Cherish and Simon- the First Year

by Eva Morian

  Simon inhaled a deep breath and gripped against her fleetingly before releasing, “Knowing all the hell you’ve gone through…I have a deeper respect for you now, Cherish. I won’t let anything like that happen to you again.” He murmured.

  Jasmine had begun to fuss while Jr. had given up long ago and laid there. She couldn’t help but smile at them before she turned her face upwards towards Simon. She stared at his stubbled jawline and swallowed tightly as she wiped her wet face, “Thank you.” She whispered.

  Simon stared down at Cherish in return. Her eyes were puffy, her nose was wet, and she looked…well, beautiful. He used the cuff of his sleeve to wipe a side of her face as she cleaned the other. She broke into a grin and awkward laugh. He gave her a warm and gentle smile, “Anytime…” He found himself getting lost in her eyes and an odd sensation pitted in his gut.

  She was still in his arms and they were a breath apart. Instead of pulling away, she blinked up at Simon’s gaze for a long moment. Her lips parted slightly, and the grip of her hand tightened into a fist against his chest, “I know…” she whispered in return.

  His eyes fell to her lips and he found himself closing in. Biting her bottom lip, she held her breath and braced for what was to come. She didn’t know what to feel or expect but couldn’t shake the jitters she felt. He closed his eyes and sighed out a breath as he suppressed the nervous feeling growing within him. He pressed his forehead to hers to stop himself because he couldn’t do that to her; it wasn’t fair.

  Instantly, she was washed over with relief as she shut her eyes and smiled contently to herself. Simon felt himself slipping. His head tilted, and his nose brushed against hers. Though, thanks to an angry little girl on the floor, the moment was cut short by Jasmine’s shrill shriek. Cherish jolted in mirror with Simon as she regained herself, where she was, and who exactly she was with. “Oh god.” She thought to herself pulling away.

  Pushing herself off the sofa, Cherish gripped the roots of her hair, stooped down, and picked Jasmine up, “Okay, okay I’ve got you. Stop your fussing.” She said calmly.

  Like clockwork, Jr. began to fuss and cry the moment Jasmine started up and heard Cherish’s voice. His daddy lifted and soothed him with a few bounces and kisses against his forehead.

  Kissing on her cheek, Cherish cupped along Jasmine’s diaper and faked surprise, “No wonder you’re so upset! Your butt is full! Your butt is full my love! Let’s go get this yucky thing off you.” She said kissing Jasmine’s cheeks again and smothering her with love.

  Simon took a step and followed Cherish. He knew how much she loved older films and didn’t want her to stress herself with cooking. She, out of all people, deserved a break, “We should get takeout tonight. We can watch a classic and relax.” He suggested.

  Everything fell back to place and returned to normal once the Jr. started up and parental instinct took over. Cherish climbed up the stairs in front of Simon with Jasmine in her arms and spoke, “I would like that a lot. You’ve been wanting to show me the Godfather, right?”

  Simon paused and smiled at the fact that she remembered to watch one of his favorite movies, “Yes, yes I have. I’ll call in Chinese food.” He answered hopping Jr. in his arms.

  They both changed their diapers and bantered as usual. The night was filled with their children’s shenanigans, food, movies, bath times, feedings, and bed times. All of which held a sense of calm in the home. The fears and stress of the day were behind them and Cherish no longer had to move forward alone. Just as she was his rock with Emily’s untimely death, he would be the same in her time of fear. One thing was for certain, nothing would bring them down if they were together.

  Chapter 11

  October.

  Having gotten the job at Wal-Mart a week after her meltdown, Cherish was thrown right into the fray from day one. Orientation was a measly four hours long before they dropped her into the clothing department. What started out as a calm, quiet job quickly became a demanding, overworking, tiresome trade thanks to holiday shoppers. Wanting to make all the money she could, she took on extra shifts when someone could watch the babies and stayed late when needed. This was thrown on top of her duties as a mother.

  Overnight feedings with Jr., cooking for the family when she could, and trying not to be a burden in Simon's home. By the end of her first month, she'd gone from a happy woman to a zombie. She was still pleasant, but the demands and expectations only grew once the managers saw what a hard worker she was. Plus, she never said no. That was a fault of hers.

