Cherish and Simon- the First Year

by Eva Morian

  Understanding exactly what she meant, Cherish laughed a bit, "I know and don't forget that Simon and I are passed out by ten at the latest. I'm only twenty and I can't keep up." She replied with a laugh.

  The way she’d mentioned Simon twice didn't go unnoticed, and that caused both Miriam and Margaret to look at each other. Imani, noticing their exchanged glances, smiled a bit while Margaret gave her a thumbs up.

  Once the girls finished talking, Margaret tilted her head, "Wait, twenty?" She asked causing Cherish to nod. She pressed a finger over her lips, paused, and arched an eyebrow, "Baby, when was your birthday?" She asked.

  Cherish knew that tone and she slid her gaze over to Imani who rolled her lips in. Unable to lie, she sighed and tilted her head back, "August 27th." She said.

  Jasmine looked to her mommy as Margaret tilted her head; almost offended, "And you didn't tell us? We would have done something for you!"

  Trying to avoid a lecture in public, Cherish shook her head, "I know, but it was too soon after Emily and I wasn't up to celebrating. I've never celebrated before so..."

  All eyes silently fell on her before Miriam sighed and clapped her hands, "Excuse us. We are supposed to be relaxing and having a good time! Let’s go inside, our appointment is in three minutes!”

  Imani laughed under her breath before she leaned into Cherish, "Let's go before Mrs. Gabot has our heads." She whispered.

  Both women chuckled before Margaret faced them, "I heard that." She said with a smirk. Cherish quickly swallowed her laugh as Imani clammed up and straightened her back, but the look on her face caused the former to lose it again.

  Stepping inside the building, they were struck with rippled waterfalls meshed against the walls. Light, peaceful music drifted in the room, while the area smelled of Lilac. The women approached a long, sleek desk where a woman smiled at them, "Hello and welcome to Serenity Gardens. I am Janet, do you have an appointment?" She asked.

  Margaret stepped forward, "Yes under Gabot. It should be your all-inclusive plan."

  Cherish's eyebrows tucked together curiously while Janet pointed to the computer screen, "There it is, and this must be Jasmine. She's beautiful." She said with a smile. After Margaret signed them all in, Janet held out her hand towards a smaller woman who approached with a tray of champagne.

  Imani blew out a breath before she took the first glass and sipped, "Oh yeah, I'm excited today." She whispered. Cherish sucked her cheeks in as she silently accepted the glass with a thankful smile.

  Once everyone was ready, Janet rounded the desk to reveal a pregnant stomach. Cherish instantly looked at her belly and couldn’t help but smile. There were days she missed her stomach and how small Jasmine was.

  As Janet led them down a bright hallway, each window they passed showed off a different garden scape of peace and tranquility. She explained how the spa was prepared for mothers because of the in-house nannies who took care of the children while the adults would be pampered. Janet explained that Jasmine would be with them and the girl, who'd given them the champagne, was also the nanny who would stay in the suite with them.

  Champagne, massages, a suite, and in-house nannies, this all sounded too rich for Cherish's blood. By the time Janet opened the door to their little slice of heaven, the amenities and space alone almost caused her to gag.

  The first thing she noticed was the bright light from the large, colonial styled windows. Sheer white curtains were parted down the center and looped around hooks. To the immediate left, was a dressing room, complete with separation screens, for the women, and a large bathroom to the right. The room opened to a decorated sitting space where toys were tucked away in one of the tall white shelves and a flat screen television displayed with baby shows on mute. The Jacuzzi tubs were hidden in their own room and the massage tables were completely shrouded with privacy curtains towards the back. Along the furthest walls near the double doors that led into the tubs, were foot scrub stations.

  Janet turned with a smile, "Welcome to your sanctuary. Please, we ask that one of you stay with Liza and Jasmine for a few minutes, so they can bond, and she will feel safe enough to leave. Ladies, please undress and unwind. There are house robes in the change room for you and lunch will be served soon. Today we are having seared chicken breasts with garlic mashed potatoes, and buttered rosemary vegetables. Enjoy yourselves." She said with a smile before waddling out.

  Imani grinned from ear to ear, "So I officially want to be adopted. Please." She said with a laugh.

