By Starred Meriadoc (emsvuleki@hotmail.com)
The crowd surrounded the red carpet, poking their faces in and out of the excitement, the light bulbs to their camera flashes popped at a regular beat. The Hobbiton Press took note of all the happenings. A shining, coal black limousine pulled up to the crimson carpet and the crowd swelled behind the barriers.
The back door to the limousine was opened by a gloved hand and a pale, red-high heeled leg slid out. Then came the frilled bottom of a bright red dress. Rose Cotton climbs out. At first everything went still and in slow motion. Everyone gasped. Rose was the most beautiful hobbitwoman these hobbits had ever seen.
Immediately, light bulbs popped popped popped, hands waved beyond the barrier, and another hobbit climbed out. Frodo Baggins shook his black curls and the women swooned. Frodo gave Rose his arm and escorted the hobbit star down the red carpet. At last, another hobbit tried to climb out of the limo, but tumbled head first on the carpet.
"Miss Rosie! Miss Rosie! You left your rose hairpin!" he cried, as he brushed his suit clear of any dust. The maddening crowd roared with laughter at this unsophisticated man. Miss Rosie Cotton completely ignored the hobbit as he rushed into the theater. BAM! the door slammed.
"Sam, I told you not to speak to me on the red carpet."
"But Rosie... I--"
"Don't call me Rosie, either. I'm Rose now." Sam's face fell as he turned and walked back to the limousine. Oh Rosie, look at him, she thought.
"Sam! Sam! Samwise Gamgee! Return your furry-footed carcass to me, Rosie Cotton, right now!" Sam had his hand on the door, pulled the door pull and walked out. Rosie ran after him, losing her left high heel on the red carpet. The limousine had gone, so Rosie found Sam plodding along sadly on the side of the road. Rosie ignored the laughter of the crowd as she chased him.
"Sam, I'm sorry I--"
"I don't want to hear it. I know they think I'm a country bumpkin. I heard how they laughed. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'll leave you be."
"No Sam, I acted irrational. I'll miss my premiere for you." With that, Rosie reached toward Sam's shoulder, pulled him closer to her, kissed him, and a camera bulb flashed.
The next day, the headlines read, "Actress Rose Cotton in love with country fool, her gardener." She sighed as she spilled her coffee on her nightgown and kissed Sam again. Sam was her one true love, even if the headlines hated her for it.
~
Pretty Good Year