bDisclaimer:/b Obviously, I don't own any of the characters from Gone With the Wind, no matter how much I WISH I did. They belong to the amazing Margaret Mitchell and whoever else has claim on them.
I~ Alright, I typically don't write this much, but I'm in a writing mood today, and if you're enjoying this, just thank god for Third Eye Blind, it's putting me in the perfect mood I want for the tone of this story. Which is good, because it was all planned out, and earlier when I wasn't listening to it, I was starting to get off track, but I'm back. I'm back in my revenge on Rhett mood.
Just to explain my point of view, I've always been very angry with Rhett Butler and the way he treated Scarlett. I think she might have realized her true feelings for him much sooner if he hadn't treated her so much like a pet or made fun of her so much. I always felt bad for her, and especially about the baby. Why he had to be a jerk like that, I'll never know. But I'm changing things. This is my revenge. And I've added the kids more, because I think children are a very important part of a story, and if MM had included them, I think things might have turned out much differently. Children always help put things in the right perspective.
I really hope everyone likes this fic. Please, tell me what you think, and if you don't like it, tell me why. I'll see what I can do! ~/I
bIn Sickness and in Health /b
IBy Jules/I
IbChapter 2/I/b
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The next morning, Scarlett awoke to find Wade asleep in a chair next to her bed, his head resting on his arms, on top of the bed. Scarlett was shocked at the sight, but appreciated it deeply. She lay there, watching her first-born son sleep, softly running her fingers through his hair. He was so serious when he slept.
She could have watched him sleep for hours, but Mammy came bustling in the room. Luckily she noticed Wade before she made any loud noises.
Scarlett didn't want to wake him, so she spoke softly, "Bring up the children's trays to my room this morning, and wake Ella, and bring her in here. I wish to talk with them."
"Yes Missy Scarlett." Mammy agreed, keeping her voice low also, then bustled out the door.
Scarlett turned back to her son, and knew she had to wake him, "Wade. Wade, darling. Wake up."
Wade's eyes slowly opened, blinking, "Mother?"
"Good morning. Are you all right? It must have be mighty uncomfortable sleeping in the chair like you did."
Wade sat up, his hair mussed, "I must have fallen asleep. I'm sorry."
Scarlett smiled at him, "Don't be sorry. It's quite alright; I just wish you'd slept in your own bed. You would have been much more comfortable."
Wade blushed. He was spared from explaining his presence by Ella coming bursting through the door, an ecstatic expression on her face.
"Mammy said Wade and me were having breakfast in here with you Mother! Is that true?" Ella asked, her hair still tied up from the night before.
"Yes it is. I need to talk to you both." Scarlett admitted, and then she noticed Ella was just in her nightgown, "Ella! Where's your wrapper? You must be freezing! Why don't you both get up here in the bed, it's much warmer."
Ella's eyes went wide; her mother had never let her into her bed before. She excitedly scrabbled up on to the bed, and climbed in under the covers next to Scarlett. Wade took a more dignified approach, and just sat on the bed on top of the covers.
Their trays were quickly brought up and the two girls were soon enjoying breakfast, Wade on the other hand was picking at his food.
Scarlett noticed, and frowned, "What's wrong Wade, aren't you hungry?"
Wade shook his head, "I'm too worried. Dr. Meade wouldn't tell me what was wrong with you. Are you ok Mother? Why did you almost faint yesterday?"
Scarlett put down her fork, and wiped her mouth, trying to get her thoughts in order, "Well, you see Wade, I'm not ill. It seems that Mother is just going to have another child in September."
Wade was shocked, "A baby?"
Ella's mouth dropped open, "You're going to have another baby mother? Really?!"
Scarlett nodded, blushing, it was quite an embarrassing topic to be telling your children, "Yes." She pushed her way her embarrassment and grinned at her children, "So, what do you want? A brother or a sister?"
"I'd like a brother." Wade said quietly. He got lonely being the only man besides his Uncle Rhett in the house, and Rhett was away so much . . . .
Scarlett gazed at him understandingly, she could tell how much he was missing Rhett as well, "I hope it's a boy too."
"Then so do I." Declared Ella, wanting in the conversation.
"Well, I guess we'll all just have to keep our fingers crossed then won't we?" Scarlett questioned, tickling Ella.
