(no subject)
MATTERS OF THE HEART
Chapter 46
Pierce could not settle and had been pacing the floor, biting his nails and worrying for what seemed like hours, when reality it had only been twenty minutes. Why weren’t they telling him anything? What was wrong with his beloved Meryl? All he could hear in his head were her screams of agony and he could see the pain etched in her face. He wanted a cigarette and a stiff drink, but couldn’t have either, so he carried on pacing and nail biting, praying to God that she would be ok.
An hour later Pierce’s doctor appeared. Pierce leapt up out of his seat. “How is she? Is she going to be ok? He asked, impatiently. “We’ve carried out several tests and can’t find anything. We are going to do a lumbar puncture and hopefully that will tell us something, if not there are some more tests we can do. Either way she is going to be kept in, at least until tomorrow.” “Can I see her?” Pierce asked the doctor. The doctor hesitated. “Please doctor, just five minutes?” begged Pierce. “Ok, but only five minutes.” Pierce followed the doctor into a room just up the corridor. His heart sank when he saw her. She looked so vulnerable lying there in a most unflattering hospital gown, and attached to a drip, and she looked so pale. She heard, rather than saw him enter the room and turned. “Pierce,” she whispered. He took her hand. “I’m here babe, it’s going to be ok,” he told her although by looking at her he wasn’t convinced. “I’m frightened Pierce,” she whispered. “It’s okay babe, the doctors are going to do a few more tests and hopefully you can be home by this time tomorrow. “I love you Pierce, please don’t ever forget that I love you.” Pierce gulped. “I love you too. Now you be a good girl and do what the doctors say, and I’ll just be down the hall, ok?” She nodded and at that point the medical team indicated for him to leave so they could carry on with their tests.
Meryl was seriously frightened. She had had many a bad migraine over the years, but nothing like this. It was a continuous throbbing just above her right eye, as though she had brass band inside her head. She had been prodded and poked and had that many blood tests she felt like a pin cushion. Although Pierce had tried to put on a brave face, she could see he was frightened too.
“Ok Meryl,” said the doctor. “We are going to do a lumbar puncture now. It’ll be slightly uncomfortable. Meryl knew what a lumbar puncture was and she knew why they were doing it. They thought she had meningitis. “Do I have meningitis?” she asked. “We don’t know anything yet Meryl, we are doing this as a precaution. We have to explore every avenue to find out what’s going on and how to treat you,” replied the doctor. Several minutes later it was done and the doctor handed the vial of fluid to a nurse to take to the lab to be analysed. “Tell them I want the results yesterday,” the doctor told her. “Now Meryl, we are just going to give you something for the pain and to help you sleep. That’s the best thing you need right now,” the doctor said. Soon, she had drifted off to sleep.
Pierce had dozed off in the family room and woke up with a start. He glanced at the clock on the wall. It was a little after 3 in the morning. He got up out of the chair and stretched and then made his way to the room Meryl was in. He looked through the small round window in the door. He could see that she was asleep. He gingerly walked in, so as not to wake her, knowing that sleep was the best thing for her at the moment. As he reached the bed, he heard somebody behind him and turned. “Pierce, I was just coming to find you. I have the diagnosis here and it’s good news. She has what is called ‘Cluster Headaches’ It’s quite common in people over 40, more so in men than woman. It can come on out of the blue and can last anything from 15 minutes to a few day, and it can go as fast as it came. She just needs to take some strong painkillers and she needs plenty of rest and she should be as right as rain in a couple of days. She can go home in a few hours.” Pierce sighed with relief. “Oh my God! I thought she had a brain tumour or something. I thought I was going to lose her,” said Pierce. He remembered when Cassie had first been diagnosed with cancer and how devastated he was. He just thanked God she was going to be ok. “Thank you doctor. Thank you so much,” said Pierce, vigourously shaking his hand. “You can sit with her until she wakes up. She’ll be pretty groggy at first but that will wear off, then you can take her home,” said the doctor, handing him a bottle of strong painkillers. “Give her two of these every 6 hours until the pain goes. It’s very unlikely that this will reoccur, but at least if it does, you’ll know what to do. Strong painkillers and rest.” Pierce took the bottle from him and put it in his pocket.
