Cherish and Simon- the First Year

by Eva Morian

  Deep down, he wanted her there.

  Even though she felt extremely nervous and excited, she blew out. He was the same man she was around every day. The feelings she felt were the same and the only difference was that it was no longer a secret. This was Simon and he hadn't changed. Cherish blinked at him a couple of times as she stepped into his room, "Are you excited?" She asked.

  Her question struck him. He didn’t know how to answer. Closing the door behind him, he tried to think of a way to tell her they couldn’t do anything sexual, because that was the opposite of what they spoke about; even though the anticipation within him was there. Though, when he turned and saw the look on her face, he swallowed his words and waited.

  She sat down on her side of the bed and pulled her legs up, "For Christmas..." Pausing, she looked to the alarm clock and broke into a smile. Midnight had come and gone, "...wow. Merry Christmas, Simon." She whispered.

  Now, he was glad he didn’t speak and felt somewhat ashamed that the first thing he thought of was jumping into bed with her. Sitting on the other side, he pulled the blankets over them, “Merry Christmas. You’re going to love your present.” He said planting the seed of curiosity in her.

  Rolling onto her back, she grabbed a hold of the covers and paused. This man knew what he was doing. Instead of giving in with a barrage of questions, she hummed under her breath and settled down in bed, “Goodnight Simon.” She whispered as she curled into him.

  He turned off the light on the bedside table and rolled in toward her. Wrapping his arm around her waist and kissed against her shoulder before they both settled in.

  Sleep came naturally as per usual and before she knew it, she opened her eyes and saw Margaret standing over them. Cherish blinked up a smile at her before she paused and sat up quickly in bed. Wearing an all-knowing smile on her face as she backed away towards the door, “MERRY CHRISTMAS!” she exclaimed as Cherish nudged against Simon’s side in a panic.

  Shaken from his sleep, he was completely disoriented as he rubbed an eye with a fist and looked around in a haze, “Hm? Five more minutes.” He muttered flopping on the bed once more.

  Cherish pressed against his back once again as she pushed her long curls from her face, “Simon! It’s Christmas!” she exclaimed as Margaret clapped her hands with a tired laugh.

  Hitting him, Simon sat up and hopped out of bed. Rushing around, he handed Cherish his night robe before they went and woke the babies. Christmas morning had been just what Cherish had seen in the old 90’s movies. She held Jasmine in her lap while they all sat in a large circle and passed their presents across; opening them. The kids got clothes and toys. Cherish grinned at Simon once she opened her gifts. A dress, bracelet, and a gift card to a local, high end salon for natural hair. He’d watched her eye it for months every time they drove past. He knew she couldn’t swallow the idea of getting anything for herself, so he made the decision for her.

  Simon had already received a fancy tie and socks, but it was his last gift that caused his face to light up. Within a large box was a limited-edition book set of the fancy fantasy novels he loved and raved about. The gift was Cherish’s idea, but it came on Margaret and Simon Sr.’s dime. There was no way they’d tell him but Cherish was thankful all the same.

  Miriam was given a new necklace and earring set which were made with Emily’s birthstones. Margaret and Simon Sr. decided against gifts and considered the vacation their gift to one another. All in all, the morning was magical and filled with family time Cherish had lacked.

  Once they cleaned up the wrapping paper, breakfast was next. Which was exactly what a happy little boy and his father was excited for. Most of the day was spent doing odd traditions from playing the new board game Jack got, to sledding, and finally lighting the fireplace; telling stories until nighttime.

  The days blurred together. They were filled with skiing, sledding, sleeping, building snowmen, and spending quality time together. The nights were filled with pillow talk between Simon and Cherish. They’d stay up for long periods of time with their fingers intertwined and whispered their visions of the future. Where they wanted to go, accomplish in their life, and what they wanted for their children. Each night, Cherish fell more for him than she knew was possible.

  Then, one cold winter night, New Year’s Eve rolled around. The kids were fast asleep upstairs, Miriam was sprawled across the sofa with Jack and a blanket. Margaret stepped over her husband, who laid on the floor and watched the television screen of New York with a uninterested expression.