  She had just clocked out and trudged towards the front dressed in the traditional khaki pants and collared dark blue shirt. She had lost a bit of weight and the lack of sleep had placed deep cut circles beneath her eyes. Still, she pushed herself.

  Halfway past the freezers, a manager stopped Cherish with a clipboard in his hand, "Hey! There you are. Quick question, I know you have the day off tomorrow, but we were wondering if you'd like to come in at 7 A.M." he asked.

  It was already eight at night, which meant she'd have less than ten hours to do everything she needed to before having to be back. She knew Simon was waiting for her outside in the parking lot. She turned her head in the direction of the grocery entrance, "Uh. I'll have to check if anyone can watch my kids." She stated.

  The manager had already coined that she would show up and nodded, "Great! You call us back and let us know when to expect you if you can't get in that early! See you tomorrow, Cherish!" He said strolling away.

  She watched after him and her lips slightly parted, "But I didn't even...oh forget it." She muttered to herself. Turning on her heel, she knew one thing was for sure, Simon would be less than pleased to learn they wanted more out of her.

  The double doors opened as she approached and stepped out. Glancing from side to side, she hissed and sat down on one of the concrete slab benches; relaxing. Now, the aches started. Heat radiated from her back down her arms and towards her feet. Blowing out, she leaned over with her elbows to her knees and waited for Simon to pull around.

  From his parking space, Simon spotted Cherish and thanked God before he pulled out. As he rounded the corner in the parking lot, she stood, sighed, stepped closer to the curb, and waited. He noticed how troubled and exhausted she looked and was far from impressed with how the job treated her. He leaned far over the passenger’s side and opened the door for her. Slipping into the seat, Cherish gave him a smile as before she pulled the seatbelt over and clicked it into place.

  Driving off, he looked at her briefly before returning his gaze to the road, “Have a rough day? You look beat.”.

  Cherish cracked her neck from one side to the other, “Beat is an understatement.” She replied.

  Simon wanted to encourage her, so, he smiled, “At least tomorrow is a free day.” He reminded. Her silence hindered his happiness and he cut his blue gaze to her from the corner of his eyes, “What’s wrong?” he asked. Before she replied, the answer dawned on him, “No, Cherish, you didn’t…” Upset, he sighed and rolled his eyes, “…you have to stop letting them do this to you!”

  Sighing, she propped her elbow on the side and held her forehead. Shutting her eyes, she winced slightly and groaned, "I didn't agree yet, but they did ask if I could come in at seven. I don't know, I feel so bad when I say no. I'm the only one in my department during the day and if they're asking me to cover Katherine's shift then I know that she either called out or some other phantom emergency has happened. I'm the new one so I can't really make demands or point out what they don't see. I don’t even think we have anyone to watch the kids that early and..." she sighed, "...I'm so tired. I feel like I'm going to fall over and never get up again." She replied.

  Simon stayed silent at her complaints and excuses while staring ahead at the road. He made a turn and contemplated on how the gifts of her personality were at times a curse. He finally answered with a heavy sigh, “Do what you need to, Cherish. Just remember to take care of yourself too.” Leaving the choice in her hands, he kne
w she was almost certain to be up for seven the next morning. He gripped the steering wheel at the thought, “I’ll take care of the babies tonight. You get your rest.” He said.

  Cherish looked at him and knew he was guilting her, a trait he and his mother were famous for. She’d seen it in full force one day with Margaret versus her husband, but this, she’d never experienced it for herself before. She leaned her head back and rolled it in his direction as they turned onto the same road she’d come to know as home, “I can’t make you do that. I’ll help with the babies and at least feed Jr. Then, I’ll take a shower and think about what I’m going to do about work.” She muttered.

  She had saved up almost two-thousand dollars that she’d earned. With her own money she bought a Wal-Mart cell phone with cheap service and paid Simon’s water bill. Of course, it was twenty dollars a month, but she contributed, and felt proud of that feat.

  Simon glanced at her, “I don’t think you’ll have to do that tonight.” He said.

