Cherish and Simon- the First Year

by Eva Morian

  Simon wasn’t fond of the idea to let his child and woman move there. The last of his worries was the front lawn. He didn’t say a word but the look on his face spoke volumes. He rolled in his lips and suppressed a grin as he pleasantly agreed with Cherish’s compliments. She had to find a silver lining to save face in front of the current residents.

  By the time they left, Simon had a full-blown grin. Cherish kept glancing over to him and sighing. She held in what she had to say until after she buckled Jr. in, “C-can you at least not smile so hard?” She asked shutting the door.

  Inhaling a deep breath of fresh air, Simon laughed a bit to himself, “I’ll let you know when my cheeks stop hurting from being right.” He replied looking between her and Jasmine, “Man, Daddy, that house STINKS. Take me HOME, to OUR house, please and thank you!” He mocked in a sing-song tone; one he always imagined Jasmine would have.

  Cherish dully stared at him once he shut the door, “My baby does not sound like a female Mickey Mouse, dear.” She said in a playful, warning tone. She slid into the passenger seat and turned her body towards his.

  She knew he’d have more to say and by the time he appeared next to her. He delivered, “I knew this was going to be bad! That house was dirty, musty, and I think I saw mold. The door was broken in the bedroom and I saw a roach. My baby girl is not going to live there. Nope. She has a nice, cozy, homey bedroom back at the house with her brother.” He said with a smile.

  Laughing out loud, Cherish rolled her eyes and lightly pushed her palm against his shoulder, “Oh stop! You did not see mold! It was uh…dirt. Yes. Dirt.” She lied correcting him.

  Simon rolled his eyes as she failed to convince herself, “Oh, ha-ha. Sure.” He said with a broad smirk. Turning the car on, he threw the clutch into reverse, and began to back out, “Maybe you should wait before you move. Another year, maybe two. Hell, why not three.” He stated once they drove off.

  Cherish glanced back at the children. Jasmine had started to nod off while Jr. began to stir from his nap. She arched an eyebrow and gave Simon a side smile, “Two or three? Holding onto us, are you?” She asked.

  Simon caught sight of Jr. opening his eyes in the backseat. That lucky little boy didn’t have to endure the torture of the house as Jasmine. Simon cleared his throat as he turned off the street and rolled further away, “Holding onto you? Whatever do you mean?” He questioned with faux innocence. “Besides, what will Jr. do about his late-night meal?” He added.

  Cherish sighed, shook her head, and pulled on a curl, “I don’t think I want to be an all you can eat buffet for our little man. My nipples are starting to crack, and he bit me again! I showed you last night. Maybe we should start weaning him.”

  Simon took a quick glance at her cleavage in all its glory the moment she mentioned her nipples. He remembered the indent Jr. left and how she recoiled away in pain when he brushed his fingers against them to check. He was also half distracted the moment she lifted her shirt over those bulbous breasts. Now, he had to do something.

  Reaching over, he tugged the slip of her dress open a bit and tried to check for a ridiculous gash. His hand retracted quickly before she had a chance to shoo him away. He turned his blue eyes towards the rear-view mirror momentarily at Jr., “Hey, you. Don’t bite the tit that feeds you. Come on now, they’re sensitive.” He said with a blissful grin.

  Cherish glanced back at Jr. to see the pudgy little boy smile at his father. He didn’t have a clue in the world what he said and simply reacted to his voice. Simon grew serious as he cast her a look. They were in the last part of town before they’d reach the residential area they resided in, “Maybe we should get you a pump. That will let you heal a bit. What do you think?” He asked honestly.

  Cherish rubbed her hands together all before she looked to his profile. She loved the way the dark stubble rested beneath his glasses. Clearing her throat, she turned in her seat and pondered, “A pump. I think that would help.” She answered. Reaching downwards, she picked up her purse and proceeded to look through her bills money, “Cell phone. Water. Electricity. Hm, I think if I pull a little out of my savings, I’d be able to buy a pump. Would you mind taking me to Target then, Simon?” She asked knowing better than to mention Wal-Mart.

  Simon slid her a knowing look. When he heard her list off how she might have been able to afford a pump. She knew that he’d buy the damn pump for her. Anything for her and his boy.

