Part 8
I always thought if Rhett was so close to Bonnie wouldn't he had been close to his step-childern as well. So that's how this part came into play. Hope you enjoy it only two parts to go after this one.
Sw
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Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, Scarlett thought as Rhett helped her out of their carriage.
Mrs.Wilkes funeral had been two hours before. As the couple made their way to the newest grave both stopped in front of a tiny grave that held their hearts.
"Bonnie how we miss you" Scarlett whisper as Rhett took her hand into his bigger one." I bet Melanie and you are having as much fun now my darling." Scarlett forced the last words out as tears fell from her eyes. Being here now seeing the headstone that held her little girl's name finally brought reality crashing down around Scarlett.
Bonnie was gone forever she only lived in memories now. There weren't going to be any beau's for her little Bonnie Blue. Scarlett had always wondered and thought one day she would get to see if Bonnie looked like she had at sixteen. Only that was never going to happen now. Why couldn't taking Pa the same way as Bonnie been enough? Why had her little girl had to leave she'd never know.
Rhett who visited Bonnie's grave everyday just held his wife's hand and prayed that Scarlett was strong enough to face the pain. Giving time he was told it wouldn't hurt as much. Whoever come up with that surely hadn't sever felt the sting of death in their lives. It had been two months since Bonnie's death and the longing to hold her only grew.
Perhaps in time Scarlett and he would train themselves not to think about Bonnie. But not thinking about her seemed so wrong. Rhett knew there would come a day far in the future when he wouldn't think of Bonnie. He also knew the guilt of the day after that would almost kill him.
No matter what they wouldn't forget her, Rhett knew. And for the first time since Bonnie's death Rhett looked forward to the baby's birth. While the Baby could never take Bonnie's place he or she would have a place of it's own within his heart. That's what Bonnie would have wanted.
Dragging Scarlett away from Bonnie's headstone, Rhett pulled her towards where Melanie was laded to rest. If he hadn't Scarlett would have been there all day crying. Something that he couldn't allow, she needed to be in bed sleeping.
"Ssh, I know" Rhett said as they came to the spot where Melanie now laded. As tears ran down her sad face Rhett pulled her into his embrace. Scarlett wrapped her arms around Rhett and hang on for dear life. "I know" Rhett said once again.
When Scarlett sobs ended she pulled away from Rhett and bent down on her knees which as big as she was hadn't been easy to do. "Melanie, I just wanted to let you know you're the bravest person I ever knew. I will miss your dearly. Take care of Bonnie for me." with those few simple words Scarlett with Rhett's help got up ready to return home to her waiting bed.
*~*
Scarlett closed her eyes as Miss Eleanor read aloud from that darn book. How anyone could enjoy it was beyond Scarlett's thoughts. Rhett had agree with her on that point both thought perhaps age had soften Miss Eleanor taste in books. Or perhaps only a lady or gentleman could enjoy that book.
Scarlett heard Ella's little voice asking if Miss Eleanor would like to have tea with her. Scarlett couldn't help but feel sorry for the child. Bonnie death had left a hole in Ella's life one Scarlett knew couldn't be filled. Ella had thought of her little sister as he best friend the one person she would always have around.
When Rhett had taken Bonnie for those three months Ella had been lost. Scarlett could still remember Ella's whole face breaking out in a smile with Bonnie's return.
Ella had been glued to Wade side after Bonnie's death almost as if she feared she would lose him too if she didn't. Scarlett wished she could have tea party with Ella but Melly's death had taken Scarlett's strength with it. The pain over losing Melanie so close to Bonnie brought up that pain as well.
"Ella, Mother" Scarlett heard Rhett's voice say in greeting to the two. "Uncle Rhett" Ella said joyfully.
"What have you been up to Ella?" Rhett asked as he noticed Scarlett's closed eyes.
"Not much Uncle Rhett. With Wade at Beau's I follow Mammy around." Ella said with a frown. Rhett felt guilty about that. Wade was only supposed to spend one night with Beau. But that night had turned into a week. Everytime he had tried to bring Wade home Beau would asked if Wade could stay one more day. This in turn caused Rhett to say yes.
