by Eva Morian
Simon didn’t expect Cherish to crumble in. She seemed upset and that shocked him. Susan stepped awkwardly away from her and into the middle of the room with Imani; her surprise was ruined. Margaret placed both hands on her chest as she leaned into her husband. Jack looked all around for a moment before he nudged Simon’s back. Simon took the first step to her and stood by her side. He rounded an arm over her shoulder, bent his knees, and tilted his head to get a good look at her, “We wanted you and Jasmine to have everything you didn’t get, but deserve. Are you alright?” he asked touching one of her hands in hope she’d open up.
Cherish pressed the back of her hand against her nose and mouth as tears rolled down the side of her cheeks. She sniffed heavily while her bottom lip trembled. Biting down on it, she nodded several times and peeked at Simon, “Y-yeah.” She replied shakenly.
Susan crossed one arm over the other before she backed away from the center and made her way to the back. She looked over the tasteful décor and paused at the cake. Her stomach was sour.
Cherish lifted her head and looked at everyone with one arm over her abdomen, “T-Thank you. E-even though I don’t know you guys.” She said hoarsely as a few people chuckled. Glancing over the sea of faces, she then looked to Simon once more, “Thank you.” She whispered.
Simon rubbed her back and hoped she would at least enjoy herself. Leading her with him to get the babies out of the stroller, they started to parade them around for everyone to see. Soon there was a group of people who surrounded them cooing the kids. At first Cherish was shy and quiet as people caught up with Simon and doled out their compliments to both babies. But, as she got around the neighbors and parents, she loosened up a bit to at least laugh with the other women when joking ensued.
People poked and pinched the babies’ bubbling cheeks, but after awhile Jr. started to fuss and had to be given a break. Simon carried him to the side where the men were less interested in fawning over Jr. as hard as the women. One man, a law clerk that worked for him, sipped on his punch with a smile, “You’re looking better Simon.” He said grinning at Jr., “You too, Simon.” He stated.
Simon smirked a bit and waved Jr.’s arm to the man, “He’s the better looking one.”
Chattering away, Cherish got to know a few of Simon’s employees. They talked about how she came to meet Emily and Simon, asked how he was holding up behind closed doors, her circumstances, and the situation Cherish had been in. Not once, did they mention that she lived with him. All was within earshot of Susan.
One of Simon’s coworkers held out her hand towards Cherish. She had to make sure, “So you didn’t put your ex’s name on the birth certificate, right?” she asked.
Cherish shook her head and gave a half smile, “A nurse told me not to because if he tried to come back, he’d use Jasmine against me.” She said.
The woman sucked on her teeth and hummed a bit to herself, “I wish I had someone give me that advice. Though, my ex comes and goes with the tide. But, my life would be so much easier without him in Lucy’s life.” She said. A few other women agreed and Cherish came to see that most of them were either single mothers, or divorcees.
An hour passed, and lunch was served. The caterers were from a small, Italian restaurant down the street who had served them with Lasagna, salads, soups, garlic bread, and spaghetti. After spending time with his coworkers, Simon felt better about returning. He realized how much he missed the people he’d worked with and the dynamic at the office. With Jr. in his arms, Simon looked over the cake as his mom snapped a picture. He looked at Cherish across the room and waved her over after she looked his way. Miriam passed Jasmine to Cherish and they both stood beside the cake and Margaret took a few photos. The pair smiled with their kids before the parents split the cake and shared with the other guests.
Within a couple of hours, the crowd, the parents, and most importantly the babies, were ready to go. The last thing on the agenda was to open gifts. Simon was eager for Cherish to open presents for Jasmine, who was now in Imani’s arms, while Jr. was cradled with a tall, older associate. Susan eyed the little boy and paid little attention to Jasmine who was a merely a few feet away.
