This is the first piece I've written about Gone with the Wind, inspired by Taylor Swift's Cold as You. Takes place during the miscarriage, movie-verse, and I've borrowed some lines directly from the movie as well.

Disclaimer: Gone with the Wind or any of its characters do not belong to me. Oh, and the lyrics don't belong to me either.

…..

It was cold, that much she remembered. She lay helpless as she heard people scurrying about the room. Her stillness frightened her and every attempt at movement was stopped by a cool cloth on her forehead. The hands had the lightest touch. It almost felt as if they weren't inflicting any real pain upon her. Almost. Her whole body ached with pain and she felt like she was burning from the inside out.

"Scarlett, Scarlett?"

She thought she heard voices, but all the sounds she heard were muffled by a dull pounding inside her head. And then, the voices became quiet, barely the traces of a passing whisper. At last, she thought, finally some peace. But this was short lived. Upon the silence came that which frightened her most of all…the fog.

She felt her heart constrict with fear as the fog glided around her body. The touch made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end and sent chills down her spine. She felt the fog squeeze the life out of her and the unbearable pain made her scream out for the one person who used to take all her fears away.

"Rhett! I want Rhett!" she tried to scream, but no one ever came.

The fog engulfed her and she felt like she was drowning. She didn't notice until it was all over, not until she saw the blood, her blood. At the sight of the pool of crimson liquid, the events leading up to her condition dawned upon her. The unexpected placidity provided by the hardwood floor, the stabbing pain at each contact with the polished staircase, and the argument that led to her fall.

Oh, Rhett, how selfish I was to be baited by your words! And my baby had to pay the price. If only I wasn't so hot-tempered! If only I was more like Melly or Mother! I would never have given in to his mockery. Always Ashley. I haven't even thought of Ashley since his cowardly behavior after those rumors at the mill! Never again.

The pain in her stomach only confirmed what she feared had happened. The baby was gone.

The realization made her feel numb. It left a bitter metallic taste in her mouth. Her tongue went dry and her lips began to chap at the lack of moisture. She struggled to open her eyes. The single candle that illuminated the dark room was almost blinding.

"Mammy," she whispered hoarsely.

The old woman's face brightened as her mistress' voice broke her silent vigil.

"Mah lamb's gwine be juz fine," she said as she helped Scarlett with a glass of water.

"Mammy, I'd like to be alone please."

"Yas'm, righ aftah I sen fo Dr. Meade!" She left Scarlett alone with her thoughts.

Glancing around her room, she was sent back to the night that the baby was conceived. It was common knowledge that Rhett frequented that Belle Watling's establishment, and now people speculated that infidelity was rampant with both spouses in the Butler marriage. Scarlett sighed deeply at the rumors. She was not having an affair with Ashley. She couldn't imagine inflicting upon Melly the pain she felt every time Rhett would spend his nights with Belle. She never knew when this change of heart had happened; all she knew was that she loved Melly like a sister and that Ashley would never be man enough for her in this lifetime after the war. She needed someone strong and fearless.

I need Rhett but he definitely doesn't need me. He's always travelling on business, drinking and doing God-knows-what at Belle's, or doting upon our daughter – not that I can fault him for spending time with Bonnie. When he's with me, all he does is goad me into fights and treat me like a child. So I give in to his fights because I need to feel something, anything. And he does what he wants because I'm not who he wanted. He's got Bonnie to spoil and Belle in his bed. And here I am, his burden of a wife who lost their unborn child.

…..

Scarlett lay on the veranda, the fresh breeze cooling her skin. She sat contemplative, as she had been since the accident.

Rhett had been watching her for a while now. Her sadness washed over him from where he stood. Of course, he felt some remorse regarding her accident. But it wasn't as if she wanted the baby. She said so herself that she didn't want any more children. She must be upset that her recovery is taking her away from her business.

Scarlett was so lost in thought that she didn't even hear Rhett's approach.

"I've come to ask for your forgiveness. In the hope that we can give our life together another chance."

"Our life together? When did we ever have a life together?" Scarlett asked with a biting tone.

"I guess you're right. But I'm sure if we could only try, we could be happy," Rhett implored.

"Well then, just what do you want me to do?"

"To begin with, give up the mill, Scarlett." Rhett saw her eyes light up in petulance. He had missed this Scarlett.

"Give up the mill? Well why should I? It's making more money than it ever did."

"Yes, I know, but we don't need it. Sell it. Or better still, give it to Ashley. Melanie has been such a friend to both of us. And I'm sure your beloved Mr. Wilkes will appreciate the gesture. I don't see him jumping at any other occupational prospects any time soon," he smirked as her eyes glowed even more.

Always looking down at Ashley! Scarlett bit her tongue.

This is what got me here in the first place, she thought as she remembered her lost child. The mill is the least of my worries. Change starts now.

"Alright, Rhett. For Melly," she agreed, the sparkle in her eyes ceasing to shine.

…..

Bonnie ran through the house with handpicked wildflowers in her hand.

"And where might you be going, princess?" Asked her father.

"These are for Mother! I chose them especially for her! Do you think she'll like them, Daddy?"

"Of course, why don't I take you up to her room right now?"

He knocked on Scarlett's door, patiently waiting for an answer, but his daughter had never learned the virtue. She made her way into her mother's room, her determined little face hidden behind the makeshift bouquet.

"Guess who, Mother?" She giggled.

This brought a smile to Scarlett's face.

"Why, I have the faintest idea! Let me think…"

"It's me, Mother! Bonnie!"

"I don't believe it! I don't see a little girl; all I see are little flowers."

Climbing up her mother's bed, Bonnie gave Scarlett her gift.

"Do you like them Mother? Daddy said you would," looking to her father for assurance.

Rhett nodded at his little girl. They definitely make a charming picture. I wonder what has gotten into Scarlett. It isn't like her to play games with Bonnie.

"They're mighty pretty, precious," Scarlett said as she accepted the flowers.

"So are you," Bonnie replied, dimpling her cheeks for effect.

Scarlett recognized herself in the little girl at that moment. And she realized how she could win her daughter's heart.

All a child ever wants is love and affection. And I've certainly been lacking in that. Good thing Rhett has always been there for Bonnie. He loves her very much. If only he could show me just a little bit of genuine affection as well.