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~ Grrrrrr! I just read Part 7 of SW's Blowing in the Wind, AGAIN for the like, 20th time, and I'm MAJORLY pissed at Rhett again, which means I'm going to work on this. He just makes me so MAD in that story. And BOY do I have plans for him . . . **laughing evilly** that man will never know what hit him when I give him what's for . . . . This, resentment, has been building up inside of me for years. Since I first saw Gone With the Wind, and even more since I read the book a few years ago and learned of Wade and Ella.
It's not going to happen in this chapter, but trust me, oh boy it's coming.
Um this is a really short chapter, with no point, just filler! But I do let y'all see Rhett! And I delve further into the growing bond Scarlett has with her children. Frankly, I just couldn't find anywhere to go with this chapter! Sorry, I tried, but I just couldn't think of anything. I just have to move on from this chapter, and start fresh with the next. I have parts of this story planned out, and I have to work my way towards it. But we are coming closer to Rhett's return (which, coincidentally, will be the name of the chapter!) ~/I
bIn Sickness and in Health /b
IBy Jules/I
IbChapter 3/I/b
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When she discovered she was pregnant, Scarlett stopped wearing corsets and at three months. She was proud to see her waist was still smaller than almost all the women she passed on the streets who wore stays. Though she hadn't begun to show through her clothes, Scarlett could see the slightest beginnings of a swell on her normally flat stomach. Both being thinner, and the signs of the new life inside of her excited her to no end.
Scarlett wandered about the house aimlessly one day, quite bored and tired of watching the men renovate the house . . . Scarlett just longed for some company. Finally, she bit her lip, grabbed her shawl and went over to Melanie's.
Scarlett had a lot of time to think over the past two months and she'd quickly realized that her feelings for Ashley were no different than those that she felt for Careen or Will. That she had never really loved Ashley. What she'd felt for him had been no more then a childish crush. Her confusing lay in her feelings for Rhett. The passionate whirl of emotions she felt whenever he was near confused and frightened her because she couldn't identify them. Scarlett had never been good at identifying her emotions and these new ones were disturbingly beyond her control. She'd felt that thrill inside her stomach ever since she first laid eyes on Rhett Kinnicut Butler the day of the Barbecue, but what it meant, Scarlett still had no idea.
With her feelings for Ashley settled, Scarlett could now truly see what a great woman and friend Melanie was. It was because of Melanie that Scarlett still had hope that Rhett would come home with Bonnie.
Scarlett vividly remember the day she told Melanie about the baby. She had gone over to the Wilkes home to visit, since her own home was full of workers and was greeted at the door by Melanie. The other woman was overjoyed to see her friend/sister-in-law again
I"Scarlett, darling! Please, come in." Melanie led the way into the parlor and motioned for Scarlett to sit down, "It's been ages since your last visit . . . right after Ashley's birthday party." Melanie acknowledged, "Oh! I hope you know I don't believe a word of what India said."
"I do know that, I'm sorry I haven't been by sooner, the children and I are just so busy. We've decided to redecorate the house. Wade and Ella are each getting their own room. Wade's getting too old for the nursery."
"Oh yes, they grow so fast. It seems like just yesterday Beau and Wade were just babies." Melanie remarked reflectively.
"Melly, that's partly what I came here to speak with you about . . . you see, I'm going to have another child."
"Oh darling, that's wonderful! When will it arrive?"
"November. I wanted to tell you, not just because you're my friend, but also because of all the silly rumors. I just wanted to let you be the first to know, before anyone came and told you something outlandish."
"My poor Scarlett, you mustn't worry about me. I don't listen to a word they say about you. You and Captain Butler must be so excited!"
Scarlett looked down at her hands, finding it impossible to lie to the woman anymore.
Melanie could tell something was upsetting her friend, "Why darling, whatever is wrong?"
"He doesn't know about it." Scarlett told her softly, "He left a few days after Ashley's party with Bonnie . . . I've tried writing him, but he's never replied."
"Oh darling, he'll be back, I know he will. He couldn't possibly believe those ridiculous accusations."
"But what if he doesn't come back? What if he and Bonnie are gone for good?"
