Sorry, I haven't updated in a long time! But here you go. I spent forever on it!
Disclaimer: I do not claim to own any GWTW or SCARLETT characters
Scarlett had had time to collect herself in the cab, on the way to Aunt Pitty's. As the carriage stopped Scarlett got out and thanked Pork and told him to go to the kitchen and get something to eat as well. She brushed her hair back and adjusted her skirts and then knocked on the door.
A very old and weathered uncle peter came to the door.
"Mmm…Ms. Scarlett?" He stammered.
"Hello UnclePeter. Its so good to see you again." Scarlett said, clearly as she knew he was probably hard of hearing.
"Well lawsy mercy miss Scarlett. Come on in." Uncle Peter said, pulling Scarlett inside.
Scarlett removed her shawl and handed it to one of the maids who observed her curiously.
"Aunt Scarlett!" Beau yelled from the other room, followed by running into the foyer.
"You really came! I told Aunt India you would but she didn't believe me, but I told her." Beau babbled on, but Scarlett was distracted by the strange, yet familiar man that stood in front of her.
"Hello Ashley." Scarlett said, breaking their awkward stare.
"Hello Scarlett, dear." Ashley said taking her hand like he had done so many times and kissed it nicely.
Ashley had aged somewhat since Scarlett had seen him. He had grown only two years older but old age had seemed to leave timeless wrinkles that seemed to tell a story. One that Scarlett knew all to well. Deep in his eyes reflected a time long lost and only remembered by few. A slow sleepy time where a soft lullaby whistled in the wind and were innocence and forgiveness went hand in hand.
A large lump had forged its way into her throat.
India who had now walked in the room saw the way Scarlett and Ashley were looking at each other and she didn't like it. She knew Scarlett would only bring trouble. Now Beau was fascinated with his aunt and Ashley would soon be under her spell too.
"Hello Scarlett." India said, venom in her voice.
"India." Scarlett nodded. "How have you been?"
"As fine as can be expected. We are all fine. Now, what do you want Scarlett? We were just about to sit down to dinner." India huffed.
"She's here to eat of course." Aunt Pitty spoke up. Maybe for the first time ever concerning Scarlett. "I invited her, India, besides she can come into this house whenver she pleases."
Scarlett had no idea why Aunt Pitty was being so loving and understanding toward her, but she wasn't going to question it.
Supper went rather passively. Mostly small talk though. Started by Aunt Pitty. She informed Scarlett of the newest marriages and births, of Wade's newest academic accomplishments, and of course, the latest gossip. As the desert dishes were bring taken from the table, everyone started to retire to the settee. Scarlett thought, knew she should be getting home, for Cat's sake at least.
So she said her sweetest goodbyes and promised to come and visit again before she left town.
As Scarlett waited for pork to pull the cab around, Ashley came to stand with her.
"I couldn't have you waiting alone, Scarlett." Ashley said. "Not at this hour."
Scarlett smiled, "Thank you, Ashley.
They stood in silence for a few moments, until Ashley spoke.
"What are you doing here Scarlett? Are you going to stay?" He asked, then taking her hand in his. "I don't think I could bear for you to live and return like this many more times. I see things in your eyes that I had long forgotten, and hadn't seen since Melly's passing. Things of happy times. I…"
"Oh, Ashley don't be looking so deeply in my eyes. There is nothing in there worth giving your time to look for. Nothing but pain and old memories. We shouldn't dwell on them."
"Scarlett, times long gone are the only things that are worth remembering." Ashley said, inactively.
"Well that's were you and I differ." Scarlett said directly.
"Oh, I'm sorry Scarlett. I really didn't mean to make you upset. But, well, can we talk tomorrow?"
Scarlett pondered his question for a moment and then nodded and then saw Pork had just brought the carriage around.
"Goodbye Ashley." Scarlett, almost trying not to make eye contact.
Ashley helped her into her carriage and watched her disappear into the night.
Rhett walked down the scarcely lit streets of Peachtree Avenue. His heart nearly stopped as he realized that he was right in front of the house. The house that he had built for Scarlett, the house Bonnie had been born in, the house that held so many memories.
Rhett knew Scarlett had to be in there for there were candles lit inside, but he didn't know if he could bring himself to walk inside. He had consumed several drinks already to calm his nerves, but by no means was he drunk. He slowly walked up the front steps and ran his hand over the brass handles of the large doorframe. He squeezed the handle but the door didn't budge. He jerked the door with only a little application, but with no avail.
Then Rhett walked himself down the front steps rather quickly and began to light a cigar as he walked. Then for no reason at all, he turned sharply around and went back to the door. He pulled a gold key from his jacket pocket and then in one steady motion unlocked the door.
He walked in quietly and almost tip toed through the house. Everything was so quite and for one reason or another, Rhett felt small. Very small and he hated that feeling. Rhett decided to send for his bags in the morning. He was especially tired and all he wanted to do was get some rest. He walked up the large steps to the second floor and a chill went up his spin as he walked. He almost heard a scream and a flash of the past went threw his mind. He shook that away and then quickened his pace up the stairs. He stopped before Scarlett's large door, assuming she was asleep already. He put his hand to the wood frame and felt frame's cool texture.
Rhett decided to tell Scarlett of his return in the morning, for now he was going to his old room. the room he had previously been banished to. He walked to the door and or an odd reason only opened it slightly. The light from the hall filled the room, displaying what seemed to be a ghost.
Rhett stood there stunned. A little black headed girl lay under Rhett's blankets. Rhett looked and felt plastered to the ground. His heart had never beaten faster and all he could do was stand in the doorway.
"Bonnie?" He whispered. The little girl shifted away from the light making a soft noise.
"Oh, Lord." Rhett said almost under his breathe.
Scarlett got out of the carriage and told Pork goodnight as she went to the door. She reached for her key but saw that the door was already unlocked.
"I told Mrs. Fitz to lock that door." Scarlett said, irritated.
As she went inside and walked up the stairs she smelled a familiar smell. A smell of whiskey, horses, and cigars. A smell of Rhett. She took it in intoxicatingly. And then continued up the stairs. As she reached the top of the stairs she stopped dead in her tracks.
Standing just a few feet down the hall was Rhett. In the house looking at the secret she had tried so hard to keep hidden Then he turned and their eyes met. And Scarlett knew that she had hell to pay now.
Sorry, I must end here. But please tell me how you would like the next chapter to be. I am open for suggestions. I have an idea but I wanna see what everyone thinks. os please review