Melanie Hamilton looked exactly as she did the last time Scarlett had seen her. Plain as an old shoe, she thought as she pasted on a fake smile. Melanie's own plain face lit up at the sight of Scarlett. She had the same drab, brown hair and the same white, heart-shaped face. If Scarlett were being fair, she would have been forced to admit that Melanie wasn't, in fact, ugly. Far from it, actually. Her features were pleasant and not at all unbecoming, but it had nothing to do with her physical make-up. Something from within Melanie lit up her face and eyes. Something of innocence and understanding. She was an obviously compassionate creature, one on whom many had come to rely in spite of her young age, for she was younger than Scarlett and Ashley both. In the deepest recesses of her mind, Scarlett was forced to admit that these were things that she had never possessed and never would.
The one thing that she could begrudge Melanie Hamilton was her figure. For while Scarlett had always been well endowed in spite of her tiny build, Melanie, who was equally thin, didn't have a single curve to her body. Scarlett vaguely remembered Melanie from when they were younger and in high school. She hadn't changed a bit; she still looked like an awkward, thirteen-year-old girl who was wearing her mother's clothing. She definitely gets checked at bars, Scarlett thought, searching for something hateful to think about her. She inwardly laughed at the thought of this goody-goody going out to any bar.
Scarlett looked at Melanie who was obviously brimming with pleasure at the sight of her. The girl was insufferable…Oh, she is terribly happy to see me and oh-so shy! Well, Little Miss Melanie Hamilton, you have everyone else fooled but you can't fool me… Scarlett was determined that this girl wasn't who she said she was and she was going to do everything in her power to prove it.
For Ashley's sake…of course…
"Scarlett! Oh, I am so glad to see you again," Melanie gently said. She offered her hand shyly and Scarlett hesitantly took it. "Thank you so much for coming." Her voice was soft and sickeningly sweet.
Scarlett replied, the fake smile still pasted on her features. "It is my pleasure, Melanie. I wouldn't miss Ashley's wedding for the world." Indeed, I won't. I am going to be there for it alright…walking down the aisle in a beautiful white dress…
"I know you wouldn't," Melanie replied. "I suppose that is why it's so selfish of us to have the wedding just now, so suddenly. I have begged Ashley about it…I hate to put anyone out, you see." Ashley, now sitting in the front seat, turned around and smiled at his fiancée.
"I refused to give in because it's always been Melanie's dream to get married in September…and I couldn't bear to wait a whole year." Scarlett looked at him as he spoke, at first wanting to blush at his implication. However, his eyes clearly spoke of his earnestness and proved that his comment was not meant to be obscene. I've been spending too much time with that skunk, Rhett Butler… she realized, once again noting the difference in the two men. For if Rhett had said something so vulgar, Scarlett would have rolled her eyes and her cheeks would have never changed color. Somehow, at the thought of Ashley speaking so forcefully, Scarlett immediately withdrew. She could feel her cheeks burning at the mere idea of such words coming from Ashley's mouth as came from Rhett's…
"Yes." Melanie bowed her head before turning towards Ashley. "Ashley is very good to me…" She looked up at him, adoration clearly written in her eyes. How good? Scarlett thought, shrugging off the obvious look of longing in Melanie's eyes when she looked at Ashley. He's probably bought her a million things this past month, no wonder she is looking at him like that. Scarlett didn't look at Ashley's face before he turned back around towards the front of the car.
"Oh, I am being so rude to you, Scarlett. I haven't even asked you about your trip. How was it?" Melanie asked. For a moment, Scarlett wanted to slap her, and she wasn't sure why. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that Melanie's sweet little face was constantly lit up with honest fondness for her.
"Fine," she replied through loosely clenched teeth.
"I am so glad. Airports can be a terrible place." Melanie laughed lightly, obviously attempting to make conversation but doing it very awkwardly for she was so shy with everyone she met at first. "Once my brother, Charles, went through customs and he was stopped for having a bottle of hairspray that was too big. It's all so complicated now. But understandably so…"
Scarlett just nodded and the rest of the ride was silent. Melanie fiddled with her fingers, looking as if she wanted to talk to Scarlett but didn't know what to say. Ashley continually glanced back at the pair, sending a small smile at both women each time.
