Sighing and rolling his eyes, he knew she was right, “Exactly. Let’s make this as painless as possible.” He muttered in response.
Smiling warmly, Cherish shook her head, “Of course, dear.” She stated as she backed out with Jasmine in her arms.
Carrying the bag and Jr., he shut the door, locked the car, and led the way straight towards the backyard. Jasmine lit up the moment her gaze rested on her grandmother’s frame. She held her arms out and kicked her feet happily, “MA! MA!” She squealed. Cherish had a firm grip on her little body to keep her from tumbling out of her arms.
Simon waved to his mother and pointed where they were headed. So, like any good sleuth, she shut the door and hurried to the back deck. Once they passed through the tall gate, Margaret approached with a mesh bag of toys and hugged them both.
The backyard was lush with an ample amount of shade, though, not entirely shrouded as what they had back home. A decorated gazebo rested on the raised deck with the barbecue grill and patio chairs. Between the deck and grass sat an inground pool lined with tanning chairs.
Simon leaned into his mother’s arms, “It’s nice to see you Ma. You look good.”
Margaret’s eyes gleamed once she saw the cream number Cherish wore beneath her cover. Grabbing her son’s arm, she dragged him closer, “Son. Have you and Cherish…done…”
He cut his eyes down at her, “Mom, stop.” He muttered softly.
Margaret was about to protest before pausing as Cherish grew closer. Acting normal, she quickly drew away, smiled, and pulled her into a tight hug, “There’s my daughter! Hello baby!”
Jasmine began to kick her legs, “MA!” She shrieked again.
Margaret quickly turned her attention to Jasmine and dropped the bag of toys by her feet, “Let’s not forget you baby girl!” She laughed scooping her up into her arms.
Simon rubbed the side of his face. His mother was up to her shenanigans once more which made visits tedious lately. Looking down at Jr., his son’s bright, blue eyes stared back at his father while gripping his shirt.
A smirk appeared on Simon’s face only for his own father to pat against his back, “So, she hasn’t moved yet, huh? Did anything happen?” He questioned. “Don’t give me a stupid answer, boy.” He added.
Jr. reached up and pulled Simon’s glasses from his face. He chewed on the rubber end and began to kick his feet from restlessness. Jr. understood these older people gave him food, he learned that in his short year and knew it well.
Simon gave his father a testing look, “Don’t push it. Right now, I don’t even think she wants—”
Before he could finish, his dad cut in, “—bullshit. Do you see what I see, son? That’s the look of a woman in need. Stop being blind and get what you want while it’s good.” He hissed.
Sighing out roughly, Simon flicked his glance to the blurred ripples in the pool, “So, we came over for a swim and to give the babies a dip. Are you coming? Or will you man the barbecue?” He asked changing the subject.
Simon Sr. gave his son a long look before he grunted and turned away. Walking up the deck steps towards said pit, he pulled the foil from a platter loaded with hotdogs and hamburger patties. Firing up the grill, he watched Simon with the same smartass expression before he popped open a carton of cigarettes and lit one up.
Meanwhile, Simon once more looked down at his boy and pried his glasses from his lips, “Well, someone’s going to be full and happy today.” He muttered.
Margaret pulled the girls through the sliding glass doors and into the kitchen. Fluttering about, she’d already prepared snacks and toys for her little grandchildren. She was intent on feeding them while her husband oversaw the kiddie pool. “I’m so happy you and Simon came! I just love seeing my children. Especially you sweet girl!” She exclaimed while kissing Jasmine’s little lips and handing her a cookie. Cherish sat on one of the barstools tucked beneath the kitchen island, “Oh Cherish, my dear! You wouldn’t believe the things I found while we cleaned out the attic the other day. I have a little box of Simon’s old toys I think the kids can play with.” She expressed. Making her way to the door, she called Simon inside with a cookie in hand for Jr.
Unfortunately, Simon entered at the wrong part of the conversation. Margaret began to chuckle to herself as she poured each of them a large glass of lemonade; even though they never asked. She was known to pull out all the stops to make anyone feel at home; especially Cherish. She loved her and loved the thought of she and her son possibly together in the near, near future; much to Cherish’s enjoyment, “Simon and I also bought sponge toys for the kids and a squirting octopus. In the boxes though, I found a bunch of photo albums!” She said happily.
In an instant Simon wished he hadn’t entered the kitchen. This was the worst moment he could think of; photo albums. He groaned and knew she had a few unnecessary stories up her sleeve. But no, not his mother, for some reason she went beyond what he expected and pulled out all the stops. Much to Simon’s horror.
Cherish began to sip on that chilled, delicious drink while listening to Margaret chatter away, “I don’t know how they got in there, but I found pictures of Simon marrying his life size barbie. His cousin Matilda left her here one summer
