Author's note:
Next up is chapter 6. I swear each chapter is growing longer and longer... thanks to those who reviewed. To those who are reading, I thank you for taking your time to read my story. Enjoy.
(If there are OOCs in the characters or wrong info given, I apologize)
Disclaimer: LOTR is owned by Tolkein.
Chapter 5 – The Months in Hobbiton (part1)
'We will do our best to find your daughter...'
What's going on?
'Please… help us find back our daughter, she is not the type who will run away from home. I believed there might be something bad happening to her!'
Dad? Why, I am in the living room!
'I have called all her friends, Betsy and YiXin especially, but, they say that she is not in their houses or with them.'
Mom, I am here! Mom! Why can't they hear me!
'Because you are not in your world Child … you are still on Middle Earth. Don't you remember how you come here…?'
That voice. It's you again! What do you want? Why did you bring me here!
'I did not bring you here Jacqueline. The book did.'
Then, then why did that frigging book choose me?
'The book did not choose you… Valar or in your words, destiny has chosen you…'
Destiny? I don't understand…
'Why, it is you who have picked up the book, and not others who have passed by. Fate works in strange ways…'
Come to think of it, other people walk to and fro around that area; yet, they just glanced at it and walked away. Shit! Don't tell me that my curiosity is the reason why I am here!
Wait! then tell me why the book dropped in my country? I mean, Middle Earth is equivalent to New Zealand or America! Why in Singapore then?
'That I do not know child… I have seen your world, and indeed, I too wonder why the book would fall into a place irrelevant to the context of Middle Earth… perhaps again, it's the work of Valar…'
…. Okay… more destiny stuff… I give up… But, I have to know.
Can I go back to my home? Do you know of any way I can go back from Middle Earth?
…
…
…
…
Hello! Voice?
'You are here for a reason Child. You can change the fate of Middle Earth, either for the better or for the worst…'
Yes, I know! I read too many fanfictions to know that for one from my world come to Middle Earth, he…well… mostly SHE has to be part of the entire Ring FIASCO! But you haven't answered my question!
CAN I GO BACK?
'No Child… you cannot go back…'
…
You mean I am stuck here for all my life!
'But for now… much wizardry and magic is required for such a task… but there might be a way…
So you are saying that there's still a chance?
'Yes… but the possibility is slim child…'
Then I will hold on to that. I cannot leave my family and friends in my world and stay here.
'…I see…'
By the way, who are you?
'All will be revealed in due time. It seems that you have found Gandalf the Grey… stay with him and remain low Child and may the Valar guide you in your path…'
Wait!
"WAIT!"
I opened my eyes, only to face the cream painted ceiling. I groaned and sat up from my bed wearily, my hair all ruffled up and messy. That's when I realized that I had actually slept with my spectacles on!
"Must have been too nervous and too tired from yesterday… Stupid me…" I muttered as I took down my specs to rub my eyes.
"Jacqueline?" A familiar voice came from beside me but was filled with worry. I turn to my left, and met with sparkling blue eyes.
"Fro…Frodo!" I exclaimed in shock, "What are you doing in my room!"
The hobbit looked down, looking at a random spot on the floor. I could see his pointed ears becoming slightly red. In embarrassment I believed. I could not help but giggle mentally at his cuteness.
"You have been talking in your sleep for quite sometime. Gandalf and Bilbo are quite worried for you, especially Gandalf." He said softly from under his curly bangs.
"Do you still fear me Frodo?" I asked outright, for somehow, I could sense fear and distrust emitting from the young hobbit.
Frodo looked up abruptly. "No! I…" then he paused, his face redden deeply. "… I do not fear you Jacqueline… although when I first saw you, no offence, you were quite huge in size, just like the dwarves Bilbo befriended with, but just much taller. I was at first frightened by you but once I have known you a little better, you are quite interesting and pleasant and… you are a friend of Gandalf… so…"
I stared at the hobbit, amazed by his sincere and honest answer. I smiled gratefully.
"Thank you Frodo… and with that, let us reintroduce ourselves again," I stretched out my right hand towards him and grinned widely, "I am Jacqueline. Let's be great friends. Oh yeah, you are suppose to shake it, like that time in the kitchen."
At first he was confused again, but after a while, a beautiful smile graced on his lips and my heart raced a little again. Frodo took my hand and shook it. "I am Frodo Baggins and am honored to be your friend."
"Same here." I gave a toothy grin. "So… You said I am talking in my sleep?"
Frodo nodded, slightly frowning.
