When prompted by Simon to ask why she was working and obviously miserable, she brushed it off and said she wanted to keep busy. As though keeping two crawling, babbling children, who loved to get into kitchen cabinets the most, wasn’t busy enough. Knowing Simon didn’t entirely buy her reason, Cherish would reassure him that she was fine; even if she was lying. This was not the kind of life she wanted to give Jasmine. After living in Simon’s home for nearly a year, she wanted to give both babies the lifestyle he was able to provide. She soon figured out retail wasn’t the way to go.
On one of her weekends off, Margaret had invited Cherish and Jasmine out for a mommy, daughter, and granddaughter day. As she packed Jasmine’s baby bag, she yawned out quietly before she caught herself, stopped, and peered around for Simon. If he saw her extra exhaustion, she knew that he’d somehow, someway talk her out of working and give her promises on how he wanted to take care of her. She would then see it his way and concede. But, that also meant telling her about the car which, the lecture that would come from he and his mother, was enough to keep her working until they found out.
Quitting wasn’t an option.
Dressed in a pair of jeans and a mustard crop top, her coiled curls fell well below her shoulders and each time she lifted her arm, a peek of her toned abdomen would expose itself. Having worked hard to get back to her pre-baby weight and stronger, she was quite proud of all she’d accomplished for herself; even the minute milestones.
Jasmine stood beside her mother with both hands holding her against the dresser and stared up, “Da-dee. Da-dee. Da-dee.” She repeated several times.
Cherish glanced down at her precious, precocious baby and sighed, “It’s mama baby, mama. Daddy is downstairs with Jr.” she replied with a soft laugh while packing diapers in the compartments along the side of the bag.
Now that Simon had a day off between his busy work schedule, he was more than happy to spend it with his family. A guy’s day out sounded fantastic and he hadn’t seen his dad in a long while. While Cherish was upstairs with Jasmine, he was putting Jr.’s little shoes on and double-checked he had everything he needed in the baby bag. Diapers, wipes, sweater, extra socks, extra outfit, snacks, and a sandwich for his son.
Rubbing Jr.’s full head of thick, black hair, Simon zipped the bag shut before he went and organized Cherish’s day bag as well. From upstairs he soon heard his daughter calling out of him, so he picked up his bag, slung it over his shoulder, and brought his son in his arms towards the kids’ room, “Are you guys almost ready?” he asked.
Dressed in a little purple floral number Simon had picked out, Cherish was in the middle of settling a hairband over Jasmine’s slight wispy hairs.
The moment she saw her brother and daddy, Jasmine broke into an excited smile and shrieked out in delight. She sat on the changing table while Cherish held out a hand in front of Jasmine and stretched herself to grab a small sweater from the closet, “Yeah, we’re almost done here. What about you guys?” She asked glancing at the boys.
Simon lit up when he saw Jasmine while Jr. rocked heavily against his dad with his shirt gripped in his fist. Going over to his baby, Simon let Jr. lean over and nicely pat along Jasmine’s head, “We’re ready to go. The bag is all set and ready by the door for you.” he said. Leaning over, he kissed Jasmine on her cheek while she grabbed against his with her little nails. Smiling for his daughter, he pried her hand off, “I love you. We’ll see you guys when we get home.” He said pulling back.
Taking a hold of Jr.’s chubby arm, he waved it while using a little voice, “Bye sissy! Bye mom! I’m going to be a man tonight. Hanging with the fellas until bedtime! Bye!” Simon said as he brought Jr. closer to Cherish.
Leaning in to kiss her boy on both cheeks, she crossed her arms and arched an eyebrow, "Yeah, be safe. Have fun. Don't come home after bedtime and we love you! Be safe with my baby!" She called after him.
As the boys left the house first, Cherish looked to her daughter. She smiled a bit to herself and waited a proper amount of time before going downstairs. Setting the alarm, she hurried out to the car with Jasmine in her arms and the bag on her shoulder. Strapping Jasmine in the car seat, Cherish got into the front and turned the ignition. The engine sputtered and died which caused her to sigh and lean her head over, "Come on. Come on. Come on..." Turning the key again, the car sputtered before cranking to life. She shut her eyes and exhaled before silently thanking the car under her breath.
Rolling down the windows, she gazed back at Jasmine in the car seat who looked rather confused, "Ready to go baby? Let’s go see Grandma!" She exclaimed backing out of the driveway.
Driving to his parent’s house, his dad waited outside the door thanks to his mother getting him ready on time. Climbing in the front seat, he nodded to Simon before he turned to his grandson with an excited glimmer in his eyes, “Hey little man, how’s my guy?” he asked while holding out his hand. It took a moment before Jr. clued in and slapped at his hand crazily with happy gurgles which made his grandpa’s grin. Simon Sr. glanced to his son as they backed out of the driveway, “Has he said anything yet?” he asked.
Simon turned on