The sound of laughter and talking could be heard into the hall, where the servants were. The employees all were very happy for the two children. It seemed that Scarlett's eldest children were finally getting the love they'd longed for.
b** A few days later **/b
Scarlett looked at the box in her hands smiling; she was doing that so much more these days. Wade's present had finally arrived. Now she sat in the parlor waiting for him.
"You wanted to see me Mother?" Wade asked, stepping into the room.
"Yes I did." Scarlett confirmed, "Please, come sit by me." She requested, patting the seat on the couch next to her.
Wade was curious as to what was going on, but did as she asked. His mother had been acting much more affectionately lately, especially since she found out about the baby, but he was still a bit wary.
"What did you wish to talk with me about?"
Scarlett had to smother a laugh, he was just like her, direct and to the point, "Well, with Rhett gone, I hope you know that I consider you the man of the house . . ."
"You do?" Wade looked up at her with wide eyes, his heart swelling with pride.
Scarlett knew this was the validation Wade needed, he longed to be depended on, and be more of an adult, "Oh yes. You help me look after Ella, and even me. I wanted to let you know that I truly appreciated it. I've thought about this a lot, and you see, I believe that every man, should have one of these."
With that she handed him the box, which she'd had hidden beside her. Wade carefully took the box, and slowly opened it. When he saw what lay inside, he was speechless. It was the watch! And it had his initials on the cover!
Scarlett placed her hand on Wade's shoulder, "Son, I believe you to be responsible boy, and perhaps old enough to have your own pocket watch."
"Really? You really think I'm reliable enough?" Wade questioned, his eyes full of hope.
Scarlett's heart thudded, he really depended upon her, and looked up to her. No one had ever looked at her with eyes so full of devotion and pure trust before. Her son still longed for her approval, even after all she'd done to screw them up, her children still loved her.
Scarlett swallowed, carefully covering her emotions, then nodded her head, "Yes, I do . . . you know what, I also think it's time for you to move out of the nursery and into your own room. You're too old to be sleeping in a room with Ella anymore anyways." Scarlett rationalized.
Ella had come in during the last few moments and overheard the conversation, "You mean we're going to have our Iown/I rooms?"
"Yes." Scarlett proclaimed, her mind made up, "You two both are getting to the point where you need your privacy, especially your brother here. He's quickly becoming a man. Why before you know it, he and Beau will be going on their world tour together." Her eyes sparkled, "In fact, why don't we redecorate the whole house. Give Uncle Rhett and Bonnie a surprise to come home to."
"The whole house?" Ella questioned incredulously.
"That's what I said!" Scarlett exclaimed, then took a deep breath, remembering to keep her temper, "I think it's time for a new look, what about you?"
"Well, it is a bit shadowy . . ." Wade carefully admitted, having seen a flash of his mother's temper, he didn't want to be on the receiving end.
Scarlett laughed, "Oh Wade, you can come out right and say what you think. You think it's too dark and gloomy. And you're right it is. I used to like it, but I haven't for a while now. Would you two like to help Mother redecorate?"
"Oh yes! Cam we make my room yellow mother? Please?" Ella begged.
"Of course! Now come along, let's get to work."
b** A month later **/b
From then on, the house was full of workmen, sawing, painting, and completely changing almost every aspect of the house.
They started work on the entry way and staircase first, then would move on the parlor, offices, and other rooms.
Scarlett's days were filled with tasks, she'd visit the store twice a week, for the books, but otherwise she stayed at home, except for visits with Melanie. She'd send the children off to school, then she would spend the days supervising the workers, making sure everything was perfect. When the children got home, she'd play with them for a while, spending time alone with both of them, asking about their days and such. After dinner they would plan out what they were going to do with each of the rooms. Ella was going to get a canopy bed, as was Bonnie. They all agreed that Rhett's room would become Bonnie's, since Bonnie couldn't sleep without the light, and Ella couldn't sleep with it, so the girls sharing a room was out of the question. Her room was going to be blue, light blue walls, white curtains, pale blue upholstered furniture and rugs. All three knew the little girl would love it when she came home. Wade was getting the room at the end of the hall, which had a balcony where he could put his telescope. Scarlett had a wall of bookshelves put in for him, for which Wade was very grateful.