"I asked Grandmother Butler, to have tea with me. But she setting with Mother. Would you like to have tea with me Uncle Rhett?" Ella asked before Bonnie had died they would have tea together all the time.
Rhett looked into Ella's eyes the child was lonely that shined clear. But Rhett knew he couldn't go into that playroom and seat where he had when Bonnie had been alive." I have a better idea. What do you say to us going to the Atlanta hotel and getting tea and cake maybe ice cream as well in the restaurant there?" Rhett asked smiling at his step-daughter.
"That's sounds wonderful, Uncle Rhett." Ella said a adventure with her step-father she could tell Wade about brightened her spirit right up. This house was too big and lonely for Ella's taste.
Miss Eleanor watched as her son and Ella left. It was good for the two to pick up where they had left off. Mammy had told her all about Rhett taking the girls around town are how he would just play with them for hours. So it was a good sign that Rhett was spending time with Ella again. Miss Eleanor also knew it would hurt both Ella and Rhett awfully hard these first few times out without Bonnie but as time would go on so would the pain.
*~*
Mrs. Merriwether was in shock at the sight before her. There in the Atlanta hotel restaurant was Ella Kennedy with her step-father Captain Butler, the child was laughing at something he had just said.
Being the busybody that she was Mrs. Merriwether made her way over to their table. "Captain Butler, Miss Kennedy." She said smiling kindly at the pair. "I didn't expect to see you two here."
Rhett smiled politely wishing Mrs. Merriwether would just leave. But knowing for Ella sake he had to be kind so he replied." Mrs.Merriwether won't you join us?"
"Thank you kindly Captain Butler, but I'm waiting for a friend." Mrs.Merriwether replied then turned to Ella. "What have you been up to my dear child?"
"I've been helping Grandmother Butler and Mammy take care of Mother." Ella said then took a bite of her ice cream.
"How is Scarlett doing? The poor dear has lost so much in her condition." Rhett forced a smile to his face as he answered her question." Scarlett's been doing well for all she's been through. You should stop by the house sometime soon Mrs.Merriwether. I'm sure Scarlett and Mother would love to see you."
Smiling politely she answered "Captain Butler, please tell your Mother and Scarlett, I will be stopping in to see them sometime this week. Now if your excuse me I see my friend. "with that said Mrs.Merriwether was gone.
And Ella and Rhett could once again be themselves. "Uncle Rhett, do you think Mother will have a boy or girl?"
Rhett who was looking over Ella's head to watch Mrs.Merriwether greeting her friend almost hadn't head Ella's question.
"Either would be fine with me. But I know Scarlett is hoping for a boy."
Rhett secretly hoped Scarlett got her wish. Having another daughter so soon after Bonnie would hurt too much.
"I hope it's a boy too," Ella said as dreams of her unborn sibling danced in her head.
"Why is that Ella?" Rhett asked curious to the child's line of thought. Ella's eyes grew big and her smile faded away. As a few minutes past and Ella hadn't answered his question Rhett thought she forgotten his question all together until Ella's baby voice said. "I want the baby to be a boy, because boys are stronger and don't get hurt much."
Rhett looked into Ella's eyes and saw tears she was afraid if the baby turned out to be a girl something bad would happen. Rhett was close to tears himself, he had to say something that would cheer both of them up. Only there wasn't anything he could say that would. Instead Rhett knew if he and Ella didn't talk about Bonnie now they never would.
"I miss her too, Ella" Rhett said this as Ella started to cry. "Come over here" Rhett said with open arms. It only took the child a moment before she was crying into her step-father's arms. "Why did she have to jump?" Ella cried into Rhett's shoulder.
People were staring at them but Rhett didn't care he kept comforting Ella. "Because that was Bonnie's way. Remember the time I took you girls to the park and Bonnie chased the stray cat all over?" he asked as he brushed Ella's hair back.
Ella pulled her head back and nodded her head. "I don't want another sister. That's why I want the baby to be a boy. No one can take Bonnie's place ever." she said then hugged Rhett.
