Disclaimer: I own nothing in regard to GWTW

Author's Note: I believe that after Rhett at the Fire Station let her down Scarlett closed off her heart and her humanity.

Chapter One

Rhett was on the train to Charleston. He had just left Scarlett. He had said he would be back to quiet the gossip but he knew he would never go back to Atlanta. He would go to Europe and build a life there. Miles and miles away from Scarlett and unfortunately Wade and Ella too but that couldn't be helped. He would write them he thought but knew he would not be a good correspondent. Rhett was in a private car. Maybe a useless expense but he did not want anyone to speak to him or see him crying. Suddenly he saw an image of Bonnie. She was dressed in a pretty blue summer dress. He was going crazy. He was seeing things that were not there. It was probably just a symptom of him drying out from the alcohol. The image started speaking. "Daddy, be at peace. You are finally sober enough for me to talk to you. I am going to give you a chance to go back and fix your life with Mother. But in order to fix your life you must admit that you broke her humanity in that Fire Station."
Rhett was angry when he heard this, "Her humanity was already broken before she got to the Fire Station. The problem was that she thought she loved someone else!"
Bonnie replied, "No. She had hardened her heart because of everything that had happened since you deserted her at Rough and Ready. Her mother dying, her pa's mind breaking, the Yankees stealing and destroying everything she had, having to kill the deserter, Ashley returning and being worthless and then the authorities raising the taxes. She was a southern belle one day then the next day she was responsible for nine helpless people. The only person who helped was Melanie. You were her lifeline. You were the one she wanted but your pride got hurt and you threw her to the dogs."
Rhett tried to explain, "She was trying to make a fool out of me."
Bonnie continued as if Rhett had not said anything, "She then had to degrade herself and marry Frank Kennedy. Something she really didn't want to do and it also created a permanent rift between her and Suellen. You know what she thought about him. She did a lot of things during her marriage to Frank that she was ashamed of and those actions destroyed what was left of her humanity. The only happiness she had during that time was when you were driving her back from the mills. She always thought she was responsible for Frank's death but worst so did everyone else."
Rhett then replied, "Scarlett never acted like these things she did bothered her."
Bonnie replied, "Of course not she had already pushed those thoughts to the back of her brain but they still bothered her. She married you. She had so much fun in New Orleans she was in love with you. She just didn't know it and neither did you. You got mad because she didn't tell you she loved you immediately. You claimed to know her so well but you judged her by her words not her actions. You treated her like a mistress at best. You bought her a house but didn't help her design it."
Rhett shouted out, "She didn't want my help!"
Bonnie went on ignoring Rhett, "After the house was built you mocked and criticized all of her choices. You bought her jewelry and dresses but never truly shared your thoughts and feelings. Even when you had relations you still held part of you back. Why? Because you were afraid, she'd figure out you loved her and make your life a living hell. I think she managed to do that anyway. You could have at least treated her with kindness. Do you know why she clung to Ashley Wilkes, because he treated her like a lady and with kindness? You could have let her have a relationship with me.

Rhett screamed, "She didn't want you. She wanted to kill you."

Bonnie stopped and looked at Rhett, "She wanted me. It was just too soon. She was having fun for the first time since before the war started. She would never have gotten rid of me. If she had wanted to abort me, she would have done it without ever telling you. She knew she wasn't the best of mothers she wanted you to tell her everything was going to be okay. Mother and you never ever talked honest and straight forward with each other. After I was born you accused her of being a lousy mother and prevented her from ever being more than a spectator in my life. Mother is so obtuse unless you spell things out to her she will never see it. And finally, you were mean, cruel and heartless to the woman you supposedly loved. Do you think you can go back and change your life?"
Rhett stared at her and said, "Yes, I do. I admit that her humanity was crushed after that day in the Fire House. When will you send me back to?"
Bonnie replied, "A week before you get arrested in Atlanta. That will give you time to stash the money for the taxes. Marry her and take her far, far away from Atlanta. Do you agree?"
Rhett asked, "Wait! Will you be born to us?
Bonnie said, "I am Mother's spirit child so yes. Ella will be born to Frank's wife who ever that may be. And will I die before I am five? Probably not. If you listen to Mother about not spoiling your children. And Daddy, lay off the booze. You are a really mean drunk. Now are you ready?"
Rhett closed his eyes and said, "Yes."

In the next second he was on a train heading to Atlanta and Rhett started planning his attack.

He needed a place to hide the money so Scarlett could get access to it. He could leave it with Belle but he didn't want Scarlett knowing anymore about his relationship with Belle than she already did. It was the safest spot. It would do if he could not think of anything else.