Chapter 7 : Scarlett has an Awakening Moment
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters and do not intend on making any money off this story.
Story Line: Takes place after Scarlett falls down the stairs.
I hope you all like this chapter!
Scarlett awoke in mid morning, and grasped at her belly as if hoping yesterday
was all a dream. Her hopes were dashed it was empty, almost as if she was never carrying the
child. How could she feel so much pain? This was a new feeling for Scarlett, her grief for her
child was more than she could fathom. It was like losing her parents all over again. She did not
know if she could go through this pain again. Suddenly her dream came to mind, and she feared
for Bonnie and Melanie. Could god be so vengeful, could he take her daughter and best friend
from her too? Suddenly the giddy laughter of her youngest daughter drifed through the open
window. 'Come on, Mr. Butler!' Bonnie's small voice grunted. Scarletts' heart iced over with
fear.
As Scarlett moved slowly she felt as if she had bruises on top of bruises, every moment
was torture. Peering out the window Scarlett saw as Bonnie in her blue velvet habit was trying
unsuccessfully to lead Mr. Butler through the trellis. The small pony was not budging.
"Bonnie, what do you think your doing?" Scarlett called down to her daughter who looked
up in surprise being caught with Mr. Butler. Remembering her father telling her that she was not
to ride Mr. Butler, that her mother was worried about her and now was not the time to worry
Mother. " I was taking Mr. Butler for a walk, Mother."
"In your habit?" Scarlett smiled knowingly at her coy child. She was happy that she had
Bonnie, looking at her eased the pain losing the baby had caused. " Come upstairs and have tea
with me baby?" Scarlett watched as Bonnie put the pony back in the stable and trotted into the
house. She would have to speak to Rhett again, she wanted Mr. Butler sold, all of the horses.
Scarlett didn't care as long as her child was safe. Scarlett would keep Bonnies mind off of riding
if she had to give the child the moon.
Just as Scarlett settled back into the covers there was a knock at her door."Come in?"
"How are you feeling today Scarlett, darling?" Melanie's brown eyes sparkled out of loyalty
and genuine fondness.
"As well as can be expected I suppose." Scarlett sighed. " I feel like I was in a bar room
brawl."
"Would you like me to read to you Scarlett?" Melanie asked.
"Thank you, but no, I think I would like to just sleep." Scarlett said with a bit too much
bite for Melanie face sank. "But would you mind, just sitting her with me for awhile, till I fall
asleep?"
"Of course I will, my dear." Melanie smiled lovingly tucking the covers in about Scarlett
into the bed and pulling a arm chair close and sinking in to it. When Scarlett was asleep,
Melanie pulled out some needle work she had brought along.
When Scarlett awoke it was well into evening, she could not believe she slept so long. As
she stretched she was reminded of her excursions the evening before. Oh if only I had stayed
home that night, instead of going to see Melanie. Then she would still be carrying her beloved
child. Scarlett noticed Melanie had fallen asleep in the chair and in her hands Scarlett saw a pair
of baby booties. At first glance Scarlett was angered, that Melanie dare to bring booties she had
intended for her child to finish while sitting with the grief stricken Mother. Then Scarlett thought
better of Melanie, she would never do that. Then it dawned on Scarlett, hit her like a tidal wave.
"Melanie was going to have a baby!" Scarlett whispered. Her emotions all entwined,
happiness and sadness, joy and fear. So that is why Melanie had been so happy lately, and that
was also why she had been so sick. This was her dream come true. "Oh, why, why, did Melanie
have to be so foolish?" Scarlett thought to herself venomously. Then she rationalized, "Why,
because Melanie loved and wanted children. Children with the man she loved and married. Oh
Scarlett understood just why Melanie wanted children now."
"My poor darling Melanie." Scarlett thought to herself fervently. "Don't you worry Melly,
my dear sister in law more sister than my own, I am gonna take care of you just like when you
had Beau. Together we will make sure this baby and you both survive." Scarlett got out of bed
slowly her duty to her loyal friend diminishing most thought of her own pain. She took a blanket
and covered Melanie protectively. " I won't let any harm come to you or your child." Scarlett
kissed the smooth brow.
As Melanie slept Scarlett schemed. She called Mammy into the room, explaining her
thoughts to her and soon Mammy was sent out with a quickly scrawled letter to Doctor Meade.
And Mammy's usual gate seemingly had a fire lit under it, the woman sailed out of the house on
her mission to deliver this message to Doctor Meade only.
So what do you think? Any comments? Suggestions?