Cherish and Simon- the First Year

by Eva Morian

  Margaret arched a brow, “I think she’s a big girl…” Simon disregarded his mother and paced away while following the signs towards the nearest bathroom, “…son. And he’s gone.” She muttered looking to the others.

  For a moment, Simon felt a pit of panic flourish in his core when he didn’t see her at the first stop. His heart began to sink. Blowing out, he kept an eye out for her curly headed dome.

  Cherish tossed a damp paper towel into the trash. She slipped past the long line before she started towards the baggage claim via the signs. Halfway from where the parents waited, she saw Simon’s tall gait and an over worried expression in hyper drive. She tilted her head and approached him, “What’s causing that look on your face?” she asked rubbing her arms.

  Catching him off guard, Simon’s breath caught before he finally sighed out in relief. He placed a hand on his chest, “I couldn’t find you. You were gone a long time.” He breathlessly blurted out.

  Cherish narrowed her eyes slightly as she looked from one person to the other, "Well. I had to go to the bathroom which meant one of two things. Either the line was long or, I had to take a crap. Thankfully it was the line. I wasn't the only woman who was too scared to use the bathroom on the plane." She explained.

  Simon laughed at his own nerves and shook his head, “I’m too old for this.” He sighed.

  Cherish closed one eye, reached up, and pulled a bit of his hair from his face, "There aren't any gray hairs yet. So, you're not that old, I'm afraid. Twenty-seven." She stated with a laugh.

  He slid his eyes at her, “It’s how old I feel that counts.” He corrected. Knowing that she was cold, he took off the jacket over his sweater and placed it on her shoulders, “You look like you’re about to freeze to death. Let’s get back.” He said.

  Cherish leaned her head forward, pulled the sleeves of his jacket on, and smiled at him. The jacket was oversized on her and it showed with how the sleeves swallowed her hands, "Thanks. Was it that noticeable?" She asked.

  He wrapped an arm over her shoulders and rubbed her briefly, “Beyond obvious.” He answered.

  Following him back, the only ones who waited for them were Miriam and Margaret. Simon's mother quickly finished her sentence, "Here they come..." Waving her hand at them, she paused until they were closer before pointing outside at the road where a large, hunter green van sat. The fathers were in the middle of setting up the bases for the car seats, "We are waiting for them to finish loading the car and warming it up before we put the kids out there. Its frigid!! But it smells so crisp." She said.

  Miriam nodded as she placed a gloved hand over her reddened nose, "Oh, I haven't been in this sort of cold for about three years now! It’s fantastic." She added.

  A traveler approached the double doors and in an instant the frosty bite in the air whipped past Cherish's face, "Holy crap." She whispered while her eyes widened. As Miriam and Margaret laughed and chatted, Cherish slowly made her way behind Simon and used his body to block the cold. What did she sign up for? Florida was windy, and she thought that was freezing. How would she survive?!

  Simon inhaled the sharp air and was refreshed by how clean and clear he could breathe. Looking over his shoulder, he whispered down to her, “We’ll get you in front of a fire in no time.”

  "A fire. Every time I've seen a fire in movies it goes the romantic route where a man is trying to get laid, or a person is walking around on literal fire." She said pressing a finger to her nose. She then began to laugh, "So why did I think you'd set me alight?" She whispered.

  Simon rolled his eyes upwards and debated between both scenarios. Getting laid was something he only had in his dreams, but he couldn’t help but find her comment funny. Making him laugh.

  Simon Sr. and Jack managed to fit the luggage in, albeit tightly, and let the van run for the heater. Jasmine’s soother had fallen between her legs and she started to fuss. Simon crouched down almost immediately and placed it back in her hand which allowed the harsh, Colorado air to smack Cherish in the face. She yelped before she tugged the jacket shut. She was about to go and find a seat away from the door when Simon Sr. waved for them to hurry over.

  Margaret grinned from ear to ear, "Let's go guys!" She exclaimed. She and Miriam took off for the cold before their husbands helped them inside.

  Simon was the next to brave the cold which left Cherish alone with Jasmine. He waited until Simon Sr. had placed Jr. in the far back with Miriam and Jack before he glanced back at Cherish through the glass.