"He will come home. I promise you. He cares about you [far instead of all] all too much not to."
"Oh how I wish that were true." Scarlett sobbed.
"Scarlett, you mustn't get upset. Think about the baby. You must be strong for the baby."
Scarlett sniffed, pulling herself together, this pregnancy was making her cry at the drop of a hat, "You're right Melly. I'm sorry for going to pieces on you like this. I haven't been getting much sleep, Ella kicks like a mule in her sleep."
"How adorable!" Melanie laughed, longing for a daughter of her own.
"Not if it's your shins she's kicking." Scarlett quipped. /I
Since that day, Scarlett had often visited Melanie to just talk in a friendly, quiet atmosphere, where she didn't have to worry about being judge, and she could always trust Melanie to raise her spirits when Scarlett was feeling low about Rhett being gone.
This afternoon, Scarlett and Melanie had talked about their children until it was time for Scarlett to return home. Melanie promised to let Beau spend the night as soon as Wade's new room was done, so the two cousins could have time to talk without Ella bugging them. Ella had a huge crush Beau, which Scarlett and Melanie both found adorable.
As much as Scarlett tried to fill her days with things to do, to try and keep her mind off her misery, she'd often find herself with nothing to do and would some how wind up down at the stables with Bonnie's beloved pony, Mr. Butler. Being with her daughter's favorite pet comforted Scarlett, and made her feel closer to Bonnie.
Whenever Scarlet was missing Bonnie and Rhett especially bad, she would visit the pony. The children soon learned to leave their mother alone when she went there, because littlest thing would make her cry and there was a lost look in her eyes that frightened them. When she returned to the house, she was always back to normal so they just let their mother be, knowing she needed the time alone.
Wade and Ella knew how lucky they were to have a mother like Scarlett was these days. None of their friends' mothers spent nearly as much time with their children, except for Miss Melly. Wade was frightened though. He wanted Rhett to come home to Mother but at the same time, he didn't. He was worried that when his stepfather and sister came back, his mother would go back to the way she had been before.
~*~
On the morning that Wade's bedroom was completed, at last, Scarlett went to collect on Melanie's promise to let Beau visit. Soon she was relaxing in Melanie's calm parlor, a cup of tea in her hands.
"I have a reason for visiting today besides wanting to see you Melly." Scarlett admitted, taking a sip of tea.
"Whatever can it be?" Melanie questioned worriedly, concerned that something was wrong.
"Wade's new room is finished and as the children do not have lessons tomorrow, I was hoping Beau could spend the night. You had promised he might."
"Why of course he may! He's been hoping for an opportunity for a while now. He so enjoys spending the night with Wade. Wade is like an older brother to him."
"Well, they have grown up together. Wade was there when Beau was born, they lived together at Tara for a large part of their early life, and even when we all moved to Atlanta they still spent most of their time together. They still do!" Scarlett remarked.
"I do hope they will remain as close." Melanie declared, and then she decided it was time for a change in topic, "How is Ella doing? I rarely see her anymore now that you've cut back on your time at the store and mill."
"Oh, she's well. Though her marks aren't the highest, her teacher tells me that she's quite bright, and she could be at the top of her class if she could keep her attention on one subject. I can assist her with her arithmetic, but I'm afraid that books and reading has never been my best subject. The rest of Ella's time, she spends either helping with the redecorating, or playing house with her new dolls. She's so excited about the new baby, she's always pretending to feed them and dress them up."
"How sweet!"
"Isn't it?" Scarlett had to admit that she found it utterly endearing, "Though I keep catching her climbing trees with Wade and Beau; she's continuously dirtying and ripping her dresses trying to keep up with those two boys."
Melanie nodded her head sympathetically, "I'm sure she'll calm down as she gets older."
"I doubt it!" Scarlett laughed, recalling her own childhood, "And Bonnie's worse because Rhett spoils her so and let her get away with absolutely everything."
"Oh I'm sure that's not true!" Melanie disputed.
"That's why she already has a pony, and Rhett had fired all the nurses that have attempted to discipline her . . ." Scarlett trailed off, a lump growing in her throat once more. She missed Bonnie so much.