  Just like his father, Simon waited endlessly for the stroke of midnight and felt bored to tears. Cherish rested her feet on Simon’s lap beneath their own blanket before he slumped down and hooked his arms around her legs. Margaret handed them a chilled glass of apple cider. Stifling a yawn, Simon reached out and cupped it, “Thanks mom.” He whispered.

  She smiled at them before she pressed a finger to her lips and pointed to Miriam and Jack; they were already fast asleep. Chuckling under her breath, she lowered herself onto her knees before she laid beside Simon Sr. and kissed his cheek, “How much time do we have left?”

  Confetti and glitter circled in the air and the host of the night returned to the screen. Simon Sr. smiled at the touch of his wife before he rolled slightly and looked up at her, “Five minutes. Oh, no…make that four now.” He answered.

  Cherish sipped her cider and waited until Margaret and Simon Sr. had their backs turned. She then threaded her fingers between Simon’s thick, dark hair, and kept her eyes on the celebrations.

  When the time had come, Simon straightened his body and eyed the celebrations intently. To him, the new year would roll in and this could be incredible if he really tried to get what and who he wanted. As shots of the ball were shown, Cherish pushed herself up and tiredly rested her head on his shoulder. Margaret whispered in her husband’s ear before she pulled away and grinned at him from ear to ear.

  Oh no.

  Cherish slowly tilted her head up at Simon and they both shared the same expression. Someone was going to bring New Years in with a bang. As the countdown started, Cherish inhaled a deep breath. She didn’t know why but this year felt as though there was a lot they’d both give up and truly leave in the past.

  January first was the next page to a new chapter.

  She clasped her hands together while pressing the edge of her fingers to her mouth. The room was filled with anticipation as they watched the last thirty seconds spiral down. As soon as the number ten flicked on the screen, the four of them quietly whispered the numbers with the rest of the world; though Simon found himself looking at Cherish. The spur of the moment caught him and the idea of starting a new year with her encompassed his thoughts.

  Three…two…one…

  January 1st.

  Fireworks shot off in the sky both on screen and around the house as the camera drifted over the crowd for the new year. Many couples were shown kissing one another on the screen or cheering and singing. Margaret smiled at her husband before she tilted her head and leaned in; following suit with the others. Cherish watched them break away and press their foreheads together. They whispered how much they loved each other and looked forward to what the next year had in store for them. She smiled as Margaret rolled away from her husband and quickly stood, “Alright kids. We’re going to our room, Happy New Year, and have a good night. We love you.” She whispered as she leaned over and kissed both on the cheeks.

  His mother didn’t get a response from him aside from wiping the wet mark she left behind. Cherish watched them pass by before she gave a small wave, “Goodnight you two. Enjoy your new year!” she said as Margaret winked back.

  Sighing and shaking her head, Cherish pointed her thumb towards them as she looked to Simon, “I’m telling you. Life goals just walked past us…” She laughed under her breath before rolling her lips in. Staring into his blue eyes, she licked the corner of her mouth, “Happy New Year, Simon.” She whispered.

  There was a stir in
his stomach when she finally paid attention to him. The weight and warmth of her pressed to his side comforted him, “…Happy New Year.” He whispered.

  The light of the television flickered between them on their profiles. The smile on Cherish’s face dropped slightly as the serious expression across his features caught her attention. Her heart kick started while she bit her bottom lip and held her breath. Easily lost in her eyes, he began to lean in.

  With her lips slightly parted, her stomach fell, and the anxiety of anticipation spiked as the sofa shifted under his weight. Unable to move, she questioned herself repeatedly on what to do. The last few days and nights together had left her warmed over and ready to take a new step with him; she wanted this. That is, until from the corner of her eye she saw Emily’s parents resting on the sofa across from them.

  Suddenly, she caught a hold of her senses and guilt settled on her shoulders. She looked at Simon’s features for a long, saddened moment before she recoiled to her previous judgement. Her thin fingers slipped between them before they connected and pressed gently against his lips. Sighing defeatedly, she pressed her forehead against the back of her hand.

