Cherish and Simon- the First Year

by Eva Morian

  Cherish agreed it was hot outside; even for her. By the look of Jasmine and Jr.’s reddened cheeks from the store to the car, she had the perfect plan, “We haven’t seen mom and dad in a couple days. I’m sure they’d love to see the kids and we can utilize their pool.” She said speaking in a way that incepted Simon’s thoughts, “Of course we’d have to stop by the house for our swimsuits.”

  At the word swimsuit, Simon’s eyes instant cast over her face and body, “Swimming? Sold.” He said as he cranked up the air conditioner in the car. He wanted to swim badly but wanted to see Cherish half-naked even more. Enough to go to his parent’s house.

  Once home, Simon took Jasmine. He already had in mind of the pastel pink, ruffled suit he would dress her in. Rushing into the house, he held his little girl up and over his shoulder as he climbed the stairs and went for the kids’ bedroom, “We are going to have fun. Yes, we are! You, me, mommy, and Jr., yes!” He said. Lifting her over his shoulders, he kissed her cheek and searched for her little suit.

  Cherish busied herself with pink and blue sippy cups. She handed Jr. the pink one which he took eagerly and began to suck down. He hated the blue one with a passion for an unexplained reason which baffled both parents. Jr. teetered and tottered behind his mother as she walked around the kitchen to restock the baby bag.

  Simon changed Jasmine into a waterproof diaper and her outfit before he set her in the crib. How adorable she looked only caused him to feel delighted, “Now it’s daddy’s turn. You stay here, beautiful.” He expressed backing out of the room.

  Jasmine was less than pleased as she watched her true love leave, “DA-DEE! JOO-NIR!” she cried out. Cherish lifted Jr. in her arms and hurried up the stairs towards the bedroom. She passed by Simon and quickly dressed Jr. in little trunks adorned with tiny anchors. Plopping him in the crib with her, Jasmine fell backwards, and he offered the dark blue cup to her with a grunt.

  Simon stepped into his bedroom and blatantly undressed. With his shirt off and his pants by his thighs, he rummaged through his drawers for his trunks. Yet, he couldn’t seem to find them. That prompted him to call the only person who would know, “Cherish. CHERISH! Where are my swim trunks!?”

  Cherish smirked to herself, “Mommy will be right back my loves.” She cooed. She began to unzip the back of her wine-colored dress, entered their bedroom, and gently pressed her hand against Simon’s shoulder. As he moved out of her way, she reached underneath his underwear and socks where his swim trunks magically ended up; always, “Do you want the green and white ones? Or the black and blue?” She questioned. Simon was about to open his mouth when she beat him to the punch. She held up the black and blue, “Here you are, dear.” She said with a soft smile. She then turned her back to Simon, pulled the small strings of her dress off, and rolled the fabric over her breasts.

  Disappearing into the walk-in closet, she passed by the Emily’s wedding dress. Cherish smiled directly at the delicate lace fabric as though to acknowledge her. Then, she looked through her side of the closet, which, was all three-fourths of space compared to his small patch in the back. At the section holding an abundance of cheap suits, she decided if she should wear one to fight with all day or, one of the more expensive ones he’d bought for her. A gift over Thanksgiving he had to get after he spent an entire afternoon at the beach constantly readjusting her top.

  “Simon! Which suit should I wear?” She asked. Standing there with her bare breasts on display, she rolled the dress down her hips which revealed a tight, black thong. She never felt the need to cover her body when they were alone. He’d seen and touched her when she recovered from childbirth; at her worst. Nothing was sacred between them.

  Simon dropped his pants and pulled on his swim trunks before he followed her into the closet. His step froze when he saw her almost naked. Naturally, her breasts stole his attention in their weighted glory. Blowing out silently to himself, he returned his attention to the task at hand. He flicked his gaze back to the suits and gave her a dull expression. He took the cheap one from her hand and placed it back on the rack, “The good one. That way I won’t have to pay more attention to your breasts than I should in front of my parents. I don’t think that would be a good idea.” He expressed honestly.

  Taking the swimsuit from him, Cherish arched an eyebrow with a grin and shook her head before getting ready. Simon left the room and stared at her as though to test his choice, “I’ll be in the car. Take your time.”

