Trip Down A Rabbit Hole
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2.
Melanie and News
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Melanie Wilkes couldn't stop herself from crying as she took in Scarlet snuggled into a chair Wade curled up in his mother's arms. Her dear, dear Scarlett and precious little Wade were safe and home at last. Melanie flew across the room and pulled her sister-in-law against her in a tight hug. Scarlett stiffened, but relaxed quickly. Melanie barely noticed she was so happy. The past few days had been unbearable not knowing what had happened to them. A throat was cleared alerting Melanie to Dr. Meade's presence and that of several other men in the room. Melanie gave them a thankful smile knowing it was they who'd brought Scarlett home and stepped away. Melanie's eyes eagerly took Scarlett in and was distressed to find her pale and stricken looking.
"Oh, you poor darling." Melanie cooed distressed and instantly began petting the younger girl's dark hair reassuringly. "It must have been awful for you and poor Wade."
If anything Scarlett got paler at those words, causing Melanie's heart to clench in worry. Scarlett's next words though startled Melanie out of it and made her mind go blank.
"You're just like Mother." Scarlett breathed out and Melanie froze. Finally Melanie assured herself that she had indeed heard those words and started sobbing loudly.
"Thank you so much." She managed through her ecstasy. "I don't deserve such a grand compliment. I know you love her so." Scarlett's doubtful look only made Melanie happier. Melanie had noted during Scarlett's stay the worship and awe that came over Scarlett's face when the girl mentioned Ellen O'Hara. It was the same emotions most reserved for religion. The mere thought of being compared to someone held so highly in Scarlett's esteem touched Melanie more than she thought possible. It wasn't that Melanie doubted Scarlett's feelings for her, it was just Melanie thought herself a timid mousy thing. She was sure Scarlett wasn't too impressed to have her for a sister-in-law.
The men looked rather confused by this, but Uncle Henry seemed to decide to ignore the conversation. He gallantly offered Melanie an arm and carefully settled her on a seat near Scarlett. Melanie watched Dr. Meade examine Scarlett and Wade, the other men having left the room, and tried to stop herself from crying and making a further fool of herself. When Dr. Meade claimed Scarlett and her son needed food, Melanie was instantly up and bustling something together. When she returned, Prissy caring a tray of food behind her, Uncle Henry had returned and was standing awkwardly beside a now standing Scarlett, Wade wrapped in a blanket and laying in the chair asleep. Melanie's heart dropped when she realized what was about to occur. Seeing Melanie, Uncle Henry turned to Scarlett and began to speak.
"I know this isn't the most opportune time, but I feel it is my duty to tell you. Mr. Wilkes passed away. I came to Atlanta to tell you and Melanie. I arrived the day after you went missing." Scarlett went as pale and looked as if Uncle Henry struck her. Melanie teared up. It had been hard enough hearing the news with Scarlett missing, to hear it again still hurt. And Melanie knew the worst was yet to come.
"I know you and Melanie were fond of him, so I thought you had a right to know something else. Scarlett, Rhett Butler was killed during a trip to Charleston. Apparently his mother was ill and he'd gone to get news of her. The train he rode on the way back caught on fire. No one survived." Uncle Henry told Scarlett grimly.
Scarlett's face went quizzical as if Uncle Henry had said something odd, instead of tragic. When she turned to Melanie questioningly, Melanie realized horrified that Scarlett was in denial. Crying again Melanie nodded. Scarlett went as pale as the corpses Melanie had seen at the hospital. Her eyes fluttered and suddenly Melanie saw her face crumple completely. First disbelief, then horror, then a flicker of what Melanie thought was regret, and finally a heartrending grief. The next second Scarlett was on the ground unconscious.