Almost Paradise
Chapter 1
"Barbs"
After Melanie Wilkes funeral, Rhett and Scarlett never spoke; of course they kept up appearances by going to galas, tea times and house visits together. To the outside world they were a happily married couple, but once that front door closed they were strangers. Rhett had permanently moved into the guest bedroom. Scarlett's nightmare continued to get worse, yet when she woke in a sweat Rhett wasn't there to her disappointment. Over the next few days Scarlett kept to herself. She locked herself in her room and did nothing. She hid away from Rhett entirely including her feelings. Every emotion Scarlett encountered was pushed deeper into her mind. Her body was numb; numb to pain, joy, sadness, anger, depression everything. Nothing would penetrate her shell, and her room became her tomb.
Rhett also became unengaged in his surroundings. Most days he would leave to go to the bank and upon returning home traipse up to his room and drink the night away. Rhett barely ate, and he was numbed to his feelings. He never approached the room he once shared with Scarlett. Even in his alcohol saturated mind warning signs flashed whenever he passed by her room. He couldn't approach her whether it was his pride, anger or cowardice. He couldn't face the green-eye temptress. He wasn't prepared nor was Scarlett for the watershed of emotions that would transpire between when they came face to face for the first time.
The Rutherford's, a wealthy family deeply rooted in the South, were hosting a small get together that Rhett and Scarlett attended. Scarlett was situated in the middle of the room surround by women. They were discussing something overly uninteresting which quickly escaladed to boredom. She let her eyes naturally scan the room, tons of people where talking amongst themselves. "These Rutherford's certainly know how to have a good time," she said sarcastically. She focused her attention to a couple on the other side of the room in the corner. She couldn't make out their faces but she heard laughter and instantly the hairs on her arms began to stand up. It was Rhett, laughing ridiculously with this so-called woman. Scarlett bristled like a cat and began to make her way to her husband.
"Ladies will you excuse me," she said her voice dripping with sweetness.
As she made her way across the room anger and jealousy began coursing through her body. "How dare you Rhett Butler!" She seethed as she made her way to the corner of the room.
"Rhett, darling, would you mind speaking with me in private?" Scarlett said with the intention of being taken seriously. Rhett excused himself and followed her to the kitchen. When they reached the kitchen they closed the door as to no be overheard.
"WHY were you talking to that… to that…woman??" Scarlett said trying to control her anger.
"Why is it any of your business??" "I may speak with whomever I please. You are not my keeper!" Rhett said disdainfully.
"You are right I am not your keeper however I will not allow my HUSBAND to gallivant around with other women." Scarlett said loudly barely noticing the people in the kitchen staring at them.
"You have no right question my actions. We haven't been husband and wife in a very long time so don't try to scare me with your pitiful excuses to justify your control issues." Rhett said with a smudge smile and coolness in his voice. Rhett assumed the discussion was over, he had won however Scarlett had something to say about that.
"How dare you, you skunk, I am sure you don't take any blame for our current situation but let me just tell you something, Mr. Rhett Butler. If we are estranged then it is because you always left me feeling unsure and cold inside. I never felt any warmth from you because it is not as if you really cared!" Scarlett said her anger boiling over and hardly keeping her voice in check. She gazed upon Rhett's shocked and hurt face. She had finally finished the argument, driven one last barb into his side. Rhett always got the last word and she always thought it would feel satisfying when she did but somehow the look on Rhett's face made her sick to her stomach. She wasn't satisfied but she felt guilty. She felt the walls were closing in on her and she had to get away, the image of Rhett's face ingrained in her memory. Seeking refuge she fled the kitchen only to find a bunch of eyes staring at her. She became frozen; their argument had been heard by every living soul at that party. Rhett followed Scarlett a few seconds later and saw the eyes. He grabbed Scarlett's arm and squeezed it.
"Darling, don't you think its time to go?" Rhett said with an encouraging tone.
"I should think so, goodbye Mrs. Rutherford, it was a lovely party." With that Rhett and Scarlett exited that party quickly and made their way to their carriage outside.