Cherish and Simon- the First Year

by Eva Morian

  Simon loved the idea of her watching him, because he knew that he could show off and look cool just for her. He rolled onto his side and watched her back, “It’s alright. We can try again tomorrow. Christmas is right around the corner.” He said.

  Standing, she shook her head and went into the bathroom to pee once last time and washed her hands, "I know. I can't wait to see what mom and Miriam have in store for us. Is it just me, or are they acting weird?" She asked clicking the light off.

  He found her question to be significant, “When are they ever normal?” he asked.

  Cherish climbed onto the mattress with him and pulled the blankets over her waist, “That’s beyond the point.”

  Sitting up, he pulled the blankets back, and got under the covers because he felt a chill, “Yeah, I think they’re planning something. I’m not sure what it is, but my gut tells me not to let it go.” He muttered to himself.

  Shutting off the lamp, the moon washed the room in a soft, white light, and she finally relaxed against the pillow, “I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels the same way.” She whispered.

  Simon hooked his arm over his head and around the pillow, “Well, whatever it is, we’re going to be one step ahead of them.” He muttered.

  Laying there silently, Cherish closed her eyes and released a slow breath, “I can’t wait until tomorrow. Whatever it is, I’m loving this experience.” She added.

  Turning, he pressed against her back with his arm across her side and his eyes closed, “Probably decorating…a lot of decorating.” He mumbled in his delirium.

  She held onto his arm and had already drifted halfway to sleep, “Yeah…great…” Her body felt heavy, her breaths slowed, and she soon faded in Simon’s arms.

  Chapter 14

  On the early evening of Christmas Eve, Cherish, Margaret, and Miriam did the finishing touches on the tree. Bound in sheer, chocolate brown sashes with white, blue, and gold ornaments, small white lights, and a star on top, this tree was by far the most beautiful Cherish had seen. That was only because Miriam had turned into a nagging perfectionist one the first ornament was lifted.

  Standing back and looking over their canvas with a critical eye, Miriam tilted her head to the side. Cherish was on her hands and knees with a white tree skirt only for Miriam to shake her head, "I don't like this one either. Do you think we should go back to the gold one?" She asked under her breath.

  Margaret came from the kitchen with two mugs of hot cocoa in each hand. Rounding the babies playing in the center of the room, she handed Miriam a mug before setting the other down on the center of an end table for Cherish, "I think you should give the poor girl a break. Unlike me, she is trying her best to make you happy and work herself to death. I'm not doing it." She replied before leaving the room again.

  Miriam glared after Margaret and took a long sip of her drink, "It hasn't been that long." She snipped back.

  Margaret's laughter echoed from within as she returned into view. Blowing on her own cup, she paused, "You've been at this for six hours. The boys left after we started!"

  Miriam crossed one arm under her breasts while she gave Margaret a challenging glance, "You should see the trees that I've done for functions over the holidays. This is a breeze compared to those!" She retorted.

  Smirking and rolling her eyes, Margaret looked away from her, "I've seen your masterpieces. The Lord knows I've received over a thousand pictures of them over the years." She murmured causing Miriam's head to snap in her direction.

  Listening, Cherish shuffled out from beneath the tree and fell back on her bottom. She tugged on the ends of Simon's sweater and wiped her brow, "Really, I'm okay. This is fun." She said. Rolling to her feet, she cracked her back before wandering over and grabbing the cup, "Thank you." She said with a smile.

  Miriam inhaled a deep breath and pushed her light blonde hair from her face, "Oh, to young and limber again." She teased.

  Margaret flicked her gaze from the kids to Miriam before nudging her, "I don't know about you. I may not be the youngest in the room, but I am still quite limber. Baby proved that to me last—"

  "—For the love of..." Miriam interjected as she placed a fist to her forehead.

  Cherish spat cocoa into her cup from laughter and shook her head. Margaret's eyes glimmered and the nose, which loved other people's laundry, started to hunt, "Well. You two know when I was last put into use. The boys aren't here...when's the last time for you, Miriam?" She asked knocking against her shoulder.

