Takes place 2 years after the end of GWTW. Melanie is dead and Rhett has left Scarlett in Atlanta.

Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Gone With the Wind, it's story nor any of the characters.

Rhett

As Rhett Butler was boarding a train from Savannah back to Charleston, he was suddenly drawn to a familiar laughter somewhere in the distance. Scarlett! Could it really be her? Looking around, he wondered if his ears had deceived him. Was it just his imagination at play...conjuring up a sound he'd only heard in his dreams until now. The train station was busy with crowds rushing about. He couldn't find the source of the laughter and just like that the sound was gone. So he continued onto the train and settled into his compartment. Looking out the window he wondered if it would always be this way. Would he ever be able to forget about Scarlett O'Hara? Her laughter, her smile...her enchanting green eyes? The person who had consumed his thoughts and dreams since the day he first laid eyes on her at Twelve Oaks. Where had she been these last 2 years? How was she doing? Did she think about him at all?

When Rhett arrived in Charleston, he stepped off the train and breathed in the fresh air and realized that for the last couple of years he'd been living in this city but it had never really felt like home. His mother and sister were here and therefore it was the closest thing to home he had. If he were to be honest with himself though, no place had felt like home since the day he had walked out on Scarlett.

At the time he had left her he was numb. So full of loss and hurt that he truly believed he didn't love her anymore...couldn't love her anymore if he tried. Scarlett had pleaded with him, had declared her love for him that day. She spoke words he'd only dreamt about hearing from her lips since the day he'd met her. He wanted to believe her...but it didn't matter. He felt nothing. Rhett's heart was too broken from the loss of his beloved Bonnie. He needed time to heal, to save whatever was left of his broken heart. Scarlett's eyes showed that she was being truthful but his mind could not wrap itself around it, he'd waited too long and already convinced himself it would never happen. His heart was too broken to even try.

Rhett walked into his mother's house on Battery. He was still staying with her, unable to commit to buying his own place in this city. If he did it would mean that he was giving up on his life with Scarlett. He had left her and in his foolishness divorced her, but the ties that bind him to Scarlett were stronger than the laws of marriage. He knew that he would never be free of Scarlett O'Hara, nor did he want to be.

Walking into the parlor he saw his mother, Eleanor Butler. The best part of the last two years had been spending time with her and his sister, Rosemary.

"Hello, mother. I've missed you," he said honestly.

"Oh, Rhett! You're home already? Why didn't you send word ahead of time? I'm so happy you're home, dear. Rosemary will be so pleased to see you too." Eleanor loved having her son home these past few years although she had known for some time that his heart was not all there. When he had come home 2 years ago, he was broken, devastated by the loss of his beautiful baby girl...his Bonnie Blue. Eleanor had hoped that in time he would heal and be more like himself.

"I was able to conclude my business early and wanted to surprise you." Rhett had tried to say enthusiastically but the sound of Scarlett's laughter at he train station in Savannah still haunted him. Even though he realized it probably wasn't her, he couldn't help but be affected.

Eleanor Butler could tell something was bothering her son, but decided not to inquire. "I'll have your favorite food prepared for tonight. Unpack your things and rest up before dinner, dear."

With that, Rhett climbed the stairs to his room and settled in.

Scarlett

Stepping off the train in Savannah, Scarlett had a feeling of uneasiness. It had been a year and 8 months since she'd been back to the South. Everything was the same yet everything was different. She was back now, for how long, she wasn't sure. She had received word that grandfather Robillard had been ill and might not make it. Although she had never cared much for him, she knew it was her responsibility to be here. Her family would always be her responsibility. When she received the telegram from Aunt Eulalie, she had made arrangements for herself, Wade and Ella to board the next ship back to the states. They had been living in Ireland and this would be the first time back.

Although she was nervous, Wade and Ella had been excited to visit. They loved Ireland, but had missed the comfort of familiar faces. They were happy about being in Savannah but couldn't wait to be back at Tara. Rushing off the train, they nearly tripped over themselves causing Scarlett to laugh out loud. Oh, how happy she was to have found a deep love and connection with her children. Her children, Wade and Ella...whom she had neglected for so long and somehow it was they who had brought her back to life.