But none of the rooms would be done for months. Every room except for Scarlett's was being worked on, so Ella and Wade slept with her for now.
Scarlett had written to Rhett several times. She tried to inform him of the baby, but those exact words would never come out on paper, so she just repeatedly asked for him to bring her daughter home, her pride not allowing her to ask for him as well.
She just wanted her husband and baby girl to come home.
~*~
Wade woke up in the middle of the night next to his sister. From the moonlight streaming through the windows, he could tell that his mother was not in bed. He frowned at this. His mother needed her rest.
Wade got out of bed, being heedful not to wake Ella. He pulled on his robe, and quietly left the room.
The house was silent, and kind of frightening at night, especially with all the things the workers had left behind, which cast eerie shadows. Wade shivered, but summoned up his courage. He was the man of the house while Rhett was gone; he couldn't let something like a little shadow frighten him.
Wade couldn't find Scarlett on the main floor, then he noticed one of the backdoors was open. Intent on finding his mother, he went out into the backyard. The air had a bit of a chill to it. He truly hoped his mother wasn't out there. She might get sick!
Wade heard his mother before he saw her. She was in the gazebo, crying. Her muffled sobs still rang clear to Wade's ears though. Anger surged through him, someone or something had made his mother cry! Forgetting how much she hated it when people saw her cry, Wade went over to her, but luckily his mind came back to him before he startled her. He'd have to be gentle with this.
He took a deep breath, and hoped for the best, "Mother, are you alright?"
Scarlett looked up, shocked. She didn't think anyone would have found her out here. She'd just needed to cry so badly. Scarlett wanted to tell her son that she was fine, and order him to go back to bed, but her heart wouldn't let her. The tears continued to stream down her face.
"Oh Wade . . ." She sobbed, wrapping her arms around her son and weeping.
Wade was so proud that his mother depended upon him to comfort her. He vowed right then and there to make whatever was causing her grief to go away. He'd fix whatever it was.
He wrapped his small arms around her, "It's all right Mother. Just tell me what it is. Please."
Scarlett pulled away, wiping away her tears with one of Rhett's handkerchiefs, "Oh Wade . . . I just miss them so much. I miss my little girl. I miss Rhett." She admitted.
"Why don't you write them?" Wade questioned innocently.
"That's just it. I have, more then once. In the last one, I begged Rhett to come home, but he has never replied. I even wrote his mother in Charleston. Apparently they left for London over a month ago . . ."
Wade's heart hardened towards the man. He'd always thought of Rhett as a father, as had Ella. He'd trusted Rhett and thought that Rhett was the one other person he could rely on to protect and take care of his mother. The walls of the Atlanta mansion weren't as thick as people thought. Wade had heard Rhett that night a few days before he'd left with Bonnie. He'd heard his mother's protests, but she'd looked so happy the next morning, so he'd let it go, figuring it was something he was too young to understand. And when he'd heard where his stepfather was, at a whorehouse, Wade had been furious, and scared. He couldn't tell his mother, she would be crushed, and she was, when Rhett had come home three days later and informed her himself.
Wade had always looked up to Rhett. He'd wanted to be just like the man when he grew up, and was going love his children the same way. But now all of Wade's dreams were crushed. The image of a man he idolized was torn away, and now all he saw was the harsh realities. Wade realized it was up to him to protect his mother now. He would take care of her, since no one else would.
"It will be alright Mother. I'll take care of you." Wade promised, "Now let's go back inside. It's late and too cool out here, I don't want you getting sick."
Scarlett sniffed and nodded her head in agreement. She stood up, and wiped away the last of her tears, "Thank you Wade." She hugged him once more, "I needed to hear that. You're right, everything will be fine." She managed to say, not really believing it, but saying it for the sake of her son, "Let's go back up to bed. I'm suddenly feeling quite tired."
Wade smiled at his mother, then took her hand and went back upstairs with her, feeling fulfilled. He'd been able to help his mother.