  Miriam stumbled to the side before she shot glare at Margaret, "Why, on God's green Earth, would I tell you that?" She questioned taken aback.

  Margaret wiggled her eyebrows while Cherish took a nice, long sip from her drink and turned her back towards them. Scooting closer, she leaned her head towards Cherish and spoke, "Because! We are all adults here. Grown women and family. We should be open and honest with each other!"

  Miriam shook her head slightly before she cleared her throat. She wasn’t nearly as interested in the possible sex life of Simon and Cherish as Margaret was, "Do family usually air out their unmentionables in the open? Other than you." Margaret's lips formed into a thin line as she threw her head in Cherish's direction. Miriam once again shook her head, "I'm not doing that." She mouthed.

  Silently groaning, Margaret threw on a casual smile and wrapped an arm over Miriam's shoulder, "Of course they do! Cherish!" She exclaimed. Looking over her shoulder, Cherish jumped a bit and turned her body. Margaret looked at her as though she were the prey, "When's the last time you've played gymnasties?" She asked.

  Miriam's mouth practically fell open, "Is that what we’re calling it now?!" She asked in exclamation.

  Margaret waved a hand at Miriam while she kept eye contact with Cherish, “I'm talking to Cherish now. Well..."

  Cherish swallowed what was in her mouth and rested the mug down, "The night before Jasmine was born." She answered.

  Margaret placed a hand to her chest, "That long? Oh, sweetheart! It sounds to me that you need a warm up!" She exclaimed. Keeping up with her act, she turned to Miriam with an over stretched smile, "Now see? That's not so hard go ahead and answer." She pushed.

  Before Miriam was pushed into a topic she wanted to avoid, the sound of car doors shutting caught their attention. The men had set out to get in some extra ski time, Simon to practice for Cherish, six hours ago. Halfway through Miriam texted for them to buy last minute decorations. So, the men had spent the last three hours in the only place that was open; Wal-Mart.

  Chaos. Complete chaos.

  The moment Jack opened the door, the women knew exactly the ordeal they had gone through. Simon was the most miserable out of the three. He already hated Wal-Mart and now the sentiment was solidified; that place was his mortal enemy.

  Cherish placed a hand over her mouth to hide the smile the crept along her cheeks. She knew that look on his face and it tickled her all the same.

  Miriam blinked as Jack handed her one bag, "What happened?!" She asked with an air of drama.

  Jack grunted at his wife and slanted his eyes, “A mess. That’s what happened.”

  Cherish bent over at Jack's answer, waved a hand in her face, and hurried into the kitchen. She needed to find something to take her attention off their faces. Miriam opened the bag and peered inside, "You got silver tinsel? Is this all they had?" She asked placing a hand to a cheek and turning her attention at the tree, "This will not do." She whispered shaking her head.

  Although in better shape than the other two, Simon Sr. seemed incredibly bored as opposed to the annoyed anger steaming off his son and Jack, “Where are my babies?” he asked. Taking off his coat and boots, he rolled on the floor with the kids. This man needed stimulation and fun after the ordeal he’d gone through.

  The babies lit up upon seeing their grandfather. Jasmine babbled while she hit a block against the opposite fist. Reaching over, Jr. took the block from her and chewed on it. This only caused the little girl to babble and stare at him i
n return; alike to an argument.

  Margaret, seeing her husband, smiled before she sat down on the couch in front of him, "It looks like you need to have some fun, baby." She expressed with her chin against her palms.

  Simon Sr. smirked as he ran his hand over Jr.’s thick, dark hair, “I could use some help from you.” He flirted in return. Sitting up, he picked Jasmine off the floor. The moment she left his sight, Jr. broke out into a fit of fussing, crying, and kicking. Immediately, he placed her back down and his wails died down to stifled sniffles. Looking to his wife, Simon Sr. pointed, “What the hell is wrong with the boy?” he questioned.

  Margaret shook her head at her husband's amateur mistake, "You should know how much he loves his sister and Cherish." She laughed.

  Jack watched his wife as she approached the tree before trailing after her, “I’m not going back there. The tree looks fine.” He grumbled.

