A Glimmer of Hope
Thank you so much for all your reviews, they mean a lot to me. I have to admit that I left this story hanging, mostly, because I got swept away with all the attention it got. Suddenly, it was important what you expected from the story and I wondered, if I could live up to that. I had finished the story, now, I have re-read it and will change it a bit; therefore this is a very short chapter.
I don't know if anyone still will be interested in A Glimmer of Hope, but I hate unfinished stories ;-)
Please feel free to point out misspellings and other errors.
Chapter 10
Rhett stood quietly for a moment reflecting on his wife's words, normally he knew everything, that went on behind his wife's pretty eyes but not this time. Suddenly, realization hit him and he took a step back, unsure of his next move. Aloofness had been his best weapon in his marriage so far, now, he doubted it would help him. He watched Scarlett, her back still turned against him, her, normally, stubbornly raised head was now bent and her shoulders tense.
That night! What he would give to erase it from his memory, forget how he had behaved and what he had done to her still reddened his cheek, and forced him to look away from her. He didn't deserved the aftermath of that night. His son and wife!. But how proud he was of both. Raising his eyes he realized, that they had never talked about that night. Never discussed why it had happened, or what had taken place afterwards. He could pretend he believed Scarlett was indifferent to that night, that she had come to some understanding of it, but it would all be a lie. Scarlett never understood anything on her own but money's value. Truth to be told, he had taken the coward's road; too content with his gaining, not willing to gamble with his happiness. His happiness! What about his wife's? The easiest road usually wasn't the right road. Surely, his game had made him feel young and on top of the world, but the real question was; if it would lead him to the bottom as fast and if was he ready for the stakes.
Scarlett stood looking out of the window, the sight was breathtaking; the ocean was showing her temper, with waves of green and blue and topped with silver white foam. It water was a mirror of her life, only it refused to hide what was beneath the surface. Revealing it all; the ugliness, the lies, the hurt and the mistrust. It demanded to be acknowledge for its true nature. A nature strangely common to the human nature with its complexities . The wind seemed to agree, with forceful power it blow away all veils and layers of misconceptions. It was not a wild wind that would scare people but more of a gentle, insisting wind, which left no chance of escaping it purpose. If only Rhett would leave her, perhaps then, she would be able to think straight and forget what had just happened. After all it wasn't important. The pain in her heart told her differently, but she would think about it another day, now, it was too confusing. If only her mind would obey her.
"Scarlett, please don't turn your back to me."
"Why not, Rhett?" Scarlett tiredly retorted, "you always do that. I'm tired, will you take me and the children home, please?"
"Of course I will Scarlett," not sure how to play this game, he hesitated, he was tired too. "We really need to talk, my dear."
"No we don't Rhett!" He had expected to face temper or pride but the blankness of her eyes, when she turned hurt him almost physically. He was starring at a mirror, with a well-known reflection; his own indifference. "We do, Scarlett and this time we will. I'm tired of this game, it has explode in my face and I regret that."
"For heavens sake Rhett, I don't know what you are running on about and I don't care. Just take me home. I don't care what you tell your mother."
In the carriage Scarlett was holding her son tight in her arms. Phillip's black eyes were locked with hers, the green eyes soften and shone with tenderness, it was a pure joy to watch her son's swarthy face and happy eyes. He was such a delightful baby, always pleased, when he was in her arms. She was amazed of how much he resample Rhett, from eyes to mouth. The girls would seek his company when he grew into a young man, just like Bonnie would attract more beaux than would be good for her. Well, a girl could never have too many, she corrected herself.
Entering his mother's home Rhett broke the peaceful truce, "Scarlett, I will take Bonnie and Phillip to the nursery and then we will talk." Without waiting for an answer he took Phillip from him and left her. Knowing she couldn't escape this, she sighed deeply before she walked to their room.