Cherish and Simon- the First Year

by Eva Morian

  Cherish grabbed a folded receiving blanket from the end table and calmed the little fuss pot down. He knew what was coming and he wanted the milk she was more than willing to give, "Simon told me on my lunch break when he brought me home. It’s amazing what four hours does. My boobs feel like rocks." She said with a laugh. Laying a cover over Jr.'s head and her shoulder, she used one hand to eat as Jr. did the same.

  Sitting on the other end of the sofa, Margaret grabbed the remote and went for the recorded soap operas that she staved off from watching for Cherish's sake, "Boys! The show is about to begin!" She called out to them.

  Cherish gave a weak fist pump, "Woo!" She exclaimed lackluster in succession.

  Testing the bottle on the back of his hand, Simon saw his little girl’s delight as he hoisted her higher along his chest. She ate happily and cuddled into his embrace while he took a seat on the sofa beside Cherish and his son. He groaned out as the opening credits and theme song to a sappy, melodramatic soap opera started. He remembered when he was young, his mother would do nothing for most of the day once 11 A.M. rolled around and watched the ridiculous stories. That only meant he didn’t get any cartoons for a solid block or she’d put him down for a nap. For that, Simon still harbored ill feelings towards any show that remotely resembled them, but it also gave him leverage to use against his mother once he was old enough to know what guilt was. It may have become a light-hearted joke with her, but he still hated the show.

  Cherish watched Simon and his father stare at the screen alike to being tortured. She laughed a bit as she shook her head, bumped Jr. and took another bite of food. She didn't know when or how she fell asleep, but the next thing she knew she lifted her head and the show was over. Jr. was still where she left him, but Margaret and Simon Sr. were gone. Her plate of half-eaten food was put away and the light from Simon's office was on. She sighed out a pained moan while cracking her neck. Jr. reacted to her movements and proceeded to suckle against her breast. Cherish pushed herself to sit up, "S-Simon?" She asked in a hoarse tone.

  Sitting in his office, he was preparing for his conference call the next morning. He made sure he had everything he needed so he could roll out of bed, look half decent from the waist up, and do his job. It took him a moment to realize that his name was called before he stood and exited. Turning off the light, he approached Cherish with a smile, “Look who’s up. You passed out and have been out for about two hours.” He whispered in return.

  Cherish blinked at Simon as he finally came into view. She rubbed along her face before she pried Jr.'s lips from her breast and handed him to Simon, "I guess I did." She replied groggily.

  Simon treaded for the stairs. With a pause he looked back at her, “Let’s go to bed. Jasmine is already in her crib.” He said patting softly against Jr.’s back.

  Standing, she situated herself and paced after him. Going up the steps, she followed him into the bedroom and made her way towards the crib where Jasmine rested. Smiling to herself, Cherish yawned and ran a hand against her head, "Goodnight my angel." She whispered.

  Simon was more than certain that because the kids were so precious and well behaved today, they would be living nightmares the next day. He could feel it. Looking over his shoulder, he shut the door and locked Cherish and the kids in for the night. In a sense, this felt normal and comfortable to them now and neither wanted to bring up the idea of splitting rooms.

  Pulling away and making room for Simon, she backed into the bathroom, "I need to set an alarm and call work later tonight. Do you mind?" She asked.

  He laid down in bed before he looked at the bathroom door and released a breath. She really was going to ignore her own needs and go back into work. Not on his watch. Simon pulled off his glasses and rubbed both hands on his face, “Yeah sure.” He said stretching out.

  After a nice, hot shower, Cherish emerged from the bathroom and climbed on the bed. She sighed out and pressed her hands against the soft, feathered pillow with a groan, "Goodnight, Simon. See you tomorrow." She whispered.

  He took the book of the week from the nightstand and glanced down at her, “Goodnight, Cherish. See you in the morning.” He replied.

  Rolling over, she shut her eyes, and within moments, a light snore emitted from her side of the bed. Through the night Cherish didn’t wake up once. Not for a feeding or the bathroom. As morning came around, she blinked open her eyes and saw the sun-drenched wall across from her. Her eyebrows tucked on a confused manner as she stretched. She released a satisfied groan and relaxed against the mattress. Shutting her eyes, a sudden jolt struck her. Sitting up, she realized the room was empty. The babies weren't in their crib and Simon wasn't around. She threw a glance to the clock and inhaled a deep breath.

