"The Long Road"

AUTHOR: Melly (otherwise know as, RHETTLOVER!)

RATING: PG

EMAIL: GWTWindyChick3@juno.com

DISCLAIMER: I do not own GWTW, (unfortunately!) :(

TIMELINE: After Scarlett has arrived at Tara during the War.

SYNOPSIS: You do not need one anymore!!

DISTRIBUTION: scarlettonline.com, fanfiction.net, network54.com.etc.

NOTE: This is kinda small, but I have been gone so, IT'S JUSTIFIED!

CHAPTER: 5.Following her Footsteps

As the two made their way out towards the fields, silence enveloped them.

The sun was far into the sky and Scarlett's forehead prickled with sweat. Scarlett disliked

this constant feeling of hot, slime, and dirt. She wanted everything to be the way it was

before.before, when her life was careless and she didn't need to do anything except

what she wanted, before the war started and took away the life and people she knew and

loved. Yet, Scarlett received a small comfort from looking out across the vast land she

was walking upon. This is what Pa and Mother would have wanted her to do.to be here,

taking care of Tara, and everyone else.

Scarlett woke from her reverie and glanced at Rhett. She could see his fists

balled in his pockets and by the way his brow was furrowed, he was obviously thinking

hard about something as he absently stared at the ground. His walk was swift but he

walked so carefully, as if he were afraid to step on something. As Scarlett was busy

noticing these things, Rhett's attention was now on her.

Rhett was still confused towards Scarlett's actions yesterday, not that he

really minded them, it was actually quite pleasurable. However, he wanted to know why

she had left, It was apparent that she either thought she had done something sinful or was

afraid of something else.but just what, Rhett couldn't' put his finger on.

Scarlett was now thinking about the same subject too. Yet, on the other

hand, she KNEW why she had left, and thought it was a good reason. If she loved

Ashley, which she was sure of, it wasn't right for her to be kissing another man,

especially Rhett Butler. Nevertheless, why did she like it? These thoughts clouded Scarlett's mind

as she remembered yesterday and how limp and helpless she felt. How everything that

she had ever thought about disappeared in an instant and all she could think about was

Rhett. As her gaze on Rhett intensified, she felt her pulse quicken. Could she.no! Never

could a well brought up lady like herself fall in love with the likes of Rhett Butler.

Unknowingly, Scarlett loudly told herself, "Stop it." Disappointed that

Scarlett interrupted his thoughts, Rhett curiously replied, "Stop what?" Realizing what

she had said, Scarlett turned her head up and said, "Oh.it's-it's nothing Rhett."

Scarlett walked a little faster now and pursued the idea of trying to forget about Rhett

Butler for the rest of the day. Scarlett reassured herself that Ashley Wilkes was the love

of her life and that nothing, not even Rhett Butler, could stop true love.

Rhett, realizing Scarlett's discomfort, approached a different topic of

interest. "How has your Mother been doing lately?" Scarlett stopped before she could

understand the depth of the words. Mother.her beautiful face floated through Scarlett's

mind. How comforting Ellen was, just like the Virgin Mary. Scarlett hadn't the time to

grieve over Mother, it came as such a shock to her that she couldn't comprehend the

Ellen would never be there again to hold her head, or whisper comforting words to her at

night. Why hadn't Mammy told Rhett? Why did Rhett have to ask her? These questions

pelted her brain as she stifled a gasp and slowly brought her hand to her mouth.

Rhett turned at looked at Scarlett. Her eyes were extinguished of the fiery

light the usually held, her face like porcelain, so frail that if you touched her skin, it

would shatter before you. Rhett came closer and placed a hand on her should. "Scarlett?"

he whispered, his voice full of concern. "Mother." Scarlett whispered her voice so

small, it was almost indiscernible. Rhett realized at once."Oh, Scarlett. I'm.I'm so

sorry. I-I didn't realize that. I mean, I knew she was ill, but." For once, Rhett Butler

was at a loss of words. To loose your Mother.Rhett couldn't imagine. His own Mother

dying.the one who took Rhett off the streets where everyone else in Charleston turned

their heads at him. Scarlett muffled a sob and fell into Rhett's arms.

Scarlett gripped Rhett's shirt in her hands and let go of the tears and pain

she had felt inside since she discovered Mother's death. It felt so good to be held and

comforted without worrying about anything. Rhett was whispering words into Scarlett's

ears but she couldn't hear them. All she could think about was the enormous burden that

was being lifted from her shoulders. However, Scarlett had to stop. She hated looking so

weak and vulnerable in front of Rhett. After what seemed like an hour, but what was

really a minute, she controlled her sobs. Pulling herself away from his arms, she wiped

her eyes and smoothed her hair. Scarlett squared her shoulders and started walking.

Without looking behind she whispered, "We've a lot of work to do, so we best get going

and finish it before sundown. Rhett waited a moment and continued on following

Scarlett's footsteps.