I don't owe the characters of Scarlett O'Hara, Rhett Butleror the characters in Gone With the Wind but I do owe this story-well part of it.
(A/N this story follows the book in the beginning but with another twist. If anybody likes the first chapter I will keep posting more chapters.)
The next day a telegram arrived from Ashley's body-servant; "I have looked everywhere and can't find him. Must I come home?" Scarlett, Melanie and aunt Pittypat were terrified what did it means; they hurried to the telegram office where a new telegram came "Regret to inform you Major Wilkes missing since scouting expedition three days ago. Will keep you informed". The home trip was a quiet affair aunt Pittypat cried, Melanie was deathly white and Scarlett was stunned. Back in the house Scarlett ran to her room and her Rosary but tears and prayers wouldn't come "I'm being punished from wanting another wife's husband. I've killed him by loving him" her door open and Melanie entered she looked like a lost child her eyes wide with fear and sorrow "Please forgive my words of yesterday you are all I have now". Together the two women broke down and cried at Scarlett's bed in one another's arms. This time Scarlett was affected by her actions, she really believed she was the one responsible for Ashley's missing, she didn't know what to do. "My love has killed him. My love is dangerous" she repeated over and over in her head. And she remembered her last moments with Ashley and knew she was now being punished for throwing herself on at married man;
"I will do anything for you Ashley". "Will you Scarlett, then promise me to take care of Melanie, she has no one but me and I fear what will happen to her if I'm not here. She loves you so Scarlett please look after her" Scarlett was angry he talked about his wife when she wanted him to declare his undying lover for her, but she was frighten when she heard him talk of not being here anymore "I will! I will Ashley! I love you! I have never loved anyone but you not even Charles". Ashley looked unhappy at her, standing very close to her "Say you love me and kiss me Ashley". Ashley pressed his lips against hers for a brief moment; his lips were cold against hers and then broke free without saying the three words she wanted to hear. "You are so strong Scarlett, please remember your promise when the Yankees win the war I will be far from here" then he left her. Scarlett was happier then ever for the next two months "He loves me I now he does and after the war…" What would happen after the war she didn't knew but Ashley would find a way to be with her she was sure, Scarlett was sure there was no other man as Ashley and only he could make her happy.
Scarlett also remembered her reaction to Melanie's news of her having Ashley's baby, her Ashley's baby "No I must never think of him as mine anymore. Mother of God has mercy on me. This will be harder then I expected" but she couldn't block out the memories and thoughts of that event; In late Marts Melanie told Scarlett her sweet news Scarlett was absent minded brushing her hair when Melanie open her door; "Oh Scarlett I carrying a baby, now I will have a part of Ashley no matter what happens. I so wanted a baby I want a dozen of babies". Scarlett paled sickly Melanie would have Ashley's baby "What will I have, I was supposed to have Ashley's babies" she just starred at Melanie with shock in her eyes, "Oh forgive me dear I am being selfish, now I got you to think of Charles and that you don't- Forgive me!" Melanie walked towards Scarlett."You leave me", Melanie now in tears hurried out the room. Scarlett throws herself on the bed, her life was over, Ashley had betrayed her with his own wife "Life wasn't fair I know he loves me not her. I only want Ashley"
"Now Ashley will never be mine. Damn Ashley, why did he not stop me when I throw myself at him, if he had I wouldn't have this cross to bear. Why are men so selfish?". Indeed life was unfair to Scarlett O'Hara Hamilton she just wanted to be the belle of the county again and not the widow of some foolish boy, "Men find the young girls more attractive then a young widow and I'm so much prettier then any foolish girl. But at least I have all the beaux I want except-no I must not think that, he is the only one I never can have now. Damn Melanie and the Wilkes family for always marrying into family".
Chapter two will be up soon