It was 5 hours later when she slowly woke up. For a minute she wasn’t sure where she was. She saw Pierce asleep on the chair next to the bed. She tried to move, but her head hurt and she groaned and realised where she was. In hospital! The headaches! Pierce stirred and woke up. When he saw Meryl had opened her eyes, he leapt up out of the chair and went to her. “Hello babe, how are you feeling,” he whispered to her. “Fucking awful,” she whispered back, groggily. Pierce gently stroked her cheek. “The doctor says you can come home today. You have what’s called ‘cluster headaches’ but you are going to be fine babe,” he told her. “I was so worried Pierce. I really thought I was going to die,” sobbed Meryl. Pierce stroked her forehead. “You are going to be ok babe. A few days in bed and you’ll be as right as rain.” “Can you get me some water Pierce, my mouth feels like the bottom of a budgies cage?” “Sure babe” He poured her a glass and gently put it to her lips. She drank it all and then relaxed back on the pillow. She looked drained. He face was as white as a sheet and her eyes looked really heavy. At that moment the doctor came in. “Well Ms Streep, and how are we feeling this morning?” he boomed. “Awful if you must know but relieved it’s nothing too serious. Pierce says I can go home today,” said Meryl. “That’s right. We just need to get your medication and then you can go,” said the doctor. “Doctor,” said Pierce, can I have a quick word with you?” asked Pierce. “Sure,” he replied. Pierce gently lead the doctor outside. “Meryl and I would appreciate if this was kept quiet, you know, that she was here, that we were both here. It’s a long story, but one which we wish to keep to ourselves for now,” said Pierce. “Of course Pierce, consider it done.” The doctor was well aware of what was going on here, but it wasn’t any of his business and he didn’t hold with all that ‘gossip column’ stuff his wife was so fond of reading. What people did was their business and he didn’t want to know about it.
Back in Meryl’s room, Pierce was helping her to get dressed. An orderly was standing by with a wheelchair to take her downstairs. Meryl wasn’t sure about the wheelchair. “I can walk you know, I haven’t lost the use of my legs,” she told the orderly. “Doctors’ orders Meryl,” said Pierce. “Now, I’ll go and bring the car to the front entrance and I’ll meet you there, okay?”
Later, back home, Meryl was tucked up on the sofa with Pierce fussing around her. She still had the most violent of headaches. Like a continuous throbbing migraine which came in waves. All she wanted to do was sleep so Pierce let her, knowing that was the best thing for her. He had managed to wangle a couple of days off the set. His standing as an ‘A’ list film star went along way, he thought to himself.
All she did was sleep. When she woke up the pain was still there and it wasn’t until she had been home for three days that she started to feel better. She woke upon the third day and realised the pain had lessened. She actually managed to make it to the bathroom on her own, having had to rely on Pierce to help her before. She looked at herself in the mirror and groaned when she saw her reflection staring back at her. “Shit I look about 90 ninety years old,” she said out loud. “It’s nice to see you haven’t lost your sense of humour.” Meryl turned around to see Pierce leaning in the doorway, arms folded across his chest. “How are you feeling?” he asked her. “Better, I think. The headache isn’t as bad but I feel incredibly tired, drained,” she replied. “Do you feel like something to eat?” he asked. “Actually I do Pierce. Perhaps something light. Scambled eggs and some toast perhaps,” she answered. “Consider it done,” said Pierce disappearing off to the kitchen. He was relieved she was feeling better, and if he was honest, she did look like shit, but still she looked heaps better than she’d looked in the hospital.
She was sitting on the sofa when Pierce brought her something to eat. “I’ve got my schedule for the Mamma Mia jaunt. You should check your emails to see if you’ve got yours,” said Pierce. “Oh God, is it that time of the year already,” groaned Meryl. She hated all the press junkets and interviews, each one asking the same questions and her trying to give the same answers but differently. “Afraid so babe, however, looking at mine, I have a gap of five days between London and Greece. If you have the same, why don’t we fly over to Greece straight after London and have a few days on our own?” Pierce suggested. “It’ll do us good.” “Oh wow what a great idea. I’ll check after I have eaten. I am starving,” answered Meryl. “I’m not surprised babe, you haven’t eaten for nearly a week,” laughed Pierce as he watched her tuck in and wolf the lot within 5 minutes.