When they reached the restaurant, Ashley helped Scarlett out of the car while the driver helped Melanie. Scarlett felt a surge of triumph when Ashley opened her door and not Melanie's, even if she knew deep down that it was only because he was on the passenger side, as she was, and Melanie was on the driver's side, prompting the driver to assist her. The restaurant was a nice restaurant but not one which required proper attire, for which Scarlett was grateful. She looked down at her Pac-man graphic tee and inwardly slapped herself for wearing it, but found an excuse at the same time. How was she supposed to know that Ashley would be at the airport?
Melanie waited by the corner of the car as Ashley and Scarlett walked towards her. She was wearing a white sweater, which hung off of her slim shoulders. It was much too large for her petite frame. Her skirt was bright with yellow flowers splashed overtop a white overlay. It was a very cute little outfit…For an Easter Service, Scarlett thought.
Ashley offered one arm to each of the ladies. He smiled, a smile intended to be cocky; however, his gentle face smoothed it out and both women smiled back at his attempt at gallantry.
The maitre d' already had a table set up for them, and led them to it as soon as they arrived. Once they were seated, Melanie looked up at Scarlett from across the table, and said, "I know I have already mentioned it, Scarlett. But I am so glad that you came." The candles from the table made her soft brown eyes glow, making the joy in them at Scarlett's presence seem magnified. "I…" Melanie looked down, "I always wanted to be friends with you in school but…well, to be honest, I am rather shy." Scarlett noticed the tiny blush coming up on her cheeks. "But now…Ashley has told me so much about you! It feels like, well, like we already are the best of friends!" Melanie smiled gently at her before glancing at Ashley.
Scarlett's heart swelled at Melanie's words. "Oh, so Ashley has talked about me? I hope it was all good things…" She glanced demurely at Ashley, her bold action spurred on by the knowledge of him talking about her to Melanie. "He never spoke of you." Scarlett grasped the complementary glass of water in her hand and slowly took a sip as she looked at Melanie.
Melanie looked at Ashley and then back at Scarlett, unfazed by the rude comment. "Well, there isn't much to talk about when it comes to me. But you! You are so exciting! The stories that Ashley has told me…" Melanie smiled at Scarlett.
"Well," Scarlett spoke slowly, "Ashley and I have known each other for a long time. We are very old, very dear friends." Scarlett fidgeted with her silver, straightening it to perfection. "I suppose Ashley probably spent so much time talking about me, he rarely talked about himself! Why, did you know Melanie?" Scarlett's voice was suddenly animated. "When Ashley was in high school, he was quite the ladies' man." Scarlett placed her hand on Melanie's arm. Melanie listened to her tale with interest, glancing between Ashley and Scarlett; a content smile on her young face. "Why, I had to beat them off of him…not that he helped any. He did nothing to discourage them. In fact, I think at one time he dated three girls at once…" Scarlett smirked.
"That's not true…" Ashley had a gentle smile on his face, taking her "joke" with good humor. Melanie laughed lightly and gripped Ashley's hand.
"Indeed it is!" Scarlett attempted a look of complete honesty.
"Well, I hope that you have left your promiscuous ways behind you, Ashley." Melanie said, her eyes shining with a mischief that brought Scarlett back a bit. She wouldn't have thought of Melanie saying something so forward…
It made her want to vomit…
"No need to worry. Those days are far behind me…" He patted her hand and at the look in his eyes Scarlett had to look away. His gaze shined with something when he looked at Melanie that had never been present when he looked at her…
Scarlett quickly followed up his statement, refusing to analyze the way he looked at Melanie. She spoke flippantly as she glanced over the menu. "Don't listen to him, Melanie. He told me that over and over again in high school, but never meant what he said. Men are like that though…they never change. Ashley has always liked to show a girl a good time, and he always will." Before anyone could speak, the waiter came to take their orders.
Scarlett was very quiet for the rest of the brunch. She barely ate anything and only spoke when spoken to. In spite of her resolve not to analyze Ashley and Melanie, she did. She had noticed small things; like the way Ashley tenderly folded a wisp of hair behind Melanie's ear, or the way his eyes seemed trained on Melanie in spite of Scarlett's presence. For a moment, she wondered if she could pull this off, even with Rhett's help…
They had finished eating when Melanie got a phone call. It was the orphanage. She was needed for one of the children, Melanie gave an explanation that Scarlett didn't listen to before leaving. Scarlett barely focused on saying goodbye to her, so happy was she that she would be alone with Ashley, at last! And her spirits soared when they said goodbye without so much as a goodbye kiss… What engaged couple didn't kiss each other goodbye when they were truly in love! Her hope quickly renewed itself at this thought.
