Cherish and Simon- the First Year

by Eva Morian

  Getting out of the car, he unbuckled Jasmine and pulled her into his arms. Following suit, Cherish grabbed Jr., rolled her shoulders back, and approached the glass doors; hand in hand. Entering the empty area, she blinked while staring at the corner area where Emily laid. The spotless interior smelled of lemon cleaner and, once the doors shut, they were sealed in silence.

  Standing together in front of Emily, somehow Simon could feel her gentle, caring energy behind the plaque. He collected his thoughts on what he wanted to say and didn’t know how to express himself into words. Bouncing Jasmine in his arms, he rested her against his shoulder while he rubbed her small back, “Go ahead.” He insisted.

  Cherish looked to Jr. who glanced around cluelessly before meeting her gaze. Inhaling a deep breath, she held him closer and approached the plaque. The stickers that held Emily’s name had been replaced with wrought iron letters screwed into place. Crouching down, she set Jr. onto his feet and had him lean both hands against the smooth marble. His pudgy fingers gripped unknowingly on the other side of his mommy.

  Cherish smiled slightly to herself as she rubbed her hands against the back of his head. Jr. began patting against the stone only for Cherish to point and whisper, "Do you know who is in there? Mommy. Your mommy is in there, baby. I know she wishes she could be here." Jr. kept a steady rhythm as he stomped his right foot. Cherish looked over his head and drifted over his face with a soft smile. She placed her hand over Jr.'s and pressed it flat, "Mommy..." Taking his little hand, she then pressed it against her chest. He looked at Cherish and broke into a wide grin. Slight tears formed in the corner of her eyes as she looked to her son with a half-smile, "...mama." She whispered.

  Jr. lifted his hand and gripped along Cherish's jaw before he stepped into her direction and tumbled into her arms, "Muh. Muh." He replied.

  Wrapping both her arms around his little body, she rocked from side to side while staring at Emily's name. She quickly wiped her tears away and hummed, "I promise you I'll take care of him. Both of them with everything in my heart." She whispered. After a long moment she looked away and cleared her throat. With Jr.'s little hand wrapped around her two fingers, she walked around with him and gave a weak smile to Simon. Blowing out, she felt better in a sense even though she looked a mess. Cherish lifted Jr. to his feet once more, "She's all yours." She whispered.

  Simon sniffed with a heavy heart. He clenched his jaw and swallowed roughly while he crossed the room. Crouching down, he rested Jasmine on his knee as he shut his eyes and placed his hand against her name, “…I miss you. We all miss you, but we’re doing alright. We’re making it, all of us. Me, Cherish, your parents, and mine. I hope you watch over us and them, always. I wish you could’ve met Jasmine and seen what Cherish has done for this family. We love you…Emily.” He whispered.

  Opening his eyes, he looked down at Jasmine who stared at him in awe. He dropped his hand while kissing her head and stood as she cupped his face. Looking down at Emily’s resting place once more, he walked over to Cherish. With a nod, that told her that he was fine and finished. He reached out and ran his hand over Jr.’s for his attention, “Are you ready to go?” he asked.

  Her shoulder brushed against Simon's as she released a deep seeded sigh, "Thank you for doing this. I'm ready to go." She answered. Leaving the mausoleum, she glanced over her shoulder one last time at Emily. Without another word, she faced forward and kept looking ahead.

  Loading the kids back in, she turned on the car and cranked the air conditioning to high. She fanned her face with a huff, "Alright are you ready to P-A-R-T-Y?!" She asked in an overtly excitable tone. She looked at those smiling faces in the rear-view mirror before at Simon and arched an eyebrow.

  Her sudden and cheery demeanor caught him off guard, but, once he realized what she was doing, it made him smile. Putting his arm in the air, the weight of sentiment lifted from his shoulders, “Let’s get going. The party won’t wait forever!”

  Pulling up to his parent’s house after they wasted time at a couple of shops, there were pink and blue balloons on display by the front door and on the mailbox. This was to show the neighbors they were having a birthday party for the children they’d bragged about to everyone they could. They could hear music and chatter from the backyard along with dark smoke cluing them into the barbecue.

