by Eva Morian
Cherish thought for a long moment about how Todd looked. He had red hair, freckled skin, and blue gray eyes. Obviously, Jasmine took over that trait but the rest of him, she was unsure. She didn’t see much of herself or Todd in her daughter, “I’m not sure, really. I’m thinking that Jasmine is a good mix between the two of us.” She said without realizing how suspicious her response was to a third party. Simon Sr.’s eyebrows lifted high. Her answer made it harder to tell if little Jasmine was Simon’s. Cherish nodded once again, “Yeah, a mix. Do you and Margaret live close by?” She asked.
Clearing his throat, he tried to hide his expression, “Yes, fairly close. About fifteen minutes uptown.” He answered.
“Oh, I have no idea where that is, but it doesn’t sound far at all. I don’t want to be a burden for Simon, but I think having you both around will help him.” She said softly to herself. Then, she glanced down, “I haven’t had a chance to bring it up to him, but I’m so sorry for your loss.” She said.
Simon Sr. released a deep sigh. He knew she was thrown into their family ordeal when she didn’t ask to be, “Thank you Cherish. I hope Simon can make his way through this mostly intact.” He replied.
Margaret looked at her son. He was a bit more disheveled than normal. His hair wasn’t styled, his clothes barely matched, and he looked tired. Just like a new father was expected to be, but there was a profound sadness over him. She understood completely and yet, couldn’t comprehend how he felt. She too was in her own version of mourning, after all, she lost a daughter that she was just getting to know, “They’re understandably distraught and sent us over here to catch you two off guard. They wanted to make sure that you didn’t dishonor Emily. At first, I was a bit appalled because my son has another woman under his roof. But, I know how much you loved your wife. They live in Virginia. We see you every weekend. I just want to make sure this girl is not taking advantage of you. Where is the father?” She questioned.
Simon had to swallow the fact that he upset two people, who lost their daughter, even further. He blew out and tried not to dwell on it, “He bailed. Left her and Jasmine at the hospital and never answered when she needed to go home. He’s a piece of work. You’d know what I meant if you met him.” He replied.
Margaret inhaled a deep breath before she nodded, “Well then, I hope he rots in hell. Come on, grab the glasses before they realize we’ve been gone too long.” She said.
Rounding the kitchen island with one glass in each hand, Margaret approached her husband and handed it to him. Simon followed behind his mother and gave a glass to Cherish before he sat next to her. Margaret took a spot beside Simon Sr. and smiled, “So, Cherish, Since you plan on staying for a while, do you have everything you need?” She questioned taking a long sip of lemonade. “I notice that Jasmine’s wearing one of Jr.’s outfits.” She stated.
Cherish blinked several times before she awkwardly cleared her throat, “Oh, it’s okay. She doesn’t know the difference. Clothes are clothes, right? She doesn’t need much and they’re all going to get soiled one way or another.” She replied.
Margaret tucked her eyebrows together while she bit down on her thumb nail; studying her, “Do you have any clothes?”
Cherish looked to Simon for a moment before she nodded, “I have a couple of outfits. I’ll be fine. Please, don’t worry about me.” She responded.
Simon knew this was an uphill battle. Cherish didn’t want to accept complete handouts and his parents, like him, were more than willing to give. These two women were good by default but stubborn. Instead he tried to help them come to a compromise, “Well. They’re likely going to buy Jr. clothes. If he gets clothes so should…Jasmine, right?” He asked. Cherish turned her face to look at him fully with a bewildered expression. She shook her head several times and even tried to hiss through her teeth for him to stop. But, he continued as he flicked his gaze to his mother, “And I’m sure Cherish would like to buy her own style of clothes. Uh, right Cherish?” He asked as he looked between them. All he could do was hope they’d settle for because he knew how he made her feel with their recent shopping spree.
Slowly, Cherish faced his parents and saw their genuine expressions, “You guys don’t have to do that. I plan on getting a job once I heal. Then I should be alright.” She answered.
Margaret laughed a bit, “Oh, honey. You won’t heal for another six to eight weeks. That’s almost two months away!” She exclaimed. Just as she was about to use her push-come-to-shove tactic, Jr. started to cough out a cry. Cherish almost lifted herself out of the seat because she knew what he wanted, and her breasts ached to be released. Then, she remembered her place and slowly sank back into the seat.