Melanie knew what was wrong immediately, and hurried over from her chair and took Scarlett's hand, "They'll be home soon darling; don't worry! Captain Butler knows how much Bonnie cares for you, and you for Bonnie."
Scarlett swallowed, "It's not just me that I'm worried about. It's Wade and Ella. Rhett is the only father they remember. It hurts Ella especially, Rhett's been a figure in her life since she was born, and Bonnie isn't just her little sister, but Ella's best friend as well. She's so lonely, and I can only do so much for her. She feels abandoned. They both miss Rhett and Bonnie so much, and long for their favorite playmate."
"The poor little lambs . . ."
"Sometimes it make me so mad. He just goes away and doesn't think of the consequences of his actions. If it was just me he was hurting, I could understand, but there are children involved in this marriage. Children he claims to care about, but the moment things got difficult for us he ran, taking our child and disregarding the other individuals who depend upon him here."
"Oh you mustn't say such things!" Melanie protested, shocked at Scarlett's words, "I know he worries for you all a great deal. He will be home soon, just you wait and see."
Melanie was sure of this fact. She was able to see how much Captain Butler cared for Scarlett. She'd always been able to tell, since she'd first seen the two together, she had been able to spot the soft caring look he got in his eyes whenever he looked at Scarlett.
"Really?" Scarlett questioned, sounding quite like a child depending on its mother for reassurance.
"Really."
"Oh Melly, I really don't know what I would ever do without you." Scarlett divulged.
"You would do just fine. You're so strong Scarlett. I wish I was strong like you."
"Melanie, you are stronger than you give yourself credit for. I don't know anyone else who would have stood up for me against most of Atlanta when they say such things. You do what you know is right, and that takes a lot of strength."
Melanie blushed, "Oh Scarlett, how I want that to be true, but I'm not strong."
"Yes you are. It's a quiet strength, on the inside, but I know everyone can see it. That's why Rhett admires you so much. He respects you and Rhett doesn't respect many people. We are both proud to call you our friend Melanie Wilkes."
Tears filled Melanie eyes from Scarlett's words. She'd never known Scarlett had felt that way, and her heart filled with joy to hear it, "That is the kindest thing anyone has ever said to me. Thank you so much Scarlett, I'm so fortunate to be able to call you my sister."
"And I you."
~*~
Rhett Butler looked at the envelope in his hand, yet another letter from Scarlett. He couldn't believe she was continuing to try and contact him. Why couldn't she get the message that he did not wish to be in contact with her? As much as he longed for her, he needed a break from the emotional roller coaster she unwittingly put him through.
He'd lost control one night, the alcohol had clouded his reason and he'd acted in a manner toward his wife that he'd never thought possible. He had hurt her. He hadn't taken no for an answer that night. Shaken by his behavior, he'd disappeared the next morning, went to Belle and just contemplated for the next three days.
He'd spent a lot of time thinking, and spent another good part of it drunk, but he had come to a decision in that time. He had to get away from Scarlett O'Hara. She had a power over him that made him lose himself in her, and it frightened him. Rhett Butler needed control. He had to be in control of whatever situation he was in, but he was beginning to lose any control he had over his life with Scarlett.
So he decided to run, like he always did, and he took their daughter with him.
Bonnie was his life. She was just like Scarlett, but she let him take care of her, spoil her, love her, and in return she loved him with all her heart. He'd taken Bonnie with him, telling himself that Scarlett didn't really care about Bonnie, convinced that he had to protect her. He couldn't let Scarlett hurt her as she had hurt Wade and Ella. Or at least that was what he tried to make himself believe. It was this thought that helped soothe Rhett's soul. But the continuing flow of letters from Scarlett was starting to shake his belief. He refused to read them; he didn't even want to know what she had to say. There couldn't be anything of value in them, there never was. Scarlett was going to know what it was to be alone.
Rhett stared at the paper in his hand, and sneered at it, he wasn't going to let Scarlett get close again. He didn't care what she had to say; there was nothing she could say that would change his opinion. She didn't care for him or Bonnie.