  Liza approached Margaret while Miriam stepped forward, "If you don't mind, I would like to spend some time with Jasmine before I join you. Margaret nodded before she handed Jasmine over and Miriam followed Liza towards the play area.

  As they entered the dressing room, Cherish touched along Margaret's shoulder, "Quick question. How much did this cost?" She asked in disbelief.

  Margaret gained a Cheshire grin shrugging coyly, "I don't know. This was my son's idea, so you'll have to ask him. But, I did tell him to look at Groupon. So, if it costs an arm and a leg on the app, oh boy I don't think I'm ready to have heart palpitations." She expressed.

  Imani laughed under her breath as she finished her drink happily, "I'll take the palpitations to go through this. Thank you, boss." She said. She began to undo the buttons on her shirt and glanced back at Margaret and Cherish, "Come on ladies, its paid for. Enjoy it!"

  Soon, Jasmine played with Liza while everyone was sprawled out on the massage tables. Trained professionals rubbed out every kink and bit of stress. Cherish's eyes curled in every time the woman's strong thumbs would ride against her back between her shoulder blades. Margaret sighed, Miriam dozed off sporadically, and Imani moaned, "Oh yes. This...this is the life." She groaned with pointed toes.

  Cherish nodded slightly against the face guard, "Yeah. A poker game, can't beat this."

  Miriam then giggled, "Or golf. Standing around with a bunch of men watching a little ball sail through the sky. They can have it." She expressed as they all fell into silent bliss.

  Simon struggled to get the sticky sauce out of the crevices of Jr.’s hands. Once he was finished, they returned to the main room where he was surprised with Jack’s sudden appearance. Standing with a drink in his hand and watching the game with everyone else. Approaching him, he tapped on his back with the same look of surprise, “How did you get here?” he asked.

  Jack smiled before he brought Simon and Jr. into a hug. He rubbed through the little boy’s hair and it was clear to see that he was overjoyed to see his grandson, “Leave it to Simon not to tell anyone.” He referred to Simon Sr. Jack wasn’t wrong, Simon Sr. loved surprises unlike his wife.

  Simon broke into a grin, “Is Miriam here?” he asked.

  Jack nodded, “Oh yeah, she’s getting her toes massaged with the girls.” He replied.

  Speaking about the flight, no one else listened to them because they were immersed in the game and waited with bated breath. During an intense moment, the silence, other than Jack and Simon, was apparent. Everyone leaned in when suddenly, they all jumped up and roared out loud cheers as their team scored. Simon was never much of a sports fan, but he liked the energy of others celebrating. Jr., on the other hand, didn’t appreciate the noise at all and began to cry.

  Jack pointed to the porch where Simon Sr. and a few others were setting up the poker table. Reaching for his grandson, he picked Jr. up and rubbed along his back as the younger one curled against his chest. The first game was played with Simon Sr., Simon, and a couple others. Once the first game had finished, Jr.’s balled fist loosened, and he was sound asleep. Transferring him to his carrier, Jack pulled up a chair at the table and sat down. Gary began dealing out cards, “Anyone have anything to bet?” he asked cheekily.

  Simon shared a look with his father. They didn’t play around when it came to gambling and they both hated the idea of losing money. At least when they splurged it was on themselves or their family.

  Jack, the voice of ill reason, spoke up, �
��I’m in for twenty bucks if you all are. Winner out of ten takes the cake.”

  The Gabot men inhaled a deep breath before they both sighed and agreed to put in twenty with everyone else. Soon the cards were dealt out and the host played as banker and dealer. The players looked at their cards. Simon eyed Jack and his father because he knew them best. He searched for any hint of what they may or may not have. All he could think of was how Cherish would get on his case for losing twenty dollars when they could have used the money for a family pack of diapers. His kids’ butts were on the line and relied on him to win.

  He didn’t see any difference in Jack’s expression. This man had a great poker face. All the while, his dad looked worried which caused Simon to surge with confidence, “I’m going in ten.” He said. Moving ten of his thirty chips into the betting pile, he held a straight in his hand.

  Wetting his lips, his father reluctantly pushed his chips into the middle.

  The shorter man groaned, “Ten already? You’re busting my balls here. Someone’s got something.” He insinuated before his gaze landed on Simon.