  She hated herself.

  Even though she beat herself up, Simon completely understood why she couldn’t. They’d already talked about waiting, but in the past week he felt as though something had shifted between them; he knew she did as well.

  Feeling the need to escape before they woke up and were slapped in the face from their son in-law, Cherish’s fingers slowly fell from his lips, “I’m going to make sure the kids are covered.” She whispered to him. Squeezing his hand gently, she then pushed the blanket away and tore her sorrow-filled gaze away from his face. As much as it pained her to walk away, to reject him when she wanted him, she couldn’t get over the guilt. The guilt crippled her; especially when they were in the same room.

  Simon watched her while she climbed the steps and rolled his head back with a groan.

  Cherish silently stole into the kids’ room and sighed under her breath. Jasmine’s blanket was on the floor and Jr.’s was crushed in the corner. She shook her head and bent down to pick up her daughter’s and replaced it. She then flattened Jr.’s over his body and sighed, “Happy New Years, babies. I love you.” She whispered. Cherish was unsure if she should return to Simon. If she did, she knew things would only escalate, and they’d end up doing a deed far too soon.

  Simon sat there for a few moments. Rubbing over his face, he looked back towards the staircase and stood. Each step he took felt heavy despite his quiet footfalls. When she turned around, she paused seeing his shadow standing in the doorway. Staring at him, she cleared her throat and was unable to take her eyes from his shaded visage; not for a second. Simon stepped closer before he took her hands in his grip and shook his head, “I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t have—”

  Cut off, Cherish’s lips collided with his and he instantly gripped her upper arms. She didn’t know what came over her. In a split moment she’d gone from a steely resolve to crashing over in her own feelings, desires, and emotions. She took a step towards him and hooked her arms beneath his. Her full lips pressed against his mouth as her fingertips gripped into the thick fabric of his shoulder.

  Kissing her back, he tilted his head and cupped the side of her face. Her natural curls wrapped around his fingertips while the emotional passion he held for her blossomed. His heart raced, and his head felt light as his arms slowly closed around her in an embrace. Standing together in the middle of the room, their bodies were pressed together in the darkness with their children fast asleep. Her head tilted one way while his followed the opposite. Slowly, her fingers began to drag down his shoulder blades as she got her fill of him.

  All too soon, she broke away and panted against his mouth. Though her mind reeled, her heart fought against the logical mindset telling her to abort this mission. Her body had reacted heavily towards him in a way she’d only felt the first night she’d spent with Todd. Leaning her head back, she stared up at his features before forcing herself to swallow and licking her swollen lips, “Goodnight…”

  Simon pulled himself together, fixed his glasses and sighed, “…night.” He replied.

  Without another word, she pulled fully away from him and hurried out of the room with the back of her hand pressed to her mouth for good reason. The only sound that followed soon after was her bedroom door closing the lock clicking in place.

  After he looked in on his children, he forced himself to find a way to spend the night without her. Laying on his back in bed, his hand was on his chest while the other pressed against his brow. A million thoughts flew through his head at once. There were many clear and rational reasons as to why it wasn’t a good idea, but the temptation and attraction to be near her was naturally overwhelming.

  Checking his phone, he groaned at the time before he tossed it over on the pillow she slept on. Once again, his thoughts drifted to her and what she was doing without the knowledge that she mimicked him in almost every way. Struggling to make peace on both sides of their desires, it was safe to say there was little sleep involved during the first night without each other.

  Chapter 15

  On the last day, before they were due to make the big flight home, Simon knew he wanted go out somewhere nice for Cherish. There’d been a little intentional distance between them because of New Years, but he wanted to bring them back to their normal and give her one final memory. He made sure to do his hair and dress nicely before he crossed the hallway to her door.

  She’d spent most of the day cleaning up hers and the kids’ room. As she folded a couple shirts and placed them into her suitcase. She pulled the end of Simon's sweater over the edge of her pants before pushing hair out of her face with an arm.

