Title: The Lost Weekend

Author: Sw aka SkyBlueSw, and a few other nicks.

Summary: Rhett agrees to give Scarlett one weekend, in exchange for his freedom.

This story stated out as only one part, for a contest. But I couldn't just leave it off were part one ended, so I wrote more.

Author's Note: It was pointed out to me, that I needed to fix the grammar mistakes with this story. That in the shape it was posted, it was hard to read and understand. I want to say I'm sorry to anyone, who had read this before and couldn't enjoy it because of the grammar mistakes. I am fixing them one chapter at a time. So please check back often, to see the changes. I want to thank Therese, for taken the time to beta this for me. Without you I know I couldn't do this, thank you so much.

Chapter 1: The Weekend

The hardest part of waiting was when it was finally over. You didn't get a warning ahead of time. At least that's what Scarlett thought the day Rhett Butler walked back into her life. She had been busy with the children trying to be the mother she never had before. Her hair wasn't in place, and the pink dress she wore didn't really do anything for her at all.

Rhett just entered the house as if he never had left. Scarlett had closed her eyes briefly, and, she could almost believe that the last year hadn't happened that Rhett hadn't left her on the stairs crying her heart out, because he didn't love her any longer when she was madly in love with him.

Opening them, Scarlett had to face the truth that the long lonely year had happened.
And, more than likely Rhett wasn't coming home to stay. This was one of those visits he spoke of when he left.

"Rhett, it's so good to see you. I was afraid something had happened to you," Scarlett said as she walked up to her husband.

"I wish I could say the same Scarlett, but I'm not glad to see you. I won't play games with your heart, my dear. I don't want to be here, I'm here to keep the gossip down. I'll be leaving Monday morning," Rhett stated coldly. He wasn't going to play on Scarlett's feelings. He was here for one reason only then once that was over he would leave again.

Scarlett's smile faded and she nodded her head. Tears were breaking free as she turned and ran up the stairs. He hadn't come back for her, he didn't love her, and from his tone of voice, never would again.

The week passed and before Scarlett knew it, it was Friday. Wade and Ella both were going to Tara for the weekend. Scarlett was supposed to go with them, but since Rhett's return she cancelled her trip. Prissy would be going with them and Will would pick them up. Rhett had insisted Scarlett not change her plans because of him, but she told him if they wanted gossip to die down she didn't need to up and leave, after he returned. From having been gone for such a long time.

Rhett had dropped the children and Prissy off at the train station then returned, there was something he needed to talk over with Scarlett.

"Divorce you? Never!" Scarlett yelled at Rhett as he just sat on the sofa next to her.

"Scarlett, I don't love you. That's not going to change. I want my freedom and you deserve yours too." Rhett said, passionately trying to get through to his selfish wife. Scarlett would remain married to him until one of them died just because she could.

"I don't care, I love you and, that's all there is to it." Scarlett pouted like a small child.

Rhett couldn't help but feel this was amusing. What he wouldn't have given for Scarlett to utter those words during their marriage. In Rhett's mind, their marriage had ended the day Melanie Wilkes had died.

"Scarlett, stop being such a spoiled belle. You can't have me and that's all there is to it." Scarlett looked into Rhett's dark eyes. He was lost to her now forever, if only they could turn back time and start anew.

"Rhett, if I do agree to divorce you, I want something in return," Scarlett said, her voice sounding as shaky as she felt.

"What do you want, Scarlett?" Rhett asked, certain he was about to lose half his fortune. But money wasn't important, he would gladly give it all up to be rid of Scarlett.

"I want one weekend Rhett, just me and you. Like the kind we never took during our marriage." Then Scarlett smiled, she had stated her one condition. Rhett would find a way to divorce her with, or without, her approval, perhaps this way she could just for the weekend be in Rhett's arms again.

Rhett's mouth opened then closed. Was Scarlett really asking for what he thought she was? She wanted them to get back together for the weekend then, on Monday she would give him his freedom. This offer sounded too good to be true there had to be a catch in it somewhere.

"What's the catch Scarlett, there has to be one?" Rhett asked looking into her emerald eyes. The ones he had lost himself in too many times in the past.