Margaret inhaled a deep breath happily. Her grandson was awake. Setting the glass down, she hurried over to the crib and shushed him in a motherly manner. Pausing, she noticed Jasmine’s eyes were wide open and stared up in that general direction with a pensive look. A warmed smile came over her features before she looked up at one of the men, “Honey, can you get Jasmine for Cherish? It looks like she is hungry too.” She said.
Simon Sr. got up right away and picked the little girl up. Bringing her over to Cherish, he held Jasmine out.
Holding her grandson close to her chest, Jr. began to turn his cheek inward with his mouth wide open. As soon as he didn’t get what he craved his wails began and increased dramatically in pitch. Margaret was astonished and had overlooked the slight detail that Cherish fed him, “Simon, do you have a bottle? Did you buy the different nipples to see if they helped?” She questioned.
Simon cleared his throat and hoped this wouldn’t be the step over the line to make the situation even more awkward, “Actually. He is fed naturally and now he won’t stop until he’s ready. Cherish is great at it.” He answered. Standing, he could see Jasmine’s was impatience, “I’ll be back with her bottle.” He told his dad. With a hurried step, he tucked into the kitchen.
Cherish’s eyes fell wide while everyone rushed around her in almost a panic. She pushed herself to her feet and stood next to Simon Sr. with the same blank expression as he had. Margaret paused in her step and swiftly turned to them. A bit dumbfounded, she then smacked her forehead and clenched her eyes shut, “That’s right, that’s right. I forgot I already knew that.” She said. Pausing, she watched Simon as he passed her by for the kitchen counter holding the formula and bottles, “So, he’s eating okay?” She asked suddenly a bit choked up. Margaret couldn’t forget how helpless and defeated her son looked as he received the news of Jr.’s possible condition. They knew they’d have to watch him, weigh him often, and bring him in if they didn’t see a change in weight. She smiled down at Jr.’s red face before she bit her bottom lip. Approaching Cherish, Margaret set him in her arms and stared at her as though she was grateful, “I’m sorry, it slipped my mind in my anger. Please, do what you must do.” She stated.
Cherish took Jr. into her arms before she began to make her way for the stairs, “I’ll feed him and change him if you guys don’t mind. I’ll bring him down when he’s done.” She replied.
Margaret watched the two of them disappear behind the wall. Walking over to her husband, she leaned over his arm while Jasmine’s whimpers started, “Oh boy. What have we gotten into?” She asked him quietly while rubbing her arm.
About an hour and a half later, Cherish had finished feeding Jr. and changed his diaper. She slowly made her way down the stairs and remerged only to find Simon was asleep on the love seat. Simon Sr. and Margaret were watching the television on low with Jasmine tucked in her arms. Catching sight of Cherish, Margaret leaned her head back and gave a smile, “Hi. Is he sleeping?” She asked.
Cherish paused in her step and nodded, “Yes. He’s out like a light.” She answered.
Margaret waved her closer, “Great. Why don’t you let us take him and get yourself some sleep?” She offered.
Cherish looked down at Jr. for a moment and felt bad, but how peaceful Simon looked swayed her decision. Setting Jr down in
Simon Sr.’s arms, she ran her fingers through her hair and nodded, “Okay, I’m going to do that. Thanks.” She answered. Margaret smiled after her and waved her off as she went ahead to catch up on sleep.
The night went on with the grandparents watching over the kids while Cherish and Simon got their rest. When evening rolled around, Margaret and Simon Sr. left and once again the pair was alone. With straight heads on their shoulders, taking care of their babies was far less stressful despite the crazy hours. The next day they woke up a little later than usual and had just finished brunch when the doorbell rang. Giving each other a curious look, Simon wiped his hands off on a napkin and answered the door.
He was greeted with an expected sight.
There were his parents, standing with loads of bags in their arms, “You must be joking.” Simon replied with a half-smile. He knew, like it or not, they were going to get into that house, “Cherish. You might want to see this.” He said opening the door wider.
