"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: Forgot.read my other posts. DUH!

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

NOTE: This is my last post! I am very depressed. :-(

CHAPTER: 11.Confessions, THE END

Scarlett's mind was racing now as she thought of something to say. She

knew her plan was terrible from the start. There would have been no way she could have

kept quiet that whole time. Yet, just when she thought she could, she broke and ruined

everything. Rhett eyes were cutting though to her mind. He walked swiftly to the other

side of the bed where Scarlett now lay like a deer caught in headlights. "You sly little

wench," Rhett snarled though gritted teeth as he gazed down on her. Scarlett felt so

vulnerable, lying here with him just feet away.

Rhett was studying Scarlett's face and Scarlett felt more anxiety as she

struggled to find something to say. Rhett did the job for her by retorting, "You thought

you could get away with the sleeping act, Scarlett. Excellent at eavesdropping, eh?"

Scarlett was even more stupefied. What could she say to that? She had indeed been

eavesdropping and had been trying to act like sleeping. How could she justify it? It was

true, just like Rhett said. Eavesdroppers often hear highly entertaining and instructive

things, which she had indeed. Rhett had opened up and his heart and let Scarlett peek

inside without knowing it. She was sure now. With all of her heart that Rhett loved her,

however, what could she do now? Rhett didn't know that she knew he loved her, but then

again.Rhett didn't know Scarlett loved her. All this time, while Scarlett was

contemplating between her mind on what to do, Rhett continued his tirade.

"I am sure this is the first time I've seen Scarlett O'Hara left with nothing

to say. No excuses, no justifications. Have you been playing this sick act too? Poor

Melanie, so worried about you she writes the low-down, nasty Rhett Butler to see if there

is anything to be done. I can only imagine what would happen if that were true." Rhett

paused a moment and let Scarlett think about what he had said. Scarlett took the

opportunity and did think about this.

Melanie wrote Rhett? Why would she do that? Scarlett strained her

memory trying to remember two nights ago. Melanie had come in.no, it was Mammy.

On the other hand,.maybe it was Melanie.Yes! She had asked Scarlett was wrong

and.I told her..no, I had asked where Rhett was and then she said-It was all crystal

clear to Scarlett now. Melanie had written Rhett because Scarlett had asked her too. What

if Rhett knew that Scarlett had asked this? Scarlett's mind was filled with so many

questions but with no answers. Looking up at Rhett she could tell he was waiting for an

answer.

"No.I'm acting out anything, Rhett," Scarlett mumbled, trying to hide

her face. Never could she let Rhett see that she was at a loss for words. Rhett scanned her

face, searching for some answers, but none were to be found. "So, what is this about you

asking for me?" asked Rhett, intensifying his gaze on Scarlett.

Scarlett stared back with perplex ion. What on earth will she say now.

'Well, Rhett, the reason I was calling for you is because I'm madly in love you.' She

could never say that. Scarlett bit her lower lip and stumbled in her mind, searching for

words. Just when she thought she'd give up, there was a commotion outside her door and

in stumbled Ashley. Scarlett could have asked for a more bittersweet miracle. The good

news, this would delay Rhett's intrusive question. Bad news, the interruption was Ashley

Wilkes.

Both Rhett and Scarlett turned their attention towards the door and Ashley

furiously slammed it behind him. His face was red and he clenched the doorknob in his

hand until he finally released it. "Rhett Butler!" Ashley clenched as he walked towards

him. "What do you think you are doing here in Scarlett's room? You need not upset her,

not while she is so ill like this!" Ashley and Rhett were now face-to-face. Rhett just

stared back at Ashley with a slight smirk and replied calmly, "What might a gentlemen

like yourself also be doing here?" Ashley let the question sink as he ejaculated," Well, I

heard what sounded like an argument so I came to investigate." Rhett turned his head at

this question and simply added to the conversation with, "The reason I'm here Mr.

Wilkes is because I received word from Mrs. Wilkes that Scarlett was ill. After how

hospitable Ms. Hamilton was, I could not help but come and visit as soon as I could."

Rhett paused and allowed Ashley to come up with something to say to

Rhett's cool reply. Ashley turned a slight read in the cheeks as he said sheepishly, "I am

sorry Mr. Butler for being so forward. Do excuse my actions." Rhett smiled a flashy grin

and said, "You are excused Mr. Wilkes. Now if you don't mind, I believe I'll allow

Scarlett and you a chat while I unpack my things." Rhett bowed and exited the room.

Scarlett was still surprised from the argument. It was interesting to watch how easily

Rhett could save his reputation without being humiliated.

Ashley now turned to Scarlett and said, "I am sorry my dear if I caused

you an interruption. I should not have been so forward to contradict Mr. Butler like that."

Scarlett just gave Ashley a half-smile and said sweetly, "You need not worry, Ashley. I

think I survived." This made Ashley laugh yet Scarlett did not join him. Scarlett

continued, "Although, if you don't mind.I would like a little sleep."

