by Eva Morian
Cherish licked the corner of her lip. Thankfully the doctor had used a numbing agent and she felt little to nothing during the whole ordeal, “Alright. You don’t have to worry.” She expressed.
“See you then. Have a good day Miss Montgomery, Mr. Gabot.” He stated before he took Cherish’s chart and left.
The nurse finished up and looked to Cherish as she righted the seat and lowered her legs, “You’re all done. Take your time in getting dressed and we will see you in a week!” She said.
Cherish shut her legs and pressed the paper between her thighs, “Thank you. See you then.” She replied.
“Goodbye!” Simon said with a wave. He held out his hand for Cherish and helped her to her feet. He picked up her clothes and set them on the seat without looking. Backing away, he turned around, “So, I ask you again. Are you hungry?”
Cherish waved her pants out and pulled one leg on before the other. She glanced up at Simon’s back and nodded, “I’m starving. Do you want to know something funny?” she asked.
Simon tilted his head to the side, “What’s that?” he asked.
Buttoning up her pants, she told him exactly what was on her mind, “I was scared, but all I could think of was that someone was going to slice my cookie. I didn’t want to laugh because then I’d startle him but…you’re never going to live that down.” She said as Simon’s expression fell.
Touching his shoulder, she took her wallet from him and followed him out of the room. Cherish moved slower than normal and took her time sitting down in the car. She didn’t want to hear the price, didn’t want to know about the next appointment, she just kept moving.
Simon appeared a moment later and slipped into the seat with her. His fingers tapped on the GPS and he plugged in a place Cherish hadn’t been before, “I’m excited. I can’t wait until you taste this.” He said.
She turned slightly towards him, “Where are we going?”
Driving to one of his favorite southern styled restaurants, he knew Cherish would love it for a multitude of reasons, “It’s a buffet, but has quality stuff. The staff is great and guess what, it’s cheap.” He joked at the end.
Before long, they had arrived at the restaurant. There were several dozen cars in the parking lot which showed the place was a hit. Cherish ran her fingers along the extent of her wallet before placing it in the glove compartment. Getting out of the car, she walked to the large double doors and looked up, “I’ve come to realize that we have different versions of cheap.” She said to him in a playful tone.
Simon rolled his eyes with a grin and opened the door for her. The whole building was bustling, the wait staff was friendly, and, when Cherish saw the prices, she visibly relaxed, “I stand corrected.”
After they ordered their drinks, washed their hands at the complimentary sink, and grabbed a plate, Cherish milled through the line. She was quite shocked at the selection, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, greens, and fried green tomatoes were among the wide variety.
Simon showed exactly where his son got his healthy appetite. His plate was filled to the brim and he carefully airlifted it to the table with a measured step.
Gathering what she wanted with a cup of soup, Cherish returned to her seat and waited for Simon before she began to eat, “Thank you for this and for making me go to the doctor. I’m glad.” She said.
Sitting down, Simon eagerly pulled his chair close. As her gratitude came forth, for something normal, Simon did a double take, “Don’t even worry about it. Thank you for getting checked out and coming with me. We have to take care of each other.” He said.
Once again she was taken off guard. When he thanked her and showed his appreciation, it caused her to feel undeserving. Simon rubbed a forkful of greens in the gravy and potatoes and popped it into his mouth. Inhaling a deep breath, he chuckled lowly to himself in an appreciative manner.
She quickly glanced down at her plate and quietly unraveled her silverware. She watched him before he gave her an expectant look, "Oh..." Returning her gaze back to her plate, she pulled apart a piece of beef stew and ate it. A smile instantly hit her features and she pressed the back of her hand against her mouth, "...shit. Shit that's good." She expressed with a nod. Taking another bite, she tested that one too and found it wasn't a fluke.
The food was delicious.
Cherish flicked her gaze upwards at Simon, "And how did you find this place? This is way better than any McDonald's."
Simon held a reminiscing smile, “Aha well, Emily had a yearning to learn, but she wasn’t a good cook. I’m not great either, so after all the times we would eat out, I would make a joke about wanting a decent home cooked meal. She finally brought me here, waited until I had finished, and rubbed it in my face that she gave me dinner cooked at home. This place became a favorite.” He said.
