INTRODUCTION: After Gone With The Wind ends, Scarlett went off to Ireland, but never notified anyone in Atlanta or Savannah or Tara, so she is missing to everyone. This story starts off seven years after GWTW ends. Wade, now 23,in the meanwhile has grown up to take over his father's family fortune and runs successful business. Ella, almost 17,attends a good school, and is looked after by Wade. Wade is in search of Scarlett.
The theme is somewhat in par with Scarlett, but of course the ages and roles of Wade and Ella have been changed quite a bit.
I have a rough frame in mind. Though story follows Wade's perspective, I will substantially add Rhett and Scarlett's stories parallely. So, evidently there'll be quite a few/lot of chapters. Please be patient.
Reviews are appreciated.
Wade looked across the hall, fiddling with the ring on his finger, bearing the Hamilton family crest. An unreasoned smile came on his eyes, but before it could reach across his face, someone called, "Mr. Hamilton. Miss Ellen is waiting in the annex. Please follow me."
Wade looked up at the stout and diplomatic face of Mrs. Avery. He stood up and followed the elderly woman.
After ushering him into the rather velvety annex Mrs. Avery departed, leaving Wade and his dear sister Ella to themselves.
Ella looked confused. "Wade, you already have wished me luck for the play, remember? You didn't have to come right before the musical began!"
Wade looked at her for a long moment and Ella knew that was not the case. "What is it, brother ?", she said tentatively.
"I'm sorry, dear sister, but I won't be able to stay through the play. I have to go to Jonesboro. The cotton plantation taxes have been apparently hoarded by our plantation overseer."
"Oh. I understand."
"Don't look so crestfallen, dear. I promise I'll bring the beautiful bustle gown you were goggling that other day."
Ella threw back her head, insulted. "I wasn't goggling!" Then giggled and said, "You better keep your promise or I'll go tearing down your honorable reputation in Atlanta!"
Wade laughed, and hastily kissed Ella goodbye, before Mrs. Avery escorted Ella to stage.
*****
Once outside,the slight chill of the October wind tingled Wade's cheek as he walked past the huge statue of Minerva of the front lawn of Cartersville School for Women. He didn't know why,but he was being transported back to old times today at some unrelated sights. A little boy was crying out on top of his voice,but his mother seemed lost in conversation with her friend in the park. Wade smiled when he remembered his mother,Scarlett O' Hara Hamilton,the envy of every woman of Atlanta, the dream of every man around. Scarlett - who had become a mother,when she was a child herself, innocently lost to life's complexities. He had been an unnecessary responsibility, so had been Ella from six years later. Wade remembered Aunt Melly, the ever-smiling and patient woman,who had been his shield from mother, when she got into one of her raging fits. Melanie Hamilton. Alas, she too was not around any more. Wade sometimes wished he had known his father, or even seen him once in his life,but his mother's fury and frustration put doubts in his mind, even as a child, as to what Charles Hamilton would be like. He remembered how happy he was, when Aunt Melly had brought little Ella to him, when she was born. It had to be the most beautiful child. His thoughts were tumbling now - the terrifying War - Rhett Butler's visits to Great Aunt Pitty's home - his playing with little Wade and Ella - Mother's marriage to Uncle Rhett - little Bonnie - her death - Uncle Rhett leaving - Tara...... he couldn't keep thinking. He would not think about it now. Wade had never complained in life, he accepted anything and everything that came his way. He didn't refute the unpleasantries thrown his way, he just worked his way through it. He had never complained when Scarlett left Wade and Ella at Tara with Will and Aunt Suellen,to go to Charleston. He never complained when Scarlett went to Savannah and never came back. He never complained when he was sent away to the most elite school of Georgia by his mother,though she never came to see him. He never complained,when one day silently all the money of Charles Hamilton was transferred to his account. He never complained when he realised his mother had severed all ties with him,Ella and every other person she knew in Georgia and disappeared. He never complained when she din not give him any proof of being alive over the past seven years. He never complained when his search for mother failed miserably over the past years.....
Once,long time ago,someone had told him, "Don't complain like a baby, Wade. Be a man,and do your mother proud."