Cherish and Simon- the First Year

by Eva Morian

  Susan gave a slight chuckle as she rolled her eyes away and glanced out of the window towards the deck at Simon and the others, “I could say the same for you…” She slowly returned her gaze to Cherish, “…I was told this was a birthday party for Simon’s son, but…your friendship has lasted the test of time, I see.” She replied.

  Cherish rolled her lips in tightly, “Well, this is a birthday party for both of our children.” she corrected.

  Susan leaned back on her wedged heels and hummed out of disapproval, “I hope you’re not insulted, but I only bought Simon Jr. a gift. If I had known you’d be here…” Without denying or confirming of whether she’d get Jasmine a gift in the first place, she allowed her words to fall away.

  Cherish shook her head and held a hand up, “No really, it’s fine. I’m not expecting much for Jasmine and that’s okay.” She replied.

  Looking over what Imani and Cherish were drinking, Susan then sighed under her breath, “Well, that’s very humble of you, Cherish dear. I would say that’s very nice of you as well. You already have a free roof over your head and meals to eat. I know you and Simon help each other, but it’s nice of you to clean up and take care of the home while he works. One could almost consider you to be the help with the way you take care of the children and the house.” She expressed.

  Imani’s eyes widened in shock while Cherish leaned over slightly. Her hand squeezed into a fist, and her jaw rolled from one side to the other. She tilted her head and sucked her cheeks in, “I-I’m sorry…did you say, ‘the help’?” she asked.

  Susan rolled her eyes as she expected such from Cherish, but decided to push beyond it, “Yes dear. I’m simply saying that it’s good for you to work for your stay in his home. The thought of Simon bringing you there in the wake of his wife’s passing is preposterous. You have to at least do something for him in order to keep your room and board until you can move out.” She explained.

  Cherish thought over the last year of her life and how not once did Simon or his family make her feel as disgusted as she did now. Her nostrils flared and the cool she had vanished while the anger and resentment she harbored boiled over. Cherish was a calm, meek woman. Always had been and always would be. She was a follower, not a leader and she enjoyed watching others succeed while encouraging them, but there was one thing she could not stand.

  That was ignorance.

  Looking Susan in her blue gaze, she was toiled with all the resentment she’d inadvertently gave her. No matter when she was around, it never felt pleasant, and now, Cherish had enough, “See, that’s where you’re wrong. Simon would and DID bring me into his home and helped me. Yes, I fed his child with my own milk, but that was a choice that I made for that little boy. You don’t know anything about what Simon, or I have been through. So, for you to run your mouth about a situation that has nothing to do with you, is pathetic. I am the not the help, I am a part of this family and that is something you will never achieve especially with a nasty, small-minded attitude like that. I will move if and when I’m good and damn ready to. Simon had made it a point to keep me home. That’s right, home, because that’s what his house is to me. OUR home. One that we built together in the wake of our turmoil. You can keep your shitty ass gifts, your fancy clothing, your cheap perfume, and your god damn fancy houses because that’s all you’re going to have. I don’t want your charity because I am not a charity case and I am going to make sure you understand that right now.”

  Susan was taken aback, and her mouth fell open slightly. This woman had the nerve and gall to speak to her in such a way, perhaps she had more pull over Simon than she originally thought. Now, she would have to investigate closer to get exactly what and whom she wanted.

  Cherish gripped the glass tightly in her hand before she backed away, “Now, if you excuse me, I’m going to leave this room and enjoy MY kids’ birthday party. Because if I don’t leave I’m going to show you exactly where I come from.” She muttered under her breath.

  Imani shook her head as she slid out of her seat, stared at Susan, and shook her head again. Following Cherish out of the doors, she scratched at the side of her face and silently cheered to herself. Cherish was her hero of the month and it showed in her features.

  Cherish continued across the grass and pool before she sat down at a small table and downed her drink. She needed a few moments to calm down before she’d be able to fully enjoy the day.

  Simon glanced all around the backyard until he spotted Imani who ran her fingertips along her eyebrow and shook her head, “Wow, just…wow I wasn’t really expecting that whatsoever. I’m so sorry, Cherish.” She whispered.

  Cherish sipped on her drink again while her temper slowly came down. She gazed over the people who’d shown up and caught a glimpse of Susan making nice with other coworkers without being completely seen. Rolling her eyes, she took a deep breath and released the tension from her shoulders, “It’s alright. What’s done is done. There’s no point in upsetting Simon and the others over he said, she said.” She muttered.

