Seeing her there, one woman leaned back and pointed, “Oh, Cherish darling it’s so nice to finally meet you! We’ve heard so much about you but…have you had some of Margaret’s giggle juice? Oh…I think there’s a bit too much liquor in this one!” she exclaimed.
Cherish’s mouth fell open slightly, “W-wait…liquor?” She asked.
Margaret passed them by while the old ladies perked up once Jasmine looked their way, “OH! She’s just a doll?! Isn’t she just the sweetest thing!?” one woman cooed.
Margaret leaned into Cherish’s ear and cleared her throat, “It’s the only way to get these ladies to loosen up. There’s some juice in the fridge just waiting for you and Simon if you both want to sneak off together.” She whispered.
Jr. held hands with his daddy and struggled with shaky, wobbly steps. Still, one step at a time, they made it over to both grandpas and a family member on Emily’s side who was in the country for the first time since the funeral.
He’d only attended it shortly because he couldn’t emotionally handle the stress of no longer having her in the world. He carried the trait of blonde hair, shaved around the ears, in Emily’s family, but his eyes were hazel. He rested both hands on both men’s shoulders with a charlatan grin, “Listen, listen. Uncle, Simon, maybe you should both take a break and allow me to take over.” He said as he placed his name in being pit master. He then spotted Simon and Jr. and his smile faded away in awe. Jr. was walking already. Jim didn’t know anything about kids, but he was amazed.
Letting go of the fathers, he met the two younger men at the steps and paused. He’d missed and regretted a lot.
Simon was surprised Jim was there and felt that perhaps a year gave him enough time to finally show his face. Especially since he was a man Emily considered to be alike to her brother. Still, Simon hugged him and patted Jim on the back, “I’m glad you’re here.” He said.
Jim nodded before he casting his gaze downward. His previous playful nature vanished because he knew he ran from his family at the worst time when they needed him most, “Thanks…” Kneeling down in front of Jr., Jr. looked at him with big blue eyes and heavy cheeks. His face was hard not to love. Jim reached out and picked him up, “Hey there Jr. I’m your uncle Jim. He kissed against one cheek and Jr. placed his hands against his chest. He looked up at Simon the same way he did when neighbors showered him with love; in other words, stranger danger.
Simon fell to one knee as well and rubbed Jr.’s head reassuringly which made the little boy stare up at Jim; studying his face. All of his little eager senses took him in. From over Simon’s shoulder and across the lawn, Jim saw the woman he was told so many good things about. Something about Simon “replacing” his cousin with someone so soon gave him an embittered sensation he couldn’t shake. He had trouble over the last year coming to terms with Emily’s death and now there was her.
In the end, they agreed that Jack would cook, and Simon Sr. was going to prep. Jim and Simon stood tall before the latter placed his hand on Jim’s shoulder, “It’s really, really good to see you again. Are you staying a while?” he asked.
Jim didn’t look Simon in the eyes but nodded, “Yeah, a couple of months. I’ve been gone too long.” He muttered.
Chatting about the weather with the group of ladies, they complimented Cherish and told her what a wonderful job she’d done with the children before she was able to break away. Unknowing at what happened across the lawn, she continued making rounds. Passing by a set of men from the poker game, they all jabbed each other and pointed because they finally got to see the allusive, mysterious woman in action.
Margaret passed behind Cherish before she pointed to both eyes and back in their direction. One man scoffed out a laugh while he sipped from her beer, "What are you going to do, Marge?" He taunted.
Margaret paused, turned to face them with her hands on her hips, and a smirk on her lips, "I'll send Simon over tonight to clean out your wallets in a game of cards." She retorted.
The man put on an act of being terrified and lifted his hands up, "Okay! Okay! We'll be good. Damn. Talk about below the belt." He said with a laugh.
Cherish carried Jasmine around and stopped every so often to talk to ones who greeted her. She took Jasmine over to the decorations and pried her grip from one of the streamers. Her lips were close to Jasmine's ear and she pointed out the brightly colored boxes, "Oh. Look at all of the presents you and your brother got!" She exclaimed while Jasmine leaned over with a giggle.
Holding her back, Margaret slid beside and cleared her throat, "I can take her for a moment if you don't mind, sweetheart." She said.
Cherish smiled while Jasmine willingly flew into grandma's arms, "Well she made the decision for me. I think I'm going to busy myself with a giggle drink. I'm curious to see what it’s about." She said with a laugh.
A familiar voice echoed from their left while Imani's head came into view, "I'll go with you sweet cheeks!" She expressed. Cherish broke into a smile as Imani pulled her into a hug. She then looked to Jasmine, leaned close, and clapped, "Happy birthday too you!" She sang. Jasmine broke into a shy smile before she leaned over and pressed her face into Margaret's shoulder. Imani broke into a grin, "Aww I'm going to