She spent the rest of the day just lounging on the sofa watching TV and cuddling Pierce. He was treating her like a china doll. Not letting her do anything for herself except visit the bathroom. She loved it. No one had ever treated her the way Pierce did making her feel treasured, and her heart burst with love for him.
That evening she checked her email and found one from Universal with her schedule. It was pretty much the same as Pierce’s which wasn’t surprising as they were the main leads in the movie. She showed it to Pierce. “Wonderful, they are almost identical apart from Australia. So what do you say? Shall we book ourselves into a hotel for a few days in Greece?,” asked Pierce. “Yeah! Why not?” answered Meryl. “I think we both need it after the last few months. We’ll have to be careful though Pierce. Make sure we are discreet.” Pierce turned her to him and holding her chin, looked deep into her eyes. “No worries babe. No one will know we are there, besides, we will be holed up indoors for the duration,” he said, leaning forward to lightly kiss her on the lips. “Oh we will, will we? You are sure of yourself aren’t you Brosnan?” smirked Meryl. “You know that’s what you want too. Don’t deny it. I can see you salivating at the thought,” replied Pierce with a grin. “What? Me? No? I plan to tour the island. If you want to stay in the hotel room each and every day, be my guest,” said Meryl, grinning herself. Pierce pulled her to him. “You are such a tease Streep, do you know that? It’s so good to see my Meryl coming back. You really frightened me when we were in the hospital,” said Pierce. “I frightened myself Pierce. I really thought I was going to die. The pain was unbearable. I never want to ever feel like that again!” “You poor thing. Say, how do you feel about getting the ferry over to Staten Island and walking along the front? Do you feel up to that?” Pierce asked her. “What now?” replied Meryl. “Yes. It’ll do you good to get some fresh air,” said Pierce. She wasn’t sure. She was still feeling a little delicate and thought it would be better to wait until tomorrow. “I’m back on set tomorrow babe,” said Pierce. “You are? What day are we?” she asked. “It’s Thursday,” he answered. “Oh my God is it? Oh Pierce I am so sorry. I wanted these two weeks to be special and I’ve ruined it,” said Meryl. “Don’t be silly you haven’t ruined anything. We still have over a week and you haven’t forgotten what Sunday is have you?” “Sunday?” Then she remembered. Her 59th birthday. “Oh that! Yeah I had forgotten. When you get to my age darling, it’s just another day,” “Well I haven’t forgotten and I am taking Sunday off, it’s all been arranged, and you and I are spending the whole day together! Alone! Just you and me. Now, go and put some clothes on and we’ll go for that drive. Once we get over to the island, you can stay in the car if you want to, we don’t have to get out,” said Pierce. She grabbed a quick shower and emerged a while later feeling and looking much better. She had dressed in jeans, t shirt and flip flops and had tied her hair up and with a touch of mascara and lipstick, she almost looked her old self.
They spent a pleasant few hours over on Staten Island. Pierce had been right. The fresh air had done her good but she was shattered by the time they go back and went straight to bed. Pierce joined her a little while later. He lay on his side and rested his arm over her sleeping form and several minutes later he was sound asleep.
Meryl woke up the following morning to find Pierce had already left for the set. She sat up in bed and stretched. She felt so much better, almost normal, although she still felt drained and her head hurt slightly when she coughed, but apart from that she felt ok. She grabbed her dressing gown and wandered into the kitchen to fix herself some breakfast. Propped up against the coffee maker was a white envelope with her name on. She opened it. It was a computer print out. Pierce had hired them a private villa on Skiathos for three days. Her first thought was “How could he afford it?” But she brushed to the back of her mind. Three days away from everything and everyone was just what they both needed. She was aware of the buzz going around about Mamma Mia, especially over in the UK, from emails and the like from Phyllida and although she hated fuss at the best of times, in a strange way she was looking forward to it.