"No catch, you just have to share my room with me for the weekend and take me shopping, and then Monday morning I go to the train station with you, to send you off. After that, send the divorce papers back, and I will sign them." Scarlett said, this as she looked down at her wedding ring. She didn't want her marriage to be over, but it was.

"I don't know if I can trust you Scarlett, you've been known to break you word to me before," Rhett said. He wasn't sure about this, at first it sounded like a great deal, but from the words Scarlett had just spoken, she wanted a husband for the weekend. Rhett didn't' know if he could act the part. It wasn't that he didn't desire Scarlett; it was that he still desired her body too much. If he acted on it, that might send Scarlett the wrong message.

"Rhett I swear on Tara, that after Monday, you send me the divorce papers, I'll sign them" Scarlett knew this was the last chance she had at saving her marriage he had to say yes.

From her tone of voice Rhett knew Scarlett meant what she had just said." When do we start this weekend of yours?" he asked, while smirking in his mind at the idea of sharing a bed with Scarlett.

"I was hoping tonight, but if you want to wait until tomorrow night, that's fine by me," Scarlett said in a flirting manner.

"Tonight it is," Rhett said laughing. What more could he want, than to spend one weekend with Scarlett no strings attached, which then would be followed by Scarlett setting him free?

Scarlett stood in her bedroom dressed in her nightgown waiting for Rhett to appear. He was in the dressing room getting ready for bed. While this had been her idea, now that it was about to happen, Scarlett felt afraid. There was nothing more she wanted than to spend the rest of her life in Rhett's arms. But he had made it clear that that wasn't going to happen. So, instead she had traded that dream in for one weekend, one in which perhaps they could forget the past and, live for the moment.

I'm always waiting for him, Scarlett thought as she watched the dressing room door open slowly revealing Rhett in his robe; he looked handsome Scarlett thought as he neared her.

"Are you ready for bed, Mrs. Butler?" Rhett asked, amused with the look of fear in Scarlett's eyes.

"Yes of course," Scarlett replied as she turned and quickly made her way to her side of the bed. As Rhett pulled back the bedspread and sheets on his side of the bed Scarlett silently watched.

It shouldn't feel this awkward, Scarlett thought, as Rhett climbed in beside her. But it did and she didn't like that feeling one bit. This was supposed to make her happy, but it wasn't, it only served to remind her why Rhett was in her room lying in bed beside her. He wanted rid of her so badly he was willing to do anything just to be free of her.

Rhett could see many different emotions playing out on Scarlett's face, but the one that stuck out the most was the hurt he saw there. Knowing he was the cause of such pain for her made Rhett wish he could take it away. While he didn't love Scarlett any longer. he didn't want to see her hurt like he had been, for so many years over her. Pulling her towards him Rhett claimed her lips hoping that, if only for a few hours, he could make Scarlett and himself forget the past in their future and just enjoy themselves.

Scarlett had a smile upon her face as she opened her eyes to see her husband sleeping soundly beside her. Last night had seemed like a wonderful dream, one in which Rhett loved her madly. But Scarlett knew that he didn't, and wasn't going to hold out that hope. It would only hurt that much more when he left if she did.

Smiling, Scarlett kissed Rhett's lips. They had a busy day ahead of them. She planned on Rhett taking her about town. This way, when news of their divorce spread, people would not think she was the guilty party.

Rhett's hand unexpectedly pulled Scarlett's lips back onto his. She pulled away to catch her breath.

"Mmm.. You know my pet, a man could get used to this. Is this the way I get to be woken up for the next few days?" Rhett asked once he released his hold on Scarlett.

"But of course Mr. Butler, I don't know of any other way to wake you that rewards me as much as you," Scarlett replied in a flirting tone. Her eyes sparkled as she placed another kiss on Rhett's lips.

As Rhett pulled her closer talking didn't seem so important to the two of them. And Scarlett found she didn't really care if they left the house, or even her bedroom, today.
After all, when Rhett was gone, she would have all the time in the world to go around town and convince people she loved her husband. She didn't have that much time with Rhett though, soon he would be gone. That was the last thought that came to Scarlett's mind before Rhett made her once more forget all her troubles.