Cherish was in the middle of washing off her plate when she glanced up and across the area to see Margaret and Simon Sr. enter the house. Her eyes went wide as she pushed a few curls from her face. Shutting off the faucet, she dried her hands off with a paper towel before she crossed the area and stared, “What…what is all of this?” She asked with a weight in her stomach.
Margaret set down the bags in the middle of the living room between the coffee table and the television. Inhaling a deep breath, she placed one hand over the other and approached Cherish and Simon, “I know how you feel about accepting gifts.” She started.
Slowly, Cherish’s gaze wandered up to Simon because she knew he told them that tidbit of information. Feeling her eyes on him, helooked down at her just as bewildered. He was just as unsuspecting as she was. Margaret quickly corrected Cherish, “No, no, no. It’s not his fault. Simon was raised to always help his neighbors. Emily firmly believed the same as we do. You are a not a charity case, Cherish. So please, do not think that.” Margaret stated. Simon Sr. returned inside with another set of bags and Cherish held her breath, “You are a woman who is helping our son in a very dark time. You showed us yesterday how selfless you are for your daughter, our son, and…our grandchildren. You deserve this, and you may not be blood but, you are in this family because of your actions.” Tearing up, she looked up and away. It took a moment before she was able to speak; her voice hoarser than before, “Take this as a gift from all of us.” She finished.
Simon felt horrible and sad once he saw his mother’s glossy eyes. He hoped Cherish would read the situation and take what they wanted to give. She didn’t see things as they did but, she had been exactly what Jr. and his father needed. A caring, compassionate, and helpful soul who didn’t ask for anything in return.
That only spurred them to help her more.
Cherish was overwhelmed. Never in her life had she ever experienced this sort of selflessness and gratitude. With all the emotion swirling around and her hormones on high, she too felt the need to tear up and nod when Margaret spoke. She tucked her eyebrows together because she didn’t understand, “W-what do you mean all of you?” She asked.
Margaret cleared her throat, “Miriam and Jack went shopping with us earlier today. They went back to the hotel to take nap but, after what I told them last night on the phone, they’re going to support you the best way they can. You are taking care of the last shred of Emily they have. So please, for their sake and ours. Accept this.” She stated as the last bag was brought inside.
Hearing that his son was “the last shred of Emily” caught Simon off guard and locked his throat. The truth cut him so deep he couldn’t lift his gaze from the floor.
As soon as Margaret finished her statement, Cherish meekly brought Simon’s mother into a hug. Margaret shut her eyes tightly and held her back in a firm grasp. She rubbed her hand between Cherish’s shoulder blades before fully pulling away and giving her a weak smile, “Damnit, I said I wouldn’t cry.” Margaret fussed wiping her face dry.
After a moment passed, Simon swallowed and decided to sway the pressure off Cherish. He accepted four large bags of clothes from his in-laws, “Are they coming for a visit? Should we expect them?” He asked. Despite not doing anything wrong, he felt as though he owed them on hundred apologies.
Cherish glanced up at Simon and paused for a long moment. She didn’t know what to do for him. She didn’t want to overstep with the knowledge of his predicament. Thankfully, before she was able to decide, Margaret faced them, “No, no baby. They aren’t coming by just yet.” She replied. Taking a step towards Simon, she cleared her throat, “Son, uh, we all have an appointment at the funeral home in a couple of hours. That’s why Miriam and Jack aren’t here. They’re preparing.” She stated. Cherish lowered her head and stepped away to the bags to them privacy. Margaret inhaled a deep breath before she rested her hand on his arm. Squeezing, she gave her son a concerned stare, “You don’t have to come if you don’t want to. This is completely up to you. What do you want to do?” She asked in a hushed tone.
Simon felt shocked. A weighted responsibility loomed over his head that refused to leave. This wasn’t right. He couldn’t see past the fact that if Emily never met him, she would be alive. He figured deep in the back of his mind that he would have to face her at some point. He would have to deal with the funeral and lay her to rest. But, pushed it away. He was so absorbed into the care and well-being of this new household that he was caught off guard when his mother brought it up. He knew he couldn’t…not go. Emily was still his wife and he refused to say otherwise. Not yet. So, he would take care of her, as he promised in their vows. He had to go, for her.