  Crossing the hall, he hauled the baby bag over his shoulders before he picked up his kids in either arm. Each child hung onto their sippy cups with one arm feeling heavier than the other. He loaded them into the car before he hurried over and hopped in. With the heat still on his back, he sat and cranked the A/C and gave his parents a call, “Hello? Hey dad. Cherish and I thought we’d bring the kids over today for a swim. We’ll be over there soon, alright?”

  Tossing on a cover, she grabbed her things, checked the house, and turned on the alarm. She met with Simon in the car and grinned back at the babies, “Are you ready to go see Grandma and Grandpa?” She asked.

  Naturally the kids were excited by Cherish’s tone and smiles. They knew they were going to be spoiled and fawned over by the ones who loved them.

  About twenty minutes later, they pulled up to the house. Simon knew the inevitable was going to happen with his mother’s nose in their business. By the time they went into the back seat, the front door opened and there she was. Cherish glanced through the windshield before smiling at him, “Mom is already waiting for us.” She chuckled unhooking Jasmine, “Take everything she says in stride, alright? Alright.” She whispered.

  Sighing and rolling his eyes, he knew she was right, “Exactly. Let’s make this as painless as possible.” He muttered in response.

  Smiling warmly, Cherish shook her head, “Of course, dear.” She stated as she backed out with Jasmine in her arms.

  Carrying the bag and Jr., he shut the door, locked the car, and led the way straight towards the backyard. Jasmine lit up the moment her gaze rested on her grandmother’s frame. She held her arms out and kicked her feet happily, “MA! MA!” She squealed. Cherish had a firm grip on her little body to keep her from tumbling out of her arms.

  Simon waved to his mother and pointed where they were headed. So, like any good sleuth, she shut the door and hurried to the back deck. Once they passed through the tall gate, Margaret approached with a mesh bag of toys and hugged them both.

  The backyard was lush with an ample amount of shade, though, not entirely shrouded as what they had back home. A decorated gazebo rested on the raised deck with the barbecue grill and patio chairs. Between the deck and grass sat an inground pool lined with tanning chairs.

  Simon leaned into his mother’s arms, “It’s nice to see you Ma. You look good.”

  Margaret’s eyes gleamed once she saw the cream number Cherish wore beneath her cover. Grabbing her son’s arm, she dragged him closer, “Son. Have you and Cherish…done…”

  He cut his eyes down at her, “Mom, stop.” He muttered softly.

  Margaret was about to protest before pausing as Cherish grew closer. Acting normal, she quickly drew away, smiled, and pulled her into a tight hug, “There’s my daughter! Hello baby!”

  Jasmine began to kick her legs, “MA!” She shrieked again.

  Margaret quickly turned her attention to Jasmine and dropped the bag of toys by her feet, “Let’s not forget you baby girl!” She laughed scooping her up into her arms.

  Simon rubbed the side of his face. His mother was up to her shenanigans once more which made visits tedious lately. Looking down at Jr., his son’s bright, blue eyes stared back at his father while gripping his shirt.

  A smirk appeared on Simon’s face only for his own father to pat against his back, “So, she hasn’t moved yet, huh? Did anything happen?” He questioned. “Don’t give me a stupid answer, boy.” He added.

  Jr. reached up and pulled Simon’s glasses from his face. He chewed on the rubb
er end and began to kick his feet from restlessness. Jr. understood these older people gave him food, he learned that in his short year and knew it well.

  Simon gave his father a testing look, “Don’t push it. Right now, I don’t even think she wants—”

  Before he could finish, his dad cut in, “—bullshit. Do you see what I see, son? That’s the look of a woman in need. Stop being blind and get what you want while it’s good.” He hissed.

  Sighing out roughly, Simon flicked his glance to the blurred ripples in the pool, “So, we came over for a swim and to give the babies a dip. Are you coming? Or will you man the barbecue?” He asked changing the subject.

  Simon Sr. gave his son a long look before he grunted and turned away. Walking up the deck steps towards said pit, he pulled the foil from a platter loaded with hotdogs and hamburger patties. Firing up the grill, he watched Simon with the same smartass expression before he popped open a carton of cigarettes and lit one up.