  Turning the car off, Cherish looked ahead at the backyard and glanced at the time. It was only ten after noon, but she wasn't expecting people to already be there. Cars were lined along the curb down the street and she was surprised. Blowing out, she looked back to the kids before she glanced at him, "Okay, so...for the love of God, can we not allude to what happened between us last night? Because yesterday with mom was an ordeal." She whispered in his direction.

  Simon’s brow rose, “Is it that bad?” he teased. Though he wasn’t going to advertise them anyway, he knew better than to get his parents worked up. They’d find out in their own time.

  Cherish smirked a bit while she bit on her bottom lip, “Is that bad he says. Plus, I don’t want to make your first love jealous. What was her name again? Kanisha?” she asked in a taunting tone.

  “Mums the word.” He whispered zipping his mouth with a glare.

  Margaret pulled the door open in a quick flurry and waved out of the house to them; she was far too happy to see her babies again. She always was.

  Getting out of the car, Cherish brought Jasmine into her arms and flattened the hem of her little skirt. As Margaret pointed towards the side gate, they both walked towards the backyard and in an instant were greeted with a slew of neighbors, friends, and family who looked to the pair with excitement. Cherish was absolutely struck with how many people showed up.

  A roar from the group radiated in their direction, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” they all cheered. The babies looked in mild surprise and, of course, didn’t even realize the day was solely about them.

  The décor was princess dinosaurs, which was something that the six family members worked tirelessly on. Every crown had a dinosaur and even dinosaur was sprinkled with glitter. From the balloons, to the streamers, the tablecloths, and finally the cake, the whole area looked as though a monster had thrown up with pinks and blues. Simon placed Jr. down on his feet with his arms extended and let him waddle towards a group of familiar faces.

  Cherish watched Jr. take a couple of steps before he stumbled to the side and planted down on his butt. Simon Sr. and Jack argued at the pit on the deck, Miriam stacked presents on the table, and Margaret hurried over with a tray of drinks. With a smile on her face, she held the strawberry lemonades out to her son and Cherish before she handed them over to another party goer, “Happy birthday sweet babies! Do we have a lot in store for them!” she exclaimed.

  Cherish’s eyes widened because, she swore that the decorations tripled by the time the day had come. Jasmine clapped her hands together happily before she pointed up and out, “Joonir! Joonir!” she exclaimed.

  Simon sipped on the lemonade and was refreshed under the hot sun. He was glad to see Jasmine so excited and calling out for her brother. Cherish smiled and shook her head, “I don’t think Jr. can see that muffin. Let’s go and make some rounds, hm?” she asked.

  Breaking away from Simon, Cherish approached a group of older women sitting beneath a large, dark blue umbrella. Neighbors of Simon Sr. and Margaret, they each had a slushed drink in their hands and giggled to themselves. Cherish cleared her throat, “I take it that you all are having a good time?” she asked.

  Seeing her there, one woman leaned back and pointed, “Oh, Cherish darling it’s so nice to finally meet you! We’ve heard so much about you but…have you had some of Margaret’s giggle juice? Oh…I think there’s a bit too much liquor in this one!” she exclaimed.

  Cherish’s mouth fell open slightly, “W-wait…liquor?” She asked.

  Margaret passed them by while the old ladies perked up once Jasmine looked their way, “OH! She’s just a doll?! Isn’t she just the sweetest thing!?” one woman cooed.
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  Margaret leaned into Cherish’s ear and cleared her throat, “It’s the only way to get these ladies to loosen up. There’s some juice in the fridge just waiting for you and Simon if you both want to sneak off together.” She whispered.

  Jr. held hands with his daddy and struggled with shaky, wobbly steps. Still, one step at a time, they made it over to both grandpas and a family member on Emily’s side who was in the country for the first time since the funeral.

  He’d only attended it shortly because he couldn’t emotionally handle the stress of no longer having her in the world. He carried the trait of blonde hair, shaved around the ears, in Emily’s family, but his eyes were hazel. He rested both hands on both men’s shoulders with a charlatan grin, “Listen, listen. Uncle, Simon, maybe you should both take a break and allow me to take over.” He said as he placed his name in being pit master. He then spotted Simon and Jr. and his smile faded away in awe. Jr. was walking already. Jim didn’t know anything about kids, but he was amazed.