Over the last weeks, Cherish truly enjoyed the stories that Simon or the family would tell her about Emily. She learned that Emily took up an obscene amount of hobbies and never completed anything. She loved the outdoors yet hated going to the mailbox to get the mail. She was quiet, minute, and very prim in public and behind closed doors, but had bouts of spontaneity. One of which took she and Simon snorkeling off the coast of Key West just one random day they were driving home. She was vibrant, full of life, and had a sense of humor that had complimented Simon’s perfectly.
He took a bite of chicken before sipping his drink and nodding, “Mmmm…try this…” he used his fork to cut into a piece of flaked fish and held it out for her.
Cherish laughed out loud, set her fork down, and leaned over, “Really?” she asked turning in her chair. Getting up, she was fully intent to get herself a few pieces of fried fish now that she’d been enlightened. Pausing, she looked at Simon and pointed back to the hot cases, “Did you want me to get you anything while I’m up?” she asked.
Seeing her happy enough to relax and have a good time satisfied Simon. He waved his hand and gave her a teasing grin, “Surprise me.” He answered. There wasn’t anything there he wouldn’t like.
As she walked away, he checked his phone for calls or texts in case anything went wrong with the kids. They were supposed to enjoy their time out, but he couldn’t shake the anxiety of the unknown with the babies.
Coming back with a plate of wings, ribs, and pole beans, Cherish bobbed her head from side to side and set it down. She sat again, sipped her water, and went fully into her meal. Noticing how Simon continuously looked at his phone, she flicked her gaze between it and his face. She pushed food into her cheek and cleared her throat, “Is everything alright?” she asked.
Simon felt a little ashamed that she’d caught him after he encouraged her to leave the house. He sighed, “I’m checking on the babies. I sort of miss them.” He said putting his phone away.
Cherish leaned over the table for a moment and rolled her lips in, “You too? I didn’t want to say anything, but I feel like a little piece of me is just wanting to get back there to them. I keep telling myself they’re fine. So…let’s eat.” She said.
Eating and chatting about everyday topics, Cherish enjoyed their meal and walked out an hour later. They were stuffed, and Simon looked at the time once they returned to the car, “You know, we have time to catch a movie. How about it?” he questioned.
Pausing at the open door, she shrugged her shoulders softly, “Sure. More money…” Closing one eye, she sighed out, “…sorry, sorry. Yes, of course. Did you have one in mind or will we just pick when we get there?” she asked before slipping inside.
Over the weeks, Cherish had become more accepting of Simon and his family’s generosity. She went from denying gifts and treatment to slowly accepting when they offered. Still, she was uncomfortable when a whole day was filled with gift giving and money spending.
“We’ll just pick one.” Simon answered.
Getting on the road, they weren’t far, but Simon felt bad for the burden he placed on her. So, he tried to explain with a gentle, forward tone, “True, we are spending m
oney, but I worked hard for a long time to get what I have. And if I want to take my best friend out for a good time, then you shouldn’t feel guilty about it.” He said.
Her head snapped in his direction and she slowly broke into a smile, “I’m your best friend? Really? Me?” she asked pressing a hand to her chest.
Rolling his eyes, he shook his head, “I regret it now.” He muttered.
She wagged a finger, “No, too late. It’s been said.” Turning to face forward, it was clear to see that she was caught up in her own thoughts, but the smile never faded, “Wow…I’ve never had one of those.” She said to herself.
Finding a good parking space, they both exited the car and approached the ticket booth. Gazing over the selection, Cherish pointed one out, “There’s a scary movie. Oh, and look, they’re doing a vintage movie madness.” She stated. Rubbing her lips together, she placed her hands in her front pockets, “Do you see anything you like?” She asked.
Simon’s blue gazed bounced all over, “Hm well, there’s a new Miles Jackson movie that just came out. Let’s see if there’s still tickets.” He answered.