"Of, course," Ashley said as he reluctantly left the room. Scarlett now

stretched out her legs snuggled into the down quilt. Maybe things would be better. After

all, Rhett was here, so she shouldn't be sick anymore. Turing onto her side, she closed

her eyes thinking of what dinner would bring.

************************************************************************

Rhett sat back in his room, waiting for Ashley to leave. He almost had the

answer to the question that he really came over here for, and then Ashley had to come in.

He took a long puff on his cigar as a trail of smoke engulfed the room. Rhett wasn't so

sure if he was doing the right thing. After he had that nightmare, he decided that he had to

tell Scarlett of his feelings. Now he remembered how hard that is.

Then again, what if she was awake when he was in her room? Could she

have heard anything? Rhett thought about this when another question arose in his mind.

If Scarlett did love him, could she possibly be thinking the same things? As Rhett

brooded on this subject, he came to a decision. He would have to tell her. It would take

all the courage and bravery he ever had, but he would do it. Rhett took the last puff of his

cigar, sat up from the chair, and started for the door.

************************************************************************

Scarlett looked out over Tara, watching the grasses billow in the wind. Her

long hair flowed down her back and rustled at the slightest breeze. As she watched the

sunset with amazement, she felt a hand on her shoulder. Surprised, she turned around to

see Rhett standing next to her. Scarlett smiled and took his arm, holding it close to her.

Neither person spoke, but they just stood there, watching the sun inch closer and closer to

disappearing.

When all that was left were the sun's rays, Scarlett turned her face up to

Rhett. He smiled down on her, and it was clear that love was written all over his face.

Rhett's head lowered a bit, as Scarlett wrapped her arms around his neck. She could feel

his hands wrap around his waist. Scarlett pulled his head down into a kiss when he

suddenly disappeared. Terrified she pulled away from what was nothing as a thick fog

soon enveloped her and turned everything to darkness.

Panicking and remembering her old dreams, she felt that urge again to

run.run away from something behind. As she ran towards nothing she began calling

Rhett's name. If she could just find him he would save her, save her from whatever was

following her. She stopped, out of breath, and cried for Rhett once more. When hearing

nothing, she decided to give up until she felt a hand shake her shoulder. She turned and

saw nothing, but the shaking continued. Scarlett kept turning trying to find what was

doing this, when she opened her eyes to light and saw Rhett's face above hers.

"Scarlett.wake up," Rhett said, his voice filled with urgency. Scarlett

stopped tossing and turning and fully opened her eyes. "Rhett..." Scarlett said softly. "Oh

Rhett, it was terrible. It was my old dream again and I couldn't see and-" she was cut

short but Rhett who interjected, "It was just an nightmare, Scarlett. Try not to think about

it and everything will be fine." Scarlett nodded her head and noticed that Rhett was

sitting next to her on the bed. Her mind was still spinning from the nightmare so she tried

to organize her thoughts. She knew what she had to do now. If she never told Rhett, he

would never have known that Scarlett ever loved him. Moreover, if she did not tell him, it

could be the biggest mistake of her life. Pride was the only thing she had to overcome and

if she could lick the Yankees, she could surely fix a demonic feeling she always had.

"Rhett." Scarlett muttered, trying to figure out how to best word what

she had o say. "Yes," he said as he looked at her with confusion. "I-I need to tell you

something." Rhett's eyes widened. "Oh, really? I have to tell you something too. But you

can go first." Scarlett flustered as she replied, "Alright. Well, while I was sick, I had a

terrible dream." Scarlett paused a while trying to remember it. "I was.waiting for

someone outside of Tara and Pa came riding up." Scarlett wanted to leave out the part of

it actually being Rhett. She wasn't ready for that part, yet. "Anyways, we walked inside

and everything was foggy and cold and dark. I called for Pa, but he was not there. I kept

frantically calling for him but heard nothing and began to panic."

* * *

Rhett was listening intently to Scarlett's nightmare. He was hoping that

this would explain why she had been calling for him. He also wanted to delay his

confession of love for as long as possible. Scarlett continued her story. "I was on my

hands and knees. I thought I felt a foot and stood and embraced the person thinking it was

Pa. But it wasn't.it-it was." Scarlett paused for a moment, like she was searching for

a name. "Who was it?" Rhett asked impatiently, wondering if it was him. "Well, it was

Ashley." Scarlett said demurely. Rhett stared at her while his heart broke in two. This

was the last straw for him. If the worst could happen, this was it. Rhett tried to stay calm,

but anger rose in him, anger of believing that Scarlett could have really loved him. "Oh

,really?" Rhett replied trying to control himself. "Well, sorry to interrupt your more

dream-like fantasy, but you'll have to excuse me. I believe there is some immediate

business I need to take care of.

Rhett grabbed his coat that lay on the chair and headed for the door when

Scarlett called, "Rhett, please. I'm not finished." He turned back at her, seeing that she

was obviously embarrassed. "There's no need. I'd really rather not hear what you have to

say," Rhett replied sharply as he walked out of the room and slammed the door. He

literally ran down the stairs and out the front door as he passed mammy he went to open

the door but was pushed out of the way by Rhett. Swiftly walking out towards the stables,

he heard Mammy call back at him, "You bettuh learn sum mannuhs, Cap'n Butler!"