  10 A.M.

  Cherish clenched her jaw and tossed the blankets off her body. She crossed the bedroom, crossed the hall, and bounded down the steps, "Simon? Simon!" She called out rounding into the living room with a pause.

  He stepped out of the kitchen with Jasmine’s bottle while Jr. fussed and squirmed on the floor, “Good morning. Did you sleep well?” he asked. He knew she was likely worked up over her shift, but kept calm and acted normal. Because…he turned off her alarm, so she would finally take a day off, “I was about to feed the kids.” He implied.

  Seeing everything was just as she remembered a month ago, before working, Cherish sighed and placed one hand on her hip with the other to her forehead. Simon went and sat beside Jr. on their little mat.

  As Cherish stepped closer, he saw his mother and cried. His face turned red, his arms shook, and he kicked his legs; kickstarting her to tend to him. She looked at Simon with slight disappointment as she picked Jr. up, "What about my alarm?" She asked. Sitting back on the floor, she already knew the answer as Jr. quieted down and waited for his morning meal. The suggestive look Simon gave her confirmed he was culprit. Even though she didn't want to admit it, Cherish was happy to be home, but there was a twinge in the back of her mind that still felt bad about not going in, "You're a piece of work." She whispered lifting her shirt and unhooking her bra.

  Giving in to a grin, he laughed under his breath as he cradled Jasmine close and fed her, “Yeah, well you needed it. Plus, since you were free, I already had something planned.

  Cherish sat against the sofa and tilted her head. Now he piqued her interests because he always had a trick up his sleeve, "Oh yeah? What's that?" She asked.

  “Dinner reservations.” He replied without detail, “And it’s a surprise.” He added.

  She tilted her head and her lips slightly parted. She didn't want to think too much of what reservations meant, but she knew better. Simon had just lost his wife and she had a lot to heal with her own demons. Plus, knowing him, he knew she needed a break too. She smiled a little bit and rubbed along Jr.'s arm, "Will you even give me a hint?" She asked.

  Simon wet his lips and smiled as he pulled himself to his knees and scooted closer. He let go of Jasmine’s bottle, reached out, and pressed his hand over Cherish’s eyes. She made him forget much of his past woes and troubles. The idea of her trying to figure out the plans he made specifically for her warmed him, “Guess.” He said.

  Cherish sat against the cushions while her lips pulled into a grin. She lifted a hand to support Jr.'s back and leaned her head back, "Come on! You know I'm terrible at the guessing game! What is it?" She asked.

  Simon scoffed playfully, “You’ll see. I’m not spoiling anything.” He replied. Setting the bottle down on the end table, he lifted Jasmine and patted against her back, “We have to leave by four, so if you’re dressing up, make sure you’re ready.” He said.

  Cherish kept her head leaned back and stared at him, "What should I wear? Is this a jeans and shirt occasion or can I finally take the tags off that dress I got from Ross?" She asked.

  “Rip those tags off.” He encouraged. Though he didn’t want to admit, Simon treated their plans alike to a date.

  Asking, she glanced down at Jr., "Wait, who are watching the b
abies?"

  He didn’t seem concerned as he raised a brow, “The people we can’t get out of the house.” He joked.

  They both knew his parents were there at least every other day, but they were also thankful. Now, getting someone to watch the babies while they both worked proved difficult at times. He only went into the office three days out of the week, but when he did, mixed with Cherish’s crazy schedule, they needed them more than ever.

  Cherish broke out into a wide grin as she anticipated what was to come. She was fully curious but wanted to keep it a surprise for herself, "Alright. Keep all your secrets then!" She teased. As she laughed out, Simon's business line rang in the office. She knew he was needed and pointed towards the double doors, "Hurry or you'll miss it!" She called over to him.