  Miriam sighed as she leaned over and kissed her husband on the cheek, "Thank you for going out. I'll find a way to incorporate this in next year." She compromised squeezing his forearm.

  Jack calmed down once she disarmed him. She had a way about her that made sure they both always got what they wanted. He kissed the side of her head in appreciation, but gave a stubborn answer, “Good, because I’m not going back.” He reiterated.

  Simon followed Cherish into the kitchen. His gaze cut into her as though she were the embodiment of Wal-Mart itself. In some ways, to him, she was. Even though her short tenure at the establishment tarnished her view, she still loved to shop there. What didn’t help her cause was the fact that he could tell she fought and struggled to hold back laughing in his face, “I blame you. I don’t know why, but I do.”

  Cherish slammed the refrigerator door shut and stared at him with wide eyes. Trying to stretch her face so she wouldn't laugh, she blinked at him in faux innocence, "Why...me? Whatever do you mean? I didn't do anything. You stepped foot in the store. I wasn't there to bribe you. So...in a way you can only blame yourself, right?" Cupping around her ear, she leaned into him, "What was that? I'm right? Why thank you, Simon." She expressed hitting lightly against his chest.

  Narrowing his eyes further, he a took hold of her hand, “You must be hearing incorrectly, madam. I’m pretty sure it was you who pointed out to Miriam the only store open was that atrocity. You set the game in motion.” He retorted.

  Tugging playfully against his grip, she stepped closer to him, "I'm sorry. I wasn't there when Miriam messaged Jack. She asked, and I simply told her!" She then tilted her head and pressed her pointer finger against his chest, "You're the one who went in the mess head first. I was only doing the right thing and helping my family." She joked.

  “I bet you told her with glee in your tone and a devilish glint in your eye just knowing how I’d look when I found out. It’s written all over your face.” He hissed in return while pulling around her side.

  Her eyes narrowed at him challengingly while she smirked slightly at him, “Whatever gave you the idea that I enjoy torturing you? You make it so easy. Now, let me go, sour ass.” She whispered.

  Her demand only made him refuse more adamantly. Slowly, he shook his head, “Not quite yet, guilty ass. Admit that you love torturing me.” He hissed.

  Reaching around, she gripped against his wrist. She tried not to smile wider as he stepped closer. Arching an eyebrow, she chewed on the inside of her cheek, “Let me go before our parents get the wrong idea." She murmured.

  Looking between his grandkids, Simon Sr. had to test out his theory; ever the troublemaker he was, “Let’s see if she loves Jr.” He muttered. Plucking the little rotund boy up, yet again Jr. was the one who began to fuss and squirm as he stared down at Jasmine. Simon Sr. held the boy up to his face and gave him a critical gaze, “Oy vey…”

  Jasmine stared up at the younger sibling curiously. Miriam turned her attention to Simon Sr. and rested the bag down, "Simon. Stop pinching that baby!" She called out with a laugh.

  Simon Sr. quickly placed Jr. down and got to his feet, “I wasn’t pinching. Scouts honor.” He promised. This man wasn’t a scout and never was.

  At the outburst from Jr. and the others’ conversation, Cherish bit her bottom lip and stepped away from Simon. Clearing her throat, she asked, "Do you want something hot to drink?"

  Simon knew he had a bad habit of forgetting there were nosy people around. Pulling away, his gaze lingered on her briefly before he peered out into the living room at the others.

  Margaret shook her head and stood, "Dinner is almost finished, let's set up."

  Simon glanced back at Cherish, “Yeah, I’ll have it with dinner.” He whispered.

  Simon Sr. joined everyone in the kitchen and dining room. Soon, their meal was underway, and they sat together with their hands clasped for Christmas Eve grace. Eating, Margaret continuously looked over towards the bag on the kitchen counter. Her mind reeled with how she’d be able to use the content within to her advantage. She glanced between Cherish and her son who spoke amongst themselves. Rubbing her fork across her lips, she tuned into the conversation and the excited chatter about Christmas in the morning.

  After dinner finished, Miriam and Jack began to clean up the dishes while Cherish grabbed Jr., “Bath time?” she asked Simon.