"Gandalf was the first to hear your murmurings and he stayed by you throughout the early morning till now…"
'Shit! Don't tell me he heard the conversation!' In alarm, I immediately put back on my spectacles and got out of the bed. Frodo stood up from his seat, bewildered. "Jacqueline?"
"Where's Gandalf?" I asked, walking briskly to the round door of my room. My main objective now is to confront Gandalf and ask him what he heard about during in my sleep and also what I have to do here in the Shire. Stay low… how am I supposed to do that!
"He had already left the Shire in the morning." I halted in my track. "He will be back to bring more fireworks for the up-coming celebration so he should returned before the party. Do not worry."
That old wizard… if he's gone, then what am I going to do here? I am supposed to follow him after all! I groaned in despair. Just then, I felt a hand tapping my shoulder from behind and turned to see Frodo handing me a folded paper.
"Gandalf left this letter. He said that no one should read it except you." I took the letter and he walked to the door.
"After which, will you like to join Bilbo and I for lunch? Later, I can show you Hobbiton if you like."
Frodo twisted his body and asked, his eyes promised much fun and interest in the tour.
"Okay… I mean I love to. But, I will like to wash up first." I grinned sheepishly, forgetting that on MiddleEarth, slangs like 'cool' and 'okay' were not in their dictionaries.
"Then we will be in the main kitchen waiting." And with that, the door closed softly, leaving me with some privacy. I immediately unfolded the paper, revealing neat cursive words. I scanned the letter.
It read:
To Jacqueline,
I am sorry for leaving you abruptly after our meeting. If you have received this letter from Frodo, I believed that boy have already told you the reason of my sudden departure. Bilbo is willing to accommodate you in Bag End during my absence and if there are problems with adapting to the environment, he and Frodo will do their best to help you.
Remember Child, be careful in your conversations with anyone. Do not reveal your knowledge to anyone, unless you believed that the person is trustworthy. Frodo has already known about your knowledge, and he has sworn secrecy of it. Bilbo still remained uninformed, for reasons I have yet to confirm.
I will be back soon. For now, enjoy your stay in the Shire. We will discuss of the dream you made when I return.
Gandalf.
"So Gandalf had told Frodo about it… but he did not tell Bilbo yet… must have been because of the One ring he is carrying…"
Gandalf should have already noticed Bilbo's peculiar habit of always placing his hand into his left vest pocket, to feel the Ring. He was a wizard! Of course he was supposed to be sharp to notice that!
Putting the letter in my pockets, I grabbed my towel from the chair and off to the Bathroom!
Time to start off my new life in Middle Earth right.
By the time I reached the main Kitchen, the smell of roasted chicken filled the entire area. On the rather large hobbit table, there were plates of mashed potatoes, salads, fruits, roasted chicken and… a lot, a lot of meat. I was overwhelmed by the amount of food presented on the table.
"Ah! Good afternoon my dear! You are just in time for lunch!" Bilbo greeted merrily at me from his seat. I smiled back warmly and greeted back.
Frodo stood up from his seat beside Bilbo and walked to me. "My lady," he said and gave a low bow, "I shall bring you to your seat." He reached out his hand to me and gave a charming smile.
I blushed at his actions. Back where I come from, no male had been this gentlemanly towards me for such guys were nearly in extinction. But in Middle Earth, everything was all opposite and Frodo was one living example. 'I better get used to such behavior if I were to adapt here…' I had a gut feeling that I was going to experience more of such things later on.
Playing along with Frodo, I curtsied awkwardly and took his hand. "My lord, thank you…." I too tried to smile charming at him but all this were too weird for me. "You don't have to do that again Frodo. I am no lady for you to act this gentlemanly." I said with an embarrassed grin.
"Nonsense, you are a lady," Bilbo exclaimed in between his bites of chicken, "though you looked and dressed like a man…"
"Bilbo!" Frodo said warningly at his speech, though his face had an amused smile.
"Your uncle is right you know." I laughed as Frodo guide me to my seat opposite of Bilbo.
"If you wear a dress, I assure you will look like a lady, Jacqueline." With a sincere smile, Frodo returned to his seat and started piling up his plate with mashed potatoes. I imagined myself wearing a hobbit dress and stifled a laugh.
"Nah, it will look weird on me. No dresses can fit for a girl like me."
"Don't you worry, Frodo here shall bring you to the tailor shop in Hobbiton later to make some dresses for you. But for now…" Bilbo said but was interrupted by a knock on the main door.