  Letting go of the fathers, he met the two younger men at the steps and paused. He’d missed and regretted a lot.

  Simon was surprised Jim was there and felt that perhaps a year gave him enough time to finally show his face. Especially since he was a man Emily considered to be alike to her brother. Still, Simon hugged him and patted Jim on the back, “I’m glad you’re here.” He said.

  Jim nodded before he casting his gaze downward. His previous playful nature vanished because he knew he ran from his family at the worst time when they needed him most, “Thanks…” Kneeling down in front of Jr., Jr. looked at him with big blue eyes and heavy cheeks. His face was hard not to love. Jim reached out and picked him up, “Hey there Jr. I’m your uncle Jim. He kissed against one cheek and Jr. placed his hands against his chest. He looked up at Simon the same way he did when neighbors showered him with love; in other words, stranger danger.

  Simon fell to one knee as well and rubbed Jr.’s head reassuringly which made the little boy stare up at Jim; studying his face. All of his little eager senses took him in. From over Simon’s shoulder and across the lawn, Jim saw the woman he was told so many good things about. Something about Simon “replacing” his cousin with someone so soon gave him an embittered sensation he couldn’t shake. He had trouble over the last year coming to terms with Emily’s death and now there was her.

  In the end, they agreed that Jack would cook, and Simon Sr. was going to prep. Jim and Simon stood tall before the latter placed his hand on Jim’s shoulder, “It’s really, really good to see you again. Are you staying a while?” he asked.

  Jim didn’t look Simon in the eyes but nodded, “Yeah, a couple of months. I’ve been gone too long.” He muttered.

  Chatting about the weather with the group of ladies, they complimented Cherish and told her what a wonderful job she’d done with the children before she was able to break away. Unknowing at what happened across the lawn, she continued making rounds. Passing by a set of men from the poker game, they all jabbed each other and pointed because they finally got to see the allusive, mysterious woman in action.

  Margaret passed behind Cherish before she pointed to both eyes and back in their direction. One man scoffed out a laugh while he sipped from her beer, "What are you going to do, Marge?" He taunted.

  Margaret paused, turned to face them with her hands on her hips, and a smirk on her lips, "I'll send Simon over tonight to clean out your wallets in a game of cards." She retorted.

  The man put on an act of being terrified and lifted his hands up, "Okay! Okay! We'll be good. Damn. Talk about below the belt." He said with a laugh.

  Cherish carried Jasmine around and stopped every so often to talk to ones who greeted her. She took Jasmine over to the decorations and pried her grip from one of the streamers. Her lips were close to Jasmine's ear and she pointed out the brightly colored boxes, "Oh. Look at all of the presents you and your brother got!" She exclaimed while Jasmine leaned over with a giggle.

  Holding her back, Margaret slid beside and cleared her throat, "I can take her for a moment if you don't mind, sweetheart." She said.

  Cherish smiled while Jasmine willingly flew into grandma's arms, "Well she made the decision for me. I think I'm going to busy myself with a giggle drink. I'm curious to see what it’s about." She said with a laugh.

  A familiar voice echoed from their left while Imani's head came into view, "I'll go with you sweet cheeks!" She expressed. Cherish broke into a smile as Imani pulled her into a hug. She then looked to Jasmine, leaned close, and clapped, "Happy birthday too you!" She sang. Jasmine broke into a shy smile before she leaned over and pressed her face into Margaret's shoulder. Imani broke into a grin, "Aww I'm going to get you by the end of the days and your little brother too!" She said with a laugh.

  Cherish smiled looking to Imani and holding her hand out, "After you." She expressed. Imani led the way towards the kitchen of the house.

  Simon could tell something was amiss with Jim and was about to ask him what it was when Margaret approached everyone else on the deck, "Look who I found!"

  Simon Sr. dropped everything he did to see her as he rubbed the back of his hand against her wispy hairs, “How’s my grandbaby, hm? How is she doing? You know I missed you, right?” he asked rubbing her cheek.