  As they pulled into the driveway, his parents’ car was parked, and the living room lights were on. She glanced in the backseat and saw that the babies weren’t there telling her that Margaret and Simon Sr. had dropped in to spoil the little loves of their life; as always. Cherish pressed a hand to her cheek and smiled, “Your parents are so great. I want to be like them one day.” She said. “They’ve been married thirty years, have a perfect son, and they’re so different from my upbringing.” She added. Sighing, she rolled her shoulders and smiled at him, “They’re something I want to strive for one day. I just have to find a man who would take in a single mom.” She stated to herself.

  Simon smiled. She probably loved and appreciated them just as he did. Perhaps at times he took those wonderful people for granted. He looked at her from the side with a playful smirk, “Perfect son, huh?” he asked. Sometimes he wondered if she heard herself. On top of the blatant compliment, she had just described a man like him who would take her in and accept a single mom. He wanted the same kind of relationship one day and, fleetingly, he felt his stomach flit. But, it was best to keep his mouth shut. He figured that if she ever had an interest in him, she would realize it on her own.

  Cherish shrugged and stuck her tongue out at him, “Shut up. You know what I mean.” She replied with a laugh. Opening the door, she got out, “With my luck in men, I’m better off without.” She said waiting for him.

  They walked together to the side door, “Yeah, maybe you are.” He taunted.

  “Oh ha-ha. The problem is, I don’t think you’d let another Todd walk into my life. So, like it or not, I’ll forever be single if my next boyfriend has to live up to the Gabot standards.” She teased right.

  Simon paused and unlocked the door with a smug smile, “I’m happy to see that you’ve caught on.” He stated. “Oh, and mom has a plate ready for you.” He added on quickly.

  As he opened the door, Cherish stepped through and in an instant was met with Margaret loading the dishwasher, “Oh! There you both are! Sweetheart you look exhausted! Go and sit on the sofa and Simon will heat up your plate.” She said.

  Cherish was caught off guard for a moment as she unloaded her pockets in a small dish on the kitchen counter, “You cooked? You didn’t have to do that.” She said with a weary smile.

  Margaret ran her hand along the chilled plate and rinsed off whatever debris stuck onto its surface, “Cherish, darling. You’re working yourself to death. Yes, I cooked, and yes you need to sit down and eat. Grandpa is giving the kids a bath. You sit back with nothing to worry about. I’ve even recorded our show!” She said.

  Cherish glanced over at Simon and waited for him to stick up for her. Rolling her eyes when he didn’t, she smiled a bit to herself and nodded, “Just…let me take my sneakers off first.” She replied.

  Climbing the stairs, she could hear Simon Sr. talk to the babies as though they were adults and asked Jasmine why she looked at him such a way. Cherish snickered to herself before she disappeared into the bedroom and undressed herself to relax.

  Tonight, she was home free to relax.

  Margaret hissed to her son, “Simon. Simon come here.” As he leaned in, she continued, “Listen, your father and I were thinking…okay I was thinking, he agreed. With holidays coming up, this is going to be the babies’ first everything. It’s so hot and humid here. We want to make this holiday special for you, Cherish, and the kids. It’s our first holiday without Emily and I know this was an idea of hers. What if we rented a cabin during Christmas in Colorado? Or somewhere it snows. Oh Simon, can you picture it? The babies playing in and eating the snow? Don’t forget the pictures! Oh, they’d be to die for on Hanukah!” She exclaimed.

  A warm feeling spread over his shoulders as he nodded in agreement. Not only was it a way to combine Jasmine and Cherish into their traditions, but also respect Emily’s wishes. Though he felt a bit crestfallen, it sounded perfect, “I love it. I don’t think Cherish has even seen snow before. A family vacation will be great for us to remember.” He said with a wide smile.

  Margaret eyed the way her son lit from the inside out. Shutting the dishwasher’s door, she started the cycle before she crossed her arms and looked to him, “Yes, it would be wonderful. Now, will Cherish even be able to get off for that? We both know the Wal-Mart titan doesn’t care about families.” She hissed.