"Ah! Just in time! Frodo my lad, open the door and welcome our guest in."
"Who is it Bilbo?" The younger hobbit questioned as he went and opened the door.
"Good day Mister Frodo!" A warm, gruff voice came from outside. My mind clicked at the voice. 'Why it is…'
"Sam! What are you doing here? I thought today is a day off for you from the gardening?" Frodo cried in surprise as he moved aside from the entrance.
"Well Mister Frodo, Mister Bilbo has made a request to borrow some dresses from Old Gaffer, and I am here to bring them." A stocky hobbit was revealed as Frodo closed the door.
My heart leapt with excitement and also fear. I did not expect to meet another member of the fellowship this soon, especially Samwise Gamgee. I stood up from my seat, waiting to be introduced. Bilbo too stood up and walked to my side.
"But why would Mister Bilbo want dresses, Mister Frodo?" Sam said with curiosity as he shifted the package he brought in his arms. Frodo did not replyy but smiled mysterious.
"Come Sam, I wish to introduce you to someone."
"Someone? You mean there's a guest here Mister Frodo?" Sam voiced out as he was dragged into the Kitchen by a grinning Frodo. Sam was wearing almost the same as Frodo, with a plain sandy brown jacket above his white collared shirt and a pair of olive pants that stop a few inches above his ankles.
"Good afternoon Samwise Gamgee. Thank you for delivering the dresses as requested." Bilbo greeted with a welcoming smile.
"Mister Bilbo! It's not much but that's all that old Gaffer could provide… " Sam returned the greeting and he was about to walk over to Bilbo when he noticed me for the first time. The reaction I had from Sam was quite amusing for he froze at his spot and dropped the package down on to the floor. His eyes became as big as saucers and his mouth opened and closed like a goldfish.
"Th…This…this…" Sam stuttered as he pointed towards me in shock. Frodo could not help but laughed heartily, his lilting laughter filled the entire kitchen. Bilbo too joined in the laughter, causing me and Sam to both be flustered.
Though I should also laugh at his reaction, in the end, I decided to give a friendly smile towards the flustered hobbit.
"Hello. This is the first time we met. I am Jacqueline." I again stretched out my hand. Sam looked at me and down at my hand cautiously, already out of his flustered self.
"Don't worry Sam, she's a friend of Gandalf," Frodo said, giving assurance to him with a pat on his back. Sam looked at Frodo and back towards me. With a shaky smile, he cautiously took my hand and gave a slight shake. "I am Samwise Gamgee or Sam, Ms…ms Jacqueline."
"Do not fear me Mister Gamgee, for I do not eat hobbits for lunch." I said with a wry grin. Sam gulped in fear as he backed away from me.
"My dear, I believed you have frightened our dear Sam enough." Bilbo remarked in amusement as he picked up the package from the floor and opened it to inspect the goods.
"She may be huge and tall, Sam, but she is quite tamed." Frodo said, trying to relieve his gardener from his fear.
"Tamed?" I questioned with a raised eyebrow as he winked at me. Sam looked at me for a moment longer before blushing deeply and gave an apology for his behavior. I waved the apology off with a gentle smile, which somehow made Sam relaxed slightly, but his guard was still up.
"Come dear Sam, you have joined us at the right time for luncheon. Let's eat!" Bilbo announced. Sam's ears perked up at the sound of luncheon and nodded.
Frodo and Sam took a seat beside each other and I was about to return to my seat when Bilbo handed me the package.
"Here you go my dear, our gaffer's wife's dresses should somewhat fit you. You shall dress in this for a few days before your dresses are made."
I opened the package, revealing neatly folded hobbit dresses. At least three sets, I mused and thanked Bilbo.
"Thank you Mister Gamgee and please pass my thanks to Old gaffer for the dresses. Or do you wish to be called Sam?" I smiled to Sam, who reddened again. "Sam, Ms Jacqueline and you are welcome." Sam said shyly, ruffling his sandy curly hair with his hand.
"Then call me Jacqueline too." I corrected. My gaze turned to Frodo, who gave me another amused smile.
"Go Jacqueline, try them on." Bilbo prompted and with a slight nod, I went to the nearest bathroom to try one on.
To my surprise, it seems that Old Gaffer's wife, or Sam's mother, should be around the same size as me for her dresses somewhat fitted me nicely. For the one I was changing into, it consisted of a plain brown skirt that reached a few inches below my knees, (For a hobbit, I assumed should be quite long.), a pale blue dress that has slightly puffed up sleeves and a low neckline, which I was not too comfortable with. It was slightly shorter than the skirt by one or two inches, and a plain dark blue vest was worn over with strings at the front, which were supposed to be tied and tightened around the chest area to shape the dress, or so I thought. I stared at myself in the mirror and could not help but laughed.
