Title: In Sickness and In Health
Name: Jules
Rating: PG-15 and higher (I'm a horrible judge of these things)
Disclaimer: Obviously, I don't own any of the characters from Gone With the Wind, no matter how much I WISH I did. They belong to the amazing Margaret Mitchell and whoever else has claim on them.
Classification: (angst, romance, and other)
Summary: What if Rhett didn't come home after those three months, and during that time, Scarlett had gotten closer to her children. But a horrible accident occurs, and everyone's lives will change as a result, and the world Rhett comes home to is quite different then the one he'd left behind.
Status: Unfinished
~ Please, be kind when you read and reply. This is my first Gone With the Wind fan fiction, and though I've been writing fan fic for some time, I've never written from a historical background, or for Scarlett and Rhett.
Oh, and I know the title sucks. I'm normally much better at coming up with titles, so if anyone has any suggestions, I'm VERY open to them!
Ok, I've rewritten this a bit, I found a GWTW timeline, and I found mine was a bit off, ok, way off. Because if you all remember, Bonnie's only supposed to be two, Ella's like five, and Wade's around eight! So I'm redoing some parts to make it coincide with the novel better. ~
In Sickness and in Health
By Jules
Chapter 1
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Scarlett was sitting at her desk, going over the books for the store, trying to make sense the figures on the page. The manager had the handwriting of a child of four, and it was almost impossible to read.
It had been over a month since Rhett had taken her Bonnie on their 'trip'.
Scarlett hadn't realized how much she'd cared about the two of then until they'd gone. The house was so quiet without them. Wade and Ella hadn't done much to change that either.
Scarlett began to realize the depths of her feelings for Rhett during the three days he was missing. She'd worried herself to distraction during that time, barely eating, not knowing if he was alive or dead . . . . Then he'd just shown up. Still drunk, smelling of alcohol and cheap perfume, and Scarlett's heart had plummeted.
He'd left her after professing his 'love' for her, to see that Watling creature. Just when she had begun to think Rhett might have cared for her, he blatantly showed Scarlett he thought her no more than a whore. She was just someone to warm his bed.
But when she thought back to that night, the wild look in his eyes, the untamed passion, his desire . . . the hidden depths she'd caught a fleeting glimpse of when he claimed that he loved her . . . . Scarlett's heart lifted the smallest bit and secretly hoped.
Scarlett frowned at her thoughts, then tried to concentrate on the numbers before her. But they were swimming around, and Scarlett's head felt light. She gasped, and tightly gripped the arms of her chair, closing her eyes, she tried to get control over her senses.
A few moments later, the feeling passed. Scarlett sighed in relief, the she became a bit tense. She'd been having bouts of nausea and dizziness for weeks now, and throwing up often in the mornings. She had tried to pass it off to herself as influenza, but in the back of her mind, she was beginning to realize it was something of an entire different stomach nature.
Giving up on the books, she sighed, shut the cover, leaned back on in her chair, and closed her eyes. She missed Rhett.
The front door slammed and the sound of children's voices filled the house.
Scarlett was lonely, and desperate for companionship. She jumped up out of her chair and hurried to the entryway.
Wade and Ella had just returned from the Wilkes and were on their way up to the nursery when their mother came rushing towards them.
"Children!"
The siblings froze in place, preparing themselves to be reprimanded. They turned around, and were surprised to see a look hopefulness on their mother's visage.
"Wonderful, you're home!" Scarlett thought quickly, "How would you like to go for a walk with Mother? Perhaps go shopping for some new things?"
"Truly?" questioned a hopeful Ella.
"Truly." Scarlett answered, understanding her children's cautious nature. It upset her, but she didn't let it show.
Ella squealed in happiness, then ran over and threw her tiny arms around her mother's waist.
Scarlett was shocked and unsure of how to react. Hesitantly she hugged the young girl back, appreciating for the first time how nice it felt to hold her first-born daughter.
"Now, you two go change out of your school attire quickly while Mother gets her handbag and cape." Scarlett ordered.
"Yes Mother." They immediately answered, not wanting to upset their mother while she was in such a rare attentive mood, and ran up the stairs.