They sat side by side as coworkers streamed gifts to either him or her; whoever the item was intended for. For the most part, Cherish was smiling and complimenting the outfits, blankets, and baby toys that were given from these peoples’ kind hearts. The women had gathered around with the kids and reacted to every cute item Simon or Cherish held up. Cherish’s eyebrows tucked together as she held up a silly cat costume for when Jasmine turned one, which matched Jr.’s bunny rabbit suit, “That one’s from me!” Imani called out with a wave.
Before long, the floor around their feet was littered with tissue paper, bags, and wrapping paper. Cherish stared at the mountain of gifts before she looked to Simon, “How are we going to fit all of this in your trunk?” she asked.
Margaret held Jr. in her arms and kissed along his face, “Don’t worry, we’ll help.” She said from opposite of them.
Seeing that everything at the shower was finished, Simon stood, “Thank you everyone for coming to the party and including Cherish and Jasmine in it all. After the terrible things that have happened and the hard times we’ve been through, this really helps us to find a sense of normalcy. Really, honestly, thank you. I’ll see you all in a couple of days.” He said.
The group clapped in approval and began cleaning up the venue. Susan rubbed the end of her glass against her lips before she set it down and gave a one, simple clap. Rolling her eyes, she turned her back away from them and excused herself for the bathroom.
A few of the men gathered the bags of gifts and followed the parents out to their cars. Simon took Jr. from his associate and thanked him again for attending before he placed his sleepy boy in the stroller. As Simon approached, Imani leaned in and gave them both hugs goodbye, “Alright, see you again soon, Cherish?” She asked.
Lisa interjected as she stepped forward, “Yes, I swear your need a break from diapers and babies all day. We’ll have lunch soon.” She said.
Cherish agreed to meet with them when she could find the time. Simon stopped with the stroller and smiled, “Did you have fun? Make any friends? You were popular.”
Waving them off, she looked to Simon and lowered Jasmine into the seat beside Jr., “I did have fun, this was a very nice surprise, Simon. Thank you so much, for everything.” She said with a smile. Cherish looked around and watched as some associates pulled down the streamers and others boxed up the leftover food. She smiled slightly looking to him, “Did you have a good time?” she questioned.
He appreciated her gratitude, but in his mind, he would have done it regardless. To see her happy was thanks enough for him. “I had a fantastic time. I feel much better about returning to work.” He said as they left the venue.
Cherish laughed a bit and shook her head, “Well I’m glad.”
Susan exited the bathroom and paused as she saw Simon and Cherish entering the elevator. She looked from side to side, rolled her eyes, and pulled out her phone. Instead of texting him, she decided to hold off and bring it up when on Monday, when the charity case wasn’t around.
Pressing the B button, they descended to the garage. The metal doors opened and showed the parents shutting the trunk and facing them as they came into sight, “Don’t tell anyone, but I’m looking forward to dressing the kids up when we get home.” He whispered to her.
Cherish stepped off the elevator and arched an eyebrow, “You have fun with that, between you and I, my feet are killing me.” She replied.
Simon gave a half smirk, “Sure. You sleep, and I’ll play dress up. There’s nothing strange about that, is there?” he asked.
Staring at his parents as they approached, Cherish rolled her lips in and shook her head quickly, “Nope. Not strange at all.” She expressed.
Hugging the parents and thanking them for doing their part, Cherish and Simon said goodbye to Emily’s for good. They had a flight t
o catch that evening. They kissed the kids one last time and waved before they followed Simon’s parents back to the elevator.
Getting into the car, they were winded and tired, but felt rejuvenated. Little by little, Cherish found the good in people again and Simon found his own sense of happiness and normalcy. Had he been alone, this would have never happened and for that, he was thankful.
The car pulled out from the parking garage and rounded the main entrance once again. Susan leaned against the window and pushed her lips to the side as she watched them leave with a dull expression. Her blue gaze locked onto the back of the car as it turned out of sight. Grimacing, she ignored the stragglers who told her that the party was a success. They all knew Susan wasn’t the most pleasant person to work with. In fact, she’d made the last two weeks hell to prep for Simon’s party. They were relieved when he called in, unbeknownst to her, and redid the entire thing; to something they all could enjoy.