Rhett who felt the same way knew now hearing Ella stated his feelings aloud how unfair that would be to the baby if it were a girl. "Ella, no matter what no once can take Bonnie's place. But if the baby is a girl we" Rhett stopped as Ella pulled back and rubbed her eyes. "well we can't blame the baby because Bonnie isn't here. In fact it's our job to tell him or her all about Bonnie."
Ella looked as much like Scarlett as she could ever Rhett thought as the child's mind was busy in thought." I could tell the baby all about the times Bonnie and me would hide from Mammy."
"Yes that sounds like something that would be fun to hear about. I didn't know the two of you did that. So Ella tell me what did Mammy do to the two of you when you where caught?" Rhett asked as his heart and mind battled over this conversation taking place. On one hand it hurt like hell to set here with Ella on his lap talking about Bonnie. On the other hand Rhett knew Ella and himself both needed this. The last two months he had all but forgotten about poor Ella. Before it was always the three of them. Now it was just two but Rhett wasn't about to stop. Ella was like a daughter to him. When he had left with Bonnie both had missed Ella awful. Before leaving on that trip Rhett, had actually thought about taking Ella with them, but knew Scarlett would never allow that.
"Mammy would yell at us and Bonnie would always say that we were only playing." Ella said now setting on Rhett's lap smiling. "Uncle Rhett can we go to the park?" she asked as thoughts of all the good times Bonnie and she had there.
"If you want to. Now are you done with your ice cream?" Rhett asked faking a smile the park was going to be pure torture. Bonnie had always loved going there.
Ella nodded her head yes then jumped off Rhett's lap. As she took her seat again Rhett waved their waiter over. "Maybe after the park we could go see Beau?" Ella asked as Rhett paid there check. Rhett smiled at Ella's words it was a well known fact Ella had a crush on Beau Wilkes. Rhett only hoped things between the two children went better then their parents.
"We should stop by Pittypat's first and see if Wade and Beau will join us at the park." Rhett was saying as they departed the hotel.
Shaking her head in agreement Ella stopped in her tracks as she saw a woman smiling before them. " Rhett" the woman said "who's this?" she asked looking to Ella.
"Mrs. Watling this is my step-daughter Ella Kennedy." Rhett said looking Belle in the eyes." Ella this is Mrs. Watling an old friend of mine."
Ella smiled politely at Belle, something about the woman, Ella didn't like what it was the child couldn't pinpoint.
"I was saddened to hear of your daughter's death Rhett." Belle said with a tone of sadness in her voice.
When Belle had heard the news she had expected Rhett to coming crawling to her door drunk and needing comfort. That never happened his wife being pregnant had bounded him to her. The talk of the town before Rhett's return some five months ago was that Mrs. Butler was rumored be carrying Ashley Wilkes child.
With Rhett's return Belle had hoped the rumor to be true knowing if it was Rhett would come to her telling her everything.
Only that never happened Mrs. Butler was indeed pregnant but Rhett never got once during the last four months had visited her not even to play cards.
Some had said Rhett was standing by Scarlett to save face. Belle knew other wise. If that unborn child wasn't his he would have picked Bonnie up and left again and never looked back. Rhett Butler was no ones fool. Of course there also happen to be the fact Mrs. Watling knew that before Rhett had left those three months something had happened between Rhett and his wife. Something that had scared Rhett enough to spend three days laying in her bed yelling every time anyone tried to come in. He wanted to be alone and Belle had granted his wish.
Bonnie's death, Belle was sure had destroyed Rhett's world. She was all he ever talked about looking to Ella, Belle also remember Rhett mention her name allot as well.
"That's kind of you to say Mrs.Watling." Rhett said taking Ella's hand. "I'm afraid we must be going now I promised Ella I would take her to the park."
Belle silently watched step-father and daughter walk away. A smile appeared on her face she had lost Rhett. Scarlett had finally broken whatever wall that had stood in their way. As much as Mrs. Watling would miss Rhett she was glad he would have some happiness in his life. The day Rhett had met Scarlett O'Hara was the day Belle had lost Rhett forever.