  Rubbing his hands together, he inhaled a deep breath and his mood soured considerably whenever Cherish’s job was mentioned, “I’ll try to convince her tomorrow. I don’t think that job is good for her. They work her so damn hard and she could work for better companies with better benefits. She’s one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met and sometimes I work twelve hours.” He pointed out. Pulling off the plastic wrap on Cherish’s plate, Simon reheated her food in the microwave. “Imagine all of the skiing we’ll do or cozying up to the babies by the fire with hot chocolate. Riding the ski lift and seeing over the trees. Oh! We’ll even bring great grandma’s Chanukkiah. This’ll be great.” He continued.

  Margaret held her hand off and stopped her son before he got too far ahead; bringing him back to reality, “We know she must get out of that place, but how do you tell her that? Especially after what you told me about the sperm donor?" She sighed and shook her head, "I just don't want anyone taking anymore advantage of her. She's been through enough." She whispered.

  After having washed her hands, untied her hair from the large bun on her head, and changed her clothes, Cherish made her way down the steps only to find Simon and Margaret in deep conversation. Her footsteps alerted the two gossips in front of her and she paused, "Is something wrong?" She asked.

  Simon knew exactly what his mother meant. Although Cherish loved the independence of a job, he had to convince her to quit in the pursuit of a better job. Somewhere. Anywhere. “I know which is why I’m going to—” cutting himself off, his lips pressed together, and his back straightened, “Wrong? Nothing, your food is ready.” He said grabbing the plate.

  Margaret spun around and straightened just as her son did. She gave an awkward half laugh, "Wrong? No, no dear nothing is wrong. I was just talking with Simon about snow."

  Cherish's eyebrows tucked together, "Snow?" She asked. Simon placed the heavy plate of food on the counter top in front of her. There was a reason he was fat in his youth. Her eyes widened as she looked over the mountain of mashed potatoes, gravy, simmered pork chops, and broccoli. She glanced at him, "This is a lot of f--"

  Simon Sr. entered the room with both babies tucked into the crook of each arm. They were dressed in long-sleeved pajamas complete with enclosed feet. Jr.'s hair was tousled all over while Jasmine stared up at her grandpa. Every adult within the vicinity melted on the spot. Even Simon Sr. whose shirt was soaked from constantly keeping the babies upright in their tubs. When Jasmine looked up at him with those sweet grayed eyes, even he couldn’t help but surrender.

  Instantly, Cherish was hit with a smile as she set the plate down and hurried over to her little loves. Jr. i
nstantly lit up the moment he saw her and kicked his feet. He grunted and cooed as she picked him up and pressed several kisses to his cheeks and head, "Hello big, handsome boy!" She exclaimed. In turn she was met with a high-pitched shriek and her quickly looked at Jasmine. Her daughter stared at her with just as much happiness as Jr.

  Margaret took the plate from the table and handed it to Simon. She then took Jr. out of Cherish's arms which allowed her to scoop Jasmine up. Smothering her daughter in kisses, she instantly felt complete. For those children she would always muster up the energy to dote on them.

  With so many hands on the kids and Simon saw there wasn’t space for daddy. So, he pulled Cherish’s plate to himself and cut into the side of her pork chop, dug into her mashed potatoes, and helped her out. He knew she never ate that much, and gladly liberated her. Like father and son, Simon loved his mother’s cooking and would never pass it up if she offered. Stopping to wipe the corner of his mouth and take a drink, he didn’t try to conceal what he was doing, “You look a lot better.” He pointed out to Cherish.

  She was gone maybe five seconds when she traded kids with Margaret and held Jr. In her arms again, "You look like you're helping yourself." She said with an arched eyebrow.

  Margaret narrowed her eyes and held Jasmine out to Simon, "Stop eating the girl’s food and get this little sweetie a bottle." She ordered.

  Caught, Simon placed the fork and knife down while he slid his gaze to Margaret silently. He chewed the rest of the food in his mouth as he stood and mixed together Jasmine’s bottle.

  Taking the plate, Margaret followed Cherish to the sofa and waited for her to sit down and get situated with Jr., "We tried to get him to take a bottle while you were at work, but he's still fighting it." She said.