"Scarlett, do you really feel the need to get up today? I think I'm awfully tired and another day in bed is just what the doctor ordered," Rhett said as he pulled Scarlett back on the bed next to him.

They had passed the whole of Saturday in bed only getting up twice in order to eat. Scarlett knew Rhett wanted it this way. That way he could just keep it simple as an affair he had one weekend that just happened to be with his then wife.

Scarlett wanted memories and while yesterday and the night before had given her wonderful memories she wanted some of them just doing what every couple does. Going to church and then to Sunday dinner afterwards, perhaps a walk through town. Maybe even a dance or two. Rhett was the only man Scarlett knew of that could dance so well.

"Trust me Rhett, you will get much more rest out of bed than in it," Scarlett stated as she broke free of her husband's embrace. "Besides, if we don't hurry we're be late for church."

Rhett laughed at Scarlett wanting to go to church. As far as he knew she hadn't been to church since their honeymoon in New Orleans. But, if she felt the need to go, he wasn't going to stop her.

Rhett felt all of Atlanta's eyes on them, as Scarlett and he entered through the front door of the church. No one came up to the pair and soon they found a seat in the back.

As the message was being preached Rhett leaned over and whispered into Scarlett's ear "Doesn't the priest remind you of an overstuffed bear?"

Giggling, Scarlett tried to keep herself from all out tears as the priest eyed Rhett and her.

"Scarlett, " Rhett said, pretending to scold his wife. But inside he was laughing with her.

"Please Rhett, can't you see I'm trying to turn a new leaf," Scarlett whined as she saw the look in Rhett's eyes. It was one of amusement, and one that said he was just getting warmed up.

"A new leaf? You? Scarlett, I can hardly believe it. But, if that's what you really want, then I promise to behave myself until we leave church," Rhett said. He was truly shocked that Scarlett seemed to want to change. As long as he had known her, she never had.

"Thank you," was the replied Rhett received as Scarlett seemed to get lost in the priest's message.

Scarlett wasn't sure what people did after church. It had been so long since she had gone. Frank had always insisted they go, and she had begrudgingly went for his sake. That seemed like a lifetime ago now.

"Scarlett, are we going out to lunch, or are we returning to the house?" Rhett asked as he held out his hand for his wife to take.

"We're going out Rhett, and then perhaps after Sunday dinner, we could go for a walk?" Scarlett asked, almost for a minute forgetting why Rhett was here with her.
That this wasn't the end of their marriage but just the beginning.

"If that's what you want my pet, it's fine with me," Rhett said smiling, enjoying his day. Because tomorrow at this time, he would be on a train headed for Charleston and away from his life with Scarlett once and for all.

"What I want most Rhett, is for this to be a day I will never forget," Scarlett said. She also knew, no matter what, even if this day turned out to be a nightmare, she would carry it with her for the rest of her life. Because today was going to be the last day she ever spent with Rhett Butler as her husband.

Scarlett just held her breath as Rhett held her in his arms, and listened to the music. They had spent the whole day together talking. It wasn't a surprise that Rhett had read her mind, and asked if she would like to go dancing with him. Rhett had been his old self, the one marriage had robbed him of. The man who told her jokes and laughed with her, who didn't seem to have a care in the world. If this had to be the last night they spent as a married couple Scarlett was pleased it was like this.

There were going to be no harsh words, no attempt to make Rhett stay. Just two people dancing together letting the past and pain they caused each other go. Tomorrow morning, this spell they we're under would be broken, and Rhett would leave with the promise of his freedom.

But tonight, Scarlett pushed that thought away. She wasn't going to waste the time she had left with Rhett in tears. No, she was going to make them last for a lifetime.

"Rhett, you're the best dancer I've ever danced with," Scarlett mumbled, as she felt Rhett's arms tighten around her.

"The same could be said about you Scarlett; I have never held a better dance partner in my arms." Rhett knew this was getting to be a dangerous game he was playing with Scarlett. His heart had come into play.