Tbc......
I always thought if Rhett was so close to Bonnie wouldn't he had been close to his step-childern as well. So that's how this part came into play. Hope you enjoy it only two parts to go after this one.
Sw
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Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, Scarlett thought as Rhett helped her out of their carriage.
Mrs.Wilkes funeral had been two hours before. As the couple made their way to the newest grave both stopped in front of a tiny grave that held their hearts.
"Bonnie how we miss you" Scarlett whisper as Rhett took her hand into his bigger one." I bet Melanie and you are having as much fun now my darling." Scarlett forced the last words out as tears fell from her eyes. Being here now seeing the headstone that held her little girl's name finally brought reality crashing down around Scarlett.
Bonnie was gone forever she only lived in memories now. There weren't going to be any beau's for her little Bonnie Blue. Scarlett had always wondered and thought one day she would get to see if Bonnie looked like she had at sixteen. Only that was never going to happen now. Why couldn't taking Pa the same way as Bonnie been enough? Why had her little girl had to leave she'd never know.
Rhett who visited Bonnie's grave everyday just held his wife's hand and prayed that Scarlett was strong enough to face the pain. Giving time he was told it wouldn't hurt as much. Whoever come up with that surely hadn't sever felt the sting of death in their lives. It had been two months since Bonnie's death and the longing to hold her only grew.
Perhaps in time Scarlett and he would train themselves not to think about Bonnie. But not thinking about her seemed so wrong. Rhett knew there would come a day far in the future when he wouldn't think of Bonnie. He also knew the guilt of the day after that would almost kill him.
No matter what they wouldn't forget her, Rhett knew. And for the first time since Bonnie's death Rhett looked forward to the baby's birth. While the Baby could never take Bonnie's place he or she would have a place of it's own within his heart. That's what Bonnie would have wanted.
Dragging Scarlett away from Bonnie's headstone, Rhett pulled her towards where Melanie was laded to rest. If he hadn't Scarlett would have been there all day crying. Something that he couldn't allow, she needed to be in bed sleeping.
"Ssh, I know" Rhett said as they came to the spot where Melanie now laded. As tears ran down her sad face Rhett pulled her into his embrace. Scarlett wrapped her arms around Rhett and hang on for dear life. "I know" Rhett said once again.
When Scarlett sobs ended she pulled away from Rhett and bent down on her knees which as big as she was hadn't been easy to do. "Melanie, I just wanted to let you know you're the bravest person I ever knew. I will miss your dearly. Take care of Bonnie for me." with those few simple words Scarlett with Rhett's help got up ready to return home to her waiting bed.
*~*
Scarlett closed her eyes as Miss Eleanor read aloud from that darn book. How anyone could enjoy it was beyond Scarlett's thoughts. Rhett had agree with her on that point both thought perhaps age had soften Miss Eleanor taste in books. Or perhaps only a lady or gentleman could enjoy that book.
Scarlett heard Ella's little voice asking if Miss Eleanor would like to have tea with her. Scarlett couldn't help but feel sorry for the child. Bonnie death had left a hole in Ella's life one Scarlett knew couldn't be filled. Ella had thought of her little sister as he best friend the one person she would always have around.
When Rhett had taken Bonnie for those three months Ella had been lost. Scarlett could still remember Ella's whole face breaking out in a smile with Bonnie's return.
Ella had been glued to Wade side after Bonnie's death almost as if she feared she would lose him too if she didn't. Scarlett wished she could have tea party with Ella but Melly's death had taken Scarlett's strength with it. The pain over losing Melanie so close to Bonnie brought up that pain as well.
"Ella, Mother" Scarlett heard Rhett's voice say in greeting to the two. "Uncle Rhett" Ella said joyfully.
"What have you been up to Ella?" Rhett asked as he noticed Scarlett's closed eyes.
"Not much Uncle Rhett. With Wade at Beau's I follow Mammy around." Ella said with a frown. Rhett felt guilty about that. Wade was only supposed to spend one night with Beau. But that night had turned into a week. Everytime he had tried to bring Wade home Beau would asked if Wade could stay one more day. This in turn caused Rhett to say yes.
