Second Winds

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or any of the story of Gone With The Wind. This writing is purely for enjoyment and nothing more.

Scarlett sat quietly reading her book by Melanie slept soundly. It was hard to believe

that just three weeks ago, She was so close to death. She was getting stronger every day.

Melanie would soon be up and walking. Scarlett knew that this she should be very happy right now. After all the person she now knew was her best friend and really her only friend she really had was going to survive. But just three weeks ago Rhett had left her to be alone. She had lost her daughter and now her husband was gone. Yes she knew it was her own selfishness and stubbornness that made him leave.

She was lost in these thoughts when she heard Melanie stir. She looked up from the book she wasn't really reading to see Melanie's eyes flutter open.

"Scarlett, Dear, what are you doing here?" She asked.

"I thought that I would spend some time here with you." Scarlett replied.

" That is so kind."

"Melanie I have been thinking. Can I speak openly with you?"

"Yes of course you may"

" I want to warn you some of what I am about to tell you will upset you. But you need to hear me out.."

" Ok Scarlett I'll hear you out." Melanie told her nervously.

Scarlett started to speak slowly " I am quite sure that you have heard stories about me being in love with your husband Ashley. I admit freely that not so long ago I did believe myself to be deeply in love with him. In fact India did see me kiss Ashley. I need you to know the truth. So please let my continue." tears started pouring down her face as she finally told her friend the truth.

Melanie nodded grimly patting her hand. Scarlett wasn't telling her any thing she didn't already know. However she knew that Scarlett was hurting over her past mistakes and was trying to start making amends for them.

Scarlett continued struggling to keep composure. " I did not realize because I was so stupidly blind to see that I have never truly loved him. I loved the idea of him. It was as if by having him I could get all that I lost back again. I was selfish I never once thought of any thing but myself. I hurt so many. I am so sorry that I tried to hurt you I'm so sorry I tried to take Ashley away from you! I am a horrible person and I don't know how you will ever be able to forgive me.' She finally concluded breaking into inconsolable sobs.

"Scarlett, Look at me."

Scarlett looked up fearfully.

"Scarlett, Do you believe that you have just told me something I was not already aware of?"

"Melanie, I never thought about it." she admitted.

"Dear I know that you believed you were in love with my husband but because you believed it and was not indeed in love with my husband makes it easy to forgive for me."

Scarlett was stunned. " But how?"

"Because I trust my husband and knew no matter how you tried he would always be completely in love with me. I can forgive and forget because I love you. I want to see you happy again. And I want you to have what Ashley and I have." Melanie told her with a tear forming in her eye.

"So we are still friends?"

"No Scarlett, We are still sisters."

Relief washed over Scarlett. " So I just don't know where to start to fix every thing. Melanie I want to make all the wrongs I did Right. But where do I start?"

" Well If it were me I would start with your children. Bring them home and be a mother to them. Then your sisters, Family first then every one else and remember I will be here and am willing to help any way you need."

"Thank you so much. I guess that means I need to go to Tara to get my children. I'm scared though I don't know how to be their mother. What if I can't fix it?"

"Scarlett you will do fine just remember love them. You will learn to be a mother and don't be afraid to ask for help."

" Well I had better get going I have to pack and buy some new stuff for the house If I'm to bring them home."

" Good luck and I will see you when you get back and do bring Wade and your daughter."

" when we get here you will be the first one to know. And Thank you."

With a quick hug Scarlett set off for home. She felt like a weight had been lifted for the first time in years she felt a glimmer of hope.