Cherish tilted her head to the side while looking to the poster. Miles Jackson was a good looking blonde, holding a gun up to his temple with a distraught, dark expression on his face. They got in line and one after the other, girls placed an order for the same movie. She looked to him and kept her laughter at bay though her raised eyebrows told exactly how she felt; tickled. This man was a fanboy just like the little girls a decade older than her daughter.
Finally, they were through and in line for snacks. Simon bought a medium bag of popcorn for them to share while Cherish got herself a candy box. With a large soda in each arm, they entered theater three and found exactly what Cherish feared. It was packed. All the good seats were taken except for a few.
Simon approached a couple on the end halfway up when someone placed their arm out, “My friends are sitting here!” they exclaimed.
Annoyed, he gave them a narrowed look before he tried to see Cherish’s expression. She looked away every time he’d glance back. She could see the agitation growing in his body with how he carried himself but Cherish couldn’t help it; he was hilarious.
Alas, the only seats left were in the top, back corner. A bout of apprehension flooded his center. He’d been in the corner a few times while growing up and hoped that Cherish wouldn’t get the wrong idea. Giving her a nervous smile, he sat down and got comfortable.
Sitting down beside him, she paused and opened the box of chocolate covered raisins, “What’s wrong?” She asked without understanding the significant meaning.
Simon brushed it off, “Nothing, nothing at all.” If she didn’t see anything wrong then he wasn’t going to make it awkward.
Sucking the chocolate off, her hand swept over the sea of patrons beneath them, “Look at this, drink it in, because someone, somewhere is going to make this movie miserable for us all.” She whispered.
Looking over the crowd of girls and older women, Simon tried to defend his choice. Crossing his arms, he purposefully pouted, “Never. Nothing can bring down a Miles Jackson movie. You’ll see. He’ll grace the screen with his overly pretty face, and all will be forgiven.” Breaking character, he chuckled and lowered his arms, “Never mind. I’m a bit too old to be considered an avid fan.” He said.
Cherish bit her bottom lip with a grin, “Are you sure? You were pretty convincing there.” She replied. The lights lowered, and the room quickly buzzed with giddy exclamations around them. Staring at the screen, she settled down in the seat, “Get ready.” She whispered.
The first warning about cellular devices and pirating movies flickered over the screen before the new movie trailers followed. After twenty minutes, the entire theater quieted down, and the movie began. By the time it got started, Cherish had sucked the all the chocolate off one raisin and barely noticed. Even though they were at an angle, that didn’t take away from the experience.
When Miles Jackson appeared on the screen, many of the girls gasped and clapped. Soon, their little foolish antics calmed down and they were able to enjoy the movie in silence. The writing was well done, the lines delivered were thought provoking, and the acting was incredible; drawing them in. At one point there was a scene with children at risk. Now that he was a father, Simon felt more anxious and tenser than he used to be, but it was Cherish who grabbed his hand in fear; her eyes glued ahead.
Two hours later the movie concluded and immediately everyone started talking to each other, asking questions, and gushing in their fandom. Simon rolled up the half-eaten popcorn bag, “So wait, did he get his daughter back or did she die? That’s what it meant, right? I think because it was her ribbon from the beginning.” He said.
Cherish had both her hands to her forehead and her mouth was agape. Shaking her head, she looked to him with bewilderment, “I’m still trying to figure out how he didn’t lose his mind when the bad guy sewed the skin on his neck. I would sing like a canary if someone tortured me!” she exclaimed. She then jumped a bit and held her hand out like claws, “And the way he fought against that one kidnapper. Holy crap!”
The sun hung low in the sky which signaled to them that their day out had been long and successful; just what the parents wanted. Even though there was anticipation to get back, Simon had a different plan. Turning in a different direction other than home, he was silent and listened to Cherish.
Riding along, she still chattered about the movie and the food. She spoke about how she would try to fry fish one night. Just when she was about to ask how much longer, she realized they were further from the house than expected. Her eyebrows tucked together, and she slowly looked to Simon, “Where are we going? I thought we were going home. I’m sure the babies are waiting.”