  Cherish awkwardly reached up to play with the silver studs in her ears, “I’m also getting a little hungry.” She said rolling her eyes away.

  Simon nodded while turning the car into the lot. So, this was going to be a day where he paid for everything and she wouldn’t say a word. That suited him just fine. If this was the loophole she needed to use and let him pay for her, then so be it. He would do anything to bring back the spark of a potential date they shared a few weeks prior. “Oh? Where are we eating? Chic-fil-a again? Or did you want to go to your favorite barbecue place right over there?” He asked pointing.

  Cherish didn’t answer him because she knew, he knew that’s where she wanted to go. She cut a glance over in his direction as he pulled into a spot not far from the smokehouse. Once he shut the car off, she had her chance to fake innocence, “Why, I don’t know what you’re talking about. I would have EASILY gone to Chic-fil-a, dear.” She stated.

  Simon rolled his eyes as he shook his head and exited the car, “Uh huh. Sure, you would have.” He said sarcastically.

  Rolling her lips in, Cherish was quick to click the seat belt off and rush towards the back for the kids. She reached out for Jasmine and picked her sleepy body up. She kissed against her forehead and cheeks amorously, “Guess who is going to have good food today my babies.” She asked rhetorically.

  Grabbing for Jr. this time, he knew Cherish tended to linger on the cheaper end of the menu. Which would tick her off each time because he’d splurge on himself and she’d eat her meal with a slight hint of bitter resentment. “Are you going to try the ribs this time? Or are you going to stick to the chicken?” He asked as though he already knew the answer.

  Cherish leaned over to kiss Jr.’s cheeks once they were together. She bumped Jasmine on her bottom sleeping on her shoulder. From the outside, they looked like a little, happy family as they approached the doors. More so than their first outing together. Cherish pursed her lips together, “Water and chicken. That’s how I roll.” She bantered. “But, you’re right. Maybe I’ll splurge and get tea or perhaps a lemonade.” She joked.

  Once inside, Cherish and Simon sat across from each other with Jr. in a high chair at the end of the table. The waitress pulled out her booklet and pen with a manufactured smile. Simon ordered a citrus soda before he glanced at Cherish. Holding onto Jasmine, she read over the menu from afar. They wanted two ninety-nine for a drink and, to her, that wasn’t worth it, “Uh, yes I would like a wat—”

  “—Can you add a lemonade to that? Thank you.” He quickly interjected.

  As the waitress walked away, Cherish leaned over with her hand securely on Jasmine's head, “What are you doing?” She hissed at him.

  Simon was tuned into Jr. because, for the time being, he was well behaved. But once he smelled and saw food, the fussing would begin. Simon flicked his blue hues over the rim of his glasses and sighed, “It’s three dollars, Cherish. I’m buying.” He said with a softened smile.

  Huffing out, she accepted his generosity before leaning back against the booth. She began to rock from side to side with Jasmine and embraced the moment with her. They were rare. She was such a daddy’s girl it hurt. Though Jr., at the sight of his mommy with the other tumbleweed stared at them. He inhaled a deep breath and slammed his hands against the table with a grunt. Cherish grinned from ear to ear before she reached over and stroked along her son’s head.

  Simon silently watched the motherly side of Cherish. He could see the love Jr. held for her and that was just one of the reasons he couldn’t let her walk out of their lives. Lifting h
is menu, he read over his options before he decided to get the ribs. That would give him the most for his money while he and Cherish could enjoy the leftovers later, “Hmm see. The chicken doesn’t look good at all. See that table over there? They have some.” He whispered while he nodded towards the couple across the room. Even though he tried to convince her, they still looked content with their meal.

  She took a quick glance at the other couple before returning her gaze to Simon, “The chicken looks just fine from here.” She replied.

  Smiling, Simon opened the menu towards her and pointed to the succulent picture. There was a permanent smirk on his face which would be associated with the Devil’s Advocate, “Mmmm doesn’t this look so inviting? Rich, savory, delicious. You can practically smell the pork from the kitchen already.” He taunted.

  Cherish chuckled a bit, “What are you the spokesperson for the company? If you want the ribs so bad, then you get them, dear.” She replied.