She spent the day just chilling and by the time Pierce came home that evening she felt a whole lot better. The headaches had completely disappeared, she was nearly back to full strength and had colour back in her cheeks. She was preparing dinner when she heard him come in. She dropped what she was doing and ran to greet him. Practically knocking him over as she threw her arms around his neck. “Whoa, who is this gorgeously sexy woman and what have you done with Meryl?” he teased, delighted to see her back on form. “Oh Pierce I feel so much better and thank you!” she exclaimed. “For what?” asked Pierce. “For the villa, for looking after me, for being who you are, for loving me, for making it so easy to love you, for everything!” she replied. “Wow, you are feeling better aren’t you?” It’s my pleasure darling! Do you like it? The villa?” asked Pierce. “I love it!” She wasn’t going to ask where he had got the money from to pay for it. She didn’t want to spoil anything and she figured they both deserved some ‘them time’ so she let it lie.
Sunday and he birthday and she woke up to see the sun streaming through the bedroom window. As if on cue, Pierce entered the bedroom with breakfast. Juice, croissants, coffee and a single red rose in a vase. She sat up in bed and stretched. “Happy Birthday babe,” he whispered, leaning over to kiss her. He gave her the most beautiful birthday card and a beautiful silver bracelet with earrings to match, which she loved. They ate breakfast and after showering, went for a walk. It was a beautiful, warm, sunny day. They wore baseball caps and shades and tried to look inconspicuous as they strolled along hand in hand. They found a small café, tucked out of the way and stopped for a light lunch and then took a slow walk back.
“So, my love, have you enjoyed yourself so far?” asked Pierce. She had. Starting with breakfast in bed and then the kids ringing and wishing her happy birthday, it had all been wonderful so far, just perfect. “It’s been lovely Pierce, thank you,” she replied. They spent the rest of the day and most of the night, in bed making gorgeous, passionate love and as far as Meryl was concerned it had been the best birthday ever. Her first one with Pierce and she had fallen even more in love with him, if that was possible and eventually she fell asleep in his arms feeling more relaxed and happier than she had in a while……..
So here is Chapter 46 which I wanted to get written and posted on today, Meryl’s special day, her 62nd birthday, so with that in mind, I dedicate this chapter to her. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t be here, now , writing these fics and I wouldn’t have made such wonderful friends. So HAPPY BIRTHDAY MERYL - We love you xxx
Comments please darlings! x
Chapter 46
Pierce could not settle and had been pacing the floor, biting his nails and worrying for what seemed like hours, when reality it had only been twenty minutes. Why weren’t they telling him anything? What was wrong with his beloved Meryl? All he could hear in his head were her screams of agony and he could see the pain etched in her face. He wanted a cigarette and a stiff drink, but couldn’t have either, so he carried on pacing and nail biting, praying to God that she would be ok.
An hour later Pierce’s doctor appeared. Pierce leapt up out of his seat. “How is she? Is she going to be ok? He asked, impatiently. “We’ve carried out several tests and can’t find anything. We are going to do a lumbar puncture and hopefully that will tell us something, if not there are some more tests we can do. Either way she is going to be kept in, at least until tomorrow.” “Can I see her?” Pierce asked the doctor. The doctor hesitated. “Please doctor, just five minutes?” begged Pierce. “Ok, but only five minutes.” Pierce followed the doctor into a room just up the corridor. His heart sank when he saw her. She looked so vulnerable lying there in a most unflattering hospital gown, and attached to a drip, and she looked so pale. She heard, rather than saw him enter the room and turned. “Pierce,” she whispered. He took her hand. “I’m here babe, it’s going to be ok,” he told her although by looking at her he wasn’t convinced. “I’m frightened Pierce,” she whispered. “It’s okay babe, the doctors are going to do a few more tests and hopefully you can be home by this time tomorrow. “I love you Pierce, please don’t ever forget that I love you.” Pierce gulped. “I love you too. Now you be a good girl and do what the doctors say, and I’ll just be down the hall, ok?” She nodded and at that point the medical team indicated for him to leave so they could carry on with their tests.
Meryl was seriously frightened. She had had many a bad migraine over the years, but nothing like this. It was a continuous throbbing just above her right eye, as though she had brass band inside her head. She had been prodded and poked and had that many blood tests she felt like a pin cushion. Although Pierce had tried to put on a brave face, she could see he was frightened too.