I saw a plump Chinese girl wearing a knee-length 17th or 18th century costume, her black amused eyes looking back at mine beneath her spectacles.
'Actually, I look more like a cosplayer for Pirates of the Caribbean, the worst kind.' I thought, shaking my head at the image in front. 'Perhaps I am more suited wearing a shirt and a pair of pants…'
After looking at myself in the mirror for the last time, I grabbed my own clothes and the rest of the dresses back into my room without getting lost, (after all Bag End is like a maze of corridors!) and went to the kitchen.
'I should be thankful that I ever found a dress that fit my size somehow…and I really need to lose weight… very important…' I thought seriously, tugging my skirt and dress down slightly.
"From another world? Why that's the queerest thing I have ever heard in my life Mister Bilbo." Sam's voice rang from the kitchen in amazement.
'So Frodo and Bilbo had told him.'
"It is indeed queer, but it is also true. You have seen her dressing and her looks. It is the evidence of her world Sam. Also, Gandalf would not have lied to us about her," Frodo reasoned, his plate cleaned from food. "Why did you see the thing on the bridge of her nose, it is unlike what we seen in Shire!"
"It is called spectacles. It is a device that helped improve your eyesight if failed." I explained, as I entered, causing the three hobbits to jump and turned towards me. Only to find them widening their eyes and stared openly at me.
I shifted my feet uncomfortably under their stare. "It looks weird on me doesn't it? Okay, I am changing to my old clothes… Or do you have any shirts or pants that fit me somehow Bilbo?"
"Nonsense! It looks nice on you Child. A lady should wear a dress, not male attire!" Bilbo commented as he scrutinized my appearance from his seat, "…the skirt and dress should be much longer… but I was right in your measurements." He huffed in approval.
Sam and Frodo continued to gape at my appearance. "Frodo? Sam? You don't find it weird?" I asked, pulling my sleeves down self consciously.
"…no…you looked more like a lady now," Frodo said, his face slightly redden. "…a little more like the female hobbits now in that dress…"
"Mister Frodo is right. At first I thought you are a Man, but now, I can see you are indeed a lady Ms Jacqueline." Sam answered sincerely, his face too slightly red.
He also thought I am a man! Hmm…perhaps I should cross-dress one day for the fun of it...
I smiled gratefully at the three hobbits and sat down at my original seat. After which, I began to eat some of the food, a few spoonful of mashed potatoes and a piece of drumstick given kindly by Bilbo.
Once all of us have our fill, Bilbo excused himself from the table.
"I believed I have to start on my plans for the big celebration and by then, it shall be the talk all over Shire!" He exclaimed, his wizened eyes twinkled mischievously, promising much surprises. Frodo laughed, whereas I grinned at his enthusiasm.
"Oh yes, Frodo perhaps you can bring old gaffer's dresses to the tailor and have Jacqueline's dresses to be made in that measurement." Bilbo said and with that, he left the kitchen, perhaps to his study to prepare for the big party I know and saw in the movie back in my world.
"So, shall we go to Hobbiton then Jacqueline?" Frodo said, standing up and began to clear the plates. I nodded and thanked him, though knowing thanks were not enough to repay back the kindness and accommodation given. "Sam will you like to join us?" Frodo asked, turning towards him.
"If it shouldn't be much of a trouble Mister Frodo. After all, I still have to do some grocery at Hobbiton for Old Gaffer." Sam piped in, too standing up and thanked for the meal, but his gaze towards me still held a bit of caution.
After clearing the plates to the sink, Frodo tugged his brown vest slightly and straightening his attire. "Well then, shall we my lady?" He bowed and extended his hand with a grin. I laughed and accepted his hand.
"Yes My lord." I curtsied again, this time less awkward, playing along and together, we left Bag End to Hobbiton hand in hand. Behind us followed Sam, who just shook his head and gave an amused smile at our actions.
My sandals made 'plip plop' sounds on the semi-dry ground as I walked down BagShot Row. Bag Shot row was not as densely populated as Hobbiton which I passed by with Gandalf. There were a few smials lined at one side and fields of vegetation and flowers filled the other side. A few hobbits had already been out and about in the fields and some were outside their smials, tending to their flourished gardens.