  As Jack and Simon Sr. showed Jasmine how to work the grill, Jr. threw himself back continuously to get down. The little boy wanted out of Jim’s arms, so he could waddle around.

  Once the party got into the swing of things, Cherish quickly forgot about Susan's idiocy and got into the party situation. She didn't notice how Jim watched every move she made with Jr. and how he was completely enamored with his mom. Jasmine continuously called for Simon's attention. The name "da-dee" caught both Susan and his attention.

  Soon the food was brought out and everyone ate a feast of macaroni salad, potato salad, grilled chicken, fish, and ribs. Knowing that they were on a time restraint with the babies and their naptimes, presents were next. Jasmine pulled and yanked on her wrapping paper with strength and rowdiness in Simon’s lap. She pulled out an ugly, scary looking doll and hugged it close out of love.

  Cherish helped Jr. open his presents and out came a princess crown, one they’d chosen for him, and he looked amazed by the brilliant pink hue. Even though they’d both were given clothes and toys, they were mostly amazed by the paper and the boxes they came in. There also wasn’t a gift from Susan as she’d claimed; Cherish kept an eye out for it.

  The cake was the final item on the list needing to be ticked off for the kids before the party would wind down. They were set up in front of their themed cakes with glittery 1 candles lit up at the ready. Simon was on one knee taking pictures and videos while Cherish kept their hands down from touching the fire. She laughed a little bit under her breath while she and Simon exchanged a soft gaze to one another. They made it to this moment bruised but intact. Smiling to himself, this meant the world to him and he was happy to capture the exact moments.

  Before the singing started, Jr. already shoved his hand in the soft cake and stuffed handfuls into his mouth. Cherish encouraged Jasmine to touch the cake and, after a few times, she finally pressed her hand down. She hated the sensation and it showed with the way she l shook the icing off. She then settled with pinching the iced fluffs and sticking her fingers into her mouth.

  About an hour later, they’d cleaned the kids up and changed them into their bathing suits. As they crawled around in the kiddie pool to clean off, Cherish grabbed Jack a beer. One of the poker buddies slid up to Simon and Jim, "So....are you going to introduce us to the future Mrs.?" He asked with an antagonizing grin.

  Simon looked in his direction before he made a second glance at Jim. Usually, he and Cherish were so used to their children’s love and affection towards one another they didn’t think about it, but Jim and his mother’s warning, he quickly changed his tune, “Maybe in the future. I’m not rushing things honestly.” He answered.

  Jim wasn’t impressed and held a blank expression, “You’re not rushing, but she’s been living with you and Jr from day one. Where Emily used to eat, live, and sleep.” He snipped.

  The group fell silent looking between the men. Simon had heard that argument far too many times over the
last year. He’d grown tired of the constant explanation. Plus, he no longer cared what others outside of his relationship with Cherish and their parents thought, “Stick around a little longer and you’ll understand, Jim. I’m sorry about how you feel, but that’s all I have to say right now.” He replied causing Jim’s mood to sour further.

  After a few more hours in the Florida sun, enough time had passed where it’d grown dark. People began leaving and made their rounds saying goodbyes which were followed with gracious thank yous. The stragglers who stayed behind helped Jim, Simon Sr., and Jack clean up the backyard. Miriam and Margaret were busy giving the babies their evening baths while Cherish put away the leftovers in the kitchen. She had yet to realize Jim was a part of the family because she hadn’t been introduced. Though, he didn’t want to in the first place.

  Not wanting to make a scene with anybody outside of the family, Cherish included, Jim had already summed it up in his mind that he’d wait until Simon and she had left to discuss everything with his aunt and uncle. Imani rubbed her hands together before she gave Simon a hug and waved to the others, “I’ll call Cherish and we’ll meet up later, alright? See you guys later! The party was a success.” She said leaving.

  Susan had waited until the majority of the people had left and Simon’s distraction was out of the room. She approached him with a polite smile clasping her hands together, “Well Simon, I’m sure you didn’t realize I was here, but I just want to say that this was a wonderful party. Simon Jr. looked completely engaged and happy. Thank you for the open invitation at the office.” She said with a soft smile. Simon was glad Susan wasn’t acting strange. In fact, she was being nice and amiable. Glancing at Cherish through the double doors, she narrowed her eyes slightly before her attention returned to him, “Also, I know you don’t go in on Mondays, but I was wondering if you’d do me the biggest favor. I’m completely swamped with some of my clients and I think I’ll need some help going over the fine details. Could you could come into the office say…around noon on Monday?” she questioned.

