Meant to get this out on Christmas Day, but obviously things didn't turn out as I planned...

Well, last time I read this over was a few days ago, so there might be a few mistakes (I had typed this up on my iPod).

Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays/Happy New Year!

Disclaimer: I do not own GWTW.

Christmas Miracles

Merriment permeated the air of Atlanta. Its citizens were far more cordial to each other than usual (which, in truth, was not saying a great deal), and none were even slightly fazed by the chilly, winter air. Warmth was fulfilling the hearts and souls of all; even the most bitter were beaming with wide, toothy grins. The signs of festivity were spread all across the town; everything from wreaths on doors to special holiday treats for all the townspeople.

Scarlett was not to be left out of such decorating schemes. The exterior of her store reigned a small (but rather pleasing) amount of tinsel and holly. Customers had complimented her extravagant decorating style, marveling at the elegant beauty of it. Even the old hens managed a slight smile once setting eyes on the store.

For some unknown reason, she had decided to partake in the "Christmas spirit" this year. As of late, her heart had begun to warm and grow instead of being cold and defensive. The walls had gradually crumbled ever since he had left, making things begin to fit into context more clearly. She saw the error of her ways, and could not comprehend the childish incentives behind all of her actions.

Even so, she could not understand the readiness she possessed in the Christmas time festivities.

Usually, Scarlett scoffed at the idea of celebrating a childish holiday. Once she had ceased believing in Saint Nicholas when she was fourteen years of age, Scarlett found no joy in the holiday. Gifts were wonderful, but what use were they when they didn't come from the legendary Saint whom supposedly crafted them?

Perhaps it was the contagious atmosphere that was circulating around the town. Perhaps it was the aroma of Christmas goods being produced by the locals. Perhaps it was her drastic change of heart. Perhaps it was her children's excitement and love that was taking an affect on her.

Or perhaps it was the fact that Rhett was coming to visit this year.

Yes, the latter was the most comprehensible reason Scarlett was in such good spirits.

When the telegram had come just mere days before, Scarlett had nearly jumped for joy. The familiar butterflies had begun to flit about in her stomach. A tingling sensation had started spreading across her skin, leaving a trail of goosebumps behind.

Even her children had noticed the pleasant change in their mother. She didn't scold them as much for small misdeeds. Instead, she was kind and forgiving.

Just like their mother, the children were ecstatic over their Uncle Rhett's return.

Ella was especially excited, for she hadn't seen him for several months. She always loved it when he had bought her new homemade dolls and silk dresses. When Bonnie had still been in their life, she had always been jealous of how Rhett had constantly doted on her after she was born and—as a result—had practically ignored all other members of the family. She was very happy to claim all of his attention once more.

Wade, on the other hand, was the tiniest bit bitter towards the upcoming visit. Being the elder of the two siblings, Wade had a better understanding of what had conspired between Rhett and Scarlett. Therefore, with a sour heart, Wade did not fare well during the first few months of the separation. When Rhett did happen to briefly stop by, Wade did not treat him as warmly as he did when he was a younger boy. Some of that former anger had dissipated, but there were still traces of it in his now-toughened demeanor.

With this revelation, Scarlett nearly drove herself mad. She ordered about the servants, forcing them to clean everything in the house a total sum of five times. Her head was always popping in and out of the kitchen, supervising and ensuring the highest quality of the food. She sent Prissy out to purchase new lace curtains to contrast elegantly with the beige walls that the local painters had redone. She visited a nearby brewery (society be damned!) to order a case of champagne that was to be delivered by the 23rd.

The waiting was endless. Lasting through each agonizing minute was torture. How she would survive until the 25th, she was not sure.

When at last the day came, Scarlett awoke as giddy as a schoolgirl. The fact that—within a few hours—Rhett would step through the door for the first time in months was both exciting and foreboding. She was no fool; she knew better than anyone else that he wouldn't be completely sweet and comforting. There would be times when he would be rough and unkind, and no doubt there were to be plenty of these latter emotions displayed when the pair of them were alone. The only unknown variable in the situation was the quantity of time he would contribute to each respective mood frame.

Scarlett had decided that she would not attempt to win Rhett's affections during the holidays. Sighing, she chose a simple creme-colored dress that flowed luxuriously down her tiny waist. Gold trimmings and French lace adorned the elegant sleeves. She affixed baby pearl earrings to her earlobes and a matching pearl necklace around her slender neck. And, just for the tiniest bit of extra beautification, she lightly dabbed eau du cologne along her arms and collarbone.

Scarlett examined her reflection in the mirror. She did look rather pretty, but not in an ostentatious manner. Her cheeks had finally regained their color after the endless months of crying she had endured, so there had been no need to pinch her cheeks. The twenty-eight inch waist had shrunken down to twenty inches, reminding her of the Southern Belle she once was. More than anything, she looked elegant, royal even. A softness had removed all scowls and unbecoming facial expressions that had once lingered on her features. In its place was the gentleness of a mother's love, as well as the effect of a lover's retreat (the latter only in a metaphorical sense).

Satisfied, she rang for Prissy to do her hair. Once she arrived, Scarlett instructed her to do a simple chignon.

"Now, has all the food been prepared? I wouldn't want Rhe-Mr. Butler to believe that we were unorganized."

"Yes, Miz Scarlett."

"And the tree is still standing in the drawing room?"

"Yes, Miz Scarlett."

"And the children are patiently waiting for Mr. Butler's arrival in the dining room?"

"I s'pose so, Miz Scarlett."

Scarlett bit her lip. She ought to check in on the latter.

She didn't say much else until Prissy had finished her job.

"Thank you, Prissy."

"You's welcome, Miz Scarlett."

As she turned to leave, Scarlett stopped her.

"Prissy, wait!"

Turning around in the doorframe, Prissy glanced at Scarlett anxiously.

"Yes, Miz Scarlett?"

Scarlett smiled—a real, genuine smile—before saying,

"Merry Christmas, Prissy."

With a confused (but happy) smile, Prissy thanked Scarlett and left the room.

Examining her reflection once more, she straightened her back and went downstairs (where the children were sitting obediently in the dining room, after all).

As her foot touched the floor, the doorbell rang.

Bit short (especially so since I have been trying to lengthen my chapters as much as possible), but I want to see if anyone will give it a chance. That's the things I really like about this community: you can actually get acknowledgement and feedback for working your butt off.

I have finished the latest installment of Downtara, but I have to finish editing/revising it before typing it up. Hope to finish that by Friday/Saturday (no school due to some air issues).

Reviews make me happy. :)