"Don't run!" Scarlett insisted, "You could fall and break your neck."
"Sorry." They chorused, and slowed their pace for a few seconds, then resumed their previous pace, Ella's short legs struggling to keep up with the longer legs of her brother.
Scarlett shook her head; a new understanding of just how alike her three children were came over her.
** Half and hour later **
While the children had been changing, Scarlett had been thinking about her past behavior towards the two children. She'd always been so busy and never had much time to spend with them when they were younger. At first, it had been because she'd been worried about having food for Wade to eat, then it was trying to keep her business afloat, so they wouldn't have to worry about money, but it had become a habit. She'd gotten used to working all the time, and now that her family's well-being had been secured, she really had no reason to keep up the pace she had been.
The awareness of this hit her hard, it had been years since she needed to worry about money, so why was she still acting like every single dollar was life and death. Scarlett became mindful of the fact as to, she was a bad mother . . . .
"But not anymore." She vowed.
She was going to make time for her children, get to know them. She didn't really need to mind the store as closely as she did, though she'd still have to watch over the mills, because Ashley had no business sense, but she could delegate most of her business responsibilities.
That decided, Scarlett felt the heavy burden on her soul suddenly feel much lighter. Before she could contemplate the feelings she was experiencing, Wade and Ella came rushing down the stairs, eager faces glowing from the fresh scrubbing Mammy had given them.
Scarlet studied them from her position near the door, realizing just how comely both were becoming, especially Ella. It had turned out the peahens' predictions had been true, ugly babies really did grow up to be quite lovely. Ella's hair and eyes had darkened, giving her curly golden brown hair with red highlights, and here eyes had become a shade of green quite like her mother's. Wade had become the perfect combination of Charles and Scarlett. His eyes had a slight tilt to them, taking away from the cow-like appearance Charles' eyes had, making it look like Wade was always amused, and his real smile was pure Scarlett, though he'd never had much cause to use it.
Wade had suspicions as to why his mother was acting the way she. She'd done a complete about face as to how she treated them. His mind was just like Scarlett's, he was clever and observant.
Ella on the other hand was longing for affection. The man who'd been the father figure in her life as long as she could remember had just gone with her only sister for no one knew how long, and neither had even written in the several weeks since they had left. So Scarlett's abrupt change in her conduct with them didn't make Ella blink. She just wanted to be loved, especially by the mother she worshipped. Plus she was just too young to understand how strange such a change in actions from her mother was.
Scarlett gave her two eldest children a true smile, and offered her hands to the children. Each took one, and they were out the door.
The highest members of Atlanta society were shocked at the sight that lay before them. Scarlett Butler, out on a walk with her two eldest children! And the three seemed to be talking! The gossip mills were immediately on high alert.
Two hours later, their arms were laden with packages, and all three were talking and laughing about the shocked looked on the shopkeeper's face when Scarlett had told him she'd take all the dolls he had. Scarlett had decided to spoil her children, more or less buy her way into their hearts. Though she knew she couldn't truly buy their love, she could probably soften them up.
The three were surveying another store, Scarlett and Ella were looking at some hats when Scarlett noticed Wade looking some display wistfully.
Scarlett's eyes lit up and leaned down to Ella, "Darling, you pick out any hats you want. See if you can find one for mother too. I must go see what your brother's up to."
"As many as I want? Oh thank you Mother!" She impulsively kissed her mother on the cheek, and then went back to trying on hats, not noticing the stunned expression on Scarlett's face.
Scarlett brought her hand up to her cheek, touching the area where her daughter had kissed her. She smiled to herself, and then walked over to Wade.
She bit her lip, not quite knowing what to say. Scarlett sighed, and decided to plunge right ahead, "What are you looking at?"
Wade looked up startled, "Wha-? Oh, um, I was just taking a look at the new pocket watches."
"I'd say you were doing more than taking a quick look. Do you like them?"
Wade looked down, "Um, yes."
"Which one do you like best?" Scarlett questioned.
"I don't know . . ."
Scarlett raised an eyebrow. Wade caught the look and blushed.
"The gold one with the braid around the edge." He admitted.
"Do you really want it?" Scarlett questioned, looking at the price.