That established within his mind, Rhett threw the letter into the fire, and watched as the flames consumed anything she could have to tell him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
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~ Grrrrrr! I just read Part 7 of SW's Blowing in the Wind, AGAIN for the like, 20th time, and I'm MAJORLY pissed at Rhett again, which means I'm going to work on this. He just makes me so MAD in that story. And BOY do I have plans for him . . . **laughing evilly** that man will never know what hit him when I give him what's for . . . . This, resentment, has been building up inside of me for years. Since I first saw Gone With the Wind, and even more since I read the book a few years ago and learned of Wade and Ella.
It's not going to happen in this chapter, but trust me, oh boy it's coming.
Um this is a really short chapter, with no point, just filler! But I do let y'all see Rhett! And I delve further into the growing bond Scarlett has with her children. Frankly, I just couldn't find anywhere to go with this chapter! Sorry, I tried, but I just couldn't think of anything. I just have to move on from this chapter, and start fresh with the next. I have parts of this story planned out, and I have to work my way towards it. But we are coming closer to Rhett's return (which, coincidentally, will be the name of the chapter!) ~/I
bIn Sickness and in Health /b
IBy Jules/I
IbChapter 3/I/b
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When she discovered she was pregnant, Scarlett stopped wearing corsets and at three months. She was proud to see her waist was still smaller than almost all the women she passed on the streets who wore stays. Though she hadn't begun to show through her clothes, Scarlett could see the slightest beginnings of a swell on her normally flat stomach. Both being thinner, and the signs of the new life inside of her excited her to no end.
Scarlett wandered about the house aimlessly one day, quite bored and tired of watching the men renovate the house . . . Scarlett just longed for some company. Finally, she bit her lip, grabbed her shawl and went over to Melanie's.
Scarlett had a lot of time to think over the past two months and she'd quickly realized that her feelings for Ashley were no different than those that she felt for Careen or Will. That she had never really loved Ashley. What she'd felt for him had been no more then a childish crush. Her confusing lay in her feelings for Rhett. The passionate whirl of emotions she felt whenever he was near confused and frightened her because she couldn't identify them. Scarlett had never been good at identifying her emotions and these new ones were disturbingly beyond her control. She'd felt that thrill inside her stomach ever since she first laid eyes on Rhett Kinnicut Butler the day of the Barbecue, but what it meant, Scarlett still had no idea.
With her feelings for Ashley settled, Scarlett could now truly see what a great woman and friend Melanie was. It was because of Melanie that Scarlett still had hope that Rhett would come home with Bonnie.
Scarlett vividly remember the day she told Melanie about the baby. She had gone over to the Wilkes home to visit, since her own home was full of workers and was greeted at the door by Melanie. The other woman was overjoyed to see her friend/sister-in-law again
I"Scarlett, darling! Please, come in." Melanie led the way into the parlor and motioned for Scarlett to sit down, "It's been ages since your last visit . . . right after Ashley's birthday party." Melanie acknowledged, "Oh! I hope you know I don't believe a word of what India said."
"I do know that, I'm sorry I haven't been by sooner, the children and I are just so busy. We've decided to redecorate the house. Wade and Ella are each getting their own room. Wade's getting too old for the nursery."
"Oh yes, they grow so fast. It seems like just yesterday Beau and Wade were just babies." Melanie remarked reflectively.
"Melly, that's partly what I came here to speak with you about . . . you see, I'm going to have another child."
"Oh darling, that's wonderful! When will it arrive?"
"November. I wanted to tell you, not just because you're my friend, but also because of all the silly rumors. I just wanted to let you be the first to know, before anyone came and told you something outlandish."
"My poor Scarlett, you mustn't worry about me. I don't listen to a word they say about you. You and Captain Butler must be so excited!"
Scarlett looked down at her hands, finding it impossible to lie to the woman anymore.
Melanie could tell something was upsetting her friend, "Why darling, whatever is wrong?"
"He doesn't know about it." Scarlett told her softly, "He left a few days after Ashley's party with Bonnie . . . I've tried writing him, but he's never replied."
"Oh darling, he'll be back, I know he will. He couldn't possibly believe those ridiculous accusations."
"But what if he doesn't come back? What if he and Bonnie are gone for good?"