  All were forced to match the bet before they showed their hands. Two of the men had nothing, Jack had one pair, the short man had three of a kind, his partner had two pairs. Simon rested down his Straight to show the winning hand, though Simon Sr. looked at his son and his worried expression wiped away. Showing a broad, slithery grin, he laid down a Full House, “You were saying?” he asked while pulling in the pile of chips to himself.

  Simon sighed while he received sharp looks from the others. Burying his head in his arms, the others jeered him lightly while Simon Sr. laughed. All he could so, was apologize several times and play safe the next round.

  Lunch proved to be just as delicious as the massage felt. Filled to the brim, the women were now seated in the pedicure chairs. The rushing warm water was scented with flowery oils. The professionals massaged their feet, cut their nails, and buffed the dead skin cells away. Imani jolted every five seconds with a snorting laugh before she apologized and relaxed once more.

  Cherish smiled at her before rolling her head towards the front and stared at Jasmine watching television. She exhaled a deep breath rubbing her hands together. Feeling the effects of being brought to complete relaxation with the assurance that her daughter was safe, she sighed. The stress of the past weeks and constant worries melted away with the other women by her side.

  Margaret glanced to Miriam and watched her profile, “So, what’s the decision you and Jack have come to?” She questioned.

  This caused both Cherish and Imani to lean slightly in their seats and tune in. Miriam sighed softly before scratching along her scalp, “It’s hard thinking about giving up the house Emily was raised in, but we’re missing so much of Jr. and Jasmine’s life. We don’t think that’s worth it. So, I believe that we will sell the house within a year and move closer to be with you all.” She said with a smile.

  Cherish felt her stomach drop in shock. This was the first time she’d heard anything about them moving. Margaret fist pumped and sloshed a bit of water with how she kicked her feet, “Oh! Oh sorry, sorry.” She then returned her attention to Miriam and grabbed her hand, “That’s wonderful! I can’t wait until we can go house hunting!” She expressed while Miriam smiled.

  Catching sight of the way Cherish looked at her, Miriam waited as the former bit on her bottom lip, “I’m so happy. That’s the best news I’ve heard all week. I can’t wait to tell Simon when he gets home.” She said. Once again, Simon's name escaped, and Margaret slowly turned her sights on Cherish which caused the latter’s face to drop.

  Oh no.

  Completely honed in, Margaret scooted slightly towards Cherish and smiled, "Sweetheart. I've been meaning to ask this. You and Simon have been living together for over nine months. You two still sleep in the same bed even though the babies aren't in the room anymore. Now, you're a beautiful woman and I know my son is handsome, I mean look at his father..." She chuckled under her breath and smiled about her husband. Cherish felt slightly on edge as Margaret took notice and quickly reassured her, "…No, no baby. Don't look like that. We aren't upset and you're a part of our family. I just want to know if you and Simon are...being adults together." She said.

  Miriam's eyes widened while Imani's mouth fell agape, "Wait, you and Mr. Gabot sleep in the same bed? Oooh juicy. Details, details!!" She exclaimed.

  Kicked into her motherly and overprotective nature, Margaret leaned over to look past Cherish and pursed her lips, "Now Imani, I hope that whatever is said here today won't be repeated at the office. The last thing my son needs are rumors." She warned.

  Imani chuckled darkly under her breath. She knew how much Susan fancied him, but also hated the woman and didn't want him to fall for someone as evil as her. Shaking her head, Imani held her hand out as she replied in truth, "Mrs. Gabot. As much as I would love to devastate half of our company, this is not my business or my place to repeat. Mr. Gabot is almost like family to me on the job. You have nothing to worry about here."

  Cherish felt a bit more at ease as did Margaret, but when the mother's blue hues looked to her again, Cherish sighed and inadvertently glanced to Miriam, "No. Simon and I aren't doing that. It's too soon." She whispered before looking away.

  Miriam blinked a few times as the workers finished their jobs and began to clean up the supplies. Miriam stared at Cherish for a prolonged moment, "You keep looking at me whenever Simon is brought up. Why?" She asked even though she thought she knew a portion of the answer. She wanted Cherish to clarify.