  She grimaced slightly, "I am so sorry baby girl." She whispered.

  The moment she stepped outside, Cherish was shocked. She knew that South Carolina could get cold, but not like this. She quickly handed Jasmine over to her grandpa. In a hurried manner, she practically jumped into the front seat and slammed the door shut.

  The inside of the vehicle was filled with incessant chatter about the view, the cold, and the agenda. All Cherish did was enjoy the warmth pumping through the heater. It was 2 P.M. in Denver, which meant they had flown through lunch and it was almost dinner time.

  Jack cleared his throat from the far back and watched both babies attack their chew toys, "Hey, why don't we find a place around here to eat at. I'm hungry, so I know the kids are." He said.

  Margaret nodded, "That sounds like a plan. We have a two-hour ride to Breckenridge. Plus, we must at least get food for the night. I don't know about you all but I'm exhausted." She said.

  Jack huffed a laugh, "What did you do? Push the plane?" He questioned.

  Margaret glanced behind her and glared playfully, "Coming from the man who has been unconscious for the last half of the day! You don't know what I did!" She stated with a laugh.

  Simon and Cherish laughed with the others at Margaret’s ever-present spunk before she searched the GPS for places to eat, "Sounds good to me." She muttered under her breath.

  Simon followed her instructions as she watched the GPS. Leading them to a fast food restaurant not far from the airport. They ate their food as Cherish fed Jr. and were soon on their way into a long drive to Breckenridge. Cherish fed Simon fries with a laugh here and there between them. To the parents, their overly friendly behavior was strange, but they’d started the habit since they began shopping and eating lunch together.

  Soon they were off the freeway and onto a highway leading up into the mountains. Even though the scenery was beautiful in Denver, the further in the mountains the more dangerous the conditions became which only grated on Cherish’s nerves. The snow grew heavier and the plows couldn’t keep up as easily as before. Simon slowed down and carefully maneuvered the road and they saw nothing but a sea of white and pine trees on either side. Now, she was convinced, that everything in Colorado’s winter was meant to kill them.

  Thankfully, they were all able to breathe easier once they’d passed through the town of Breckenridge. The buildings were a variety of colors, beautiful, and charming. Margaret pointed out stores they could stop by and shop once they got the kids to the house.

  Although it took thirty minutes longer than the GPS had anticipated, they finally pulled up to a big, beautiful lodge with expansive windows. Three stories high and decorated with wooden and stone siding. Cherish’s mouth dropped slightly as she leaned over and stared at the tastefully decorated, winter wonderland she’d seen the pictures of.

  The twins had been crying for the tail end of the long trip and everyone could smell why. Simon was in a rush to get them inside and change them while Simon Sr. and Jack unloaded the van. Big, fluffy snowflakes dropped heavily in their eyes, hair, and glasses.

  Carrying Jasmine into the house behind Simon, there was a staircase to the immediate right, beyond was large living room wall coated with windows. She paused for a moment followed Simon towards the living room. Sitting on the floor with him in front of the double-sided fireplace, she caught glimpses of the dining room and kitchen before she swallowed and looked to Simon, “J-just how much was this place a night?” she whispered in awe.


  Simon was already on his knees as he pulled off Jr.’s little sweat pants and began to change his diaper, “Enough that I’m not going to answer.” He replied with a smirk.

  Unbuckling a frantic Jasmine, Cherish hushed her and lifted her from the seat. Jasmine stood on her mother’s thighs with tear stained cheeks. Cherish kissed her wet face as Margaret hurried inside with them, “Kids, once we bring in the bags we’re going to find a super market. Is there anything you want for dinner?” She asked.

  Cherish rested Jasmine on a changing blanket and grabbed a wipe after Simon. Looking to him, she shrugged her shoulders because she didn’t know what to choose. Since they were paying, she would eat what they wanted.

  Simon wiped Jr.’s mess and cleaned him with a glance to his mother. The smell of his son didn’t exactly make the choice easy, “Uh, how about chicken melts? We can make roast beef in the slow cooker and fritters for tomorrow.” He suggested as he finished and redressed Jr.