If Scarlett had been completely in her right mind that night, she would have noticed the look on Wade's face. One that told of his new feelings towards Rhett, but she was too tired and upset to see, so this new hatred of Wade's just grew.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Please, I want replies, I know it sounds pathetic, but I live for feedback, good or bad! I need to know what you think so I know where to go with this. So I beg of you, tell me what ya think!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I~ Alright, I typically don't write this much, but I'm in a writing mood today, and if you're enjoying this, just thank god for Third Eye Blind, it's putting me in the perfect mood I want for the tone of this story. Which is good, because it was all planned out, and earlier when I wasn't listening to it, I was starting to get off track, but I'm back. I'm back in my revenge on Rhett mood.
Just to explain my point of view, I've always been very angry with Rhett Butler and the way he treated Scarlett. I think she might have realized her true feelings for him much sooner if he hadn't treated her so much like a pet or made fun of her so much. I always felt bad for her, and especially about the baby. Why he had to be a jerk like that, I'll never know. But I'm changing things. This is my revenge. And I've added the kids more, because I think children are a very important part of a story, and if MM had included them, I think things might have turned out much differently. Children always help put things in the right perspective.
I really hope everyone likes this fic. Please, tell me what you think, and if you don't like it, tell me why. I'll see what I can do! ~/I
bIn Sickness and in Health /b
IBy Jules/I
IbChapter 2/I/b
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The next morning, Scarlett awoke to find Wade asleep in a chair next to her bed, his head resting on his arms, on top of the bed. Scarlett was shocked at the sight, but appreciated it deeply. She lay there, watching her first-born son sleep, softly running her fingers through his hair. He was so serious when he slept.
She could have watched him sleep for hours, but Mammy came bustling in the room. Luckily she noticed Wade before she made any loud noises.
Scarlett didn't want to wake him, so she spoke softly, "Bring up the children's trays to my room this morning, and wake Ella, and bring her in here. I wish to talk with them."
"Yes Missy Scarlett." Mammy agreed, keeping her voice low also, then bustled out the door.
Scarlett turned back to her son, and knew she had to wake him, "Wade. Wade, darling. Wake up."
Wade's eyes slowly opened, blinking, "Mother?"
"Good morning. Are you all right? It must have be mighty uncomfortable sleeping in the chair like you did."
Wade sat up, his hair mussed, "I must have fallen asleep. I'm sorry."
Scarlett smiled at him, "Don't be sorry. It's quite alright; I just wish you'd slept in your own bed. You would have been much more comfortable."
Wade blushed. He was spared from explaining his presence by Ella coming bursting through the door, an ecstatic expression on her face.
"Mammy said Wade and me were having breakfast in here with you Mother! Is that true?" Ella asked, her hair still tied up from the night before.
"Yes it is. I need to talk to you both." Scarlett admitted, and then she noticed Ella was just in her nightgown, "Ella! Where's your wrapper? You must be freezing! Why don't you both get up here in the bed, it's much warmer."
Ella's eyes went wide; her mother had never let her into her bed before. She excitedly scrabbled up on to the bed, and climbed in under the covers next to Scarlett. Wade took a more dignified approach, and just sat on the bed on top of the covers.
Their trays were quickly brought up and the two girls were soon enjoying breakfast, Wade on the other hand was picking at his food.
Scarlett noticed, and frowned, "What's wrong Wade, aren't you hungry?"
Wade shook his head, "I'm too worried. Dr. Meade wouldn't tell me what was wrong with you. Are you ok Mother? Why did you almost faint yesterday?"
Scarlett put down her fork, and wiped her mouth, trying to get her thoughts in order, "Well, you see Wade, I'm not ill. It seems that Mother is just going to have another child in September."
Wade was shocked, "A baby?"
Ella's mouth dropped open, "You're going to have another baby mother? Really?!"
Scarlett nodded, blushing, it was quite an embarrassing topic to be telling your children, "Yes." She pushed her way her embarrassment and grinned at her children, "So, what do you want? A brother or a sister?"
"I'd like a brother." Wade said quietly. He got lonely being the only man besides his Uncle Rhett in the house, and Rhett was away so much . . . .
Scarlett gazed at him understandingly, she could tell how much he was missing Rhett as well, "I hope it's a boy too."
"Then so do I." Declared Ella, wanting in the conversation.
"Well, I guess we'll all just have to keep our fingers crossed then won't we?" Scarlett questioned, tickling Ella.