The sun was high above the sky, shining its warm rays down to the land and a few white clouds floated across the clear blue sky. All in all, it was a beautiful day in the Shire. I breathed in the fresh humid and earthy air.
'Frodo's eyes are like the sky, clear and always warm…' I mused, reminded of my first meeting with the ringbearer.
I felt stares on me and turned to find the residents looking at me with fear and caution. Those on the fields too stared at me for quite some time, pausing at their duties. I shuddered at the intensity. Just then, I felt someone taking hold of my right hand gently.
"They are just curious and wary of strangers entering the Shire. After a while, once they get to know you, they will stop gradually." Frodo's voice rang softly in my ears as he grasped my hand slightly tighter, giving me somewhat assurance. I nodded with a weak smile and took a deep breath. 'Well for them to know me first, I have to…'
"GOOD AFTERNOON I AM JACQUELINE AND I SHALL BE STAYING IN BAG END FOR A WHILE. SO HOPE THAT WE WILL ALL GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER SOON! THAT is all." I introduced myself in my loudest and ending with my friendliest smile I could mustered.
I heard silence over coming the Row and I sweatdropped, still retaining that smile. 'Okay… perhaps I might have scared them further…'
Then I looked at those outside the smials. The hobbits were shaking, perhaps from fear and upon seeing me, some nodded wildly before they dropped down their tools and ran back into their smials. Some gave a weak smile before ignoring me and continue their duties, their eyes staying to the ground. I looked towards the fields. I locked eyes with a young looking female hobbit and she jumped. I smiled again, this time softly and nodded towards her. The female hobbit returned the smile shakily and too nodded before turning her back towards me.
"The fields look really beautiful." I complimented loudly to those in the fields, hoping to lessen the tension in the atmosphere and I began to move again, blushing slightly at my actions, not waiting to see their reactions.
'Well, my action is going to be the talk of the town I believed, so shit…' I groaned mentally, walking faster. "Jacqueline! Wait up!" Frodo cried from behind and I halted in my steps. I turned and saw Frodo and Sam running towards me. When the two reached in font of me, Frodo broke down and laughed heartily, grabbing a blushing Sam by the shoulder to steady himself. I stared ridiculously at Frodo as he tried to stop laughing.
"Frodo… it's not meant to be funny." I said seriously, my face became hotter.
"Sorry Jacqueline, but you are the first from the Big Folk or Man to have done that in the Shire! I believed your presence here shall cause uproar with us hobbits, just like Bilbo!" Frodo explained in between laughs. I smiled sheepishly.
"But it was awfully brave of you to do so, Ms Jacqueline," Sam said softly, his face reddening further. "Big Folks have their own notable traits, and though you are the first I have seen and had scared me somehow in our fist meeting, but to be honest, a somewhat nice lady you are."
I stared at Sam incredulously and could not help but smile fondly at him. Though Sam looked so much like the actor playing his role to be a support and loyal friend of Frodo, but right in front of me, was a real and compassionate hobbit who was responsible in his duties, something which I did not get to experience in the films. He too had already taken a place in my heart beside Frodo.
"Thank you Sam, for your kind words." I smiled sincerely at him, in turn causing him to blush further.
"Then… then let us continue to Hobbiton!" Sam exclaimed before he walked briskly ahead, leaving me and Frodo behind.
Frodo and I locked eyes and laughed.
"But, I am glad Sam has trusted me somehow… you hobbits really are quite wary of Man…" I said softly, watching Sam walked ahead.
"There are many tales about the Big Folks in Shire… most are usually not that pleasant...But Gandalf was one of the few that us hobbits knew and respected to. Thus they can tolerate his presence here in the Shire…" Frodo explained. "Don't worry, once they get to know you, they too will do the same. As long as you do not do anything that will cause an uproar, which I am sadly to say, you have already done."
I sighed and looked towards Frodo, who returned my gaze with his. With a big grin, I reasoned. "Well, I always have a knack to do something unexpected… but it's quite rare actually. But… I am glad I have you as a friend." Frodo smiled. "Me too…"
"Mister Frodo! Ms Jacqueline! Let us hurry!" Sam's voice came from the distance.
"Does Sam always be that polite?" I asked as the two of us ran down the path to where Sam was.
"He is always like that… but that's one of his good qualities." Frodo answered and reuniting with an impatient Sam, the three of us continued our trip to Hobbiton.