  He gave her a smug smile, “I do think I will. Deelish.” He mocked.

  A few seconds later the waitress returned with their drinks, set them down, and opened her book, “What can I get you?” She asked.

  Simon jumped in as he leaned his elbow against the table. He then flicked his finger between he and Cherish with a smile, “Could we get the double rack of ribs to share? Oh, and for the sides…” He clicked his teeth as he glanced down. Finally, he looked over at her boldly, “What should we get, love?” He asked.

  Met with a hardened stare from Cherish, she rolled her lips in because he knew she wouldn’t dispute. He went for the lemonade and now he gunned for the ribs as well! She’d became a pro by now and already calculated what she’d owe him. On top of the car, the clothes, food, shelter. She would be forever indebted to him. What would another twenty dollars make?

  Cherish inhaled a deep breath and allowed his move to roll off her shoulders, “Oh uh…” Glancing down at the menu, she pushed her lips to the side while she readjusting herself in the seat, “…well I think we should get green beans and baked beans.” She answered. Handing the menu to the waitress, she then took a long, delicious sip of her lemonade. Her eyes fell shut and she relished in the delicious nectar touching her taste buds.

  Simon smiled and nodded towards the waitress, “Thank you, that’ll be all.” He stated. He then looked right across the table at Cherish and mirrored her sip with his own. He gauged her expression to see just how upset she was at him this time, “Don’t worry about the food. It’s going to taste so good in your mouth, you’re going to forget all about the price and the number in your mind you think you owe me.” He tried to convince her as he softly rubbed a knuckle across Jr.’s pudgy cheek, “Besides, it’s nice to treat yourself sometimes. You’ve earned it, don’t you think?” He asked.

  Cherish opened one eye at him and arched an eyebrow, “It’s hard to do when I’m trying to save up money. To you know, move.” She replied defeatedly. Sighing, she licked her lips and eyed Simon’s face, “So, the other apartment I found is on the east end of Dayton County. It’s only an hour from you. Of course, the neighborhood isn’t the best but it’s only temporary.” She said with a shrug while she continued to rock and kiss against Jasmine’s head.

  This situation wasn’t ideal, but she had to be independent sometime, right? There was a string that had deeply embedded in her heart for the two men in front of her. There were feelings she couldn’t deny, love she felt, and the thought of being away from their security did frighten her. But, she was naively convinced by a woman she barely knew. One she was intimidated by underneath it all. It’d all be worth it in the end. At least until she could return to him better and truly worthy to be with him.

  Simon watched her in silence for a long moment, “You know, you really don’t have to rush.” He said. He didn’t like the idea of the place she tried to sell to him. Another questionable neighborhood which was enough to put his foot down. He knew he had no right to keep her with them, but life was the best it could be. He was happy with her. Perhaps he was selfish, but he could’ve sworn Emily smiled down on them as well.

  Soon the waitress had delivered refills and their food. The bit of meat she could pull off from her fork melted in her mouth. She shared little strips with Jr. who gobbled from her fingers happily. Smiling down at her little boy, she leaned over and kissed his messy lips, “I love you.” She said quickly.

  A hum of appreciation emanated from Simon as he gave a slightly messy smirk to, “I knew you’d like it.” Jr. squealed and kicked his legs for another bite, “Of course YOU love it too.” He said to his son.

  After she struggled to eat two ribs, Cherish finally gave up with a sigh. Lo and behold, once she placed her fork down, Jasmine roused from her nap and lifted her head. Her dazed expression gazed all around the new surroundings before her little face twisted and a winded pout escaped her mouth. Her lips were down turned, and her body instantly leaned for daddy while her short arms reached out for him; alike to begging.

  Jr.’s bright blue eyes went from one parent to the other before he too grew nervous. Which meant he wanted the comfort of mommy now that her arms were free. Jasmine had her turn and now it was his.

  Simon wiped off his fingers before he reached over and took her. Jr. soon followed in the same pattern in Cherish’s arms now. Simon made a quick move and held a wet napkin out to her. He then turned his glance down to Jasmine who stared up at him with her sweet, tanned face. He handed his little girl a green bean before eyeing Cherish, “Don’t you think an hour is too far away?” he asked.

