"Ruin and Redemption"

Father and Son Visit Charleston, SC

Just a quick note to my readers that an offensive term for (inaccuarately) describing African-Americans is used in this chapter. It is true to Derrick's thought processes and those of many of his time. I have kept the wording as I want to be true to my character's and portray the past accurately rather than whitewashing negative attitudes of many white slaveowners of the time. The negative connotations of this term are not an accurate portrayal of any human being. All of us contain both postive and negative qualities. No one can be accurately labeled with such a negative term. Thanks everyone for having the strength to read about such a difficult time in U.S. history. 

I look forward to your votes and comments!

“I’m going up to our room. I don’t want to be bothered right now. Maybe I can think of something.” Considering the fate of five of her slaves, Lizzie was very grateful to not be among them.

She came downstairs later that night, the corset biting into her belly as it always did when she went up and down stairs, to question Derrick and Patsy further. She could not fall asleep without hearing every detail. She was truly worried for herself and her husband now. What would Derrick do next to place their lives in jeopardy?

Derrick went out later that evening to see Scarlett. He hoped she would say something to take his mind off his misery for a bit.

“Just like Nathan!” She screamed at him the moment his foot crossed the threshold.

“Yeah, well, I lost a lover, too!” He shouted, slamming the door behind him, breaking his stunned silence finally. “They got Mary!”

“What! You were with Mary?” Scarlett asked, shocked. Why would he want someone like Mary, when he had her?

“Yes, I was, Scarlett," he sighed. Perhaps now was not the best time to bring up another lover. "And I don’t have to explain to you why," he added defensively.

“Fine! You couldn’t anyway, Derrick!”

She turned back and began furiously wiping the counter. She swung back around with the rag in her hands; “Who are you going to sell next?!”

“Nobody! I didn’t sell anyone. I lost a game or two of poker. That’s all!” He shouted.

“And you bet us! In a card game?! Go home, Derrick.” Scarlett was beyond furious. He hadn’t even thought to sell slaves; He had risked lives for a game!

“But Scarlett…” He pleaded, trying to look his most adorable.

“Go home, Derrick,” she pleaded, wishing for him to stay. She couldn't give in to him now, no matter how handsome and desirable he was. Michael would be ashamed of her. She didn’t usually let Michael's opinions get in the way of living her life the way she wanted; He had left her with two little children, and she wouldn't have been faithful to a dead man, regardless. But right now, she could not bear the thought of Michael looking down and seeing her with Derrick LaPoint--- not after Derrick  had five other slaves taken away just because he felt like gambling!

Derrick was walking towards her, vulnerable and charismatic. And God did she love him! Where was her fire and her will to resist?