Ashley placed his hands on his legs with a sigh, signaling he was ready to leave. "Well, it looks like it's just us, Red."
Scarlett smiled. "Yeah…just us." Just you and me, Ashley. Remember? Remember when it was just you and me? Remember when you said that you just wanted it to be you and me…Scarlett thought back, again, to the day that she went to Ashley's home to tell him about her new position in New York. He had asked her not to go. Her stomach flipped at the memory…he had begged her not to go.
"I…don't want you to go."
Scarlett's breath caught at his words. "What?" she whispered.
"I…" He looked at her, his eyes tormented and he leaped from his seat. "Oh Scarlett. It's just…it's always been…it's always been us, you know?" He gestured with his hands between the two of them. Her breath caught when he called her Scarlett. He never called her Scarlett…not unless it was something important. Something that was anything but casual…
"Yes, Ashley!" she said, passionately. She thanked whatever God there may be as Ashley looked at her with his tortured, dreamy eyes. Surely this was the moment, the moment that she had been hoping for. Ashley would admit that he loved her….yes! Finally, she could tell him all of her hidden feelings and desires. No more secrets…
Scarlett had never been able to fathom throwing herself at Ashley. She had seen girls do that before—girls like India Wilkes—who would crush on a boy like a high school girl, follow him around and write little notes on all of their papers saying "I 3 'insert name here'". No, she would never come close to that…she would wait on Ashley, let him come to her, like she always knew he would. For she had always known, deep down, that he loved her and attributed his lack of a confession to the fact that they had been such good friends for so long. He didn't wish to ruin that, just as she didn't. But she had always hoped that, at the thought of separation, he would cave in and finally reveal his feelings. And she had been right…
"I can't…it was hard when you went off to school. But, I always knew you were coming back. I…" Ashley appeared to struggle with words and then abruptly threw his hand into his perfectly combed hair and exclaimed, "Oh, Scarlett! I'm such a coward!" He turned away from her and walked to the other side of the room. A feeling of dizzying triumph filled her chest to overflowing and she stood in a daze and walked over to him. Her heart squeezed with tender affection. The poor darling was afraid to tell her how he felt! Oh, how precious he was…
"Ashley, there is no need to be afraid…" She placed her hand on his shoulder as he continued to run his fingers through his hair.
He turned slowly towards her, his eyes reading defeat. Scarlett wanted so desperately to ease his fears, to tell him he need not be ashamed of his feelings. That she loved him too…there was no shame in that. But he spoke. "But I am afraid, Scarlett. I am fearful of everything…" He sighed heavily, dropping his hand from his hair. "Everything is changing so fast and…I can't seem to keep up. I am afraid of what the future holds for me…I don't know if I can do it…"
Scarlett suddenly had a sickening feeling that he might not be talking about her anymore, but pushed the thought aside. Of course he was…he was fearful of their future! And he didn't want things to change…he didn't want the two of them to change.
"Oh Ashley…I understand! I do…I don't want anything to change either. But sometimes things need to change to move forward." She placed her hand on his cheek and stroked it softly. It was a gesture that was more intimate than most touches they shared. They held hands and hugged and even kissed, on occasion. Scarlett knew this as she did it, and hoped that it would spur Ashley on.
Ashley stared at her a moment before grasping her hand and pulling it down to grip it with both hands. He stared at their joined hands, and spoke without looking at her. "If only…if only we could always be here. Right now…never changed. I wish so very much-" He paused, and then dropped her hand. He looked at her again, his eyes reading sadness and some emotion that she couldn't define…like a baby bird looking at his mother as she shoos him from the nest."But you must do what you must, and I cannot stop you. It is selfish of me to stop you and-" A knock at the door interrupted Ashley's speech…
As Scarlett stared at Ashley from across the table, she couldn't help but wonder what might have happened had they not been interrupted. She had left that day heartbroken because she didn't get a confession out of Ashley and worst was added to worst at the fact that he wasn't able to celebrate with her after all. They had been interrupted because of a phone call from Ashley's father asking him to leave immediately for an unexpected business meeting. Ashley had left her there with nothing more than a small explanation for his sudden departure and a peck on the cheek.