  “It is.” She whispered to herself. Being clung by the sweetest little boy in the world, she glanced down into those big, blue eyes who loved her with every ounce of his body. She wrapped her arms and hugged him tightly into her form.

  From the corner of her eye, Cherish caught the sight of Jasmine and Simon. Her little girl clapped her hands while he fed her, “Mmmm!” She hummed while nibbling the bean. With one in each hand, Jasmine leaned away from Simon and stared up at him, “Da-dee.” She whispered taking another bite.

  Cherish sighed sadly to herself. She couldn’t leave. If the circumstances were different, she wouldn’t. The way Simon cuddled into Jasmine was a weight over her shoulders; literally, “Thank you.” She whispered to Simon as he paid for their meal. Grabbing the large baby bag, she and her family exited the restaurant.

  Cherish held onto Jr. tightly and walked slightly ahead. Jr. stared back at his father and sister while they made their way through the heat for Target. As Simon grabbed a cart, Cherish randomly kissed Jr. on the cheeks as they entered the shop and made their way towards the back for the aisle of breast pumps.

  Simon, automatically, could tell something was off with Cherish. She would always kiss Jr. out of her own affection, but his cheek was wet now. Her nervous habit came through, but he remained silent and followed her.

  Naturally, Cherish went for the one where she’d have to pump by hand, also known as the cheapest, “Thirty dollars. Hm.” She contemplated aloud.

  Simon eyed the nicer, sixty-dollar brands with a built-in motorized, suctioned pump to easily pull the milk without uneven pressure or effort. He tapped his finger on the box and read the specifications approaching her, “Does this one look good to you?” he asked with a warmth in his tone.

  His gaze lingered on her a bit longer than usual as she decided. He knew he’d spent a lot more on her than she usually would allow him. At times, he’d let her have her way even if it meant he’d need to purchase a replacement in the future. All he wanted was Cherish’s happiness because she truly deserved to be joyful. He wanted her to feel at home with him and ultimately decide to stay. He loved this woman more than he could stand and only wanted to be with her. Simon needed to convince her once and for all she belonged exactly where she was.

  By his side.

  Cherish rolled Jr. from one side to the other and grabbed the one she wanted. Leaning into his space, she read the specs on the side before shrugging lightly to
herself. “Well this one is cheaper but, the parts don’t look as sturdy, you know? But, I’m thinking that since Jr. is eating more food and only the milk at night and mornings, this one might be better.” She reasoned kissing on Jr.’s cheek again, “I’m not having more children any time soon. So, I’m guessing this one is good.” She concluded. “What were you looking at?” She asked.

  Jasmine leaned over to grab her brother’s nose and managed to knock Jr. from his stare. With his attention gained, Jr. grabbed her small hand before lowering it from his face.

  Cherish made a good point. If she wasn’t going to get pregnant again, which would be over his dead body if with someone else, then Jr. was supposed to be almost done with breast feeding. So, he agreed. He did a double take behind himself at the pump and waved his hand, “Don’t worry about it. You’re right, mine would be too much. This one is just fine.” He said as he placed the box into the cart with the food.

  Heading towards the registers, he paused and glanced back at her with a grin, “Oh and don’t try to pay me back for this. You know how I am.” He teasingly added.

  Cherish narrowed her eyes as she followed Simon through the checkout and back for the car. She gave him a smug smile because, even though he bought it, he would wake up with that money back in his pocket or wallet. The beauty was he wouldn’t even realize he’d been repaid. He would just be happy to find money. It worked every time.

  Despite their opposite standpoint of Cherish moving, the day had been good.

  Cherish buckled Jr. next to Jasmine, who stared at her brother with big, wide eyes and a smile. She then slid into the front seat with Simon, pulled the seatbelt on, and cleared her throat, “Where to now?” She asked.

  Simon arched his neck and looked at her. Starting up the car, he thought about home but wanted to leave the option open. He leaned into her view, “Anywhere you’d like my dear.” He said pointing out, “It’s sweltering outside so I hope it has air conditioning. You’ve got me all weekend.” He added quickly.