"More than anything . . . but aren't I too young?"
"We'll see." Scarlett said, but when Wade went off to go choose out a new book, Scarlett told the shopkeeper that she wanted the watch, and to engrave it inside.
The man informed her it would take a few days, but Scarlett didn't care.
They were on their way home, arms full of packages, when a wave of dizziness came over Scarlett again. She stopped suddenly, unable to walk any further. Wade dropped his packages (which luckily didn't contain anything breakable), and quickly grabbed his swaying mother, overcome with fear. He'd never seen his mother look so pale before.
"Mother, are you alright?" Wade demanded, his voice full of alarm.
"I'm fine darlings." Scarlett assured them, taking a few deep breaths.
"No you are not." Wade stated firmly, "You're pale, and you look like your about to faint. You never faint Mother."
"Wade's right." Ella spoke up, "Are you sick?"
Scarlett looked at her children in shock, Wade was acting as stubborn as she could be.
Scarlett gritted her teeth, and smiled at her daughter, "Of course not Ella. I'm perfectly healthy."
"Mother, please, I can tell that you're not." Wade's visage was quite determined, "As soon as we get home, you're to go to bed, and I'm sending for Dr. Meade."
"Wade! I am your mother, and I do not need to see the doctor." Scarlett insisted.
"Please Mother," Ella begged, "for us? Please?"
Scarlett then knew there was no way of avoiding it this time. She was going to have to see Dr. Meade.
She sighed, but was proud to see herself shining through her children, "Alright, if you two insist."
"We insist." Wade and Ella confirmed.
** One hour later **
Wade let the doctor into the house, and waited nervously while the man went into his mother's bedroom.
Ella soon joined him, an identical look of worry on her face. The two had never seen their mother look weak before. When she'd gotten all pale on their way home, the two had never been so afraid.
"Wade?" Ella started.
"What?"
"You don't think Mother's real sick, do you?"
"I . . ." Wade wasn't sure, but he could tell by the expression on Ella's face he couldn't tell her that. He was going to have to protect her too, "Of course not. It was probably just the heat."
"Really?"
"Really. Now why don't you go play with your new doll." He suggested, wanting his sister to get her mind off of things.
Ella was appeased, and her flighty five-year-old nature took over, "Alright!"
Wade sighed in relief when she was gone, then sat in a chair to wait and find out if what he'd told Ella was true.
~*~
"Well Scarlett, you're not ill." Dr. Meade concluded, putting away his things into his bag.
"I didn't really think I was. Then what is it? Why am I getting dizzy, and ill in the mornings?"
"It's quite simple, you're pregnant."
Scarlett was shocked, "Pregnant? How could I be-"
Then it hit her, that night. Her mind rushed back to it, and . . . she blushed when she realized Dr. Meade was still in the room.
"I see. Thank you Dr. Meade." She quickly responded, trying to cover her embarrassment.
"It will arrive in about eight months, approximately January. Now, I know you know what to do. Get plenty of rest, eat balanced meals and such."
Scarlett nodded, "Yes, I know." She sighed, and leaned back against her pillow, suddenly feeling tired, "On your way out, will you please tell Wade that I'm fine, but I'm going to rest for the remainder of the day? He was quite worried about me." Scarlett confided.
Dr. Meade nodded, a bit surprised at Scarlett's own worry for her son, he'd never seen her show concern for him before, "Of course. Take care of yourself Scarlett, and send for me if you have any trouble."
Once he'd left the room, Scarlett was left alone with her thoughts. A baby! She was going to have a baby. Her heart swelled and a smile filled her face. She'd never felt so happy before. She and Rhett were going to have a child, and this time, she wouldn't let him dominate it. She would love it, and care for it from the beginning. She placed her hands on her still flat stomach, looking down in wonder, "Yes little baby, me and your Daddy are going to love you to pieces. Just you wait."
With that, and thoughts of the joyful reaction she knew she would get from Rhett when he came home, she fell to sleep, dreaming of a future with Rhett and their children.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Please, I want replies, I know it sounds pathetic, but I live for feedback, good or bad! I need to know what you think so I know where to go with this. So I beg of you, tell me what ya think!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Name: Jules
Rating: PG-15 and higher (I'm a horrible judge of these things)
Disclaimer: Obviously, I don't own any of the characters from Gone With the Wind, no matter how much I WISH I did. They belong to the amazing Margaret Mitchell and whoever else has claim on them.
