He could tell from her demeanor how badly she had wanted to go to school. Wanting to encourage her, he reached over and patted her knee to gain her attention, “You can do whatever you want to do, Cherish. Even new mothers can go to school. It’s hard but it’s not impossible. We can get you a student loan or a grant to help you out. Don’t ever give up. You always have a future.” He told her in a direct tone. Simon knew it was easy for someone like him, who already had his life together with the help of his parents, to say she could make her situation work. He didn’t want her to give up hope on bettering herself. He already understood she didn’t like to accept his help financially, but he at least wanted her to keep her desire for education.
Cherish’s eyebrows tucked inward while she stared at him. To hear words of encouragement over the last week confused her. With her life and upbringing, she wasn't easily convinced but it caused her to question a lot in her life, “Maybe, but I don’t think I’m ready right now.” She smiled at Simon. Taking Jr. off and burping him one final time, she looked to Simon once more, “Thanks.” She said appreciatively. Sitting Jr. back into his seat, she buckled him in and placed the pacifier in his mouth, “He’s topped off. I’ll take her, and we can go.” She said holding her arms out for Jasmine.
Once nestled in her mom’s arms and their seatbelts were buckled, Simon drove them to a baby outlet. Jr.’s carrier snapped onto the metal bars of the cart and he pushed it inside with Cherish. She was wowed by the selection they had, but then she saw the prices. Ten dollars for a onesie? Were these people out of their minds? There wasn’t a problem with the whole store being overpriced, it was how many people who roamed the aisles. Simon and she were two of them.
Walking down the aisles displaying strollers, Simon eyed the two-in-one types that Jr. had for himself. The only problem was the price and he doubted Cherish would accept. The look on her face showed that she saw each price. They’re joking, right? She watched Simon stop at a duo stroller. While he admired the sleek frame, she was caught by the four hundred-dollar price tag. Once again, she glanced to Simon and met his gaze. He looked serious. Turning her head back to the stroller, she half laughed, “Oh no, no. She just needs a car seat!” She exclaimed.
Simon tapped his finger against the stroller handle, “If you want to get anywhere without a car, you’re going to need a stroller.” He simply stated.
Cherish arched an eyebrow, “Everything is so far here, I don’t think I’ll be able to walk anywhere. So just get her a car…wh-where are you going?”
Strolling along the aisle, he left her in the wake of the pricy single riders to overly expensive double riders. This sparked an idea in him. It would’ve been easier to put them both in the same unit at once, but reality settled in. He didn’t know how long she would stay with them.
Cherish approached and leaned back on her heels, “Simon. Can we just look at car seats? This is too much.” She said.
Simon practically ignored her and pulled down a stroller that had every unnecessary bell and whistle, “Well it wouldn’t be so bad if I trade in Jr.’s stroller and we get this one.” He stated. “Then, we can get her a car seat that’s compatible.” He debated.
Cherish watched every move he made. He looked over the stroller, bent down at his knees, and tested the wheels. She could tell he was sold. The part which baffled her was that he didn’t bat an eye at the six hundred-dollar price tag. She scratched the corner of her lip and tried to distract him, “Also, Jasmine needs a couple of outfits. Preferably ones that aren’t from here.” She said biting on her bottom lip. “What about Wal-Mart?” She questioned.
Simon glanced up at her strangely, “I guess the baby clothes there aren’t bad. She’s going to outgrow them quickly.” He said rubbing his chin. “Are you sure you don’t want some clothes from here? They’re cute and made me wish that Jr. was a girl.” He offered.
Cherish scratched at her scalp and forced a smile, “Yes, the clothes are beautiful, but you said she’d outgrow them. Wal-Mart seems like the best way to go. Or hell, Ross. They have a great clearance section where I could get her everything she needs for about forty dollars.” She answered.
Finally, Simon relented, “Fine, alright. Wal-Mart, but, I want to pick out an outfit for her. You should do the same for Jr.” He suggested pulling the box for the double stroller off the shelf, “I’ll bring Jr.’s back tomorrow.” He stated.
“You’re going to buy that now? O-okay then.” Cherish said following him. Not wanting to argue, she tried to smile but she couldn’t find the will to do so. She was surprised that he took in her input and accepted it at all. She was also honored she was able to pick something out for Jr, “Alright then, deal.” She accepted.
Simon stopped again and put his hand on a soft, lavender car-seat. Tapping on it,