The sound of laughter and talking could be heard into the hall, where the servants were. The employees all were very happy for the two children. It seemed that Scarlett's eldest children were finally getting the love they'd longed for.
b** A few days later **/b
Scarlett looked at the box in her hands smiling; she was doing that so much more these days. Wade's present had finally arrived. Now she sat in the parlor waiting for him.
"You wanted to see me Mother?" Wade asked, stepping into the room.
"Yes I did." Scarlett confirmed, "Please, come sit by me." She requested, patting the seat on the couch next to her.
Wade was curious as to what was going on, but did as she asked. His mother had been acting much more affectionately lately, especially since she found out about the baby, but he was still a bit wary.
"What did you wish to talk with me about?"
Scarlett had to smother a laugh, he was just like her, direct and to the point, "Well, with Rhett gone, I hope you know that I consider you the man of the house . . ."
"You do?" Wade looked up at her with wide eyes, his heart swelling with pride.
Scarlett knew this was the validation Wade needed, he longed to be depended on, and be more of an adult, "Oh yes. You help me look after Ella, and even me. I wanted to let you know that I truly appreciated it. I've thought about this a lot, and you see, I believe that every man, should have one of these."
With that she handed him the box, which she'd had hidden beside her. Wade carefully took the box, and slowly opened it. When he saw what lay inside, he was speechless. It was the watch! And it had his initials on the cover!
Scarlett placed her hand on Wade's shoulder, "Son, I believe you to be responsible boy, and perhaps old enough to have your own pocket watch."
"Really? You really think I'm reliable enough?" Wade questioned, his eyes full of hope.
Scarlett's heart thudded, he really depended upon her, and looked up to her. No one had ever looked at her with eyes so full of devotion and pure trust before. Her son still longed for her approval, even after all she'd done to screw them up, her children still loved her.
Scarlett swallowed, carefully covering her emotions, then nodded her head, "Yes, I do . . . you know what, I also think it's time for you to move out of the nursery and into your own room. You're too old to be sleeping in a room with Ella anymore anyways." Scarlett rationalized.
Ella had come in during the last few moments and overheard the conversation, "You mean we're going to have our Iown/I rooms?"
"Yes." Scarlett proclaimed, her mind made up, "You two both are getting to the point where you need your privacy, especially your brother here. He's quickly becoming a man. Why before you know it, he and Beau will be going on their world tour together." Her eyes sparkled, "In fact, why don't we redecorate the whole house. Give Uncle Rhett and Bonnie a surprise to come home to."
"The whole house?" Ella questioned incredulously.
"That's what I said!" Scarlett exclaimed, then took a deep breath, remembering to keep her temper, "I think it's time for a new look, what about you?"
"Well, it is a bit shadowy . . ." Wade carefully admitted, having seen a flash of his mother's temper, he didn't want to be on the receiving end.
Scarlett laughed, "Oh Wade, you can come out right and say what you think. You think it's too dark and gloomy. And you're right it is. I used to like it, but I haven't for a while now. Would you two like to help Mother redecorate?"
"Oh yes! Cam we make my room yellow mother? Please?" Ella begged.
"Of course! Now come along, let's get to work."
b** A month later **/b
From then on, the house was full of workmen, sawing, painting, and completely changing almost every aspect of the house.
They started work on the entry way and staircase first, then would move on the parlor, offices, and other rooms.
Scarlett's days were filled with tasks, she'd visit the store twice a week, for the books, but otherwise she stayed at home, except for visits with Melanie. She'd send the children off to school, then she would spend the days supervising the workers, making sure everything was perfect. When the children got home, she'd play with them for a while, spending time alone with both of them, asking about their days and such. After dinner they would plan out what they were going to do with each of the rooms. Ella was going to get a canopy bed, as was Bonnie. They all agreed that Rhett's room would become Bonnie's, since Bonnie couldn't sleep without the light, and Ella couldn't sleep with it, so the girls sharing a room was out of the question. Her room was going to be blue, light blue walls, white curtains, pale blue upholstered furniture and rugs. All three knew the little girl would love it when she came home. Wade was getting the room at the end of the hall, which had a balcony where he could put his telescope. Scarlett had a wall of bookshelves put in for him, for which Wade was very grateful.