Looking down at her phone, she texted Simon that she didn’t get to say goodbye, but she’d see him on Monday. Pressing send, she sighed before she finally left the building and went home like everyone else.
Chapter 9
Rubbing the haze and grit from his eyes, Simon sat on the edge of the bed. The sheets where Cherish would usually lay were empty and wrinkled. She’d done her morning jog, showered, and brought the babies downstairs so he could sleep. He was a little restless through the night and she wanted the transition to be as easy as possible. His lunch was made and sat in the fridge.
The day for Simon’s first day back to work had arrived. He showered, shaved, and dressed in a pressed suit. He looked the part of partner in a law firm as he should but didn’t feel ready. Mentally, he had been putting it off and was unprepared despite how hard he tried. Now, he didn’t have a choice. He had to go.
Jasmine sat in a small rocker by the table, while Jr. resided in Cherish's arm. Simon wasn't the only one who had worries. This would be her first time by herself with the children. Margaret had called the night before and said she'd stop by at noon to help with the home stretch, but that was four hours away. She was nervous and doubted her ability to take care of two newborns at the same time. But, just like Simon, she needed to get through and move past it.
Taking the last step down the stairs, he leaned over and ran his finger over Jasmine’s little cheek, “Good morning.” He softly uttered to his gorgeous eyed girl. He saw Cherish had the briefcase he’d organized the other night at the side door and breakfast on the table; ready for him. He felt truly blessed to have her around.
Cherish turned to face him and smiled, "Well, look at you. “You look great!" She said. Holding Jr. up and out, she leaned into his ear, "Look at your daddy. You're going to look like him one day." She whispered.
A smile smacked on Simon’s face. Reaching out for his son, he ran a hand over his fluffy head. Bringing Jr. close to him, Simon sat in front of his food. Jr. sat tucked against his father's chest and simply stared in his general direction. Simon drank some coffee but didn’t eat much. He mostly picked at it. “How long have you been up?” he asked.
Cherish poured herself up a glass of water and drank, "I've been up for about almost two hours." She said looking at him with a pause, "Hey, are you alright? You're going to do fine."
Simon did a double-take at her. He found it easier to worry about her than himself, “I should be asking you that. You must be tired and we both have a long day. Don’t be afraid to call my mother.” He stated.
Cherish took a seat at the table across from him and leaned against the surface with both elbows. She looked out of the window at the trees and driveway before she scratched at the base of her head, "Your mom will be here at noon. I just hope I have the energy. I might nap when they go down in the afternoon or when she gets here. I'm sure we all will be fine." She replied.
“Yeah, you’re right.” He replied.
Looking to Simon again, a man with a healthy appetite now only took a few sips of coffee. Cherish rested her glass on the table and rubbed her lips together, "Remember what your boss said. If you need to leave and come home early that's up to you. Okay? Don't push yourself." She said with a smile. "And you can call your mom to check in on us after twelve."
Although he listened to her advice, it didn’t really help ease him, but the thought mattered. Simon took a bite of his egg to appease her, “I’ll call.” He added on. Looking down at his plate, he knew he needed to finish. She’d woken up early and took the time out to make it for him. He took large bites and cleaned his place all while Jr. clung to his shirt.
Cherish watched him in silence before she stood, lifted Jasmine’s swing, and carried her to the living room. Plopping her down in front of the television beside Jr.’s, she then went into the kitchen and pulled his lunch out.
Finished, Simon felt as though he was bursting at the belt but stood to leave. He kissed Jr.’s head and placed him down in his rocker, “Be nice to mommy today.” He said. When he said the M word, she glanced over her shoulder. He kissed on both babies’ heads and looked as though he wasn’t ready to go. Going to the side door, he caught a look at himself in the mirror on the wall beside his home office.
Passing by Cherish, he went to the side door and picked up his briefcase while he turned the knob, “Good luck, I’ll be back by five.” He said.
Cherish gripped his lunchbox tightly before she swallowed and nodded. She held out the case and gave him a smile, “I made you some leftovers from last night. Have a good day, Simon. Call for anything.” She replied. As soon as he left through the door, she stepped closer and locked it.
