"Ruin and Redemption"

Scarlett Returns her Father's Love

“So this is what this is about? You do still love me? And my father must love me after all. Derrick, I’ve got to go back there!” Scarlett was insistent.

“Scarlett, you want to leave me again?" Derrick was incredulous. "I thought we were doing better. I mean, we at least treat you better than your father did, don’t we?--- I thought you were happy here. I’ll make love to you again, if I can... I don’t know, it’s been so long…" Derrick worried, "I’ll try to make you happy if that’s what you need. I thought if you knew you were safe here you might not want to anyways. I thought you could just stick around and talk to me. I thought maybe you were trying to keep yourself and your kids from being treated badly by insisting we keep going. I wouldn’t treat them badly anymore, Scarlett. I promise. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do, but if you want to try we can. I love you, Scarlett.”

“I love you, too, Derrick. Seems like you’re all caught up in Lizzie now, but I realize you’re looking out for me. I think I trust you. I think I believe you, I mean, if you want me to, I will…” Scarlett said hesitantly.

“It’s not about whether I want you to or not, Scarlett! I wish you would! I know I’m not perfect, but I’m not just some white slaveowner.” Derrick said, disgusted with the thought that he might, in face, be just that as far as she was concerned.

“No, but you do own me!” Scarlett retorted. “How can I possibly trust you--- I mean, all the way, Derrick,--- 100%?”

“Because I love you, Scarlett. I always have!” Derrick was adament.

“That didn’t stop you from whipping me because your wife gave me a look!” Scarlett remembered vividly, staring at Derrick, flames in her eyes.

“I’m sorry Scarlett! I know now it was the wrong thing to do, and I would never hurt you like that again! Please believe me, Scarlett! I love you. Make love to me or don’t; It’s your choice. Nothing terrible is going to happen. I know I’m just some white slaveowner to you,” Derrick said bitterly, “But I do love you, Scarlett.”

“Naw, Derrick, you ain’t just anything. You’re my lover, too.” Scarlett grinned. She really couldn’t say no to the prospect; She just hoped Derrick could hold up his end. “Let’s go make love, or give it a try at least. We can talk afterwards if you ain’t too tired.”

“Alright, Scarlett. If that’s really what you want, we’ll do that.” Derrick answered, a relieved smile on his face. It seemed Scarlett really did want him! It was nice to know there was another woman around besides Lizzie.

After a few failed attempts, they succeeded in making love. Afterwards, Derrick lay utterly exhausted, holding Scarlett to him. It had been more strenuous than even he had realized, but he had pulled it off, thank God.

“Thank you, Derrick.” Scarlett purred in his arms, the warmth of his lovemaking making her heart soften towards him.

“Thank you, Scarlett.” Derrick sighed, closing his eyes for a few moments, a satisfied smile on his face. He sighed deeply. It was such a relief to finally make love after the last few lonely months--- both to be fulfilled, to be wanted, and to know that, yes, he could still function as a man. Not perfectly of course, but he had made it through with Scarlett’s patience and dedication. “I’ve missed you Scarlett, and I didn’t even realize how much,” Derrick said, stroking her hair.