Nodding, he couldn’t look at his mother anymore. He was on edge and her tears wouldn’t help, “Yeah. I’ll get dressed.” He said turning on his heels and walking away. His back felt heavy, his insides were empty, and the world didn’t feel real.
Margaret rubbed along her throat and neck as she watched after her son. She shut her eyes and pushed her emotions aside before turning to Cherish. Cherish gazed into a few bags here and there but was in a daze. She didn’t know where to start. Margaret clasped her hands together with a smile as she rattled off a list of what they’d gotten for her, “We got new baby clothes for Jasmine. A few for Jr. of course. A feeding pillow, some blankets, pads, breast feeding bras, nightgowns for you and Jasmine, and a few sundresses for you. Something comfortable while your body readapts itself.”
Cherish clenched her jaw before she blew out a puffed breath, “Wow. Uh, thank you so much I…don’t know what to say.” She whispered.
Margaret gave her a half hug and shook her head, “Nothing. Say nothing more. How about we open the gifts when we get back. I’m sure we will to take our minds off everything.” She stated quietly.
Cherish rubbed her lips together and nodded, “Yes. Of course, that’s no problem. Whatever you all need.” She replied rubbing her chest.
Simon emerged from the stairs a few minutes later. He wore Emily’s favorite shirt she’d bought on their anniversary two years ago. Spotting Cherish and his mother, he sighed deeply to himself before he paused at the babies in the crib. He found that his gaze lingered on Jr. far longer than it should have. With a paced breath, he leaned over and rubbed across each baby’s forehead. Simon Sr. was outside smoking a cigarette as he approached his mother, “I’m ready.”
Cherish and Margaret stood only for his mother to follow him to the door. Pausing, Simon took a last glance over his shoulder at her who gently waved. He couldn’t hide the desolate expression behind his gaze, and she wouldn’t forget it. Margaret sighed as she nodded to Cherish, “We will be back soon.” She whispered shutting the door behind them.
Cherish paced over to the window, pulled the curtain away, and watched Simon climb into the backseat of his parents’ car. He ran both hands through his hair, leaned his head back, and gripped at his scalp. The car backed away and soon disappeared from the street.
Cherish was alone. She didn’t know what to exp
ect when they’d return, but just as they were there for her, she would be there for them.
Chapter 5
There was faded, gaudy, floral-patterned wallpaper lining the walls around them. The carpet showed its age and how much traffic traveled through the room. Which only displayed how many people had to bury their loved ones. Simon sat between both sets of parents with the funeral director behind his desk across from him. While the man went over their options for the service, how Emily would be prepared, and what was needed, he didn’t hear a word. He was in a mental daze and didn’t seem affected by anything going on around him.
Miriam and Jack were inconsolable while his parents had silent tears clouding their eyesight. This didn’t feel real. Simon Sr. held his wife’s hand in his own while Jack held onto Miriam wholly as she cried into his chest. Simon simply stared at the man in front of him, “You can have wreaths, flowers, or mementos placed by or on the casket. Whichever you choose.” He explained as he scratched against his balding head.
Simon Sr. cleared his throat before he answered for them, “I think it’s best if we have all of those. She has a newborn son. Is there any way that we can honor her last accomplishment of motherhood or show him in the ceremony?”
The man wet his lips with a nod as he picked up with practiced verbiage, “He can be incorporated into one of the speeches. We have picture reels. Since she passed before they’d have pictures together, we can always show videos of when she was pregnant. If you have any. Some people choose to lay babies with their mother for a moment if it’s open casket. There are many avenues that are open to pay respect to Emily as a mother.” He answered.
Margaret cupped one hand over her mouth as she listened intently to what was being said. She stared at the portly director across his elaborate desk and tried to comprehend what was happening in that moment. Though the man spoke with a soothing, respectable tone, she saw a man who took their situation with the motto of ‘business as always’. She kept a steely, firm grip on her husband’s hand before she slowly turned her attention to her son who, understandably, checked out long before they’d entered the office. She clenched her jaw and cleared her throat, “I believe we will do an open casket, but is that sanitary for the baby? He’ll only be a week and a half old.”