Scarlett didn't like to think about the first few months after Melly died, but the memories would often flood her mind regardless. After Rhett left her and Melly's funeral, she came home to Tara. There she had hoped to heal and find her strength. She had lost so much in such a short time. Her beloved Bonnie, her only friend Melanie...and Rhett. Losing Rhett had hurt most of all. Being at Tara had always given her strength and she needed it, more than ever before. Instead, soon after arriving home, Mammy had become ill. Within weeks she was on her death bed. Would there be no end to her suffering and loss? How much more would she be expected to endure? She didn't have time to truly mourn her baby girl or her best friend. Scarlett had spent weeks by Mammy's side, comforting her and nursing her. But it was no use, once again Scarlett had to bury another person she loved. After Mammy's funeral Scarlett could not find the strength to live any longer. She had gotten so thin, unable to eat or sleep. Every time she closed her eyes, she would find herself haunted with the nightmares. Rhett was not there to wake her and soothe her. No, he had left her too...but unlike Melly, Bonnie and Mammy, he had left her by choice. She had told him she loved him but by then his love for her had run out. Instead it was Ella that had woken her up each time she had a nightmare and snuggled up next to her each night. After another month, Scarlett had gotten so weak that the doctor feared she would not make it unless she started eating more. No one could get her to eat, even Suellen could see the life draining out of her and had begged her sister to eat and get better.

Finally, Wade had approached his mother with tears in his eyes. "Mother, please eat. Please don't die. Please don't leave us too! Ella and I need you." The look of pain and sadness in his eyes had broken Scarlett's heart. In her own grief, she had forgotten that her kids had also lost so much in their young lives. She thought she had lost everything, but she was wrong. She still had her children, Ella and Wade. She had never been a great mother to them, but here they were, taking care of her...trying to pull her back from the depths of despair. It was as though the fog had lifted from her eyes. She had not lost everything. From that day on, she was determined to pick up the broken pieces of her life and move on. For herself and for her children. She would never stop mourning Bonnie, Melly and...Rhett. But she could not and would not let it break her more than it already had.

Now, Scarlett O'Hara had returned. She would see to the care of her grandfather and soon she would be back at Tara. The kids loved Tara as much as she did and it would do them good to spend some time there before heading back to Ireland. She didn't look forward to going back to Atlanta, to the monstrosity that used to be her home or the Old Guard that would forever look down on her. That had been part of a life she would much rather forget. She would avoid both as best she could. 'Hopefully Rhett has sold that awful house,' she thought to herself. Although she hated it, she knew she would have to go to Atlanta at some point on this trip. She needed to see Uncle Henry. He had taken care of her businesses well enough while she was gone, but it was time to cut all ties. Selling her store and the mills had once felt impossible, but now she was ready. After she had decided to visit Ireland, her life had been good and she was finally happy. She'd decided that Ireland would become her permanent home. There was no longer any reason to hold on to anything that tied her to Atlanta. Scarlett also wanted to check in on Ashley and Beau. She had promised Melly to take care of them, and she had, financially at least.

Three weeks after her arrival in Savannah, Scarlett was back at the train station headed to Tara. Her grandfather had passed away in his sleep and she had made the arrangements for the funeral. As soon as the funeral was over, she had left. There was a reading of his will the following week but it was of no concern to her. Grandfather Robillard was a mean old man who didn't care for Scarlett, and the feeling was mutual. She had fulfilled her obligations and was moving on. She would spend some time at Tara with the kids and then go to Atlanta for a few days to tie up loose ends. Then she would be free of everything that binds her to that city. She hoped it would only take a day or two. Scarlett intended to avoid seeing any of the Old Guard while she was in the city. Sure, they would all know when she was back, probably the moment she set foot off the train. It always amazed her how quickly news traveled, especially when it concerned her. Scarlett still hoped to make it through with as little contact as possible. It occurred to her that there was a chance Rhett would be in Atlanta. He'd left 2 years ago but she hadn't really known, or really cared for that matter, where he spent his time. For all she knew, he could be back in Atlanta, but then again it was just as likely that he was still in Charleston, or Paris or London or just about anywhere else in the world. Scarlett hoped he was anywhere but Atlanta. Oh well. She'd cross that bridge when she got to it.

Rhett

Rhett returned to Charleston with the hope of making peace with his people. Of finding some semblance of charm and beauty he had always associated with this city. He loved this city, even when it had cast him out and shunned him. But as much as he loved it, he knew that he could never truly be a part of it and it would never truly be a part of him. Since he'd been home, he had attended social gatherings and even been received again into many of the homes of the great families of this city. True to his nature though, he would often find himself annoyed and restless with the customs and social etiquettes that had always seemed so silly. Rhett gritted his teeth and smiled nonetheless, because in his own way he did need their acceptance. With his mother's help and insistence, he had somehow found some sort of respectability here.