Classification: (angst, romance, and other)
Summary: What if Rhett didn't come home after those three months, and during that time, Scarlett had gotten closer to her children. But a horrible accident occurs, and everyone's lives will change as a result, and the world Rhett comes home to is quite different then the one he'd left behind.
Status: Unfinished
~ Please, be kind when you read and reply. This is my first Gone With the Wind fan fiction, and though I've been writing fan fic for some time, I've never written from a historical background, or for Scarlett and Rhett.
Oh, and I know the title sucks. I'm normally much better at coming up with titles, so if anyone has any suggestions, I'm VERY open to them!
Ok, I've rewritten this a bit, I found a GWTW timeline, and I found mine was a bit off, ok, way off. Because if you all remember, Bonnie's only supposed to be two, Ella's like five, and Wade's around eight! So I'm redoing some parts to make it coincide with the novel better. ~
In Sickness and in Health
By Jules
Chapter 1
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Scarlett was sitting at her desk, going over the books for the store, trying to make sense the figures on the page. The manager had the handwriting of a child of four, and it was almost impossible to read.
It had been over a month since Rhett had taken her Bonnie on their 'trip'.
Scarlett hadn't realized how much she'd cared about the two of then until they'd gone. The house was so quiet without them. Wade and Ella hadn't done much to change that either.
Scarlett began to realize the depths of her feelings for Rhett during the three days he was missing. She'd worried herself to distraction during that time, barely eating, not knowing if he was alive or dead . . . . Then he'd just shown up. Still drunk, smelling of alcohol and cheap perfume, and Scarlett's heart had plummeted.
He'd left her after professing his 'love' for her, to see that Watling creature. Just when she had begun to think Rhett might have cared for her, he blatantly showed Scarlett he thought her no more than a whore. She was just someone to warm his bed.
But when she thought back to that night, the wild look in his eyes, the untamed passion, his desire . . . the hidden depths she'd caught a fleeting glimpse of when he claimed that he loved her . . . . Scarlett's heart lifted the smallest bit and secretly hoped.
Scarlett frowned at her thoughts, then tried to concentrate on the numbers before her. But they were swimming around, and Scarlett's head felt light. She gasped, and tightly gripped the arms of her chair, closing her eyes, she tried to get control over her senses.
A few moments later, the feeling passed. Scarlett sighed in relief, the she became a bit tense. She'd been having bouts of nausea and dizziness for weeks now, and throwing up often in the mornings. She had tried to pass it off to herself as influenza, but in the back of her mind, she was beginning to realize it was something of an entire different stomach nature.
Giving up on the books, she sighed, shut the cover, leaned back on in her chair, and closed her eyes. She missed Rhett.
The front door slammed and the sound of children's voices filled the house.
Scarlett was lonely, and desperate for companionship. She jumped up out of her chair and hurried to the entryway.
Wade and Ella had just returned from the Wilkes and were on their way up to the nursery when their mother came rushing towards them.
"Children!"
The siblings froze in place, preparing themselves to be reprimanded. They turned around, and were surprised to see a look hopefulness on their mother's visage.
"Wonderful, you're home!" Scarlett thought quickly, "How would you like to go for a walk with Mother? Perhaps go shopping for some new things?"
"Truly?" questioned a hopeful Ella.
"Truly." Scarlett answered, understanding her children's cautious nature. It upset her, but she didn't let it show.
Ella squealed in happiness, then ran over and threw her tiny arms around her mother's waist.
Scarlett was shocked and unsure of how to react. Hesitantly she hugged the young girl back, appreciating for the first time how nice it felt to hold her first-born daughter.
"Now, you two go change out of your school attire quickly while Mother gets her handbag and cape." Scarlett ordered.
"Yes Mother." They immediately answered, not wanting to upset their mother while she was in such a rare attentive mood, and ran up the stairs.