When we finally reached Hobbiton, it was bustling with activity. Hobbits were walking about the square of the town, doing their daily businesses. There were small cottages neatly around the town square and wooden signboards were hung outwards, making swinging noises into the already bustling town. A few tables were placed outside one cottage, and were filed with hobbits of both genders talking merrily, eating and drinking. Stalls had already been set up and the tenders had already started to sell their goods.
"Woah…" I muttered as I saw the scene in front of me. Why, everyone were all shorter than me by at least one head!
Frodo grinned at my reaction and gently took my plump hand.
"Come, we must first go to the Tailor."
"Mister Frodo, I will do Old Gaffer's grocery then. I will see you and Ms Jacqueline outside the shop." Sam said and with that, he left to one corner of the town, where stalls of vegetables, fruits and meat could be seen from our distance.
I looked around at my surroundings and again received stares and looks from the passing hobbits.
"'Why isn't that a Big Folk? A huge one in fact!" I overheard one male hobbit say nearby.
"What is she doing here?"
"Look, she's with Frodo Baggins! That means she's a friend of Bilbo Baggins then?"
"I saw her, she was together with that wizard the other day!"
"Look at her face!"
"Is something going to happen in the Shire?"
Murmurs filled the air as every hobbit stopped their duties to look at the new stranger in Hobbiton. I groaned inwardly at the attention. I could understand somehow, who would not find a human girl, twice their size and height coming to a town filled with small-sized hobbits strange? I gripped Frodo's hand more tightly as Frodo led me to a shop as quickly as his hobbit feet could carry him. When we finally entered the shop and closed the door, the mutterings ceased, and the quietness and peacefulness of the shop overwhelmed me.
"Lily! Are you there?" Frodo said loudly as he walked forward to the untended counter in front of me. I looked around and smiled at the simple yet cozy interior in the shop. There were a few shelves built onto the cream walls and on them were stacks of neatly folded clothes, each some what arranged by their sizes and genders. On the counter, there was a huge basket woven from reed and was filled with all kinds of sewing equipments. Rolls of strings, needles, wooden rulers you named it. Long stretches of hobbit styled cloth laid on the top of the counter while behind it, was a huge and enormous shelf that almost covered the wall, filled with rolls of such cloth.
"Frodo? Is that you?" A warm motherly voice came from behind the counter.
"Yes Milady, and I have brought a friend of mine to have some clothes made for her." Frodo answered as he motioned me to come forward.
"I see, then Frodo, do you have your friend's measurement… Oh my!" A female hobbit popped up from behind the counter, revealing a plump, middle-aged woman with grey curly hair that was tied in a messy bun. When she saw me, she too, like Sam, jumped and stared at me.
"Lily, I like you to meet Jacqueline. Jacqueline, Lily Cotton, she's one of the best tailor in the entire Shire." Frodo introduced as I smiled to the female hobbit.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Cotton." I said politely with a slight nod. Mrs. Cotton snapped out of her daze and gave a weak smile.
"So you are the new stranger that everyone in Hobbiton has been talking about. You came together with Gandalf the grey are you not?"
"Yes Madam. I did not expect my arrival to cause err… commotion here," I replied sheepishly, fingering the hem of my vest nervously.
"She's staying at Bag End for a while and needs a few sets of dresses for her stay, if that not much of a trouble, Lily." Frodo announced, trying to lessen the awkwardness. Mrs. Cotton smiled at Frodo and nodded.
"So do you have her measurements then?" She asked. Frodo shook his head. "But she was able to wear Old Gaffer's wife's dresses. But the skirt and dress should be longer and it was tight at her waist."
Mrs. Cotton nodded, her eyes staring thoughtfully at me. "You are quite huge for a human, Ms Jacqueline, but I can still make a dress that will fit you and bring out the hobbit in you, though your looks maybe different. Come, stand over at that corner and I shall take your measurements." She said as she pointed to the far left corner of the shop, where there was a hobbit-length mirror. My eyes traveled to Frodo's and he nodded with a gentle smile, assuring me that he would be staying with me.
"Come child. Do not worry. It will be all over within a few minutes." Mrs. Cotton said gently like a mother coaxing a child to eat. I followed her to a corner and there she took my measurements as promised within a few minutes.
After the measurement, she led me and Frodo to another room, which was in fact a kitchen and served us with some hobbit snacks and drinks, for it was the start of third luncheon. (I could not believe how many meals a hobbit could have within a day.) There we conversed.
"How do you find the Shire so far Ms Jacqueline?" Mrs. Cotton asked as she sat opposite me and Frodo.
"It's quite peaceful and interesting." I replied honestly, munching on to a biscuit offered. "I am still trying to get used to the stares though."