"Rhett, you are going to the Saint Cecilia ball, aren't you?" Rosemary had been pleading with him for weeks now. She didn't want to see her brother sad anymore. His and Scarlett's divorce had been finalized for over a year now, but he hadn't so much as looked at another lady. The divorce had not been as much of a scandal as was previously thought. Charleston had felt sorry for him for the loss of his daughter and assumed that in their grief, him and his beautiful wife could find no way forward together.

Rhett responded to his sister as he had the last few times she asked, "I'm not sure, Rosemary. I may have some business in Atlanta that I need to tend to. Besides, these balls have become quite boring to me."

"But Rhett...you've always loved to dance. Just come and dance and enjoy yourself. I know there are quite a few ladies that would love to make your acquaintance."

At this, Rhett noticeably winced. His sister was once again trying to play matchmaker. He knew she loved him and wanted him to be happy, but every time he was at a ball he would always find himself searching for Scarlett among the crowds of ladies. Scarlett had always loved being the belle of the ball and she had always glowed so beautifully when she got to dance. If he was being honest, no one had ever felt as wonderful in his arms while dancing the waltz. When they danced together, it was perfection.

"Please, Rosemary. Those ladies have never held any charms for me."

Rhett went upstairs to his room, knowing that if he stayed, his sister would eventually convince him to go to the ball. He never could say no to her very often. Talk of the ball had once again made him think of Scarlett. In his room he poured himself a glass of whiskey and he then proceeded to pull out a letter from his drawer. Six months after he left Scarlett, he had returned looking for her. Their Atlanta home was empty, saved for a letter that was placed on the dining room table. On the front of the envelope in Scarlett's neat script was written "Rhett." When he saw that letter, his heart had dropped. Since then he had read the letter several times. It was torture each time and yet he could not help himself.

Dear Rhett,

I'm not sure when or even if you'll be back to the Atlanta house to receive this letter. I felt it necessary to write it anyways, in hopes that you will be back and will know what I feel I must say. First off, I'm sorry my darling. So sorry for everything. I know that sorry doesn't change the past, but it's all I know how to say to express my feelings. For a long time I was angry with you for leaving me when I needed you most and so soon after Melly's death. A part of me perhaps will always be angry with you. But I know that I also played a part in the disaster that was our marriage.

I'm tired, Rhett. So very tired. I've lost so much that sometimes I'm not sure how I have the will to even stand up anymore. To be honest, there was a time that I wanted to lay down and die too. I miss Bonnie so much it hurts to even breath sometimes. I know you may not know it, but I loved her so much. And Melly...oh the irony that is my life. I only really understood what she meant to me once she was gone. She was the only friend I had in this world and she loved me so. I know that I didn't deserve her love, and I am grateful to have had it. Mammy passed not long after Melly. Did you know that, Rhett? Even Mammy has left me. I think the one that hurt more than I ever thought possible was losing you. I do love you so much, but once again, I realized it too late.

I replay the words you spoke to me that last day in my head over and over. I know that you don't love me anymore, but I can't help that I still love you. You must think me a silly little girl now, always crying for the moon. I want you to know that I finally understand that I had wasted so many years chasing a dream. A dream that had nothing to do with the man, and everything to do with a life and time destroyed by the war. I know that chasing that dream cost me the love of the one person I truly wanted, you. I love you Rhett, and so I have decided that loving you means letting you go to find the charm and peace you so desire.

I have decided to take what's left of the broken pieces of my life and leave Atlanta. I too need to heal and find peace. I need to hold on to what's still important in my life, my children...and start over. If you still want the divorce, I will not fight you on it. I'm tired of fighting. You can send the papers to Uncle Henry and I will sign them. As for this house, I have no intention of ever coming back to it. I see why you never liked it now. Even more so, I find that I cannot be here without hearing Bonnie's giggles and expecting to see her running around. It breaks my heart to be here knowing I'll never see her again. Every time I look at the grand staircase I remember the baby that we lost. Worst of all, I can still hear your words echoing through the walls...you don't give a damn and that you don't love me anymore. No, I will never return to this monstrosity of a house. Keep it or sell it, the decision is completely yours.