“Ok Meryl,” said the doctor. “We are going to do a lumbar puncture now. It’ll be slightly uncomfortable. Meryl knew what a lumbar puncture was and she knew why they were doing it. They thought she had meningitis. “Do I have meningitis?” she asked. “We don’t know anything yet Meryl, we are doing this as a precaution. We have to explore every avenue to find out what’s going on and how to treat you,” replied the doctor. Several minutes later it was done and the doctor handed the vial of fluid to a nurse to take to the lab to be analysed. “Tell them I want the results yesterday,” the doctor told her. “Now Meryl, we are just going to give you something for the pain and to help you sleep. That’s the best thing you need right now,” the doctor said. Soon, she had drifted off to sleep.
Pierce had dozed off in the family room and woke up with a start. He glanced at the clock on the wall. It was a little after 3 in the morning. He got up out of the chair and stretched and then made his way to the room Meryl was in. He looked through the small round window in the door. He could see that she was asleep. He gingerly walked in, so as not to wake her, knowing that sleep was the best thing for her at the moment. As he reached the bed, he heard somebody behind him and turned. “Pierce, I was just coming to find you. I have the diagnosis here and it’s good news. She has what is called ‘Cluster Headaches’ It’s quite common in people over 40, more so in men than woman. It can come on out of the blue and can last anything from 15 minutes to a few day, and it can go as fast as it came. She just needs to take some strong painkillers and she needs plenty of rest and she should be as right as rain in a couple of days. She can go home in a few hours.” Pierce sighed with relief. “Oh my God! I thought she had a brain tumour or something. I thought I was going to lose her,” said Pierce. He remembered when Cassie had first been diagnosed with cancer and how devastated he was. He just thanked God she was going to be ok. “Thank you doctor. Thank you so much,” said Pierce, vigourously shaking his hand. “You can sit with her until she wakes up. She’ll be pretty groggy at first but that will wear off, then you can take her home,” said the doctor, handing him a bottle of strong painkillers. “Give her two of these every 6 hours until the pain goes. It’s very unlikely that this will reoccur, but at least if it does, you’ll know what to do. Strong painkillers and rest.” Pierce took the bottle from him and put it in his pocket.
It was 5 hours later when she slowly woke up. For a minute she wasn’t sure where she was. She saw Pierce asleep on the chair next to the bed. She tried to move, but her head hurt and she groaned and realised where she was. In hospital! The headaches! Pierce stirred and woke up. When he saw Meryl had opened her eyes, he leapt up out of the chair and went to her. “Hello babe, how are you feeling,” he whispered to her. “Fucking awful,” she whispered back, groggily. Pierce gently stroked her cheek. “The doctor says you can come home today. You have what’s called ‘cluster headaches’ but you are going to be fine babe,” he told her. “I was so worried Pierce. I really thought I was going to die,” sobbed Meryl. Pierce stroked her forehead. “You are going to be ok babe. A few days in bed and you’ll be as right as rain.” “Can you get me some water Pierce, my mouth feels like the bottom of a budgies cage?” “Sure babe” He poured her a glass and gently put it to her lips. She drank it all and then relaxed back on the pillow. She looked drained. He face was as white as a sheet and her eyes looked really heavy. At that moment the doctor came in. “Well Ms Streep, and how are we feeling this morning?” he boomed. “Awful if you must know but relieved it’s nothing too serious. Pierce says I can go home today,” said Meryl. “That’s right. We just need to get your medication and then you can go,” said the doctor. “Doctor,” said Pierce, can I have a quick word with you?” asked Pierce. “Sure,” he replied. Pierce gently lead the doctor outside. “Meryl and I would appreciate if this was kept quiet, you know, that she was here, that we were both here. It’s a long story, but one which we wish to keep to ourselves for now,” said Pierce. “Of course Pierce, consider it done.” The doctor was well aware of what was going on here, but it wasn’t any of his business and he didn’t hold with all that ‘gossip column’ stuff his wife was so fond of reading. What people did was their business and he didn’t want to know about it.
Back in Meryl’s room, Pierce was helping her to get dressed. An orderly was standing by with a wheelchair to take her downstairs. Meryl wasn’t sure about the wheelchair. “I can walk you know, I haven’t lost the use of my legs,” she told the orderly. “Doctors’ orders Meryl,” said Pierce. “Now, I’ll go and bring the car to the front entrance and I’ll meet you there, okay?”
