Cherish sat down on the edge of the bed and rubbed her legs with cocoa butter and then her arms. She sighed while rubbing the back of her neck, around the front, and against her breast plate, "Once I got numb to the cold. I had a lot of fun. I can't wait to go back to the lodge and watch you ski down one of the big hills. I want to take your picture for that. Dinner was amazing, the glimpse into your culture was so nice and... god damnit..." Snapping her fingers, she looked back at Simon with a defeated sigh, "I forgot to get Jr.'s kippah!"
Simon loved the idea of her watching him, because he knew that he could show off and look cool just for her. He rolled onto his side and watched her back, “It’s alright. We can try again tomorrow. Christmas is right around the corner.” He said.
Standing, she shook her head and went into the bathroom to pee once last time and washed her hands, "I know. I can't wait to see what mom and Miriam have in store for us. Is it just me, or are they acting weird?" She asked clicking the light off.
He found her question to be significant, “When are they ever normal?” he asked.
Cherish climbed onto the mattress with him and pulled the blankets over her waist, “That’s beyond the point.”
Sitting up, he pulled the blankets back, and got under the covers because he felt a chill, “Yeah, I think they’re planning something. I’m not sure what it is, but my gut tells me not to let it go.” He muttered to himself.
Shutting off the lamp, the moon washed the room in a soft, white light, and she finally relaxed against the pillow, “I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels the same way.” She whispered.
Simon hooked his arm over his head and around the pillow, “Well, whatever it is, we’re going to be one step ahead of them.” He muttered.
Laying there silently, Cherish closed her eyes and released a slow breath, “I can’t wait until tomorrow. Whatever it is, I’m loving this experience.” She added.
Turning, he pressed against her back with his arm across her side and his eyes closed, “Probably decorating…a lot of decorating.” He mumbled in his delirium.
She held onto his arm and had already drifted halfway to sleep, “Yeah…great…” Her body felt heavy, her breaths slowed, and she soon faded in Simon’s arms.
Chapter 14
On the early evening of Christmas Eve, Cherish, Margaret, and Miriam did the finishing touches on the tree. Bound in sheer, chocolate brown sashes with white, blue, and gold ornaments, small white lights, and a star on top, this tree was by far the most beautiful Cherish had seen. That was only because Miriam had turned into a nagging perfectionist one the first ornament was lifted.
Standing back and looking over their canvas with a critical eye, Miriam tilted her head to the side. Cherish was on her hands and knees with a white tree skirt only for Miriam to shake her head, "I don't like this one either. Do you think we should go back to the gold one?" She asked under her breath.
Margaret came from the kitchen with two mugs of hot cocoa in each hand. Rounding the babies playing in the center of the room, she handed Miriam a mug before setting the other down on the center of an end table for Cherish, "I think you should give the poor girl a break. Unlike me, she is trying her best to make you happy and work herself to death. I'm not doing it." She replied before leaving the room again.
Miriam glared after Margaret and took a long sip of her drink, "It hasn't been that long." She snipped back.
Margaret's laughter echoed from within as she returned into view. Blowing on her own cup, she paused, "You've been at this for six hours. The boys left after we started!"
Miriam crossed one arm under her breasts while she gave Margaret a challenging glance, "You should see the trees that I've done for functions over the holidays. This is a breeze compared to those!" She retorted.
Smirking and rolling her eyes, Margaret looked away from her, "I've seen your masterpieces. The Lord knows I've received over a thousand pictures of them over the years." She murmured causing Miriam's head to snap in her direction.
Listening, Cherish shuffled out from beneath the tree and fell back on her bottom. She tugged on the ends of Simon's sweater and wiped her brow, "Really, I'm okay. This is fun." She said. Rolling to her feet, she cracked her back before wandering over and grabbing the cup, "Thank you." She said with a smile.
Miriam inhaled a deep breath and pushed her light blonde hair from her face, "Oh, to young and limber again." She teased.
Margaret flicked her gaze from the kids to Miriam before nudging her, "I don't know about you. I may not be the youngest in the room, but I am still quite limber. Baby proved that to me last—"
"—For the love of..." Miriam interjected as she placed a fist to her forehead.
Cherish spat cocoa into her cup from laughter and shook her head. Margaret's eyes glimmered and the nose, which loved other people's laundry, started to hunt, "Well. You two know when I was last put into use. The boys aren't here...when's the last time for you, Miriam?" She asked knocking against her shoulder.
Miriam stumbled to the side before she shot glare at