  Seeing her chance, Margaret cleared her throat and straightened her back, “Go ahead! We’ll finish up down here. I’ll bring up Jasmine’s bottle soon. Go and help Cherish, love.” She said to her son.

  Unknowing of his mother’s intentions, Simon fell right into her trap at the sound of her innocent encouragement. Picking Jasmine up, he nodded, “Thanks mom.” He said.

  Cherish kissed against Jr.’s cheek as she whispered nothings into his ear. He grunted and kicked his feet with a wide, messy, gummy grin as he was led away; Simon following.

  As always, bath time was a mini shower for whoever dared to take on the task. Jasmine energetically splashed the soapy water and shrieked when it hit against her face. Jr. chewed on his wet fingers as he patiently waited for Cherish to wash his hair. Their little personalities started to peek through which was beyond adorable to both parents. Even with the knowledge that they would have a problem with Jasmine when she was old enough. The smile on her dripping wet face when she looked at them was enough to weather the storm she’d bring.

  Margaret advanced up the steps toward the twins’ bedroom with Jasmine's bottle in hand. Cherish rocked Jr. from side to side beside Simon with her hand over his ear. She smiled quietly at him only for Margaret to knock on the door. Pacing in, she handed Simon the bottle before she rubbed Jasmine's back, "We are going to stay up and watch a couple of Christmas movies. You guys come down and join us." She said.

  Cherish placed Jr. into the crib quietly and glanced at Simon. She tried to gauge his reaction before nodding, "That sounds good. I'd love to see the two Simon's tear up at the end." She teased with a laugh.

  Margaret shook her head, "I love my sensitive men." She replied.

  Giving Jasmine her bottle, she took hold of it by herself and laid on her side. Simon made sure she was alright before he left the room with the baby monitor and followed. He slid his eyes at them, “I’m not going to cry. Dad’s the one who cries.” He denied.

  Cherish rolled her eyes as she trailed a few steps behind Margaret, “Isn’t that what you said with Twelve Days of Christmas?” She asked looking at him.

  Margaret leaned her head back with a laugh, “If you thought that was bad, try A Walk to Remember.” That one gets him every time.” She replied descending the steps.

  Cherish held a finger up, “Wait. That one gets me too!”

  Simon pinched his eyes over his glasses and sighed, “My manhood has been challenged in every known way possible.” He muttered under his breath.

  Coming into view with the fathers, Miriam stood on a chair hidden behind a small wall. Cherish paused. The way Jack and Simon Sr. stared at them caused her to tuck her eyebrows together. Simon, on the other hand, knew they were done for
when he saw the look on his father’s face. After she stepped off the last step, Margaret quickly turned to them and pointed, “MISTLETOE!!!” She exclaimed.

  Miriam used the wall to balance herself as she dangled the green garnish over their heads. Cherish tilted her head back and immediately felt the setup she and Simon talked about the night before; and they’d fallen right into their ruse. Staring back at him with widened eyes, Margaret held up a polaroid camera and waited, “Go on! Don’t skimp on tradition!”

  Simon looked up and saw his mother-in-law and released a sigh. He should have known. “Of course. It’s Christmas. How didn’t we see this coming?” he questioned to Cherish.

  Simon Sr. brushed off their apprehension to make them feel better, “Don’t worry about it. It’s just custom. A small peck is fine.”

  Cherish watched as Simon approached her until he was on the same step. Tradition? She never saw it coming because she never had it before. She thought it only existed in movies!

  Awkwardly glancing down at their feet, she curved into herself. Her hand clamped the back of her neck while Simon eyed the camera in his mother’s hand. He didn’t like it, but he knew that he couldn’t deny them because they’d spin his refusal in another light. Plus, he wasn’t completely opposed.

  Margaret waved her hand, "Go on. Get a little closer. Hold long enough so I can snap the photo!" She said with a Cheshire grin.

  What was a little kiss?

  Giving Cherish a shrug in defeat, he leaned down, and found, to his surprise, a knot of nervousness hitting him and amplifying the closer he got. His expression was intense when he tilted his head and held the side of her face.