The older couple huddled closely to Simon as he shut and locked the door. There was a light of excitement bubbling from them as they waited curiously to see their grandson; the silver lining in a tragedy. Simon led them to the crib where he reached down for his son and quickly retracted. Instead of his chunky boy, his eyes were wide with dread as he saw his restless daughter, with her cap slightly askew. Simon met with Jasmine’s squinted gaze, “Shit…” he thought to himself.
Without time to explain, Jack went in and picked Jasmine up. He held her close as he leaned into his wife, so they could share the moment with their “grandson” together. Simon held his arms out and pulled away several times. He placed a hand over his mouth and cringed because they were completely smitten with her.
Miriam pulled Jasmine’s hat off and brushed her dark hair aside. Jack prodded her nose and cheeks. The two of them were delighted with the bundle of joy in their hold, “Miriam, just look at him. He’s a tough little fella, isn’t he? Just like your mother.” Jack said with a grin.
Miriam swatted the air and gave Jack a playful, narrowed expression, “Look at his eyes, Jack. Just like Emily’s.” She whispered with her hand on her throat.
Simon held his breath. He felt sick, embarrassed, and as though he’d made them into fools. Rubbing the back of his neck, his anxiety ran on high and his eyes flicked towards the stairs multiple times.
Cherish’s groggy eyes parted slightly a few minutes after the bell. She wondered to herself who the hell would show up so early in the morning. Little did she know it was almost 11 A.M. She couldn’t comprehend the meaning of time in her sleep deprivation. A soft mewl sounded from beneath her before she gazed down at Jr.’s chubby, handsome face. She pressed a soft kiss to his cheek and smiled. Just as she was about to close her eyes to rest more, she heard strange voices on the floor below and was reminded her of the situation. With a sharp gasp, Cherish sat up in bed and Jr. was jarred awake. Quickly, she picked him up and held him tightly to her chest, “Shit…shit.” She whispered to herself in a panic. What was going on? Jasmine, where was Jasmine? Where was HER baby?
Panting out nervously, Cherish stole across the bedroom with Jr. coiled tightly in her arms. She tiptoed out of the room and the voices became clearer. Jack and Miriam were melting and cooing over her daughter. Gasping out slightly, she pressed her back against the wall before her fingers gripped into her black, curly hair. Her light brown eyes were wide and flicked from side to side. She didn’t know what to do. What could she do? There was a complete and utter mistake of identity right under her nose.
Hearing Emily’s name being said, Cherish rolled her lips in and leaned her head back against the wall. Oh god, these were Emily’s parents. They would be less than thrilled she was there in the first place. In fact, they’d more than likely hate her for taking advantage of Simon, “Oh god.” She whispered to herself. Jr. coughed a grumpy gargle which caused her to jump. Shushing him, she pat along his back and slipped back into the bedroom.
Simon rubbed his face over as he watched Emily’s parents dote and love on Jasmine. He didn’t have the heart to tell them she wasn’t Jr. He’d have to clarify how Jasmine arrived, which meant he’d have to explain Cherish. Then what? This was a lot of bad timing all too soon. He tried to distract them all while eyeing Jasmine uneasily, “H-he’s beautiful, isn’t he? W-well would you like to have a drink? Juice, milk, water? We uh…we have water.” He said.
The pair looked at Simon with a confused expression. As though he spoke gibberish and they couldn’t understand him. They were so absorbed in the thought of their daughter’s child, they weren’t going to leave for a beverage. Then, as if matters couldn’t be worse, Jasmine farted with such ferocity, that her diaper was soiled.
Simon’s mouth slightly fell open as Miriam lifted her from Jack’s arms, “Oh baby boy! You need to be changed? Grandma is going to take care of that, yes, she will, she will.” She cooed with a laugh. Miriam went in with kisses against Jasmine’s face as she advanced towards the stairs, “His crib is set up in your bedroom, right?” She asked.
This caused Simon to charge in front of her in a determined manner. He had to put a stop to the madness. Trying to seem as innocent as possible, he cut in front of her, “Actually! We have a changing table down here.” He said with a nod, “Yeah…”
For the first time, Miriam gave him a questionable look. Slowly, she stepped around him, “It will only be a minute, Simon! You’ve been through so much, son. Sit down please.” She reassured.
Simon really felt sick to his stomach now. There was a tight ball of stress and tension in his core, “This is the one s-HE is familiar with. Since we’ve been downstairs.” He said with a huff of breath.
Miriam understood now. Simon hadn’t the nerve to go upstairs yet. She turned to use the one in the guest bedroom beyond the stairs as he reached out to take Jasmine from her, “Here, I’ll do it.” He said.
Miriam