  Unfolding their tummy time mat, he set Jr. down on it and went to toss their diapers in a bag outside, “You guys go ahead. Cherish and I will pick our rooms out and unpack.” He said to Margaret.

  Cherish nodded, "Yeah, its past the kid's naptime, including mine." She said.

  Agreeing, Margaret rubbed her hands together and grinned, "Alright then, we won’t be long." she replied. The front door shut and left them alone in the monstrous home and beautiful views.

  Cherish lifted Jr. in her other arm before she carried them towards the window. The three of them stood there and watched the snow fall which only brought a smile to Cherish's face. The mountain views, the white blankets, and the falling snowflakes was beyond beautiful. She looked down at both of her babies and kissed against their foreheads.

  Jasmine rubbed her eyes with a yawn and leaned her head down on her mommy’s chest. Jr. patted Jasmine's head and grunted at her.

  Simon went to the bathroom and washed his hands before he returned. He found Cherish standing with the babies. He knew Colorado was much colder than what she was used to or wanted, but he hoped she would come to enjoy the beauty and nature. Appearing beside her, he ran his hand over Jr.’s back who turned and looked up at his dad, “What do you think?”

  Cherish sighed softly, “Even though I think I will enjoy this scenery much more from the inside, it is beautiful.” She whispered to him with a smile.

  Yawning, Jasmine rubbed her eyes again and began to pout which signaled that she’d reached her end. Cherish rubbed her daughters back all before she held out her arms for her daddy to cuddle. Smiling at the two of them, Cherish followed him down the hallway and towards the bedrooms on the first floor. She looked around with a smirk, “Do you think we should give them the bottom floors? Where’s the nursery? I’m pretty sure we requested two cribs, right?” she asked. In search of them now, lo and behold it wasn’t until they’d gotten to the second floor did they find the children’s quarters.

  Heading straight for the rocking chair, Cherish sat down and flipped Jr. on his side with the pacifier in his mouth. She rocked with him and hummed a soft tune he knew thoroughly. He gripped along Cherish’s sweater and sucked harshly on his pacifier to fight sleep. Then, she did the sneak attack on him. She began to bump him rhythmically on his bottom and within a few minutes he could hardly keep those precious blues open. Jasmine had already surrendered to sleep in her daddy’s arms as Simon paced around the room. Cherish smiled at them before she tested Jr.’s arm and made sure he was fully out.

  Soon both babies were settled in their cribs before mom and dad snuck out with the door slightly ajar. Cherish glanced back at Simon over her shoulder as she made her way down the stairs, “I guess we’re sleeping on this floor after all.” She said to him. Grabbing her bag, she began to lug it up the stairs with a yawn, “I don’t care where I sleep. As long as I get a bed.” She whispered.

  Simon gave her a nod and helped her carry their bags. He paused at the rooms on the second floor closest to the babies, “I guess we should have our own rooms.” He said. Addressing the fact that they had been sharing a bed from day one, they both knew it wasn’t necessary for quite some time. He quirked an awkward smile as Cherish nodded and agreed, “You’ll finally have the whole bed to yourself.” He stated.

  Cherish glanced into the warm and welcoming bedroom, “You’re damn right I will.” She answered with a taunt.

  Simon released an incredulous laugh while they both waved to one another before rolling their luggage into their respected rooms, unpacked, and settled in.

  After a short nap, they woke up with the mothers making dinner. The whole family ate together and planned out sight seeing in the cute town nearby. The plans then delved into an unknown to Cherish from skiing between meals and when they would light the Chanukkiah. Margaret bragged to Cherish about the latkes she was going to make and how she wanted to teach her the family recipes.

  Once everyone had eaten, the grandparents were the first to go to sleep. Cherish and Simon both knew that they wouldn’t be up for much longer. Sitting in front of the dwindling fireplace, there were warm mugs cupped in their hands with Cherish snuggled in one of his extra sweaters. She blew on her cup of tea before she sipped the warmed liquid. An old black and white movie played on the screen about Ebenezer Scrooge and the spirits of Christmas. She leaned her head against the cushion by Simon’s arm and mindlessly pulled along one of her curls. Even though Simon was half asleep from boredom, as usual, he stilled stayed up and kept her company. That was enough to make her feel warm inside.