I hope that you find peace and that you find happiness.

Yours truly,

Scarlett

After reading the letter, he finished the whiskey in one clean gulp and said to himself, "Rhett Butler, you're a fool."

Scarlett

Leaving Wade and Ella at Tara, Scarlett headed to Atlanta. Her plans were to visit Uncle Henry and check on Ashley. If things went well, she could be on the afternoon train back to Jonesboro. Suellen's husband, Will, decided to go with Scarlett to pick up some supplies he needed. It was a nice ride into the city with Will giving her all the updates about Tara. Scarlett was happy that Suellen had married someone who loved Tara as much as she did. When they arrived at the train station in Atlanta, they split up and they agreed to meet back in time for the late afternoon train back to Jonesboro.

"Hello, Uncle Henry!" she said as she walked into his office.

Henry Hamilton was surprised to see his niece. He had heard that she had gone to Savannah but didn't expect her to come calling. "Scarlett, how are you? It appears that Ireland agrees with you. You are looking well." He really meant it too. The last time he'd seen her she looked almost ghostly. She was too thin and pale. Her eyes had become dull and her face was sickly. That was the day she had told him she was leaving for an extended trip to Ireland and asked him to watch over her businesses. Now Scarlett looked more like the belle of the ball again. She was healthy and from the glow in her eyes, he could tell she was happy.

"Thank you, Uncle Henry. I've been happy and well. I won't beat around the bush, I came here to let you know that I've decided to stay in Ireland for good. I'll need you to help me sell the store and mills."

"But Scarlett, you once told me you'd never sell up. What has changed? Are you unhappy with the way I've managed them for you?" Henry looked almost hurt at the implication.

"No, no. You've been such a tremendous help to me, but I realized that Atlanta is no longer my home and I need to move on. It's better if I sold them and refocus on investments in Ireland. In any case, I don't plan to be back in this city for quit some time," or ever, she thought to herself.

After several hours of discussion, they had finally worked out all the details. Uncle Henry would find the buyers for her and take care of the paperwork. The funds would be wired to the accounts she specified after it was done. Walking out of his office, Scarlett had felt like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Although it took longer than she planned, she knew she would be free of this city soon.

Stepping out into the street, Scarlett closed her eyes and took took a deep breath. She was so relieved and soon she would be free. As she turned the corner she bumped right into another person and nearly fell backwards. Looking up she saw a face she had spent many years despising, but now only felt pity for. There before her was Mrs. Belle Watling. It was easier to face Belle now, knowing that it no longer mattered to her if Rhett shared a bed with this woman.

"Hello, Mrs. Watling." Belle was stunned to see Scarlett in Atlanta and even more surprised the she was being cordial.

"Hello, Mrs. Butler, what brings you back to Atlanta?" Of course she knew that Scarlett and Rhett were divorced, but somehow she still wanted to annoy her.

"It's Miss O'Hara now and I'm headed out of town again. I don't anticipate I'll be back here. It was good to see you, please do take care Mrs. Watling." With a smile on her face, Scarlett O'Hara walked away proud that she handled that situation much more gracefully then she would've in the past. Belle was surprised by Scarlett's demeanor and thought to herself, 'Maybe that woman's finally grown up.'

There wasn't much time to visit Ashley and Beau if she really wanted to catch the train back to Jonesboro, and she really didn't want to have to stay in the city any longer than she had to. Scarlett decided to send a note to Ashley to let him know that she and the kids would be at Tara for the next month and asked him to bring Beau for a visit. Wade and Ella would love to see Beau again. Scarlett made it back to the train station and found Will, thankful to have accomplished what she wanted in time.

Rhett

Rhett always found himself returning to Atlanta, hoping that Scarlett would come back. Funny how life works. During the war he came to Atlanta so often to be near her, and now even after their divorce, he was coming back to the same city hoping to find her again. He had decided not to sell the Peachtree house, although he wasn't sure why. Even now when he visited, he preferred to stay at the National hotel. He checked into the hotel and then decided to go for a stroll. He had lied to Rosemary about having business in Atlanta, so that he didn't have to stay for the ball. There was no urgent business that needed his attention, in fact there was nothing really at all for him here. As he strolled along the city streets he thought about visiting Belle. It had been a long time since he'd seen her and he could use a friendly ear.

First though, he decided to visit Henry Hamilton's office. Perhaps he'd heard from Scarlett. Rhett knew that Henry wouldn't tell him even if he had heard from Scarlett, but he decided he would try just the same.