"Don't run!" Scarlett insisted, "You could fall and break your neck."
"Sorry." They chorused, and slowed their pace for a few seconds, then resumed their previous pace, Ella's short legs struggling to keep up with the longer legs of her brother.
Scarlett shook her head; a new understanding of just how alike her three children were came over her.
** Half and hour later **
While the children had been changing, Scarlett had been thinking about her past behavior towards the two children. She'd always been so busy and never had much time to spend with them when they were younger. At first, it had been because she'd been worried about having food for Wade to eat, then it was trying to keep her business afloat, so they wouldn't have to worry about money, but it had become a habit. She'd gotten used to working all the time, and now that her family's well-being had been secured, she really had no reason to keep up the pace she had been.
The awareness of this hit her hard, it had been years since she needed to worry about money, so why was she still acting like every single dollar was life and death. Scarlett became mindful of the fact as to, she was a bad mother . . . .
"But not anymore." She vowed.
She was going to make time for her children, get to know them. She didn't really need to mind the store as closely as she did, though she'd still have to watch over the mills, because Ashley had no business sense, but she could delegate most of her business responsibilities.
That decided, Scarlett felt the heavy burden on her soul suddenly feel much lighter. Before she could contemplate the feelings she was experiencing, Wade and Ella came rushing down the stairs, eager faces glowing from the fresh scrubbing Mammy had given them.
Scarlet studied them from her position near the door, realizing just how comely both were becoming, especially Ella. It had turned out the peahens' predictions had been true, ugly babies really did grow up to be quite lovely. Ella's hair and eyes had darkened, giving her curly golden brown hair with red highlights, and here eyes had become a shade of green quite like her mother's. Wade had become the perfect combination of Charles and Scarlett. His eyes had a slight tilt to them, taking away from the cow-like appearance Charles' eyes had, making it look like Wade was always amused, and his real smile was pure Scarlett, though he'd never had much cause to use it.
Wade had suspicions as to why his mother was acting the way she. She'd done a complete about face as to how she treated them. His mind was just like Scarlett's, he was clever and observant.
Ella on the other hand was longing for affection. The man who'd been the father figure in her life as long as she could remember had just gone with her only sister for no one knew how long, and neither had even written in the several weeks since they had left. So Scarlett's abrupt change in her conduct with them didn't make Ella blink. She just wanted to be loved, especially by the mother she worshipped. Plus she was just too young to understand how strange such a change in actions from her mother was.
Scarlett gave her two eldest children a true smile, and offered her hands to the children. Each took one, and they were out the door.
The highest members of Atlanta society were shocked at the sight that lay before them. Scarlett Butler, out on a walk with her two eldest children! And the three seemed to be talking! The gossip mills were immediately on high alert.
Two hours later, their arms were laden with packages, and all three were talking and laughing about the shocked looked on the shopkeeper's face when Scarlett had told him she'd take all the dolls he had. Scarlett had decided to spoil her children, more or less buy her way into their hearts. Though she knew she couldn't truly buy their love, she could probably soften them up.
The three were surveying another store, Scarlett and Ella were looking at some hats when Scarlett noticed Wade looking some display wistfully.
Scarlett's eyes lit up and leaned down to Ella, "Darling, you pick out any hats you want. See if you can find one for mother too. I must go see what your brother's up to."
"As many as I want? Oh thank you Mother!" She impulsively kissed her mother on the cheek, and then went back to trying on hats, not noticing the stunned expression on Scarlett's face.
Scarlett brought her hand up to her cheek, touching the area where her daughter had kissed her. She smiled to herself, and then walked over to Wade.
She bit her lip, not quite knowing what to say. Scarlett sighed, and decided to plunge right ahead, "What are you looking at?"
Wade looked up startled, "Wha-? Oh, um, I was just taking a look at the new pocket watches."
"I'd say you were doing more than taking a quick look. Do you like them?"
Wade looked down, "Um, yes."
"Which one do you like best?" Scarlett questioned.
"I don't know . . ."
Scarlett raised an eyebrow. Wade caught the look and blushed.
"The gold one with the braid around the edge." He admitted.
"Do you really want it?" Scarlett questioned, looking at the price.
