Simon nodded to Shelby, “Thank you.”
Cherish rubbed the spot between her eyes before she lifted Jasmine and stood with him, “Do you think the babies are alright? What if we aren’t answering the questions right?” She asked.
Simon could tell she was distressed, “They seem fine.” He said running a hand over Jasmine’s balding head, “New parents probably mess up answers all the time. They’re probably used to it. I’m sure it’s okay.” He reassured her but felt anxious to the contrary of his words because of her concerns.
Cherish rocked from side to side and thought about what Shelby said before. She looked up at Simon, “You didn’t tell me Jr. has issues with eating.” She said. With how straight forward she was, Simon felt defensive for a moment causing her to catch herself. Pausing, she rethought her tone, “I mean, you didn’t have to. I just hope he’s eating enough. Jasmine is eating well with you but…” She glanced down at Jr. and brushed her finger against his small hand, “…I just want him to be well.” She said worriedly. “I don’t even know what to ask the doctors. Do you think they could tell us where the WIC office is?” She questioned.
To Simon, Cherish clearly cared for his son and wanted the best for him, “I don’t really know what do ask or to expect either. I know they have a routine where they check the babies and review their tests so, I trust them to do a good job. There’s no harm in asking.” He encouraged as his gaze traveled down to Jasmine who was well and awake now.
Yawning openly, her little eyes blinked several times and stared off. Cherish followed his gaze and was instantly smacked with a smile, “Hello gorgeous.” She whispered to her while the doctor knocked on the door and entered.
He was a middle-aged man and shorter than both Simon and Cherish. Which was normal. Cherish stood at 5'10 and Simon was 6'2. The doctor went and shook both of their hands with Shelby behind him, “Good morning, good morning to the four of you. I’m Doctor Cline. How are the parents feeling? Tired? Overwhelmed?” He asked.
Simon did his best to be put together and smiled, “Good morning. We’re…Alright.”
“Mom...how about you? Any intense feelings going through you right now?” Dr. Cline asked seriously.
Cherish blinked several times awkwardly and shook her head, “N-no I feel fine.” She answered.
Doctor Cline took her answer in stride before he nodded and patted the exam table, “Ladies first.” He said looking at them.
Simon looked to Cherish because he knew it had been a rough few days. He sat down and placed Jr. in his lap. He stifled a deep yawn while playing with his son’s chubby hands. Jr. took a firm hold of his father’s finger and squeezed in his sleep. Staring down at his first born again, he felt a warmed sensation fall over his shoulders.
He loved every inch of his boy.
Cherish had to undress Jasmine, who was cold and less than pleased. She made it known. As he checked her hips, diaper, and vitals Jasmine cried out. Her arms and legs kicked erratically, and the doctor checked around her umbilical stub, “That should fall off in a couple of weeks. No baths, for either of them, until it does. Keep them dry. I called the hospital to fax over her test screenings. Everything looks good mom, keep up the good work.” He said. Cherish nodded silently as she redressed Jasmine and soothed her.
Doctor Cline then looked to Simon, “Alright big guy! Come on down.” He exclaimed.
Cherish sat down in the chair and fumbled with the baby bag. Jasmine's cries always made her nervous in public. She felt as though all eyes were on her and someone would figure out she wasn't good enough to be a mother.
Shelby watched quietly before crouching down in front of Cherish and smiling at her, “Are you looking for a bottle?” She asked calmly amid Jasmine’s whimpers.
Cherish quietly nodded, “Yes, sorry.” She whispered.
Tilting her head, Shelby rubbed her mouth. She knew Simon's wife had passed, and, after rereading the hospital chart, that Jasmine's father had left. What she didn't realize was the lack of confidence Cherish had. She was young and scared; broken while trying to act whole, “You’re doing great, Cherish. If you have any questions call us. Don't be afraid to speak, don't be afraid to do what you think is right. You are stronger than you think.” She said.
Cherish watched Shelby take the formula, mix it with water, and shake it together. With her hand outstretched, she took the bottle and gave it to Jasmine. The little one fell silent immediately as she sucked down her milk. Her blue gray eyes opened and stared up at her mother, who in turn looked right back at her.
Shelby cleaned up and repacked the bag before placing it at Cherish’s feet. Returning to Jr and Simon, She cleared her throat as Doctor Cline spoke lowly, “Is she alright?” He murmured rotating Jr.’s hips.
Shelby gave a slight look to Cherish and cleared her throat, “She shows a little bit of PTSD. I read her file from the hospital and it’s not good. I don’t want to know what he did to her before they’d arrived.” She answered in a low hiss.
Simon turned his attention to Cherish. Hearing she’d gone through some issues serious enough to give PTSD caused concern. He felt a pit in his stomach and wasn’t sure what to do. Doctor Cline nodded as he went ahead and looked at Simon. He knew he'd heard everything they said. Sighing, he glanced back at Cherish, “Alright! You both have healthy and happy babies it looks like. Dad, you can dress your son. I will need to see you guys
