Take me back to the night we met...

Strongest person

Next day came pretty quickly. Meryl was reading her script once again in her bedroom, when her husband called her.

-Babe? Are you ready?

Meryl shook her head without stopping reading the script. Don smiled at her.
He carefully came closer to her bed and set on it.

-It must be a very interesting script. - he said jokingly. Meryl smiled without looking at him.

-It is. I like that I get to play a strong woman in this one. - she pointed out. Don rubbed her cheek with his hand and placed a soft kiss on her hand.

-Like in many other movies of yours.

-Oh, by the way - Meryl finally looked at her husband - you've read the script. You didn't even say what you think about it.

Don gave her a tiny smile and looked away.

-Look, baby, you know I wouldn't let you do it if I knew it stank. But this is a good one. Maybe because it's Spielberg. However, I have a little confusion about one detail.

Meryl closed her script and turned to him with her whole body.

-Not to offend him but...do you think that Hanks is a good idea for Bradlee?

Meryl eyes got huge. Don could see that she was confused and shocked at the same time.

-Why are you saying that?!

-Honey, I'm not trying to replace him, no. He is a terrific actor. I know that. But...look, I'll be honest. He mostly plays like, gentle, sweet and kind people. And Ben Bradlee is...kinda dark a little. You know what I mean.

Meryl looked away. She knew what he was talking about. But her yesterdays experience with her colleague made it's answer itself.

-I saw him doing his lines on rehearsal. Believe me, he is a perfect choice.

Don smiled at her and kissed her lips. She grabbed his head and pulled him closer to her.

-Well, if YOU say that, than he is perfect for that. Come on, you don't want to be late again, don't you?

-I have a good reason to be late - she flirted with him.

***

-Okay, honey, I'll pick you up in the evening then.

Meryl turned to her husband and gave him a kiss on his lips. These moments felt like an infinity for Meryl. She loved it. Finally, she slowly pulled away from Don and got out of the car.

-Have a nice day, babe - Don said through the car window.

-I sure will, babe - she said leaning on the door of the car.

Meryl went towards the building as her husband was driving away. She was in a great mood, which was very strange. Usually, she was kind of moody. Not always, of course. But mostly.

Again, an elevator. Her floor. She gets out of it and walks different room now. It was absolutely different then the one they had rehearsal at. It was made as a news room. There were few people already. They smiled at her when she walked past them.

-Meryl! Over here - Steven called on her. He was standing next to the make up room. Meryl smiled at him and gave him a hug.

-See, I told you I won't be late again.

Steven smiled and called her in the make up room. Meryl took her coat off and put her bag on the table. Make up artist sweetly smiled at her and called her in the chair. She gently sat in it and made a deep breath.

-Don't worry, Mrs. Streep. I won't bite you.

Meryl laughed. She already had an amazing feeling about that woman.

-No, I'm not scared. Just, I'm not really into the make up. Oh, what's your name by the way?

-Selena, Mrs. Streep. I'm your make up artist for a long time. So you're stuck with me.

Meryl smiled at her. She was so sweet to her. It seemed like she doesn't even know who Meryl is.

-I was actually a make up artist for Mr. Hanks on his another movie. So, I know a lot about him. If you want to know something, I can tell you. Not private, of course.

Meryl looked away. Only now she realized that. Where is her colleague?

-Oh, where is he, by the way? I thought he was already here?

Selena immediately got serious. Her face dropped. Meryl noticed that. She shouldn't have asked.

-Selena? Is everything okay? Did I say something wrong?

-No, no. Well... - Selena looked around and made sure no one is there. - Look, Mr. Hanks wanted to keep it a secret and I'm betraying him right now. Just want you to know that only you and I will know about it. Even Mr. Spielberg doesn't know...

Meryl was worried now. Maybe, she shouldn't know about it? Is it that bad? Selena took a deep breath.

-He has...family trouble. His son is having...drug problems...

Meryl was shocked. Tom's son?! Drugs?! It can't be! No, it's impossible!

-And...that's not it... - Selena took a deep breath on more time - his wife...she is sick...cancer...

Meryl almost fell of the chair. His wife and son?! Two of his favorite people?! He must be broken...and he keeps smiling, making others laugh...he is so strong...

-Oh, God...I had no idea. He seems so happy and fine.

-He pretends. Doesn't want to put others in his problems. But please, I didn't tell you anything, Mrs. Streep.

-I'm silent. And please, call me Meryl. Thank you for telling me.

Selena smiled. Meryl was in all her thoughts. She still couldn't believe.

-Okay, well. Enough of bad things for today. Let's decide about your character.

                                   ***

When Meryl was ready with her make up, Tom only got to the place. She was carefully watching from the corner at him. He looked tired, exhausted. He smiled at the director but she saw his eyes...broken.

-Buddy, are you okay? - Steven asked Tom. He noticed his look.

-Fine. Just didn't sleep well. Was trying to memorize the script, you know. - he smiled weekly.

When Steven left him, Tom went to the make up room.

-Good morning! - Meryl greeted her from the corner she was hiding in. Tom jumped up.

-What the- You scared me!

-Sorry. Didn't mean to. - Meryl said softly.

Tom looked at her make up.

-Well, look at that! Is that Kay Graham herself? - he said jokingly.

Meryl smiled. He doesn't even seem like having problems. How is he doing that?

-Go in the make up room. Selena is waiting for you. - she softly pushed him in.

-Mmm, Selena, my old friend! - Tom said hugging her.

-Hey there, Tom. So, looks like you're stuck with me again?

-Happy to be stuck with you, my friend. - Tom answered.

Meryl smiled at both of them and left the room. She closed the door and leaned on the wall. Maybe, she can help him? She must!