Joy and sorrow Chapter 12 Interview

H.R.Merrick was tickled pink that he was the lucky fellow interviewing Celeste Richards,former starlet,recent widow.The big wigs usually gave the juicy stories to  the seasoned professionals.For once someone at the top was looking out for the little guy.

The rookie had rushed home to tell his partner and their adopted kids the happy news.The whole family danced in the kitchen together.H.R. Merrick had adored Ms. Richards ever since he played hooky with the guys in his class had snuck into the theater to watch Mermaid Country.

He had not wanted to make it with her like the rest of guys in the class.Of course, he did not share this with any of the other boys.At the risk of sounding cheesy,he wanted to be a friend she could truly count on.He fantasized about riding bikes with Celeste, holding he books as the  walked home from the library,

Maybe the T.V. journalist was imagining things because he was sensitive.The nine times H.R. Merrick watched Mermaid Country,Celeste's emerald eyes harbored a sadness,even when she happened to be smiling.

It dawned on him,this might be a suicide mission,What if she was one of those psycho primadonnas ? The more creative Hollywood types were the less sane they tended to be.A veteran at the network gave him that bit of advice.

He had been forwarned not to bring up her abusive ex- husband or her daugher Shannon from that union that died as an infant.After their divorce,Lee's parents had reluctantly commited him to an institution,because he was a danger to them and the general public.H.R. was shocked over this peice of information.Maybe it was because he was so used to seeing her with the bloated Senator.

The crew arrived in front of a stately architectural marvel,which had the same birthdate as George Wahington.It was early Saturday morning,as he rapped on the door,As the camera men brought up the rear,H.R. silently prayed Celeste wouldn't slam the door in their faces.

H.R. Merrick was stunned at the sight that greeted him at the door,Celeste was still in her powderpuff blue bathrobe and fuzzy blue slippers.She had curlers in her flame red hair that needed dying at the roots.Without makeup, he noted, Celeste had prominent pock marks and wrinkles around the mouth from smoking.

''I didn't know you were coming,'' She said, looking exhausted.

'' Let me get the curlers out of my hair and put some lipstick on.We have to finish this before my son wakes up.