  Feeling sick to her stomach, Cherish licked the corner of her mouth and looked to Miriam again; sadly, "Because the last thing I want to do is disrespect Emily, you, and Jack. You guys have been through enough and..." Sighing, she shook her head, "...and I remember how you all felt about me when you first found out I was there. I don't want you to think bad about me. I'm sure Simon told you about the problems I have with men and trusting them. But he is the first man I really say I can trust, and I don't want to ruin that and lose you guys in the process."

  Silence.

  Imani inhaled a deep breath before rubbing along Cherish's shoulder while Miriam, surprisingly, spoke up first, "Honey. There is no way that you are disrespecting us. You take care of our grandchildren. You fed Jr. when he was born, and you still do. Emily is gone, Cherish. She's not coming back, and she has no Earthly knowledge of what has happened. I do believe that God sent you to meet my daughter because he had to take her home. If she hadn’t met you, my grandson wouldn't have a mother. He was blessed with two. Simon would be an utter wreck and so would we. You brought that little girl in our lives when we needed her most. You will never, ever lose us. Not after all you've done." Her voice cracked while Cherish wiped her eyes, stood up, and hugged her tightly. Miriam wrapped an arm around her torso.

  Margaret sat back. Her son had only expressed that Cherish had been through a lot, but she didn't notice there was more than what met the eye. Not wanting to bring the moment down, she made a mental note to discuss it further with Simon when they had a moment alone. To her, Cherish was blood; her daughter. She knew Miriam felt the same in a sense.

  Once they broke apart, they were led into the back room where the bathtubs, filled with hot, bubbling water, rested. They climbed in one by one and immersed their bodies in bliss. Given facials, teas, and sweet rolls for a dessert, they soaked in the tubs for another hour before their experience ended. By the time they all redressed themselves and met outside of the building, it was 5 P.M.

  Hugging it out, Imani was the first to thank them and leave because she had to meet another for dinner. She made plans to meet up with Cherish one weekend for drinks. Miriam expressed the desire to go to the house early the next morning to spend time with the kids.

  Saying goodbye to both mothers, Cherish carried a sleeping Jasmine towards her car and strapped her in as per usual. The car, by saving grace, started up without incident and before long she was off. She waved to Miriam a
nd Margaret and used the GPS to take her home.

  To avoid traffic, Cherish was taken on a route she'd never been on and kept a watchful eye of where to go. On a corner where a billboard advertised a farmer’s market, she turned onto the road and was instantly met with thick woods on both sides. The radio played Disney music for Jasmine even through her sleep. Thinking back on the conversation with Miriam, Cherish sighed to herself and felt more at ease. The respect she held for the woman grew ten-fold and, now that she knew how they felt regardless of what she and Simon did, she debated on if she were ready to take the next step with him. Just the thought of him made her smile.

  A smile that wasn’t destined to last.

  A loud bang caused Cherish to scream; jolting Jasmine awake with a cry. Smoke erupted from the hood of the vehicle and, in a panic, she slammed on the breaks. The car veered to the right, which jerked her to the side, and slid down into a ditch before stopping.

  Looking up with the steering wheel gripped in her hands, the sounds of Jasmine's cries caught her attention first. Quickly, she spun around, looked at her baby, and realized she was okay. Panting, tears stung the corner of her eyes as she quickly took out the key with shaken hands and gripped them in her palm. Reaching around for the baby bag, she grabbed the strap and brought it to the front; speaking to Jasmine, "I-It's okay baby. Mommy is going to call daddy. Alright? She's going to call daddy and he's going to pick us up..." Digging through the bag, she felt blood pumping in her neck as she pushed items from one side to the other. Her wallet was there, but her phone was not.

  That’s when it dawned on her. The phone was left on the changing table in the kid's room, Cherish's entire stomach dropped. She placed a hand over her eyes, "Fuck." She whispered amidst Jasmine's inconsolable shrieks. The kind she made when she wanted Simon.

  Rubbing the side of her head, she then began to mix a bottle for Jasmine to sooth herself. Shaking it, Cherish turned and held the bottle to Jasmine who took it and cried between sucks. Looking into the rear-view mirror, Cherish undid her seatbelt and quickly opened the door, "Mommy will be right back." She whispered. Jasmine watched her with tear stained cheeks before she dropped the bottle and cried out once more.