  As the famous last line echoed through the speakers, Cherish glanced over at Simon and patted along his chest; stirring him. She grabbed his mug and went to rinse them out before she appeared in the darkened living room.

  Simon had turned the television on which caused the living room to glow from the bright light of the moon. The snow was illuminated in the soft glow which in turn grabbed her attention once more.

  As he approached her in the silence, she turned her face towards him and smiled, “We have a big day tomorrow. A lot to do and learn, especially for me. Latkes, the Chanukkiah, and all that comes with your culture. I’m excited.” She whispered pinching her fingers together, “I even bought Jr. a little kippah.” She said to him as they approached their bedrooms.

  Simon slowed to a stop, “What? Really?” He asked. He was surprised she’d thought about that and he found it wonderful. She was receptively open to a big part of his mother’s life. He wasn’t blind to the fact that a lot of people were judgmental or prejudiced to his family’s beliefs, but she washed those doubts away.

  Cherish paused as she looked at him incredulously, “Of course I did, you really didn’t think I’d let Jr. go without during his first Hanukkah, did you?” she questioned.

  Simon glanced down for a moment and gave a half-smile, “I guess not.” He answered.

  Peeking in on the babies one last time, Cherish stopped in front of her bedroom and looked at Simon standing across from her, “Alright, I get the bed all to myself…again. Hopefully I can sleep this time, it’s really weird without you there.” She whispered.

  Simon opened his door and paused as he heard that she had the same difficulty as he did, “Yeah, me too…”

  Without knowing what else to say, Cherish rubbed a hand across her stomach before she reached around and twisted the door knob, “Goodnight, Simon. See you in the morning.”

  “I’ll see you bright and early, goodnight.” He replied.

  Stripping down now that he was by himself, Simon turned off the light, got into bed, and stretched out across the mattress. Though, it wasn’t long before the restlessness began. He rolled from one side to the other and couldn’t shake the feeling of the bed being empty.

  Cherish scratched along her forehead and decided to change into her pajamas. She stared out at the mess on the bed she’d made and sighed to herself. Dressed in a long-sleeved top and underwear and was about to climb into bed before she thought about how difficult it was to fall asleep
earlier in the day. She pressed her fingertips to her forehead, “Shit.” She muttered glancing at the door. If she knew their parents, she knew that Margaret would have them up bright and early and they wouldn’t stop until the sun went down. With the babies sleeping through the night now, Cherish needed a good night’s rest. And she only had one now, it seemed, with Simon’s comfort beside her.

  Muttering another expletive under her breath, she then shut off all the lights and creaked the door open. The parents had decided on the master bedrooms on the first floor, so she wasn’t nervous about being caught. Ever since the kids had moved into their own bedroom at home, the parents naturally assumed that Cherish had moved into the downstairs guest bedroom.

  She didn’t.

  Tip toeing across the hallway, she bit her bottom lip as she closed one eye and gently rapped her knuckles against Simon’s door. Opening it, she peered within and was met with darkness shrouding the bed, “Pst, Simon. Can I sleep here tonight?” she asked.

  Sitting up in bed, Simon saw her fuzzy outline in his doorway. He would be lying if he didn’t admit he was happy, “Of course.” He welcomed her. Relief and a feeling he dared not recognize welled in his core. Pulling the blanket aside, he didn’t think about how he was dressed or, for better terms, lacking he was.

  Cherish rolled her eyes upwards and sighed in relief, “Thank God.” She whispered. Closing the door behind her, she hurried towards the bed and took the place onto her side. Sitting up, she looked back at him and patted on the mattress, “What happened to having the bed all to yourself?” she asked.

  “It’s not what it’s cracked up to be because the bed feels too big.” He said. That was the excuse they used for the sensation neither of them could shake. Staying prone, he felt comfortable with her weight on the other side. Turning towards her, he brought his arm around her waist and pulled her into the position they normally woke up in; contented.