Later, back home, Meryl was tucked up on the sofa with Pierce fussing around her. She still had the most violent of headaches. Like a continuous throbbing migraine which came in waves. All she wanted to do was sleep so Pierce let her, knowing that was the best thing for her. He had managed to wangle a couple of days off the set. His standing as an ‘A’ list film star went along way, he thought to himself.
All she did was sleep. When she woke up the pain was still there and it wasn’t until she had been home for three days that she started to feel better. She woke upon the third day and realised the pain had lessened. She actually managed to make it to the bathroom on her own, having had to rely on Pierce to help her before. She looked at herself in the mirror and groaned when she saw her reflection staring back at her. “Shit I look about 90 ninety years old,” she said out loud. “It’s nice to see you haven’t lost your sense of humour.” Meryl turned around to see Pierce leaning in the doorway, arms folded across his chest. “How are you feeling?” he asked her. “Better, I think. The headache isn’t as bad but I feel incredibly tired, drained,” she replied. “Do you feel like something to eat?” he asked. “Actually I do Pierce. Perhaps something light. Scambled eggs and some toast perhaps,” she answered. “Consider it done,” said Pierce disappearing off to the kitchen. He was relieved she was feeling better, and if he was honest, she did look like shit, but still she looked heaps better than she’d looked in the hospital.
She was sitting on the sofa when Pierce brought her something to eat. “I’ve got my schedule for the Mamma Mia jaunt. You should check your emails to see if you’ve got yours,” said Pierce. “Oh God, is it that time of the year already,” groaned Meryl. She hated all the press junkets and interviews, each one asking the same questions and her trying to give the same answers but differently. “Afraid so babe, however, looking at mine, I have a gap of five days between London and Greece. If you have the same, why don’t we fly over to Greece straight after London and have a few days on our own?” Pierce suggested. “It’ll do us good.” “Oh wow what a great idea. I’ll check after I have eaten. I am starving,” answered Meryl. “I’m not surprised babe, you haven’t eaten for nearly a week,” laughed Pierce as he watched her tuck in and wolf the lot within 5 minutes.
She spent the rest of the day just lounging on the sofa watching TV and cuddling Pierce. He was treating her like a china doll. Not letting her do anything for herself except visit the bathroom. She loved it. No one had ever treated her the way Pierce did making her feel treasured, and her heart burst with love for him.
That evening she checked her email and found one from Universal with her schedule. It was pretty much the same as Pierce’s which wasn’t surprising as they were the main leads in the movie. She showed it to Pierce. “Wonderful, they are almost identical apart from Australia. So what do you say? Shall we book ourselves into a hotel for a few days in Greece?,” asked Pierce. “Yeah! Why not?” answered Meryl. “I think we both need it after the last few months. We’ll have to be careful though Pierce. Make sure we are discreet.” Pierce turned her to him and holding her chin, looked deep into her eyes. “No worries babe. No one will know we are there, besides, we will be holed up indoors for the duration,” he said, leaning forward to lightly kiss her on the lips. “Oh we will, will we? You are sure of yourself aren’t you Brosnan?” smirked Meryl. “You know that’s what you want too. Don’t deny it. I can see you salivating at the thought,” replied Pierce with a grin. “What? Me? No? I plan to tour the island. If you want to stay in the hotel room each and every day, be my guest,” said Meryl, grinning herself. Pierce pulled her to him. “You are such a tease Streep, do you know that? It’s so good to see my Meryl coming back. You really frightened me when we were in the hospital,” said Pierce. “I frightened myself Pierce. I really thought I was going to die. The pain was unbearable. I never want to ever feel like that again!” “You poor thing. Say, how do you feel about getting the ferry over to Staten Island and walking along the front? Do you feel up to that?” Pierce asked her. “What now?” replied Meryl. “Yes. It’ll do you good to get some fresh air,” said Pierce. She wasn’t sure. She was still feeling a little delicate and thought it would be better to wait until tomorrow. “I’m back on set tomorrow babe,” said Pierce. “You are? What day are we?” she asked. “It’s Thursday,” he answered. “Oh my God is it? Oh Pierce I am so sorry. I wanted these two weeks to be special and I’ve ruined it,” said Meryl. “Don’t be silly you haven’t ruined anything. We still have over a week and you haven’t forgotten what Sunday is have you?” “Sunday?” Then she remembered. Her 59th birthday. “Oh that! Yeah I had forgotten. When you get to my age darling, it’s just another day,” “Well I haven’t forgotten and I am taking Sunday off, it’s all been arranged, and you and I are spending the whole day together! Alone! Just you and me. Now, go and put some clothes on and we’ll go for that drive. Once we get over to the island, you can stay in the car if you want to, we don’t have to get out,” said Pierce. She grabbed a quick shower and emerged a while later feeling and looking much better. She had dressed in jeans, t shirt and flip flops and had tied her hair up and with a touch of mascara and lipstick, she almost looked her old self.