Simon cranked the air conditioner, “I miss them too, but there’s somewhere I’ve been meaning to show you.” He said. If she didn’t trust him as she did, he would’ve worried that she was scared. But, he knew her faith in him was strong.
Cherish shrugged her shoulders and, being an agreeable creature, accepted the detour. She hummed to herself and stared out of the window, though it all vanished as the scenery went from normal, to sketchy, to scary.
They pulled off the main road onto a lightless, dirt path. Though she knew Simon wouldn’t harm anyone, she couldn’t get it out of her head that she was about to be murdered. She’d seen enough episodes of Unsolved Mysteries when growing up to know, this wasn’t normal. They did say serial killers were always the nicest, charming men. The biggest red flag was when he pulled from the dirt road and onto one shrouded by trees. He drove up the long area that belonged to a regional park, passed an unreadable sign, and topped a hill. Refusing to look his way, Cherish stared ahead at her possible demise in eerie silence.
Simon placed the car in park and turned to her with a smile, “Follow me.” He said pulling the keys from the ignition.
As he exited and waited for her, she pushed all frightful thoughts from her mind and did as she was told. The one thing she didn’t want to do was piss this man off if he was about to do something unsavory to her. Though the moment she looked down and saw the view, she felt incredibly stupid. Behind Simon’s tall gait, were the soft different colored lights against the dark backdrop.
He held his hand out and took hers in his grip. Leading her to the edge, he sat down and helped her down afterwards. From their angle, Cherish could see a wider ledge directly under them which eliminated the initial concern of falling. He let go of her hand and stared out at the view as the last bit of sun tucked away behind the skyscrapers and buildings along the horizon. Just when she was about to tell him what she imagined would happen, she couldn’t find the words.
Eventually, Simon spoke, “This was Emily’s favorite spot. She said it was her place to think ever since she was able to drive. This was where she took me at the end of our first date…” Cherish turned her head out and stared across the twinkling landscape below. He released a long sigh
while his shoulders sagged, “…I don’t know what to do with myself. We always planned to have kids. While she was pregnant we spent a lot of time imagining having Jr. and everything we would do. It was going to be the happiest time of our lives. Now, I’m the only one here but I’m not happy. I can’t imagine being happy like I was before ever again. Now time is ticking away, and I’ll have to go back to work. I can barely function at home let alone there.” He said.
There was a heavy cloud hanging over their heads as he expressed his innermost thoughts. She didn’t know what to say, what could she say? This man lost his whole world within moments after his son entered their lives. All the promises, the plans, and happiness died with Emily that day. Cherish couldn’t say a word because she never had a love as grand as they did. Losing herself in her own thoughts about what life would’ve been like for either of them had Todd not walked out and Emily lived, she stayed in saddened silence. She was emotionally destroyed from both her childhood and him.
Blowing out, Simon tapped on his legs. He tried to distract himself from the weight and glanced to his right. Looking at Cherish for the first time since they’d arrived, he gave her a small smile, “Thank you for everything. You’re a true friend. I never expected it, but I’m really thankful I found you.” He said reaching over and placing a hand on her shoulder. Gripping her attention, she silently turned to face him. He wanted to make sure she knew he meant what he said, “No matter what happens, You and Jasmine will always be taken care of. That’s a promise. Any problem you have, or trouble you’re in, you can always come to me.” He expressed.
As he made promises that she’d never received in her life, she nodded silently. Her gaze flicked down to the ground between them, “Thank you.” She whispered.
Turning her attention back at the scene, Cherish laced her fingers together while her eyebrows tucked together in deep thought. Blinking several times, she licked her lips and shook her head. She didn’t want to be a burden. Simon was already going through enough in his life and she couldn’t just unload her feelings and fears onto him. Not when he was still so fragile. Maybe never. She was always raised to keep to herself, do as she was told, and endure whatever another person hammered onto her. The thought of being completely open and raw, as Simon was now, scared her most. She did that once before and he abandoned her. But, Simon was different. He was sweet, genuine, kind, and he showed Cherish in the last short weeks, in his grief, that Todd was never pure. The monster was always there, and she was too naïve to see it.