Getting into the car, Simon sat there for a handful of seconds and shut his eyes. Before long he started up the car and shifted the vehicle in reverse.
Looking back at the large space shrouded in a dark, cool, light, Cherish then watched the headlights from the side window travel down the driveway. She watched after him for a long moment before she released a deep breath and glanced over to Jr.’s bassinet, “Mommy…”
Simon took a glance back at the house while it faded from view. Before long he pulled into his parking spot, got out of his car, and locked it from muscle memory. Pausing, he looked back at his vehicle before he went with the flow and approached the elevator that took him to his floor. He watched the numbers climb and, for a moment, was washed with a sense of normalcy.
As the elevator doors opened near her desk, Imani glanced upwards and saw a sight she hadn’t in weeks. Lighting up almost immediately, her boss had finally made his appearance. Meeting her gaze, he stopped by the desk and asked a question that was a part of their ritual every day, “Good morning, Imani. Do you have anything to give me?” he asked.
Standing, she held onto a stack of folders that she’d intended to drop off in his office, “Good morning Mr. Gabot! As a matter of fact, I do. I have a few folders on cases you handed over to Newman on your leave. He had a few hiccups that you might have to fix.” She replied.
She walked with him towards his office past others who smiled or waved at him. Imani took a few steps ahead and opened his office door. There were a few stacks of folders he had to go through and a hot cup of coffee on a coaster for him. Imani stepped into the middle of the room and read off the planner of events, “Because it’s your first day back, you have a free schedule to play catch-up. No meetings, no lunches, no clients. Newman said he will continue taking on your cases and transition you over in two weeks.” She stated gazing at Simon for a moment and tilting her head slightly, “Is there anything else you need, Mr. Gabot?”
Simon was glad to hear that she had everything under control, which was expected, and relieved that they would wean him back into the normal workflow. He should have known Imani would have his coffee already there for him and ready to start. Sitting down, he perked up and pulled a folder on top of the large stack to him. He opened it and gave a quick glance before he lifted and shook his head, “Nothing. Thank you, Imani.” He said. Bowing her head, Imani left the office a
nd returned to her desk to begin her day as well.
Through the first half of the day, Simon had a steady flow of visitors from others on the different floors who’d heard of his story. A few people he didn’t even know, but still, they came and passed on their condolences, congratulations, and welcome back to work. By the time noon rolled around, the corner of his office had a few various arrangements of flowers and baked goods from the homemakers within the office. Between the visitors, he’d gotten through the steps of one case after another. He stumbled across one missing a crucial receipt their client needed to present for their testimony to be corroborated. He made a couple of phone calls, sipped his cold coffee, and opened the next folder as he waited for a call back. Still, that wasn’t enough to take away the separation anxiety and worries he felt about home.
As the office emptied out for lunch, Simon took a deep breath and his busy bee mentality slowed. He was going to work through lunch but found that he was unable to focus. All he could think about was being at home with his family; the one he’d grown accustomed to. That was where his comfort was. Today was the first day he spent apart from Jr. and Jasmine since they were born, and he found himself to be restless.
He’d only gotten through three folders and already thought of ways, reasons, and excuses to leave. He needed to take his mind from it because he was always known to be sluggish when returning from a vacation, but this was worse than anything he’d felt before. Picking up the phone, he connected to an external line and called home. Perhaps checking up on Cherish and the kids would help his anxiety.
Cherish had just burped the last baby and rested her little body in the crib beside Jr. who was already filled to the brim. The morning had been rough, as usual, but this time she didn’t have an extra two hands to help. Jasmine had pooped her diaper and just as she cleaned her up, Jr. took an atomic bowel movement; one which traveled up his back and soiled his onesie. So, he needed a bath, and Jasmine was dragged through the house in her rocker towards the bathroom downstairs and had to sit in the hallway while she bathed Jr. This happened on top of their regular feedings and tummy time.