Tomorrow…is Another Day

Written By: AsianChick and SL23

Authors' Note: We are so sorry for having neglecting this story for so long. Updates will be slow, but we will finish the story, even if it takes forever! And we do not own Gone with the Wind or Scarlett in any way.

Chapter Three

Scarlett didn't care if patience was a virtue. After spending a train ride with three children who seemed to have all the energy in the world, she was feeling tired and hungry and very irritated. How on earth Melanie could put up with them, Scarlett couldn't fathom it. Now, here she was at the end of her patience waiting for Will to pick them up at Jonesboro Depot.

"Momma, how long until we get to Tara?" asked Ella, tugging on her dress.

Trying her best to not explode in front of her daughter, she replied as serenely as she could. "Not long now."

"Come on, why don't we take a look around until your Uncle Will gets here. A little exercise never hurt anyone," said Melanie, pointing out interesting sights that only someone as optimistic as her could find remotely interesting. Nevertheless, the children listened to her with rapt attention.

Scarlett couldn't help but feel a little jealous at her sister-in-law. Sometimes she wished her own children would treat her that way. Shaking her head, she kept a clear view of the roads, watching for the late Will.

Soon enough, Will pulled up right next to the depot. "Afternoon, Scarlett. Sorry I was late. I had to check up on something in the fields."

Trying to show off a new side of herself, Scarlett replied by saying, "It's quite alright, Will. It gave us time to give the children a little exercise. They were all stiff from the long train ride."

Will nodded, wondering why Scarlett was acting so differently. "Where's your maid?"

"She's back in Atlanta. It's only Melanie, the kids, and me. Besides, I'm old enough to take care of myself."

Again Will nodded, as he silently loaded the luggage into the wagon that looked as if it had seen better years.

"Melly, kids, Uncle Will is here."

Scarlett waved impatiently for them to come over as she took the seat next to Will. Acting like this just took too much out of her.

"Scarlett, Sue Ellen was wondering just how long you were going to be staying at Tara," asked Will, a little nervous.

'Ooh, the nerve of Sue Ellen. Tara belongs to me too. There's no reason I can't come and go to Tara as I please."

Before she could answer, Melanie swiftly climbed into the seat next to her as the kids settled into the back with the luggage.

"Hello, Will. How have you guys been faring? Are the children fit? And what about Sue Ellen?" demanded Melanie in that quiet way of hers.

Will tried to answer all the questions that were thrown at him. By the time Tara came into sight, Melanie and Scarlett knew the faring of Tara and all of its inhabitants, including the small amount of servants and animals.

"Scarlett, so nice to see you again. What did you do this time that we are graced with your presence for the time being?" asked Sue Ellen in a sugary sweet tone.

"Tara is mine too. I do have a right to return to my home," she bit out a little coldly, bristling at her sister's callous remark.

"Well, some of us have known the comforts of only one home while others get to bathe in luxury."

"Oh be quiet Sue Ellen. Anything that comes out of you mouth is nothing but whining."

"Why you---."

"Why don't we get settled in, Scarlett? I'm sure the kids are starving. They haven't eaten since lunch. We've brought some extra food, just in case the children wanted a snack. Could you show me to the kitchen, so I can unpack them for the children?" interrupted Melanie, sensing another of the sibling quarrels.

Sue Ellen glared darkly at Scarlett. "Sure, Melanie. The kitchen is this way. It's awful sweet how you think about others the way you do."

"And why don't I take you and the kids to your rooms," said Will, stepping in to stop Scarlett from pouncing on her sister for that last comment.

Mentally composing herself, Scarlett motioned for Ella, Wade, and Beau to follow her. "I'm sorry about that, Will. It's just that Sue Ellen brings out the worst in me."

Scarlett couldn't believe those words came out of her mouth. As far as she was concerned, Sue Ellen could go to hell and burn slowly in the hot fires.

Following Will, he showed her to Careen's old room. "I'm sorry that you couldn't have your room, but Sue Ellen thought it best to let the girls have it since it is the largest. And since there aren't enough rooms to spare, you're going to have to share this with Melanie."

Scarlett just nodded. "And the children?"

"Wade and Beau can share one of the playrooms that we converted into a bedroom. And Ella will just have to stay with her cousins."

"Okay, kids, you heard what Uncle Will said. Now hurry up before dinner is all gone," said Scarlett.

Once Will and the kids were gone, Scarlett walked into Careen's room. Maybe coming back to Tara wasn't such a great idea. She needed to come up with a plan and fast. There was no possible way she could live like this for more than a few days. She needed to think about what propositions she had available. First, she wanted some food in her stomach. After unpacking for both herself and Melanie, Scarlett headed downstairs to see what was for dinner.

Tomorrow she would have a new plan to carry out. A plan that would consist of comfort for the five of them. A plan that didn't include Sue Ellen.

End Chapter Three

Okay, the storyline might be moving a little slow, but what can we do. We're sure that in future chapters we'll be moving at to fast a pace. And if any of the characters seem out of character, please tell us so we can work on getting them better. And thank you for reading and staying with our story, even if our updates are infrequent.

AsianChick

SL23