Cherish rolled her lips in tightly, “Well, this is a birthday party for both of our children.” she corrected.
Susan leaned back on her wedged heels and hummed out of disapproval, “I hope you’re not insulted, but I only bought Simon Jr. a gift. If I had known you’d be here…” Without denying or confirming of whether she’d get Jasmine a gift in the first place, she allowed her words to fall away.
Cherish shook her head and held a hand up, “No really, it’s fine. I’m not expecting much for Jasmine and that’s okay.” She replied.
Looking over what Imani and Cherish were drinking, Susan then sighed under her breath, “Well, that’s very humble of you, Cherish dear. I would say that’s very nice of you as well. You already have a free roof over your head and meals to eat. I know you and Simon help each other, but it’s nice of you to clean up and take care of the home while he works. One could almost consider you to be the help with the way you take care of the children and the house.” She expressed.
Imani’s eyes widened in shock while Cherish leaned over slightly. Her hand squeezed into a fist, and her jaw rolled from one side to the other. She tilted her head and sucked her cheeks in, “I-I’m sorry…did you say, ‘the help’?” she asked.
Susan rolled her eyes as she expected such from Cherish, but decided to push beyond it, “Yes dear. I’m simply saying that it’s good for you to work for your stay in his home. The thought of Simon bringing you there in the wake of his wife’s passing is preposterous. You have to at least do something for him in order to keep your room and board until you can move out.” She explained.
Cherish thought over the last year of her life and how not once did Simon or his family make her feel as disgusted as she did now. Her nostrils flared and the cool she had vanished while the anger and resentment she harbored boiled over. Cherish was a calm, meek woman. Always had been and always would be. She was a follower, not a leader and she enjoyed watching others succeed while encouraging them, but there was one thing she could not stand.
That was ignorance.
Looking Susan in her blue gaze, she was toiled with all the resentment she’d inadvertently gave her. No matter when she was around, it never felt pleasant, and now, Cherish had enough, “See, that’s where you’re wrong. Simon would and DID bring me into his home and helped me. Yes, I fed his child with my own milk, but that was a choice that I made for that little boy. You don’t know anything about what Simon, or I have been through. So, for you to run your mouth about a situation that has nothing to do with you, is pathetic. I am the not the help, I am a part of this family and that is something you will never achieve especially with a nasty, small-minded attitude like that. I will move if and when I’m good and damn ready to. Simon had made it a point to keep me home. That’s right, home, because that’s what his house is to me. OUR home. One that we built together in the wake of our turmoil. You can keep your shitty ass gifts, your fancy clothing, your cheap perfume, and your god damn fancy houses because that’s all you’re going to have. I don’t want your charity because I am not a charity case and I am going to make sure you understand that right now.”
Susan was taken aback, and her mouth fell open slightly. This woman had the nerve and gall to speak to her in such a way, perhaps she had more pull over Simon than she originally thought. Now, she would have to investigate closer to get exactly what and whom she wanted.
Cherish gripped the glass tightly in her hand before she backed away, “Now, if you excuse me, I’m going to leave this room and enjoy MY kids’ birthday party. Because if I don’t leave I’m going to show you exactly where I come from.” She muttered under her breath.
Imani shook her head as she slid out of her seat, stared at Susan, and shook her head again. Following Cherish out of the doors, she scratched at the side of her face and silently cheered to herself. Cherish was her hero of the month and it showed in her features.
Cherish continued across the grass and pool before she sat down at a small table and downed her drink. She needed a few moments to calm down before she’d be able to fully enjoy the day.
Simon glanced all around the backyard until he spotted Imani who ran her fingertips along her eyebrow and shook her head, “Wow, just…wow I wasn’t really expecting that whatsoever. I’m so sorry, Cherish.” She whispered.
Cherish sipped on her drink again while her temper slowly came down. She gazed over the people who’d shown up and caught a glimpse of Susan making nice with other coworkers without being completely seen. Rolling her eyes, she took a deep breath and released the tension from her shoulders, “It’s alright. What’s done is done. There’s no point in upsetting Simon and the others over he said, she said.” She muttered.
As Jack and Simon Sr. showed Jasmine how to work the grill, Jr. threw himself back continuously to get down. The little boy wanted out of Jim’s arms, so he could waddle around.
Once the party got