Frodo laughed lightly, "It will die down gradually. You can try doing it again like the recent incident at BagShot Row."
"Perhaps I will, after all, I am getting tired from the looks." I rebuked and huffed, taking a sip from my drink. Mrs. Cotton looked at the two of us with amusement.
"It seems that you two get along quite well," she mused as Frodo blushed slightly whereas I smiled at him fondly. "He kind of reminds me of my family back home. he and Bilbo have been most helpful to me during my stay. I could not thank them enough."
"I see...So where do you come from Ms Jacqueline?"
"!Well…… that… I…"
"So how is your daughter, Lily?" Frodo interrupted, causing Mrs. Cotton to turn her attention away from me. "Oh Rosie is quite fine. The Green Dragon is doing well in fact for these few months…"
I sighed in relief at Frodo's intervention.
"The dresses should be ready within a week time."
"Thank you Mrs. Cotton." I said as Frodo and I walked out of her shop.
"You are welcome Ms Jacqueline, you can drop by into my shop anytime for a chat." She said warmly and I could not help but felt a sense of sadness in my heart. "Take care of her Frodo. I will see you both again then."
"I will Lily, Good Bye." Frodo grinned as the kind female hobbit went back into her shop.
"…She's quite nice actually, like a mother…" I said, my gaze lingering at the spot Mrs. Cotton last stood on. Frodo remained silent as we both stood in front of her shop for a moment.
"Come Jacqueline, we have to find and meet Sam." His hand gently grasping mine and led me away from the shop with slow leisure pace.
'Mom… she must be disheartened by my disappearance greatly…' I thought as I remembered the dream I made last night, remembering my mother's tear-stricken and weary face.
"I miss you mom…" I whispered faintly, looking up at the sky.
"You will get to see your family again… You will go back to your world soon Jacqueline, I am sure Gandalf will find a way…" Frodo said softly, his back still facing me. But I knew he was trying to comfort me.
"I hope so… for if not, I will be getting to know you hobbits a whole lot better." I grinned weakly as I could hear him chuckled in front. Though I still received looks from some surrounding hobbits, but this time, most ignored me and returned to their activities, which I was thankful of.
We reunited with Sam, who was carrying a huge sack, which I assumed where the groceries were carried in, and the two hobbits gave me a through tour of Hobbiton, showing me some of their favourite stalls and shops.
The hobbit shopkeepers when they saw me walking towards their stalls, they turned pale in their skin, (which was quite amusing actually, for I had never seen one who can whitened their skin that fast just by looking at me.). Only when I smiled and speak to them politely do they relaxed slightly and even tell me more about their wares in timid voices.
I also crossed by a stall selling flowers in full bloom, which was Sam's most favorite.
"But to me, the flowers in Old gaffer's garden are the best looking ones in all of Shire." Sam said with pride as he tenderly fingered some daisies in a basket. "So Old gaffer is a gardener?" I asked, though knowing that Old Gaffer was Sam's father and too like Sam, was a gardener.
"Yes Ms Jacqueline and he is one of the best gardeners in the whole of Shire," he answered proudly, his eyes sparkled. I could not help but giggle at his expression.
"Sam here dreams of becoming the greatest gardener in Shire, just like his father, Old Gaffer." Frodo said beside me, grinning towards Sam, who reddened in embarrassment.
"That was just a wishful dream Mr. Frodo, to think you can still remember it."
"Of course Sam and I believed you can be one. I knew you will in the future, for I saw how you tended our garden at Bag End." Frodo said with conviction in his tone. Sam smiled uncertainly, returning his gaze to the flowers. "I don't know Mister Frodo..."
I kneeled beside Sam, taking a stalk of daisy out from the basket and admiring its simple yet delicate beauty.
"You know Sam, when you have a goal or a dream in your life, no matter how big or how small it is, no matter how ridiculous others may find it to be, just go ahead and strive towards it. After all, you only have one lifetime, do you not?" I asked, looking at Sam. Sam stared at me for a moment, as though trying to comprehend my words and nodded slightly. I grinned and continued, "Do not regret for not fulfilling them Sam, and don't be sadden for the rest of your life. Even if you do not reach your dreams or goals, at least, when you look back, you can still smile and say, 'at least I have done my best.' It's not always the end."
Silence surrounded the three of us as I continued fingering the daisy, feeling its soft petals.
"Then,…" Frodo's voice cut through the silence softly, "what is your dream Jacqueline, back in your world?"