But none of the rooms would be done for months. Every room except for Scarlett's was being worked on, so Ella and Wade slept with her for now.
Scarlett had written to Rhett several times. She tried to inform him of the baby, but those exact words would never come out on paper, so she just repeatedly asked for him to bring her daughter home, her pride not allowing her to ask for him as well.
She just wanted her husband and baby girl to come home.
~*~
Wade woke up in the middle of the night next to his sister. From the moonlight streaming through the windows, he could tell that his mother was not in bed. He frowned at this. His mother needed her rest.
Wade got out of bed, being heedful not to wake Ella. He pulled on his robe, and quietly left the room.
The house was silent, and kind of frightening at night, especially with all the things the workers had left behind, which cast eerie shadows. Wade shivered, but summoned up his courage. He was the man of the house while Rhett was gone; he couldn't let something like a little shadow frighten him.
Wade couldn't find Scarlett on the main floor, then he noticed one of the backdoors was open. Intent on finding his mother, he went out into the backyard. The air had a bit of a chill to it. He truly hoped his mother wasn't out there. She might get sick!
Wade heard his mother before he saw her. She was in the gazebo, crying. Her muffled sobs still rang clear to Wade's ears though. Anger surged through him, someone or something had made his mother cry! Forgetting how much she hated it when people saw her cry, Wade went over to her, but luckily his mind came back to him before he startled her. He'd have to be gentle with this.
He took a deep breath, and hoped for the best, "Mother, are you alright?"
Scarlett looked up, shocked. She didn't think anyone would have found her out here. She'd just needed to cry so badly. Scarlett wanted to tell her son that she was fine, and order him to go back to bed, but her heart wouldn't let her. The tears continued to stream down her face.
"Oh Wade . . ." She sobbed, wrapping her arms around her son and weeping.
Wade was so proud that his mother depended upon him to comfort her. He vowed right then and there to make whatever was causing her grief to go away. He'd fix whatever it was.
He wrapped his small arms around her, "It's all right Mother. Just tell me what it is. Please."
Scarlett pulled away, wiping away her tears with one of Rhett's handkerchiefs, "Oh Wade . . . I just miss them so much. I miss my little girl. I miss Rhett." She admitted.
"Why don't you write them?" Wade questioned innocently.
"That's just it. I have, more then once. In the last one, I begged Rhett to come home, but he has never replied. I even wrote his mother in Charleston. Apparently they left for London over a month ago . . ."
Wade's heart hardened towards the man. He'd always thought of Rhett as a father, as had Ella. He'd trusted Rhett and thought that Rhett was the one other person he could rely on to protect and take care of his mother. The walls of the Atlanta mansion weren't as thick as people thought. Wade had heard Rhett that night a few days before he'd left with Bonnie. He'd heard his mother's protests, but she'd looked so happy the next morning, so he'd let it go, figuring it was something he was too young to understand. And when he'd heard where his stepfather was, at a whorehouse, Wade had been furious, and scared. He couldn't tell his mother, she would be crushed, and she was, when Rhett had come home three days later and informed her himself.
Wade had always looked up to Rhett. He'd wanted to be just like the man when he grew up, and was going love his children the same way. But now all of Wade's dreams were crushed. The image of a man he idolized was torn away, and now all he saw was the harsh realities. Wade realized it was up to him to protect his mother now. He would take care of her, since no one else would.
"It will be alright Mother. I'll take care of you." Wade promised, "Now let's go back inside. It's late and too cool out here, I don't want you getting sick."
Scarlett sniffed and nodded her head in agreement. She stood up, and wiped away the last of her tears, "Thank you Wade." She hugged him once more, "I needed to hear that. You're right, everything will be fine." She managed to say, not really believing it, but saying it for the sake of her son, "Let's go back up to bed. I'm suddenly feeling quite tired."
Wade smiled at his mother, then took her hand and went back upstairs with her, feeling fulfilled. He'd been able to help his mother.
If Scarlett had been completely in her right mind that night, she would have noticed the look on Wade's face. One that told of his new feelings towards Rhett, but she was too tired and upset to see, so this new hatred of Wade's just grew.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Please, I want replies, I know it sounds pathetic, but I live for feedback, good or bad! I need to know what you think so I know where to go with this. So I beg of you, tell me what ya think!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