The few times they had seen each other over the next two weeks before she left had been unproductive as well. She had put extra effort into flirting with him and trying her best to be charming. But he never deviated from his gentle, friendly demeanor. She had encouraged herself as she boarded the plane to New York, leaving Ashley behind at the security check point with her father and brothers, that when it became clear to him that she wasn't coming back, when he couldn't take the separation any longer, he would come to her. He would tell her of his feelings and then they would live happily ever after…
But that had been almost three years ago. Three long years and Ashley had never come to her. She wondered now if, on top of everything else, Melanie had become a poor substitute for what he thought that he had lost in her, Scarlett. She couldn't help but think of how romantic it could be if that were true and she had come here to win him back. How happy that would make him! How much more he would love her for taking him when he thought that she didn't want him…he would practically worship her!
Her smile widened at the thought and she gladly took his hand as they made their way out. They waited in front of the restaurant for a car. The one that had brought them to the restaurant had taken Melanie to the orphanage so Ashley had called for someone else to come and pick them up. They discussed her trip and all the things that she had planned for the week. Apparently, one of the things that Melanie had mentioned upon leaving had been that she and Scarlett had an appointment the next morning for Scarlett's fitting for her maid of honor dress. Thank God Ashley had mentioned it or she would have never showed up. When Melanie had made the announcement, Scarlett had been unable to focus on anything else but the fact that she was leaving.
During the ride, Ashley sat in the back of the car with Scarlett. He discussed the goings-on of the county. Both she and Ashley had always lived just outside of Atlanta. Ashley, of course, lived in the old plantation house within the Twelve Oaks Suburb. Scarlett's family had lived in Atlanta until Ashley's father had started his next housing development next to Twelve Oaks. He had named it Tara, and Scarlett and her father were offered the main house. The house was off to the side of the actual suburb and had been built in the middle of a beautifully landscaped plot of land. About 20 acres. Gerald, Scarlett's father, had been more than proud of the land and the house and had instantly accepted the offer. He had always wanted a great, big homestead, insisting that land was the most important investment that anyone could make. He still lived there, and Scarlett couldn't wait to get there herself. It had always been like a dream being there…it was home…
She noticed, as they spoke, that the driver actually turned off towards their homes. Scarlett stopped him, declaring that she was staying in the city. Ashley looked at her with confusion in his eyes. "You are staying in the city?"
She nodded. "Of course."
"Oh, I am sorry." He apologized to the driver and looked to Scarlett for direction.
"I am staying at 'The Mansion on Peachtree'." The driver nodded and headed in that direction.
"I assumed you would be staying with your father," Ashley said leaning back in the chair.
"The boys are home from college this week. Fall break." Ashley smiled, and said "ahh", needing no further explanation. He understood all too well how the boys pestered Scarlett. And though she loved them to pieces, she had no desire to wake up in the middle of the night with toothpaste smeared across her face...or in a wet bed with her hand stuck in a bowl of warm water…or with her hair dyed bright red as a tribute to her name… Scarlett's brothers were freshmen in college now, but they still acted like the little ten year old boys she had lived with before she went off to school.
So, no…thank you.
They arrived at the hotel in record time and Ashley assisted Scarlett with her luggage and waited with her while she checked in. She got her key and they both headed towards the elevator. Just as the doors were closing, she thought that she spotted a dark-haired man, staring in her direction with a smirk on his face but didn't have time to really observe the man. It can't be… I have just spent way too much time with him lately. She rubbed her temples and focused again on Ashley. When they reached the floor she led them to her suite and opened the door. Ashley helped her carry her things inside and observed the rooms with appreciation. "This is a very nice hotel." He looked around. Scarlett stood rooted in place, her heart pounding. This was the first time they had been truly alone since she arrived…perhaps…perhaps she should just tell him…She had nothing to lose anymore. And he was here…right here…
She was just about to speak when his phone went off. He looked at it and swore. "I have to go, Red." He shook his head as he placed the phone back in his pocket. "I am so sorry. I had hoped to spend the afternoon with you but…my father needs me for something, it seems." He walked over to her and gripped her shoulders. "We will have to have some afternoon all to ourselves soon. I am so glad you are here and…I've missed you so much, Red." He stood still for a moment but then slowly bent down and softly kissed her on the lips. The kiss was so quick and unexpected that Scarlett had no time to react before Ashley pulled away. "I'll call you later, alright?" And, with a final departing smile, he left. Scarlett stood in place, unsure of what to do. Ashley had kissed her. A slow smile stretched across her face as the realization sunk in.