I turned my head towards the two hobbits and grinned. "Well, I wanted to become a comic artist… err… some kind of artist back in my world. I am attending err… a school for artists to improve their skills…" Upon seeing the two hobbits somewhat understanding what I was saying, I continued, "But being an artist is risky in my world, no future, that's what my mother will say… but still, I am not giving up on my dream. So you shouldn't give up on yours Sam!" With that, I patted Sam's back lightly.
"… then I will do my best and fulfill my dream, Ms Jacqueline," Sam said, giving a warm and sincere smile to me and Frodo. "I will not let you and Mister Frodo down and will keep your words in my heart." With that he stood up, slinging his sack over his shoulder and his eyes determined.
"Gambette ne?" I said cheerfully, standing up, only to find the two hobbits staring at me questionably again. "Haha… it err… means good luck in one of the languages from my world." I explained. After which, the two hobbits began to bombard me with questions about my world. Like why are there different languages and is there gardening in my world.
By the time I finished answering the second question, the sky had began to taint with red and orange and Hobbiton was lighted up to prepare for the oncoming darkness.
"It's getting late. Let us return back to our smials for the night." Frodo finally announced and the three of us began our hike back to our respective smials, feeling content. After we reached the bottom of Hobbiton Hill, Frodo and I said good bye to Sam before continuing our hike up the hill, where Bag End and Bilbo awaited.
"Say Frodo, you have heard Sam's and my dream, so what's yours?" I asked curiously, though from the movie, it was that his dream was to follow Bilbo and go on an adventure together, but I wished to hear it from the real Frodo himself.
Frodo did not answer and continued to walk forward.
"Well, if you do not wish to tell me, then it's ok…"
"My dream… it was not as big and ambitious as Sam's……" he answered, his voice trailing off as he stared ahead. "But I do wish to go on an adventure with Bilbo, just like the adventures he told me when I was young, of Dragons and Mirkwood! And later, we will both write our adventures into a book and it will be told to generations and generations in the Shire." He continued on passionately, his blue eyes filled with excitement at the thought. Suddenly, he halted in his steps and turned towards me, his gaze became intense.
"Jacqueline, Gandalf revealed to me that you knew about the future… the future of all of us on Middle Earth…from your world…"
I gulped, my body taking a step back. 'Now then he asks me of my knowledge… but why?'
"I… I just want to know…"
"…" I held my breath, tensing under his gaze.
"… Will I fulfill my dream… and go on an adventure with Bilbo?"
I stared at Frodo, dazed from his question but I snapped out of it.
"Why do you wish to know Frodo?" I asked gently, looking at him. Frodo reddened slightly, but not quite sure if it's the reflection from the reddened sky and answered honestly, "Since you know of my future, I hope you can tell me…"
"You know I cannot Frodo…" I said and saw Frodo's face fell.
"I understand, and I am sorry Jacqueline… for asking such question… please forget this…" he whispered and continued walking.
I sighed and grabbed his hand, causing him to stop and turn to look at me.
"But I will tell you this...You will not be following Bilbo in another adventure…"
Frodo's eyes widened.
"…but you will be going on a totally new adventure by yourself, with your own friends… and see places that Bilbo himself can never experience, my dear friend." I revealed softly, excluding the part about him having to bear a burden of the One ring and destroy it. "That is all I am going to tell. So be thankful." I grinned.
"I will not be going with Bilbo after all…" He whispered, looking towards the overview of Shire from our spot. "But, you can still tell him of your adventures and write them down into a book right?" I added, waiting for Frodo's reaction.
A slow beautiful smile formed on his lips as he turned to me, his bright blue eyes sparkled. "True...but, there's no harm in continuing dreaming right Jacqueline?"
I nodded with a grin. "No harm at all."
Frodo laughed merrily and held my hand tightly yet with much gentleness. "Thank you Jacqueline. For revealing this… after which, I will not ask of anything about your knowledge again." He promised as he bored his eyes to mine.
I blushed slightly but waved it off with a huge grin. "Then I hold you to that then, Frodo Baggins."
With another smile, Frodo, not letting go of my hand, led me up to Bag End where Bilbo was sitting at the porch, smoking his pipe and waiting for our return.
I lay on my bed in my old clothes, my spectacles on the study table. I looked up at the ceiling in the darkness as I thought back about the dreams Sam and Frodo had.
'Even if I have my dream … I cannot fulfill them…there is nothing for me to go towards my dream here…' I sighed sadly.
With that thought, I slept.