  Egged on, Jasmine gave a giggle though Jim didn’t look very happy. No, he was confused. His eyes turned to Simon with a look of distrust, “Who is that…”

  Jr. cut off his sentence as he rocked in Jim’s arms and gave eager grunts when he saw Jasmine. Simon swallowed hard as he wondered why Miriam and Jack hadn’t mentioned her before he cleared his throat, “Her name is Jasmine and she’s my daughter.” He claimed. Seeing Jim’s eyes widen, he was quick to correct himself, “Not by blood, Jim. I didn’t do that…”

  Despite the explanation, Jim didn’t look relieved. Shaking his head quietly, he kept to himself. He missed Emily and the pain on his face showed; especially today. Jim held Jr. close and wasn’t willing to let him go near Jasmine; turning slightly away. Margaret eyed the way Jim reacted and could already tell what side of the line he was on.

  Miriam climbed the steps behind her and rubbed along Jim’s back, thankfully she was the distraction he needed, “Isn’t he so handsome. I know he looks just like Simon, but I like to think he’s inherited our eyes. They sparkle and shine, don’t they?” she asked.

  Margaret wet her lips while Jasmine climbed over to her grandpa now. She rubbed her hands together before she cleared her throat and leaned into Simon’s ear, “Be patient with Jim, Miriam told me that he took Emily’s death to heart. Telling him about Jasmine might be a bit insensitive to his feelings. Especially since he’s missed out on so much.” She whispered while rubbing her son’s back.

  Simon understood Jim’s perspective to a degree. It was known he was very close to Emily and hadn’t been in much contact since she left the earth.

  Looking back at him, Jim stared down at Jr. and rubbed his soft cheek. He searched for Emily’s features, but didn’t see any of her in him. Still, he played along with his aunt and nodded for her sake, “Yeah, yeah I see it. He’s a really handsome kid and he smells nice too. You smell nice, Little Simon.” He said. Lifting him up, he gave sniff and smiled again as he tried to set his feelings aside. It wasn’t a good time to confront his aunt and uncle, so, for now, he’d put his feelings away.

  Simon tried to bridge the gap between them, “Hey Jim, I’m going to the coolers, can I get you anything?” he asked

  Jim gazed at him and relented, “A coke would be great.” He said.

  Nodding and feeling better about relations for a moment, Simon turned and made his way towards the row of boxes and dug around. He grabbed a few cans for himself, Jim, and Cherish…wherever she was. He made it a point to check in on her soon. Giving Jim his drink, he sat beneath an umbrella while Jim and Miriam showered Jr. in love.

  Cherish rubbed her hands together as Imani leaned against the side of the counter, “I can’t believe it’
s been a year already! Hey, I was wondering, did you want to go out on an outing with Simon and a couple of other coworkers? I think I want to have a like a little get together…” Imani then leaned in with a mischievous grin, “…with the ones I like at least.” She stated with a laugh.

  Cherish chuckled under her breath while she pulled out a pitcher of pink liquid she assumed was the giggle juice Margaret made. From the smell of liquor wafting from the opening, it was confirmed, “Do you want to try any of this?” she asked.

  Imani tilted her head to the side as she watched Cherish approach the cupboard, “As sure as the sky is blue.” She replied.

  Causing another laugh to slip from Cherish’s mouth, she pulled down two glasses and poured them up a generous amount of the drink. She slid the glass across the countertop before returning the pitcher to the fridge. Both women tipped the edges of their glasses together and took a sip. On cue, they mimicked one another with their eyes squeezing shut.

  Imani shook her head as the sweet warmth cascaded down the center of her chest, “Shit! I’m going to have to get a recipe for that!” she exclaimed.

  Cherish laughed, “Oh man, I’m going to have to come back to that for my birthday.” She said with a nod to herself, “Happy birthday to me.” She added taking another drink.

  As Imani went into a few scandalous details of what happened at the office when Simon wasn’t there, the half bathroom flushed, and the door opened. Susan emerged from the room and dried her hands hearing women’s voices; one she particularly couldn’t stand. Dressed down in a pair of slacks and a flowy top, she stepped from the shadows and both women lost what they said. Susan gave a curt smile before she shook her head, “Hello, hello.” She stated as kindly as she could.

  Imani took a soft drink and looked to Cherish, “What the hell…”

  Cherish’s eyebrow tweaked slightly before she cleared her throat and gave a half wave, “Hello, Susan. I’m shocked to see you here.” She stated.