  Knocking on her door, Simon turned the knob and swung it open before his gaze rested on her tall frame, “Hey, change of plans today. How about we go into town and look around? Maybe get something to eat. I’ll even settle for a souvenir.” He suggested.

  She glanced over at him and inhaled a deep breath. Immediately she looked away from Simon and quelled the initial flusterment from her stomach, "Hm?" Pressing the palm of her hand to her stomach, she turned towards him with a grin, "You wait until our vacation is over and now you want to take me out to see the sights?" She asked biting on her bottom lip before going into the bathroom, "Give me one good reason as to why I should accept." She stated while she grabbed a jar of lip balm.

  With a smile on his face, he folded his hands behind his back, teetered playfully in his step, and followed her, “Because you know you want to.” He answered. This caught Cherish’s attention. She arched an eyebrow at his reflection with a smirk. Simon leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms while he watched her rub the balm on her lips; keeping them soft and luscious. Reaching after she was done, he dabbed some on himself and rubbed his lips together, “The best time to go sight-seeing is right before you can’t see them anymore. At least I think so.” He said.

  Rubbing her lips together, she waited until he was finished before she twisted the jar closed. Setting it down, she began to gather her hair into a fist and grabbed a hair tie, "So, you can see the sights with anyone right? Why don't you ask your mom, or Miriam? Why is it that you want to drag me out into the cold?" She questioned.

  Entering, he braced his palms on the counter around her body and leaned in closer. Through the mirror, she could see that he was staring straight at her from over her shoulder, “Wrong, I want you…” Cherish’s lips slightly parted as she stared at him. Simon smiled a little to himself before he lowered his gaze and pressed his forehead momentarily against her shoulder, “…besides, we’ve earned a day away from the kids, haven’t we?”

  Cherish looked at him through the reflection again as she finished tying her hair up. The way he made her feel every time he came close was strong and instinctive, but they knew now wasn’t their time. Simon blurred those lines and, for the most part, she did as well; because she wanted
him. All of him. She stared him for an unspoken moment before glancing away, "Let me finish up and I'll meet you downstairs." She whispered.

  A bright, contented expression washed over him as he broke into a smile; showing his straight teeth. Inhaling a deep breath, he then pulled away completely from her form, “Perfect, I’ll get everything ready.” He stated.

  Seemingly in a hurry, Cherish watched him leave the room. Getting to the bottom of the stairs, he saw Jack and Miriam playing on the floor with Jr. and his mother feeding Jasmine. They all looked in his direction and he gave them a thumbs up.

  Margaret, smirked a bit at her son as she gave him an "okay" gesture. Though she was the one who had given the idea. She’d nagged at him because he hadn't taken that "Sweet, lovely girl" out yet, to put into her own words.

  After a few minutes, Cherish stepped into the living room. She was bundled up in the usual attire, leggings, jeans, shirt, sweater, and jacket. Margaret glanced up from the sofa with Jasmine staring at the television. She silently motioned to Jr., Who was with his grandma in the dining room, before Cherish nodded and stayed out of view, "You kids have fun." Margaret whispered.

  Both waved and exited through the front door with the rental van keys in his hand. Thankfully it wasn’t a terrible day. The sun was shining, it wasn’t snowing, nor was there any wind. Despite the sun, Cherish still found the chill in the air a bit too much for her liking. Simon placed his hand up to his brow to shield the sun from his eyes, “Huh, it’s not too bad out. Lucky for you.” He said. Though, he spoke too soon, the moment they approached the van beneath the shade, he shivered, and his breath visibly billowed from his nostrils.

  Ironically, she also had to admit it was one of the warmer days they had. Imagine that, the day before they were due to leave, Mother Nature wanted to be forgiving with her. Internally rolling her eyes to herself, she cranked up the heat and decided to forego the sweater. She’d learned it was worse to sweat in the cold, than to wear less and deal with a chill. Simon watched her toss his sweater in the backseat. She draped the thick jacket on her lap. Putting in a bit more effort in her every day look as of late, she flicked her gaze over to him for a moment before clearing her throat, “So, what were you thinking about doing?” she asked fulling facing him.