Meryl and Don: An Unforeseen Journey

Chapter 22

Meryl woke up from a nap with her son and was disoriented for a minute. She looked around and realized she was in Don's childhood bedroom with Henry. She laid there and watched him sleep peacefully; oh how she wished she could sleep more. She put her hand on her 7 month pregnant belly and felt their baby doing somersaults. "Between you and your daddy worrying today I don't think I'm going to get any sleep." They were out in Indianapolis for Don's brothers' annual 4th of July party. He didn't want to go after everything that happened with James, Jane and Jack surrounding Mann. Meryl pointed out that Mann was in jail and no one could hurt them; it was important for their children to have a relationship with the family. So Don hesitantly agreed. While they were staying in a hotel they were at his parents' for the day. Meryl encouraged Don to take his mother out to lunch so they could try to move on from everything that happened. He really didn't want to leave her and Henry alone in the house but his dad was supposed to be at work all day. However, it didn't stop him from constantly calling to check up on them which kept her from an afternoon of rest. She knew he was so worried because of everything they had gone through lately, and especially because he loved them so much, and she adored him for it but it also meant she didn't get the nap her body was craving. She was brought out of her thoughts when she heard movement downstairs. She placed a soft kiss on her sleeping son's head. "Get some more rest, Gippy. I'm going to go see if that's Daddy and Grandma."

***

As Meryl walked down the stairs she was shocked to see James and Peggy walk in with their baby, Harry. Meryl thought she was going to be sick. "WHAT are you doing here?"

"It is my home after all." James said as he tried to lead Peggy and Harry up the stairs.

Meryl stood blocking their way. "I don't think so, James."

"This is my home, Meryl, which you and your bastard children aren't welcome in." James said drunkly.

Meryl raised her eyebrow as she looked at Peggy and Harry. "But your whore and bastard child are welcome in your wife's house?"

"James, we should go." Peggy said. "I thought you said she and Don weren't together and Harry would finally get him as a father."

James shook his head. "That pussy son of mine doesn't know what's good for him. I'll make him see."

"I will be DAMNED if either of you come between me and MY husband." Meryl said with continued resolve.

James knew he wouldn't get anywhere and kissed Peggy on the cheek. "See you tonight."

"You bet." Peggy winked at him as she stared Meryl down. "I will ALWAYS be a Gummer, Meryl Streep."

Meryl glared back. "And I will ALWAYS be Mrs. Don Gummer."

"You're such a whorish bitch." James said as he tried to walk up the stairs and Meryl stood in his way.

Meryl just shook her head. "I have no idea how such a strong and amazing man such as Don came from such a pathetic and weak bastard like you."

"Always one to cast the first stone; aren't you, Meryl?" James said.

Meryl was rubbing her belly. "How dare you bring another woman, and your illegitimate child, into your wife's home. I know I told Don we needed to try with his family, but that doesn't include you. You haven't changed like you claim, not at all. God, how I wish you would have died at Christmas. It sure as hell would have made everyone's lives so much better."

"Listen here you self-righteous bitch. No ONE and I mean NO ONE speaks about Peggy and Harry that way." James said shoving Meryl against the wall.