"He will come home. I promise you. He cares about you [far instead of all] all too much not to."
"Oh how I wish that were true." Scarlett sobbed.
"Scarlett, you mustn't get upset. Think about the baby. You must be strong for the baby."
Scarlett sniffed, pulling herself together, this pregnancy was making her cry at the drop of a hat, "You're right Melly. I'm sorry for going to pieces on you like this. I haven't been getting much sleep, Ella kicks like a mule in her sleep."
"How adorable!" Melanie laughed, longing for a daughter of her own.
"Not if it's your shins she's kicking." Scarlett quipped. /I
Since that day, Scarlett had often visited Melanie to just talk in a friendly, quiet atmosphere, where she didn't have to worry about being judge, and she could always trust Melanie to raise her spirits when Scarlett was feeling low about Rhett being gone.
This afternoon, Scarlett and Melanie had talked about their children until it was time for Scarlett to return home. Melanie promised to let Beau spend the night as soon as Wade's new room was done, so the two cousins could have time to talk without Ella bugging them. Ella had a huge crush Beau, which Scarlett and Melanie both found adorable.
As much as Scarlett tried to fill her days with things to do, to try and keep her mind off her misery, she'd often find herself with nothing to do and would some how wind up down at the stables with Bonnie's beloved pony, Mr. Butler. Being with her daughter's favorite pet comforted Scarlett, and made her feel closer to Bonnie.
Whenever Scarlet was missing Bonnie and Rhett especially bad, she would visit the pony. The children soon learned to leave their mother alone when she went there, because littlest thing would make her cry and there was a lost look in her eyes that frightened them. When she returned to the house, she was always back to normal so they just let their mother be, knowing she needed the time alone.
Wade and Ella knew how lucky they were to have a mother like Scarlett was these days. None of their friends' mothers spent nearly as much time with their children, except for Miss Melly. Wade was frightened though. He wanted Rhett to come home to Mother but at the same time, he didn't. He was worried that when his stepfather and sister came back, his mother would go back to the way she had been before.
~*~
On the morning that Wade's bedroom was completed, at last, Scarlett went to collect on Melanie's promise to let Beau visit. Soon she was relaxing in Melanie's calm parlor, a cup of tea in her hands.
"I have a reason for visiting today besides wanting to see you Melly." Scarlett admitted, taking a sip of tea.
"Whatever can it be?" Melanie questioned worriedly, concerned that something was wrong.
"Wade's new room is finished and as the children do not have lessons tomorrow, I was hoping Beau could spend the night. You had promised he might."
"Why of course he may! He's been hoping for an opportunity for a while now. He so enjoys spending the night with Wade. Wade is like an older brother to him."
"Well, they have grown up together. Wade was there when Beau was born, they lived together at Tara for a large part of their early life, and even when we all moved to Atlanta they still spent most of their time together. They still do!" Scarlett remarked.
"I do hope they will remain as close." Melanie declared, and then she decided it was time for a change in topic, "How is Ella doing? I rarely see her anymore now that you've cut back on your time at the store and mill."
"Oh, she's well. Though her marks aren't the highest, her teacher tells me that she's quite bright, and she could be at the top of her class if she could keep her attention on one subject. I can assist her with her arithmetic, but I'm afraid that books and reading has never been my best subject. The rest of Ella's time, she spends either helping with the redecorating, or playing house with her new dolls. She's so excited about the new baby, she's always pretending to feed them and dress them up."
"How sweet!"
"Isn't it?" Scarlett had to admit that she found it utterly endearing, "Though I keep catching her climbing trees with Wade and Beau; she's continuously dirtying and ripping her dresses trying to keep up with those two boys."
Melanie nodded her head sympathetically, "I'm sure she'll calm down as she gets older."
"I doubt it!" Scarlett laughed, recalling her own childhood, "And Bonnie's worse because Rhett spoils her so and let her get away with absolutely everything."
"Oh I'm sure that's not true!" Melanie disputed.
"That's why she already has a pony, and Rhett had fired all the nurses that have attempted to discipline her . . ." Scarlett trailed off, a lump growing in her throat once more. She missed Bonnie so much.