"I asked Grandmother Butler, to have tea with me. But she setting with Mother. Would you like to have tea with me Uncle Rhett?" Ella asked before Bonnie had died they would have tea together all the time.
Rhett looked into Ella's eyes the child was lonely that shined clear. But Rhett knew he couldn't go into that playroom and seat where he had when Bonnie had been alive." I have a better idea. What do you say to us going to the Atlanta hotel and getting tea and cake maybe ice cream as well in the restaurant there?" Rhett asked smiling at his step-daughter.
"That's sounds wonderful, Uncle Rhett." Ella said a adventure with her step-father she could tell Wade about brightened her spirit right up. This house was too big and lonely for Ella's taste.
Miss Eleanor watched as her son and Ella left. It was good for the two to pick up where they had left off. Mammy had told her all about Rhett taking the girls around town are how he would just play with them for hours. So it was a good sign that Rhett was spending time with Ella again. Miss Eleanor also knew it would hurt both Ella and Rhett awfully hard these first few times out without Bonnie but as time would go on so would the pain.
*~*
Mrs. Merriwether was in shock at the sight before her. There in the Atlanta hotel restaurant was Ella Kennedy with her step-father Captain Butler, the child was laughing at something he had just said.
Being the busybody that she was Mrs. Merriwether made her way over to their table. "Captain Butler, Miss Kennedy." She said smiling kindly at the pair. "I didn't expect to see you two here."
Rhett smiled politely wishing Mrs. Merriwether would just leave. But knowing for Ella sake he had to be kind so he replied." Mrs.Merriwether won't you join us?"
"Thank you kindly Captain Butler, but I'm waiting for a friend." Mrs.Merriwether replied then turned to Ella. "What have you been up to my dear child?"
"I've been helping Grandmother Butler and Mammy take care of Mother." Ella said then took a bite of her ice cream.
"How is Scarlett doing? The poor dear has lost so much in her condition." Rhett forced a smile to his face as he answered her question." Scarlett's been doing well for all she's been through. You should stop by the house sometime soon Mrs.Merriwether. I'm sure Scarlett and Mother would love to see you."
Smiling politely she answered "Captain Butler, please tell your Mother and Scarlett, I will be stopping in to see them sometime this week. Now if your excuse me I see my friend. "with that said Mrs.Merriwether was gone.
And Ella and Rhett could once again be themselves. "Uncle Rhett, do you think Mother will have a boy or girl?"
Rhett who was looking over Ella's head to watch Mrs.Merriwether greeting her friend almost hadn't head Ella's question.
"Either would be fine with me. But I know Scarlett is hoping for a boy."
Rhett secretly hoped Scarlett got her wish. Having another daughter so soon after Bonnie would hurt too much.
"I hope it's a boy too," Ella said as dreams of her unborn sibling danced in her head.
"Why is that Ella?" Rhett asked curious to the child's line of thought. Ella's eyes grew big and her smile faded away. As a few minutes past and Ella hadn't answered his question Rhett thought she forgotten his question all together until Ella's baby voice said. "I want the baby to be a boy, because boys are stronger and don't get hurt much."
Rhett looked into Ella's eyes and saw tears she was afraid if the baby turned out to be a girl something bad would happen. Rhett was close to tears himself, he had to say something that would cheer both of them up. Only there wasn't anything he could say that would. Instead Rhett knew if he and Ella didn't talk about Bonnie now they never would.
"I miss her too, Ella" Rhett said this as Ella started to cry. "Come over here" Rhett said with open arms. It only took the child a moment before she was crying into her step-father's arms. "Why did she have to jump?" Ella cried into Rhett's shoulder.
People were staring at them but Rhett didn't care he kept comforting Ella. "Because that was Bonnie's way. Remember the time I took you girls to the park and Bonnie chased the stray cat all over?" he asked as he brushed Ella's hair back.
Ella pulled her head back and nodded her head. "I don't want another sister. That's why I want the baby to be a boy. No one can take Bonnie's place ever." she said then hugged Rhett.