They spent a pleasant few hours over on Staten Island. Pierce had been right. The fresh air had done her good but she was shattered by the time they go back and went straight to bed. Pierce joined her a little while later. He lay on his side and rested his arm over her sleeping form and several minutes later he was sound asleep.
Meryl woke up the following morning to find Pierce had already left for the set. She sat up in bed and stretched. She felt so much better, almost normal, although she still felt drained and her head hurt slightly when she coughed, but apart from that she felt ok. She grabbed her dressing gown and wandered into the kitchen to fix herself some breakfast. Propped up against the coffee maker was a white envelope with her name on. She opened it. It was a computer print out. Pierce had hired them a private villa on Skiathos for three days. Her first thought was “How could he afford it?” But she brushed to the back of her mind. Three days away from everything and everyone was just what they both needed. She was aware of the buzz going around about Mamma Mia, especially over in the UK, from emails and the like from Phyllida and although she hated fuss at the best of times, in a strange way she was looking forward to it.
She spent the day just chilling and by the time Pierce came home that evening she felt a whole lot better. The headaches had completely disappeared, she was nearly back to full strength and had colour back in her cheeks. She was preparing dinner when she heard him come in. She dropped what she was doing and ran to greet him. Practically knocking him over as she threw her arms around his neck. “Whoa, who is this gorgeously sexy woman and what have you done with Meryl?” he teased, delighted to see her back on form. “Oh Pierce I feel so much better and thank you!” she exclaimed. “For what?” asked Pierce. “For the villa, for looking after me, for being who you are, for loving me, for making it so easy to love you, for everything!” she replied. “Wow, you are feeling better aren’t you?” It’s my pleasure darling! Do you like it? The villa?” asked Pierce. “I love it!” She wasn’t going to ask where he had got the money from to pay for it. She didn’t want to spoil anything and she figured they both deserved some ‘them time’ so she let it lie.
Sunday and he birthday and she woke up to see the sun streaming through the bedroom window. As if on cue, Pierce entered the bedroom with breakfast. Juice, croissants, coffee and a single red rose in a vase. She sat up in bed and stretched. “Happy Birthday babe,” he whispered, leaning over to kiss her. He gave her the most beautiful birthday card and a beautiful silver bracelet with earrings to match, which she loved. They ate breakfast and after showering, went for a walk. It was a beautiful, warm, sunny day. They wore baseball caps and shades and tried to look inconspicuous as they strolled along hand in hand. They found a small café, tucked out of the way and stopped for a light lunch and then took a slow walk back.
“So, my love, have you enjoyed yourself so far?” asked Pierce. She had. Starting with breakfast in bed and then the kids ringing and wishing her happy birthday, it had all been wonderful so far, just perfect. “It’s been lovely Pierce, thank you,” she replied. They spent the rest of the day and most of the night, in bed making gorgeous, passionate love and as far as Meryl was concerned it had been the best birthday ever. Her first one with Pierce and she had fallen even more in love with him, if that was possible and eventually she fell asleep in his arms feeling more relaxed and happier than she had in a while……..
So here is Chapter 46 which I wanted to get written and posted on today, Meryl’s special day, her 62nd birthday, so with that in mind, I dedicate this chapter to her. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t be here, now , writing these fics and I wouldn’t have made such wonderful friends. So HAPPY BIRTHDAY MERYL - We love you xxx
Comments please darlings! x