klassmix0503

@@@@@Then a door banged, and she heard ColumHe was asking for her, tooScarlett clenched her teethShe had to go downstairs She would not be discovered like this, bawling like a baby because she had partied too muchShe wiped the tears from her face with the hem of her skirt, and pulled herself upright"There she is," Colum said when Scarlett appeared in the doorwayThen he hurried to her"Poor little Scarlett darling, you look like you're walking on broken glass Here, let me put you at easeHe picked her up before she could say a word and carried her to the chair that Maureen quickly pulled up close to the hearth Everyone bustled about, their breakfast forgotten, and in only seconds Scarlett found herself with her feet on a cushion and a cup of tea in her handsShe blinked back the tears in her eyes, tears of weakness and happinessIt was so nice to be taken care of, to be lovedShe felt a thousand times better nowShe took a cautious small sip of tea, and it was goodShe had a second cup, then a third and a piece of toastBut she averted her eyes from the fried fish and potatoes No one seemed to noticeThere was too much hubbub getting the children's books and lunchbags sorted out and shooing them off to schoolWhen the door closed behind them, Jamie kissed Maureen on the lips, Scarlett on the top of her head, Kathleen on her cheek"I'll be off to the store now," he said "The bunting must come down and the headache remedy must be put on the counter where all the sufferers can get to it easyCelebrating is a fine thing, but the day after can be a fearsome burden Scarlett bent her head to hide her blushing fac