Melanie knew what was wrong immediately, and hurried over from her chair and took Scarlett's hand, "They'll be home soon darling; don't worry! Captain Butler knows how much Bonnie cares for you, and you for Bonnie."
Scarlett swallowed, "It's not just me that I'm worried about. It's Wade and Ella. Rhett is the only father they remember. It hurts Ella especially, Rhett's been a figure in her life since she was born, and Bonnie isn't just her little sister, but Ella's best friend as well. She's so lonely, and I can only do so much for her. She feels abandoned. They both miss Rhett and Bonnie so much, and long for their favorite playmate."
"The poor little lambs . . ."
"Sometimes it make me so mad. He just goes away and doesn't think of the consequences of his actions. If it was just me he was hurting, I could understand, but there are children involved in this marriage. Children he claims to care about, but the moment things got difficult for us he ran, taking our child and disregarding the other individuals who depend upon him here."
"Oh you mustn't say such things!" Melanie protested, shocked at Scarlett's words, "I know he worries for you all a great deal. He will be home soon, just you wait and see."
Melanie was sure of this fact. She was able to see how much Captain Butler cared for Scarlett. She'd always been able to tell, since she'd first seen the two together, she had been able to spot the soft caring look he got in his eyes whenever he looked at Scarlett.
"Really?" Scarlett questioned, sounding quite like a child depending on its mother for reassurance.
"Really."
"Oh Melly, I really don't know what I would ever do without you." Scarlett divulged.
"You would do just fine. You're so strong Scarlett. I wish I was strong like you."
"Melanie, you are stronger than you give yourself credit for. I don't know anyone else who would have stood up for me against most of Atlanta when they say such things. You do what you know is right, and that takes a lot of strength."
Melanie blushed, "Oh Scarlett, how I want that to be true, but I'm not strong."
"Yes you are. It's a quiet strength, on the inside, but I know everyone can see it. That's why Rhett admires you so much. He respects you and Rhett doesn't respect many people. We are both proud to call you our friend Melanie Wilkes."
Tears filled Melanie eyes from Scarlett's words. She'd never known Scarlett had felt that way, and her heart filled with joy to hear it, "That is the kindest thing anyone has ever said to me. Thank you so much Scarlett, I'm so fortunate to be able to call you my sister."
"And I you."
~*~
Rhett Butler looked at the envelope in his hand, yet another letter from Scarlett. He couldn't believe she was continuing to try and contact him. Why couldn't she get the message that he did not wish to be in contact with her? As much as he longed for her, he needed a break from the emotional roller coaster she unwittingly put him through.
He'd lost control one night, the alcohol had clouded his reason and he'd acted in a manner toward his wife that he'd never thought possible. He had hurt her. He hadn't taken no for an answer that night. Shaken by his behavior, he'd disappeared the next morning, went to Belle and just contemplated for the next three days.
He'd spent a lot of time thinking, and spent another good part of it drunk, but he had come to a decision in that time. He had to get away from Scarlett O'Hara. She had a power over him that made him lose himself in her, and it frightened him. Rhett Butler needed control. He had to be in control of whatever situation he was in, but he was beginning to lose any control he had over his life with Scarlett.
So he decided to run, like he always did, and he took their daughter with him.
Bonnie was his life. She was just like Scarlett, but she let him take care of her, spoil her, love her, and in return she loved him with all her heart. He'd taken Bonnie with him, telling himself that Scarlett didn't really care about Bonnie, convinced that he had to protect her. He couldn't let Scarlett hurt her as she had hurt Wade and Ella. Or at least that was what he tried to make himself believe. It was this thought that helped soothe Rhett's soul. But the continuing flow of letters from Scarlett was starting to shake his belief. He refused to read them; he didn't even want to know what she had to say. There couldn't be anything of value in them, there never was. Scarlett was going to know what it was to be alone.
Rhett stared at the paper in his hand, and sneered at it, he wasn't going to let Scarlett get close again. He didn't care what she had to say; there was nothing she could say that would change his opinion. She didn't care for him or Bonnie.
That established within his mind, Rhett threw the letter into the fire, and watched as the flames consumed anything she could have to tell him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
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!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