"More than anything . . . but aren't I too young?"
"We'll see." Scarlett said, but when Wade went off to go choose out a new book, Scarlett told the shopkeeper that she wanted the watch, and to engrave it inside.
The man informed her it would take a few days, but Scarlett didn't care.
They were on their way home, arms full of packages, when a wave of dizziness came over Scarlett again. She stopped suddenly, unable to walk any further. Wade dropped his packages (which luckily didn't contain anything breakable), and quickly grabbed his swaying mother, overcome with fear. He'd never seen his mother look so pale before.
"Mother, are you alright?" Wade demanded, his voice full of alarm.
"I'm fine darlings." Scarlett assured them, taking a few deep breaths.
"No you are not." Wade stated firmly, "You're pale, and you look like your about to faint. You never faint Mother."
"Wade's right." Ella spoke up, "Are you sick?"
Scarlett looked at her children in shock, Wade was acting as stubborn as she could be.
Scarlett gritted her teeth, and smiled at her daughter, "Of course not Ella. I'm perfectly healthy."
"Mother, please, I can tell that you're not." Wade's visage was quite determined, "As soon as we get home, you're to go to bed, and I'm sending for Dr. Meade."
"Wade! I am your mother, and I do not need to see the doctor." Scarlett insisted.
"Please Mother," Ella begged, "for us? Please?"
Scarlett then knew there was no way of avoiding it this time. She was going to have to see Dr. Meade.
She sighed, but was proud to see herself shining through her children, "Alright, if you two insist."
"We insist." Wade and Ella confirmed.
** One hour later **
Wade let the doctor into the house, and waited nervously while the man went into his mother's bedroom.
Ella soon joined him, an identical look of worry on her face. The two had never seen their mother look weak before. When she'd gotten all pale on their way home, the two had never been so afraid.
"Wade?" Ella started.
"What?"
"You don't think Mother's real sick, do you?"
"I . . ." Wade wasn't sure, but he could tell by the expression on Ella's face he couldn't tell her that. He was going to have to protect her too, "Of course not. It was probably just the heat."
"Really?"
"Really. Now why don't you go play with your new doll." He suggested, wanting his sister to get her mind off of things.
Ella was appeased, and her flighty five-year-old nature took over, "Alright!"
Wade sighed in relief when she was gone, then sat in a chair to wait and find out if what he'd told Ella was true.
~*~
"Well Scarlett, you're not ill." Dr. Meade concluded, putting away his things into his bag.
"I didn't really think I was. Then what is it? Why am I getting dizzy, and ill in the mornings?"
"It's quite simple, you're pregnant."
Scarlett was shocked, "Pregnant? How could I be-"
Then it hit her, that night. Her mind rushed back to it, and . . . she blushed when she realized Dr. Meade was still in the room.
"I see. Thank you Dr. Meade." She quickly responded, trying to cover her embarrassment.
"It will arrive in about eight months, approximately January. Now, I know you know what to do. Get plenty of rest, eat balanced meals and such."
Scarlett nodded, "Yes, I know." She sighed, and leaned back against her pillow, suddenly feeling tired, "On your way out, will you please tell Wade that I'm fine, but I'm going to rest for the remainder of the day? He was quite worried about me." Scarlett confided.
Dr. Meade nodded, a bit surprised at Scarlett's own worry for her son, he'd never seen her show concern for him before, "Of course. Take care of yourself Scarlett, and send for me if you have any trouble."
Once he'd left the room, Scarlett was left alone with her thoughts. A baby! She was going to have a baby. Her heart swelled and a smile filled her face. She'd never felt so happy before. She and Rhett were going to have a child, and this time, she wouldn't let him dominate it. She would love it, and care for it from the beginning. She placed her hands on her still flat stomach, looking down in wonder, "Yes little baby, me and your Daddy are going to love you to pieces. Just you wait."
With that, and thoughts of the joyful reaction she knew she would get from Rhett when he came home, she fell to sleep, dreaming of a future with Rhett and their children.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Please, I want replies, I know it sounds pathetic, but I live for feedback, good or bad! I need to know what you think so I know where to go with this. So I beg of you, tell me what ya think!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~