"Thank you Rhett, I shall miss this, us dancing I mean" Scarlett said as tears came to her eyes. This was goodbye, they both knew it and, yet, both couldn't stop it from happening.

Scarlett kept her eyes closed. She knew her time with Rhett had run out, and soon he would be just a memory. Last night they had made love so tenderly and slowly, both accepting that this would be the last time they ever would be together.

She had caused this Scarlett knew her infatuation with Ashley had cost her the only man she had ever loved. Rhett hadn't been innocent in this either he had hurt her as well. If only he would have been nice once in a while, she might have realized her love for him much sooner.

That was the past, and Scarlett, as much as she didn't want to open her eyes, knew she had to face reality and see Rhett off. She had to stand by and watch, as her husband left her all alone for the rest of her life.

Scarlett's emerald eyes opened to Rhett looking back at her. She could see from his eyes, he wasn't unaffected like she thought he would be. No, this was hurting him too, and, Scarlett found that gave her some comfort knowing she wasn't the only one hurting.

"Is it time to get up already?" Scarlett asked with a weak smile.

"Yes it is, I don't want to miss my train," Rhett said, trying to act as if nothing had changed and that this weekend was just a dream he now awoke from.

Scarlett had dreaded this moment since Rhett's return. As she stood next to Rhett, she knew that soon he would be on the train before them. And she and their life together, would be nothing but a memory.

"I'll be waiting for the divorce papers," Scarlett stated, trying to be unemotional and keep herself from shedding the tears that were welling up in her eyes.

Rhett looked away, he couldn't bear to see the pain on Scarlett's face. How the hell did he ever think this was going to be easy? That spending the weekend in Scarlett's arms wouldn't reopen his heart to her?

"I might not send them right away. Perhaps I'll deliver them in person would you like that my pet?" Rhett asked.

"No Rhett, I wouldn't. Please send them, I can't do this again, I can't let you go twice," Scarlett said, as one tear escaped, and made its way down her face.

Rhett swallowed hard. Part of him wanted nothing more than to take hold of Scarlett and never let her go. But that wasn't to be, not now anyway. Perhaps in time he would return for her.

"When you send the divorce papers Rhett, could you send a note with them saying how sorry you are, that our life together had to come to such a sad ending?" Scarlett asked, looking to the future to a day that would come a month or perhaps two from now.

"How do you know I won't come back begging you for another chance, Scarlett?" Rhett asked in jest but needed to hear her answer.

"Because if you were going to stay Rhett, you wouldn't be leaving me today," Scarlett said, not giving in to Rhett's playful mood. He wasn't coming back and she knew it. Rhett might at this moment be telling himself, he would come back. But given a few weeks or a month, Rhett would remember just why he didn't love her any longer, and Scarlett knew she would get her note. As they heard the last call for Charleston being made, Rhett pulled Scarlett into a kiss. Tears falling down her face Scarlett whispered in his ear "Always remember, I love you, Rhett Butler."

Scarlett stood rooted to the spot, as Rhett disappeared into the train, and her life with him came to an end. She watched the train until it was out of sight. Then slowly, with her head held high, Scarlett turned and headed back to the house Rhett had built her.

Three weeks later, Scarlett received that note she knew would be coming. It simply read.

Scarlett,

I don't want to hurt you, but you were right. If I wanted to stay with you, I wouldn't have left you standing alone crying.

I know you love me, and a small part of me will always love you as well. Promise me you'll take care of yourself and the children. I think it would be best if we never see each other again.

Take care Mrs. Butler.

Rhett,

Scarlett sighed, and pulled out what she knew would be the divorce papers, ready to sign them to set Rhett free.

But they weren't divorce papers at all. They just held details of the monthly allowance she was to receive. And stated that she shouldn't try to contact Rhett in the future, or lose the benefits he was offering her.

Scarlett just put them away. Even though they were not divorce papers, it did her little good. Rhett didn't want her, and no matter how much time passed, he wasn't going to change his mind whatever her last name was.

"Goodbye Rhett," Scarlett whispered with tears in her eyes. It was over, and she had lost.