  Meanwhile, Simon once more looked down at his boy and pried his glasses from his lips, “Well, someone’s going to be full and happy today.” He muttered.

  Margaret pulled the girls through the sliding glass doors and into the kitchen. Fluttering about, she’d already prepared snacks and toys for her little grandchildren. She was intent on feeding them while her husband oversaw the kiddie pool. “I’m so happy you and Simon came! I just love seeing my children. Especially you sweet girl!” She exclaimed while kissing Jasmine’s little lips and handing her a cookie. Cherish sat on one of the barstools tucked beneath the kitchen island, “Oh Cherish, my dear! You wouldn’t believe the things I found while we cleaned out the attic the other day. I have a little box of Simon’s old toys I think the kids can play with.” She expressed. Making her way to the door, she called Simon inside with a cookie in hand for Jr.

  Unfortunately, Simon entered at the wrong part of the conversation. Margaret began to chuckle to herself as she poured each of them a large glass of lemonade; even though they never asked. She was known to pull out all the stops to make anyone feel at home; especially Cherish. She loved her and loved the thought of she and her son possibly together in the near, near future; much to Cherish’s enjoyment, “Simon and I also bought sponge toys for the kids and a squirting octopus. In the boxes though, I found a bunch of photo albums!” She said happily.

  In an instant Simon wished he hadn’t entered the kitchen. This was the worst moment he could think of; photo albums. He groaned and knew she had a few unnecessary stories up her sleeve. But no, not his mother, for some reason she went beyond what he expected and pulled out all the stops. Much to Simon’s horror.

  Cherish began to sip on that chilled, delicious drink while listening to Margaret chatter away, “I don’t know how they got in there, but I found pictures of Simon marrying his life size barbie. His cousin Matilda left her here one summer and that doll became his first crush.”

  Cherish perked up and slowly turned her attention to Simon. His hand cupped over his mouth as he stared at his mother and blinked sporadically. She mentioned the MOST embarrassing story she had to offer at his expense. About his love for a doll he adored as a child. He had imagined her as his perfect woman.

  Margaret clasped her hands together, “Oh baby! Remember when you married Matilda’s life size Barbie? You even kissed her and had me make her a toilet paper dress.” She recalled fondly. Cherish, trying her hardest to keep it together, lowered her head with her lips glued to the glass. She couldn’t hold it once Margaret started up again and spat into her drink, “I think it was love at first sight. Any who, he named her Ganisha and slept in the same bed with her.” She whispered amid Cherish’s break down.

  All the memories flashed through his mind at once. Hot in the face, Simon was ashamed but still found himself fiercely protective of her, “Her name was KAnisha mom.” He corrected.

  Margaret pursed her lips together while she gave her son a suspicious once over. She then turned her attention back to Cherish, “Between you and I, I expected to find a hole cut out in her nether regions if I hadn’t taken her away.” She expressed as she handed Jr. another cookie.

  Simon grew defensive and crossed his arms once his mother took Jr. from him, “I wasn’t doing anything like THAT with her! Jesus Christ.” He griped incredulously.

  Cherish lifted her head which displayed how glossy her eyes became. She pressed a shaken hand against her lips and struggled to keep her composure. Margaret then clapped her hands, “BUT, that’s not all!” She said rushing around the corner into the dining room. Soon, she returned with the god-awful remnants of Kanisha.

  Her blue eyes half shut, her ginger colored hair was frayed and sat on top of her head alike to dried buckwheat. Her skin was patchy from different variations of sun exposure. Kanisha had seen better days and now she looked demented. Cherish’s eyes widened before she slowly turned to face Simon.

  Narrowing his eyes, Simon crossed the space between Kanisha and him. He began to dust off her shoulders before he gripped her hair, “What did you do to her?! She’s nasty now! How could you let her get like this?” He asked obviously offended. Simon looked to Cherish who, in turn, looked pleased to hell. His eyes bore into her and warned not to say a damn word.

  She rolled her lips in before slumping forward. With a bit of effort, she staved off a laugh long enough to speak, “Oh, well…it’s…oh boy. It’s nice to meet a first girlfriend.”