"Good afternoon, Henry. How good it is to see you."

Henry was shocked to see Rhett in his office, especially since Scarlett had just left about an hour before. Keeping a straight face, he responded, "Hello, Mr. Butler. To what do I owe this unexpected visit?"

"Have you heard from Scarlett?"

"Mr. Butler, as I've told you before, Scarlett is no longer your wife and I cannot give you any information about her."

Rhett's anger was starting to stir. "Damn it, Henry! I'm not asking for anything other than if you've heard from her. We may not be married anymore but I'm still allowed to be concerned. It's like she's just disappeared." Just as he spoke the words, it occurred to him that there was a lingering scent of lemon verbana in the air that smelled so much like Scarlett. Again, his mind was playing tricks on him.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Butler, I cannot help you. You know how I feel about the divorce. I helped Scarlett with it, though I tried to convince her not to sign it. But that's in the past and anyhow, what's done is done. You lost any right to any information about my niece once those papers were signed and processed. Let her go."

Rhett stormed out of Henry Hamilton's office and headed over to Belle's. He hadn't seen her for for a while. A glass of whiskey and a nice talk with Belle will do him so good. After losing Scarlett, he'd also ceased having relations with Belle as well. He wanted Scarlett and no one else was going to ever be enough. Of course Belle had tried to comfort him in her usual way, but gave up when she realized that his heart and his body still belonged to his ex-wife. Maybe in time he would change his mind.

When Belle saw Rhett walk into the saloon, her face lit up. She really had missed him and maybe he missed her too. "Rhett, it's been too long! How have you been?"

Rhett sighed, "I've been getting along well enough, I suppose. Looks like business is going well here. Care to join me for a drink? It would be nice to catch up."

"I think you know the answer to that. Shall we head up to my room?" she replied with a hopeful glimmer in her eyes.

"I was thinking we could just sit here and chat."

Rhett knew what Belle was implying and he didn't want to give her any false hope. She was a true friend to him and he didn't want to hurt her.

Belle could sense that Rhett was thinking of Scarlett. She could always tell when he was consumed with thoughts of her. Had he seen Scarlett here in Atlanta and now wanted to drink away his troubles again? Rhett looked better than the last time she saw him but she could tell he was still drinking away his sorrows. She pulled out a bottle of whiskey and poured some into two glasses. She handed one of the glasses to Rhett and he had consumed it all in one gulp. 'Yes...this was definitely about Scarlett,' she sighed to herself.

"So, does this mean you know she's back in town?"

"Who's back in town?" Rhett asked. He was hoping Belle meant Scarlett but didn't want to get his hopes up.

"Who else would effect you this way? I'm talking about your ex-wife, of course."

"Scarlett? She's here in Atlanta? How do you know?" he blurted everything out so quickly. His mind was reeling. Maybe that really was her scent he smelled at Henry Hamilton's office. Damn that man for not telling him. How long ago was she there? Where was she now? He had to know.

"So you haven't seen her? Then why are you so anxious and needing a drink so bad?" Belle really was curious. She was sure that Scarlett was the reason for his current somber mood.

"Damnit, Belle! Answer my questions. Is she in Atlanta?" he said in almost an angry tone.

"Alright, Rhett! Calm down a bit. I ran into your ex-wife earlier today outside of her uncle's office. I must say I was plenty surprised to see her back and even more surprised by the way she greeted me," she explained in a rush.

"What are you saying?" he wanted to know everything. His heart was beating so fast he thought his chest might explode. Scarlett was here, in the same city. After all this time...she was close. He needed to know more. Where was she staying, obviously not in the Peachtree house, for he would've been notified by the staff. Of course...she would not go back to the house, especially now that they were divorced. He wondered what she would think if she knew he had decided not to sell it.

"Well, she was actually polite to me, if you can believe it. The woman's never so much as given me a decent glance. I tried to rile her up and she didn't even flinch. She seems like a different person. She said she was on her way out of town and wasn't planning on ever coming back. Something in her voice told me that she meant it."

Gone again...and possibly never coming back? He needed to find her. Without even saying another word to Belle, he stormed out. In his mind he was trying to figure out where she would go. The honorable Mr. Ashley Wilkes, of course. The thought of that man still made his blood boil. He didn't care. He needed to see Scarlett. With that he walked toward the mills.

To be continued...