  He wasn’t looking forward to do it. Still, he was professional, and would help out a co-worker in need, “I don’t think I have anything else planned. So, I’m sure I can go. I’ll call you if I need to cancel. Thank you for coming Susan.” He said.

  Susan bit her bottom lip and tucked hair behind her ear, “Oh, thank you Simon. I-I really appreciate it.” she whispered.

  Suppressing a yawn, he took his glasses off and rubbed his eye before glancing back at the kitchen, “I think it’s about time we got home. Be safe.” He said with a wave to her.

  Thinking that he’d carry on conversation with her, she instead was left behind with Jim and that alone rubbed her the wrong way. She rolled her jaw slightly to herself before she nodded curtly in his direction and excused herself around the side of the house. The last thing she wanted to do was cause a scene with the bitch Simon seemed intent on keeping around.

  Simon walked to Cherish and pressed a hand on the small of her back. She looked to him for a moment before her attention was caught by Miriam and Margaret. Both babies rested their heads on each woman’s shoulder and gripped against their shirts.

  Leading the way towards the car, she hugged and kissed Simon Sr. and Jack goodbye before she got in the car with Simon and the kids. She leaned over against the door with a wide grin, “Thank you guys so much for having the party here.” She said.

  Margaret waved a hand, “Don’t you dare worry about it and don’t be a stranger. We want to see you guys soon.” She said while Miriam waved. Margaret quickly snapped her fingers before she pointed between Cherish and Simon, “Don’t forget the garage sale we’re putting on next Saturday. So, we will see you guys then and I’m sure in between.” She said.

  Cherish glanced back at Simon’s grimace and laughed to herself before she agreed with his mother, “Of course we will! See you all then.” She said.

  Rolling the window up, they waved to their family and began to back out of the driveway. From the corner of her eye, she caught Jim standing in the window and paused. Her smile fell a bit while she pulled the seatbelt over her body, “Hey…Simon. Who is that?”

  He spotted who she meant and quietly gave a nod, “Jim. Miriam’s nephew. He’s here for a bit, but you’ll meet him soon.” He answered.

  “Oh…” She replied without the knowledge of what was to come with Jim and the others.

  Driving to their place, they were relieved to be home. They passed through the kitchen that carried many memories and trailed up the stairs which led to a life they’d begun; together. They both laid their children to rest in their cribs and stared down at their small faces quietly. They knew from there on out, the kids would only grow bigger and they’d only grow closer. With one last look to the little loves of their lives, Cherish followed Simon into their bedroom and began to pull her t-shirt off.

  He sat on the edge of the bed before he pulled his shirt open and sighed, “I’m so out of energy, I haven’t felt like this since we first came home with the kids. I still remember it, but today was fantastic. The kids loved it and I…”

  She tossed the fabric into the hamper before she undid the button on her pants. A small smile crossed her features before she looked to him softly. As he reminisced, she felt exactly as he did and when he spoke of the future, she couldn’t deny their mutual feeling either.

  He looked up at her from the mattress, “…I want more years of this with you.” he whispered.

  Looking into his eyes, after the previous night, she was completely enamored; fallen for him. Rolling her lips in, Cherish rolled her jeans down her legs and stepped out; speaking without looking in his direction, “You mean while I go to school and get a better job?” She asked before her gaze glanced in his direction.

  He watched her in a daze. With the thought on her mind, he wanted to make it clear what he meant. Shaking his head in all seriousness, he answered her without faltering as he stared in her eyes, “No, for good.”

  A soft smile formed on her lips as she turned and faced him fully, “Really?” she asked in a whispered tone.

  Her smile caused his world to light up, as it had many times in the past year. Standing, he closed the space between them and wrapped her in his arms, “Of course.” He murmured. He cupped the side of her face before they fell into a deep, warm kiss together.

  Slowly their lips picked up in pace while her arms slowly found their way around his neck and onto his shoulders. Filled with a feeling she’d never felt before, they solidified their relationship. A year had passed them by with many to go and they, with the relationship and foundation they’d built together, were ready to see what came next. What came in the next year, only time would tell.

  Simon and Cherish Will Return…