  Margaret’s eyes lit up. She grinned and quickly looked between them, “WAIT! FIRST girlfriend?! Do-does that mean? Oh, Cherish, how was it? Did my boy give you a good time?” She asked genuinely concerned.

  Simon sighed out loud and Cherish’s fragile composure broke a second later. Her howls of laughter echoed through the kitchen as she, once again, lowered her head to the counter.

  His eyes narrowed sharply, and his mood soured. Margaret’s face lowered as she gave Simon a glare showing disappointment that her son hadn’t made a move; still. All he could do was repeat to his mother monotonously, “Mom. Mom, mom. Mom. Stop, just stop. We’re not…” He looked at his mother’s downtrodden expression. Amid Cherish’s hoots and hollers, he leaned in and tried to appease her, “…yet. We aren’t together, yet. Just let it go for now. I’m begging you for the love of God, leave it alone.” He muttered into her ear.

  The look on Margaret’s face went from destroyed to tickled pink and one to remember. She looked happier than she had in a while. Simon knew how Emily’s death affected her, but to see her back to her old self once more, reminded him why he loved her.

  Cherish obliviously laughed herself to death. Her throat burned. KANISHA, was it? AND he still cared? Oh, she was weak. The babies were too busy with their second cookies, Jr. with two in each hand, to notice.

  After a few minutes Cherish stood and wiped her eyes, “Oh. Okay, alright, I’m good. I’m good.” She said holding her hands out. Unable to help herself, her brown eyes glanced over to Margaret, “Mom, do you have the babies, or did you want us to take them?” She asked.

  Margaret shook her head and waved, “Go on.” She whispered to Simon.

  Stepping into the sun, Cherish squinted across the patio and waved to Simon Sr., “Hey dad! How are you doing today?!” She asked. Pulling the cover over her curly head, she revealed a cream-colored bikini Simon chose. The “good” one of the bunch she had.

  She didn’t notice Margaret standing by the glass door and staring at her son for a reaction. That also included Simon Sr. whose cigarette dropped from his mouth. His son appeared beside him with the same expression; like birds of a feather. Though, Simon Sr. didn’t give a damn about his son as he watched Cherish move around his pool.

  Cherish ran her fingers along the line across her bottom. Rounding to the steps, she tested the water with her foot before descending. Dunking her head under, she popped up a moment later with her eyes closed. She pushed those heavy, black curls away from her face, “Whew!” She exclaimed feeling refreshed. Water cascaded down her face, neck, between her cle
avage, arms, waist, face, and hair; leaving droplets in the water.

  Simon’s pride diminished and his focus zoned into her and her dark, curvaceous beauty slicked in water. He loved the texture of her hair when wet.

  She wiped her eyes and waved for Simon to join her, “Are you coming, dear?” She laughed out.

  At that moment, Simon quickly yanked his shirt off and kicked his sandals aside. Simon Sr. cut his eyes at his son because he knew his boy was a lucky bastard. Simon rushed over to the pool and dove in. Swimming to her side, he relished in the chill amid the summer heat.

  Cherish wiped more water from her nose and features. Once they were face to face, she naturally started a conversation with him as the water rippled over their shoulders, “It’s nice right?! It feels so good! I love coming here.” She said smiling broadly.

  Even though he felt they were under a microscope, this was one of the only times he could be close to her without the kids. His hand landed on the thick side of her hip under the water, “And? How do you like your suit? Better than the other space wasters?” He questioned victoriously.

  She lowered her face to stare into his. A soft, flirtatious, smirk appeared across her features. Just what was he trying to pull? Licking a bit of water, Cherish cleared her throat reaching around and grabbing a hold of his wrist. Gently, she lifted his touch to her back to keep the peace. She bit her bottom lip and leaned her head back with the sun on her face. This was a half ass attempt to keep from staring at him in front of their parents.

  In a moment of weakness, Simon’s stare slowly drifted lower towards her bulbous breasts. She looked incredible. “I really, really like it.” He murmured.

  Cherish blatantly watched his dazed expression. She waited a few moments before speaking, “I think I can tell.”

  He was caught and he quickly flicked his gaze upward and towards the sky. He tried not to move his lips while he muttered, “Any man alive would love it. Let’s just say that.”