"He kissed me…" she whispered. And then suddenly she was jumping up and down. She ran into her bedroom and jumped up onto the bed and began to bounce, giggling recklessly. I'm going to win him over! He loves me! I know he does! And when I get what I need on that wretched, mealy-mouthed Melanie Hamilton, there will be nothing to stop him from loving me…and this time I am going to make it easy on him. No jumping through hoops, no more waiting. I am going to tell him! So he has nothing to fear, nothing to worry over…
She fell back onto the pillows, smiling and breathed a sigh of contentment. She was so happy and encouraged. She wanted to tell someone about her good fortune. Someone who would really understand. Well, she supposed there was no one she could tell about why she was feeling fortunate…not yet. But, she could find someone to share her happiness with. She jumped off the bed and trotted joyfully into the foyer and grabbed her cell phone from her purse. She instantly dialed Rhett's number. She waited for him to answer, and allowed the phone to ring over and over. Then the automatic voicemail stated she had reached the phone number blah, blah, blah and that the recipient was unable to receive the call. She frowned slightly, and tried again. The voicemail answered again. She huffed and, determined that he should answer the phone, she dialed again. At first she thought that he might not answer again, but this time he did.
"Hello…" he said breathlessly.
"Rhett?" she said. "What are you doing?"
"Aaa…well, right now? I am talking to you on the phone." She could practically see the smirk on his face.
She rolled her eyes. "No, I mean, before…"
"Well, I was taking a shower when I heard my phone go off once…twice…I knew the third time that it went off that it must be you." He paused. "I barely picked up a towel on the way to the bedroom. And I am still wet, if that interests you and helps with that mental image you have already created in your mind…"
"I have not created anything!" She mentally slapped herself at the obvious guilt in her voice. For she had developed a very pleasant image of him in the shower, running a bar of spicy soap over the set of abs she had caught sight of the day before, wet and glistening from the water and steam…
"Alright…" he said, smugly.
She bit her tongue and was suddenly frustrated, because her giddy happiness had evaporated at his prodding. "Where are you?" she asked harshly.
"At my hotel…" his voice was amused, as if he knew something she didn't.
"Which hotel are you staying at?"
"My, my, for someone who isn't interested in me, I'd say you are very eager to know my whereabouts…"
She stomped her foot. "Just tell me where you are, damn it!"
"Alright, if you are that desperate to get to me…" He laughed before saying in very clear, clipped tones. "I am staying at 'The Mansion on Peachtree'."
Scarlett sucked in a breath. "That's where I am staying!"
"Indeed! Well, isn't it a small world…" His voice dripped with mockery.
Scarlett paused and then said suspiciously, "You knew I was staying here…."
"How could I have known that?" he questioned.
"You…I don't know! But…you know everything and…you found out somehow."
"Your confidence in my abilities is astounding."
"Oh shut up! What floor are you on?"
"The 42nd." He stated nonchalantly.
"The 42—That can't be. The only room on that floor is the Presidential Suite."
"Exactly."
Scarlett stopped short. "Wait…" she stated slowly, her temper rising. "You mean to tell me that the person who booked the Presidential Suite right under my nose was you!"
"You meant to book it? Oh dear, this is an awkward predicament." She wished that he were in front of her so she could slap him. "Ah well. You can come up and visit me…any time."
"Argh!" She screamed and hung up on him. She stomped her foot once, but it wasn't enough. So she stomped it again. That horrible cad! My room…my bathtub…she thought longingly. She stood there for a moment, her temper at its highest. My room…he is in my room.
She wanted so badly to stay angry…to spit and scream and not talk to him for the rest of the week. However, curiosity had always been one of her weaknesses, and before she even fully realized it she had taken leave of her own suite and was on the elevator, climbing towards the 42nd floor.