************************************************************************

Scarlett sat on the bed, feeling defeated again for the millionth time.

However, she had a plan. Never would she let Rhett Butler get away from her. She'd

make him listen, even if it took her all the strength she had. Feeling renewed from this

revelation, she stood up and walked out the door, lightly running down the oak stairs. Not

even thinking about the condition she was in he walked down the hall and ran towards the

door. There, she met Mammy yelling out the door. She pushed the other one open and ran

down the steps ignoring Mammy's cries of, "Now you, Miz Scarlett. Nuthin' worse fo'

an illness than goin' out in da' night air. It jus aint' fittin'." Scarlett searched around for

Rhett, wondering where he could have gone.
What if he left like last time? Scarlett began to frantically run towards the

stables, leaving little puffs of dust on the road and getting tiny pebbles stuck in her

slippers. When she reached thee stable, she flew the door to find Rhett standing there

smoking a cigar. He immediately turned, wishing he hadn't and turned back again, with

his back toward Scarlett.

Once again, Scarlett thought of backing down, but she changed her mind.

Squaring her shoulders, she walked in front of Rhett and stated, "You didn't let me finish

my story." She stared at Rhett while he dropped the cigar butt and smashed it with his

foot. He looked at her and smirked. "Well, Ms. Hamilton, if it pleases you, pray

continue." Scarlett smirked back and said sweetly, "Alright then, I will. However, I'd be

most obliged if you'd start referring to me as Miss O'Hara. After all, Charles is dead now

so we technically aren't married." Rhett placed his hands, morel like clenched fists, in his

pockets and replied, "If it suits you." Scarlett took in a deep breath and started, "When

you decided to leave.oh, yes. Now I remember. I said I found Ashley." Rhett rolled his

eyes at this but Scarlett continued anyway. "I asked him where Pa was and he said

nothing. I asked him again and again but still didn't reply or even move." Scarlett paused

when she Rhett say what sounded like "figures."

"Like I was saying.I began to panic once more, so I went back outside to

find it just the same as inside the house. I was calling for Pa again when I heard someone

coming on a horse. When there were almost three feet away I called to them and the

called back, "Good Morning." Scarlett waited, searching Rhett's eyes. Rhett became

impatient and asked, "Well, who was it?" Scarlett inhaled again and said softly, "You."

Scarlett saw Rhett's face change, but his mask remained. "I see," Rhett

said. "Well, what else happened?" Scarlett looked up at him again and mumbled, "I

actually have to tell you something else first. You know how I said I was looking for Pa.

Well.I wasn't. I was looking for you."

Rhett was staring at Scarlett intensely now and Scarlett waited patiently pr

his answer. She turned away, wondering if maybe he really didn't love her. When

Scarlett turned to do so, she felt Rhett's firm hand grab her chin as he pulled her face up

towards his. "What are you saying Scarlett?" Scarlett stared back at him, feeling the

connection between them more than ever. Remembering what she had to do, she sighed

softly. "What I mean Rhett, is that I was looking for you. That's why I have been calling

for you in my nightmares. It is you I am always looking for." She looked back into his

dark eyes for reassurance. "I am always looking for you.because I love you."

Scarlett's chest was pounding so hard that she could hear it in her ears.

She stared into his eyes, searching. She suppressed a gasp as the waiting became

intolerable. Rhett looked down at Scarlett and whispered, "That's not

possible.Ashley-he's always been-" Rhett was cut of by Scarlett when she placed

her fingers on his lips. "no, Rhett. Never Ashley. It's always been you." Putting her heart

in her eyes she looked up at Rhett watching the gears in his mind work. His face changed

and Scarlett watched as the mask that covered his face fell to the ground. "Excuse me for

interrupting you, but I did want to tell you something earlier. Remember?"

Confused at what could be more important than Rhett's reply to Scarlett's

confession of love, he smiled and whispered in her ear, "I've always loved you too."

Scarlett grinned as she pulled Rhett down for a kiss. They stood there a moment, not

feeling anything but the warmth of each other and the strong connection that was so

strong, it could never break. Scarlett pulled away for a moment catching her breath. As

they started to continue what that had previously started, when they heard yelling outside

of the stable.

"Miz Scarlett.Mr. Rhett.Where you both done go?" Scarlett look up at

Rhett with wide eyes as she began to say something but Rhett stopped her.

"Shhhh..don't let her hear us. She'll never find us in hear." Scarlett looked up at Rhett

with her hands on her hips. "Rhett, that's not what a gentleman would do. If you were

Ashley, you'd forget how beautiful and irresistible I am, and you'd show yourself to

mammy, confessing what you had done." When Scarlett finished, Rhett pulled her to him

and kissed the top of her head. Looking back into her eyes, he stated, "But I'm not

Ashley, am I?" Scarlett smiled seductively as Rhett pulled her head to his and found her

lips once more. There shared this embrace as their souls intertwined. They stayed there

for what seemed like a lifetime, not caring that Mammy would soon be fetching the

Confederate Army as a search party.