Scarlett's Sister

Chapter Twelve: Loss

One day Melly came rushing into the drawing-room where the O'Hara sisters were lounging. She held a letter in her hand.

"Scarlett! Ella! I have the most wonderful news!"

"What is it Melly?"

"Ashley has been granted furlough for Christmas!"

"Oh Melly, that is wonderful. I'm so happy for you"

"Ashley's coming home?"

They started excitedly discussing how they would make this an extra special Christmas. Melly was so excited she started decorating the house even though Christmas was a few months away. Ella had noticed the look on Scarlett's face at the mention of Ashley's name. She inwardly sighed. She's still infatuated with him, thought Ella.

There was nothing Ella could do about Scarlett though. She's felt this way about Ashely for so long that making her see reality is a lost cause, reasoned Ella. In any case, Ella had more important matters occupying her mind, and by matters, she meant the one and only Rhett Butler. Ella couldn't help but remember the last time she saw him.

.

"I never lie, Miss Ella."

Ella sat up, putting her closer to his height and raised her eyebrows in disbelief.

"Never?"

Ella's breath caught as Rhett leaned in closer, he was almost inappropriately close, but she still wished he was closer. Ella was sure she stopped breathing as he stared into her eyes.

"Never to you."

As Ella stared back into Rhett's eyes, she couldn't help but believe him.

However, that didn't mean she forgave him. She couldn't forget the confusion she felt when he left in the middle of the dance floor in Charleston. The emptiness when she discovered his boat was gone the next morning. The hope that had turned to disappointment and shock when he called out Scarlett's name as his dance partner at the bazaar. The longing and sadness that had overwhelmed her as she watched them dance together all evening.

As these memories swirled in her mind, a wave of bitter anger rose within her.

"Instead you run away."

Ella could tell she had shocked Rhett with her words, she had also shocked herself.

Rhett had never seen such fire in Ella before. Although her words made him feel ashamed, they also made him realise what he wanted. He, Rhett Butler, the pirate, the scoundrel, wanted the lady, the dreamer, the beautiful, inside and out, Ella.

Ella was unable to hold Rhett's gaze any longer. As she looked away she thought she saw remorse in his eyes. She sighed and laid back down, closing her eyes and placing her hands on her stomach. Dealing with Rhett was exhausting for Ella, she felt like she was being whipped back and forth with his changing character.

Rhett watched Ella as she laid back down. What was he doing to this woman? He knew he had to make his mind up about her soon.

After a few moments, Ella felt Rhett shift and she assumed he was leaving until she felt a body lay right next to her.

"I'm sorry."

At first, Ella was sure she had imagined it. She didn't consider Rhett Butler to be a man who apologises to anyone.

When Ella didn't react to his words Rhett took one of her hands from where it was resting on her stomach. He squeezed her hand lightly with his and rested their clasped hands on the ground in between their bodies.