  Putting Jasmine down, Simon rushed out of the room and shut the doors behind him. While he was in his meeting, Cherish had eaten breakfast and allowed Margaret and Simon Sr. into the house. She served Simon lunch as he worked and tried to get a little information out of Margaret about his plan. But mum was the word and she knew just as much as Cherish.

  Around 2 P.M, she disappeared upstairs and began to put effort in her appearance. Although she loved both babies, she wanted to look and feel like a woman, not a mother. She pulled a black, sleeveless turtleneck dress from the closet and held it against her body. Having gotten it for a steal at Ross, it was the one outfit that Simon didn't complain about when she showed him.

  There were large horizontal yellow and red stripes that streaked across her bust and torso. Cherish inhaled a deep breath and held the fabric up to her waist while looking to Emily's wedding dress, "Does this look alright? Oh god, what am I doing." She muttered to herself. Shaking her head, she blew out and laid the dress on the bed. She took a shower, got dressed, and tied her curls up. They splayed over in long coils alongside her forehead. Cherish took time with her makeup before she caught sight of the alarm clock on the nightstand. She pulled the fabric down to her knees, turned around, and checked how the knitted dress hugged her curves. Her body wasn't exactly where she desired, but it was tight where she wanted and that's what mattered most.

  Soon enough, 3:45 was upon them and his parents busied themselves with the kids in the living room. Simon adjusted his cuff links and paced towards the staircase, “Cherish! Cherish, are you almost ready?” he called.

  Cherish tossed a gaze at the door and hurried to slip on a pair of black wedges, "COMING!" She hollered back.

  Jasmine could be heard crying downstairs as she stepped down and saw Margaret changing her diaper, "Oh what's with all the yelling, Miss fussy?" She questioned.

  Hearing Cherish’s voice, Simon rounded the corner and saw the first glimpse of her as she descended the stairs. He stared at her with a blank expression while an awkward pause passed between them. In awe, he didn’t expect her to look so nice, but a part of him was glad, “You look incredible.” He complimented.

  Cherish ran a finger beneath a curl as she broke into a smile at Simon and looked down at her outfit, “Thank you. I don’t know how long I’m going to survive in the wedges though.” She admitted with a light laugh.

  Simon backstepped towards the table and grabbed his keys. His smile was apparent now that they were about to be on their way, but there was a strange feeling deep down that made him feel nervous.

  Staring at his son, Simon Sr. cleared his throat which took Cherish’s attention away. She looked down and away from him and wandered to Jasmine who gave Margaret a hard time, “I think she may be constipated.” The latter muttered under her breath.

  Cherish pointed back towards the refrigerator, “There’s some gripe water in there. It helps a little bit with her discomfort. Make sure you use half and half of soy and regular formula. Hopefully when she’s fully converted to the soy, she won’t be as fussy after feedings.” She said. stroking Jasmine’s forehead who stared at her mother with a whimper, “Goodnight princess.” She whispered.

  Jr. was perched on a large pillow upright beside his grandfather. They both watched a crime solving show and the little boy sat with his arms over his belly and huffed out. The look on his face was pensive as he watched the images flicker across the screen; as though he understood exactly what was happening.

  Cherish shook her head and slid past Jr. without saying goodbye, the last thing the family needed was for him to see her. He was quiet and content which is what was needed while they left. She looked to Margaret who’d settled Jasmine back in her arms, “Make sure you use the flat tipped nipple for Jr., he’s starting to take to that one a bit more than the others.” She whispered.

  Margaret rolled her eyes as she pushed both of them towards the side door, “Yes, yes I know. I know. My goodness stop worrying! The babies are in capable hands, you two go out, and have a good time. You both deserve it. What time should we expect you back?” She asked.

  This was Cherish’s chance to get a hint out of Simon. She jumped the opportunity almost immediately after Margaret finished her sentence, “Yeah, what time will we be back?” she echoed.

  Simon stopped and looked at his mom with a cheeky smirk, “Late…” From the look on his mother’s face, he knew better than to give that kind of answer again and gave an estimate instead, “Hmm, 10 P.M?”

  Margaret then smiled as she ushered them out and held the door open, “Alright then, bye! Have a good time! Say bye-bye Jasmine!” she said making Jasmine’s hand wave.

