonight? It's Bell's birthday and she was hoping you would come to celebrate. You didn't forget did you?"

He had forgotten. Well not entirely, he knew it was Bell's birthday but in his sudden rush to leave Hobbiton he had forgotten that the birthday celebrations were that night, "No, I just…" Bilbo trailed off. He couldn't leave without showing his face. He was a hobbit that kept his word. "Of course I'll come. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

A big smiled spread across Hamfast's face now. "I am glad you are coming Mister Bilbo. Bell will be so pleased."

Smiling Bilbo said, "Yes. Well, let me go get you your money for the garden." He then went into the house to find some coins before coming back to make his payment to Hamfast, who then left, after they arranged to meet at the inn within the hour.

Bilbo quickly got ready, changing into one of his finest suits with the colours of gold and green. He then made his way in the direction of the Green Dragon Inn. In his arms he carried Bell's gift; a hamper full of rich foods and specialised drinks. He was thankful that he had not forgotten her gift as he had put the hamper together a few days previous.

As he approached the inn he could see that the place was already bursting with hobbits as laughter and singing billowed out. Some called greetings to him as he navigated his way through the crowd, and he would reply a "Good evening!" in response. Once he got to the bar he looked around to find Bell. Eventually he spotted her in the corner of the room at a table laughing with a group of hobbits, including Hamfast. Bilbo made his way towards them with a big smile on his face.

"Happy birthday Bell!" he beamed at Bell as she turned around to greet him.

"Bilbo!" she squeaked in delight, "I'm so glad you came."

"Of course I came. How could I not?"

"Oh it is good to see you." she said trying to pull him into a hug, which was proving rather difficult with the hamper in his arms.

"You too. I got you a little something." he said lifting the hamper up a little higher.

"For me?" asked Bell astonished, "Oh Bilbo you didn't need to get me all this."

"If you can't be spoilt on your birthday, when can you be?"

He then handed the hamper over to Bell who thanked him profusely for his generosity. The others at the table invited Bilbo to sit with them and he enjoyed a drink and a chat, although he mainly listened to rather than engaged in conversation. This did not bother him however, as he was very content to sit and listen to the stories that were going around Hobbiton, although a thought crossed his mind that he was probably the subject of such talks when he was absent.

As the night drew on, a band started playing and most hobbits decided it was time to have a bit of a dance. Everyone grabbed their partners and enjoyed the upbeat sounds from the rhythm of the band. Bilbo however just stayed in his seat and watched everyone dancing. His fingers tapped the table as he sat thinking about the journey he was about to make the following day. Was he a fool to think he could journey on his own? As he sat relaxed, he wondered if it was really what he wanted.

He was soon brought out of his day dream when Bell stood in front of him, her hands on her hips. "Bilbo, why are sitting there all alone?" she asked, catching her breath from all the dancing.

"I don't really dance." he answered, knowing full well that he was about to persuaded into the activity.

"Oh but you must!" she said incredulously, "I can't have you sitting her like this."

Bilbo blushed a little as he admitted, "I don't have a partner."

"Ah." Bell scanned the room and rested her eyes at the bar where stood a young woman. "Well," she looked back at him, "my cousin Lola is in need of a partner too. I think you should ask her."

"Oh I don't know."

"Go on! Come on I'll introduce you." Bell then grabbed Bilbo's arm and dragged him towards Lola who looked at the pair approaching in surprise. "Lola this is Bilbo. Bilbo this is Lola." The pair greeted each other awkwardly, and then Bell left them to get better acquainted.

"So…" started Bilbo, "Are you enjoying the party?"

"It's alright." replied Lola looking around, "Just wish I was dancing."

"You can dance with me if you like?" asked Bilbo slightly embarrassed, "I'm not a brilliant dancer though."

To his astonishment Lola accepted and the pair found a space to dance amongst the other hobbits. Bilbo danced with Lola the best he could. Whenever he looked over at Hamfast and Bell they smiled at him encouragingly. Perhaps his dancing wasn't so bad after all? With more drink and his spirits rising he found himself thoroughly enjoying his night. Eventually he and Lola needed to rest because of the sheer boiling temperature that had built up inside the inn.

"It is so hot." exclaimed Lola trying to fan herself cool.

"Maybe we can sit down for a bit?" suggested Bilbo. "I'll get us some more drinks."

"Yes, good idea." She replied and hurriedly made her way towards a table as Bilbo went to the bar.

His mind buzzed from the excitement of the night, and his body relaxed from the effects of the alcohol. As he stood waiting for his drinks, he pondered again whether he really wanted to go on a journey. Tonight had been the best night he had experienced in a long time. He did not feel like an outsider, and his mind dared to think that Lola may actually be enjoying his company.

Once receiving his two drinks off the barmaid he turned towards the table to find Lola wasn't there. He wandered around until someone advised him that she had gone outside. Stepping out into the summer night's air, Bilbo struggled to see where Lola had gone in the darkness. It wasn't long until he could make out female voices coming from around the corner of the building. He followed the voices and then stopped just before he reached the corner.

"…he seems very nice but I don't know…" said one of the voices.

"He is one of the finest hobbits in the Shire." said another voice that Bilbo could tell was Bell's. "I mean I know he is a little eccentric at times but he is very kind and generous. He seems to really like you too."

"I like him as well." Bilbo's heart jumped at that moment until, "But as a friend. I could not court someone like him."

"Why ever not?"

"Bell you should know why." answered Lola defensively, "He is the talk of the town. Everyone knows about that adventure he's been on. He went with some strange characters too. Dwarves I hear. That is not normal. He isn't normal."

Taking a step back Bilbo did not wish to hear any more. He quickly turned around and went back into the inn. Finding the closest table, he dumped the drinks he held in his hands, and walked back outside again. He walked and walked as fast as he could until he was finally home.

Once inside he felt his eyes mist as he repeated Lola's voice in his head. He isn't normal. Bilbo just about managed to control his emotions with a deep intake of breath. He had been a fool to think about staying here. Well, he would give the town something else to talk about.