Rhett who felt the same way knew now hearing Ella stated his feelings aloud how unfair that would be to the baby if it were a girl. "Ella, no matter what no once can take Bonnie's place. But if the baby is a girl we" Rhett stopped as Ella pulled back and rubbed her eyes. "well we can't blame the baby because Bonnie isn't here. In fact it's our job to tell him or her all about Bonnie."
Ella looked as much like Scarlett as she could ever Rhett thought as the child's mind was busy in thought." I could tell the baby all about the times Bonnie and me would hide from Mammy."
"Yes that sounds like something that would be fun to hear about. I didn't know the two of you did that. So Ella tell me what did Mammy do to the two of you when you where caught?" Rhett asked as his heart and mind battled over this conversation taking place. On one hand it hurt like hell to set here with Ella on his lap talking about Bonnie. On the other hand Rhett knew Ella and himself both needed this. The last two months he had all but forgotten about poor Ella. Before it was always the three of them. Now it was just two but Rhett wasn't about to stop. Ella was like a daughter to him. When he had left with Bonnie both had missed Ella awful. Before leaving on that trip Rhett, had actually thought about taking Ella with them, but knew Scarlett would never allow that.
"Mammy would yell at us and Bonnie would always say that we were only playing." Ella said now setting on Rhett's lap smiling. "Uncle Rhett can we go to the park?" she asked as thoughts of all the good times Bonnie and she had there.
"If you want to. Now are you done with your ice cream?" Rhett asked faking a smile the park was going to be pure torture. Bonnie had always loved going there.
Ella nodded her head yes then jumped off Rhett's lap. As she took her seat again Rhett waved their waiter over. "Maybe after the park we could go see Beau?" Ella asked as Rhett paid there check. Rhett smiled at Ella's words it was a well known fact Ella had a crush on Beau Wilkes. Rhett only hoped things between the two children went better then their parents.
"We should stop by Pittypat's first and see if Wade and Beau will join us at the park." Rhett was saying as they departed the hotel.
Shaking her head in agreement Ella stopped in her tracks as she saw a woman smiling before them. " Rhett" the woman said "who's this?" she asked looking to Ella.
"Mrs. Watling this is my step-daughter Ella Kennedy." Rhett said looking Belle in the eyes." Ella this is Mrs. Watling an old friend of mine."
Ella smiled politely at Belle, something about the woman, Ella didn't like what it was the child couldn't pinpoint.
"I was saddened to hear of your daughter's death Rhett." Belle said with a tone of sadness in her voice.
When Belle had heard the news she had expected Rhett to coming crawling to her door drunk and needing comfort. That never happened his wife being pregnant had bounded him to her. The talk of the town before Rhett's return some five months ago was that Mrs. Butler was rumored be carrying Ashley Wilkes child.
With Rhett's return Belle had hoped the rumor to be true knowing if it was Rhett would come to her telling her everything.
Only that never happened Mrs. Butler was indeed pregnant but Rhett never got once during the last four months had visited her not even to play cards.
Some had said Rhett was standing by Scarlett to save face. Belle knew other wise. If that unborn child wasn't his he would have picked Bonnie up and left again and never looked back. Rhett Butler was no ones fool. Of course there also happen to be the fact Mrs. Watling knew that before Rhett had left those three months something had happened between Rhett and his wife. Something that had scared Rhett enough to spend three days laying in her bed yelling every time anyone tried to come in. He wanted to be alone and Belle had granted his wish.
Bonnie's death, Belle was sure had destroyed Rhett's world. She was all he ever talked about looking to Ella, Belle also remember Rhett mention her name allot as well.
"That's kind of you to say Mrs.Watling." Rhett said taking Ella's hand. "I'm afraid we must be going now I promised Ella I would take her to the park."
Belle silently watched step-father and daughter walk away. A smile appeared on her face she had lost Rhett. Scarlett had finally broken whatever wall that had stood in their way. As much as Mrs. Watling would miss Rhett she was glad he would have some happiness in his life. The day Rhett had met Scarlett O'Hara was the day Belle had lost Rhett forever.
Tbc......