  Cherish gave a soft wave in return before she stepped down the pavement for the garage with Simon. She glanced over at him as they broke apart behind the car and opened the passenger door, “What in the world are we doing that’s going to have us out for so long?” she asked. Getting into the car, she clicked her seatbelt on, and turned her body towards him, “Come on. Give me at least one hint, I’ve been good all day.” She added.

  Once they both were in the car, Simon buckled himself in and sat there with the engine running. He gave her another look over and a smirk tugged along the corner of his lips, “A sensual experience you’ve never had before.” He said vaguely.

  Cherish's eyes widened and her stomach dropped, "A... what?" She asked. There wasn't anything coming to her mind that didn't mean having fast paced, rampant sex. She clenched her jaw and stiffly turned forward in the seat. He wasn’t going to give her much to go on purposefully which would only make her more curious.

  Driving towards the highway, the view around them changed from suburbia to the city. He took her deeper downtown in the same area as his office. They passed by the familiar building and stopped stiff in traffic. They were stalled behind lights and cars. Many people roamed the streets to shop, date, get to work, or go home. The city was alive outside of the calm quiet in the vehicle.

  Taking notice, Simon finally glanced her way and turned the radio on, “Is there anything you like?” he asked.

  Cherish relaxed but kept the thought of possibly ending up at a motel in the back of her mind. Wait. No. Simon wouldn't do that. She saw what Emily looked like and knew how much he loved his wife. No way.

  Convincing herself he was a gentleman and she was over thinking, she ran her palms along the hem of her skirt and shrugged her shoulders, "Play whatever you want. I enjoy music either way." She answered glancing out of the window at the bars along the street. People laughed in their groups and couples walked arm in arm. Cherish played with the earring dangling from her lobe with a sigh, "It sure is lively for a Friday afternoon. Do you think we will get in for your sensual and scary experience?" She asked.

  Simon gave her a double glance with his brows tucked. What exactly did she think they were doing? “Scary?” he asked playfully.

  “Yes, scary. You know exactly what you made this whole sensual experience sound like.” She replied tapping along her temple and hissing a whisper, “I know what you’re thinking about. You can’t trick this mind, you’re thinking about how to get away with murder.” She said sarcastically.

  He pulled into an unmarked parking l
ot beside a toll machine and pulled a ticket. Getting to park this deep in the city was nigh impossible without having to pay. Simon rolled his eyes, “We have reservations, my dear. Guaranteed entry, shocking I know.” He joked.

  Cherish’s eyes lit up and she gasped as they pulled into the parking spot, “Reservations?! That’s the surprise? Oh Simon, you shouldn’t have.” She teased back.

  Leaving the ticket on the dashboard, he got out of the car and met on her side. He offered his elbow out for her, “It’s about a couple of minutes away.” He said.

  Cherish slipped out of the car and pulled against the skirt in her own paranoia before glancing up at Simon. She rubbed her lips together and gripped his arm.

  As they walked down the sidewalk dwarfed by skyscrapers, she glanced up and smiled to herself. She really was in awe now. It was nice standing along the building with people of every sort passing them by. The evening was cooling down and the atmosphere was exciting.

  The walk was shorter than she expected, and they stopped outside of a dark, practically faceless building. The door was completely blacked out from view as were the windows. The confused look on Cherish’s face was entirely readable. Simon held the door open for her and gave her a suspicious smile that still didn’t tell her what she wanted to know. She stepped inside of the building and swallowed tightly while looking back and waiting for him to return by her side.

  Thinking back to her little serial killer joked she continuously pulled on him, he smirked and leaned into her ear, “I bet you wish that you never called me out on my plans.” He whispered.

  Cherish visibly jolted once his breath hit the nape of her neck. She side stepped away from him with narrowed eyes, “Bullshit, Simon.” She whispered.

  Walking ahead of her, Simon approached the host who took their names and asked them to sit anywhere in the lounge they wanted. Taking a seat on one of the white chairs against the blank, black wall, Cherish pulled on her skirt and looked to him once again as though something was fishy, “What is this?” she whispered.