Cherish shifted uncomfortably. Just when she was about to greet them herself, his mother’s face stopped her. Her eyebrows were in the air, her arms were crossed tightly at her chest, and she licked across her teeth. Slowly, her hazel gaze glanced over to Cherish before it returned to her son, “A friend? That’s funny, I’ve never heard of Emily or you speak of a friend. Especially with a name as unique as Cherish.” His mother then flicked her gaze to Cherish who in turn clenched her teeth together, “Are you sure this is a friend that Emily knew about, Simon? A cheater in our family. Choose your next answer wisely son, or you will be responsible for your mother’s demise.”
“I’ve never cheated on anyone.” He said clearly. His mom was jumping ahead, and he was aware, “She was a recent friend. We met Cherish and Todd on a hospital visit. Emily was very taken to her.” He said. Hesitating for a moment, he decided to be truthful, “Todd didn’t give the best impression, so we worried about her. Especially Emily. When I saw her at the hospital and heard the doctor’s saying she couldn’t take Jasmine home, I jumped in and pretended that she lived with us.” He said.
Feeling a bit of relief in the stress she was enduring, Simon’s mother blew out softly and stared at Cherish. Her demeanor loosened a bit and her arms uncrossed. Still, she had her reserves within the struggle that silently burdened their family, “I see. Cherish, I apologize for not speaking to you sooner. I needed to have a word with my boy.” She stated.
Cherish gave her a soft, withheld smile all while she shifted Jasmine in her arms, “N-no. I understand, really. I wouldn’t want to speak to a potential mistress either. I know what this looks like but I just…want to assure you that Emily’s husband has been a perfect gentleman.” She replied.
Simon’s mother inhaled a deep breath and returned a tight smile, “Yes. I’m sorry for jumping to conclusions. I am out of sorts. Why weren’t you allowed to take your daughter home?” She asked.
Cherish felt a bit of shame bear down on her shoulders, “B-because I…I don’t have one ma’am.” She answered.
His mother blinked a few times and could see the blatant pain resonating between both her son and Cherish’s face. Each person in that room was suffering and dealing with their own stress, “Oh. I’m so sorry, where are my manners? My name is Margaret, and this is my husband, Simon.” She introduced. Both men felt relief once Margaret eased up and let her guard down. Simon Sr. had the same suspicions as his wife but wasn’t as forthright to push it in the young lady’s face. She clasped her hands awkwardly together before she cleared her throat and held her hand out, “You’re a new mother so please, have a seat with your little girl.” She offered stretching her neck to catch a glimpse of Jasmine.
Nodding, Cherish waddled into the living room and took a seat. She huffed out a winded breath before she looked to the crib, sighed, and pushed herself to her feet. She didn’t want to be a bother or show that she was an ingrate. Seeing her struggles, Margaret hurried over and stood in front of Cherish with her arms held out, “Here. I’ll put her down for you.” She offered.
Pausing, Cherish nodded and trusted her enough to do the right thing. In her eyes, Margaret didn’t seem like a bad person, just a mother who wanted to protect her family and a woman who struggled internally; just like her, “Oh, thank you.” Cherish whispered handing Jasmine over.
Margaret took the time to stare at Jasmine’s little face as she made her way to the crib, “Oh, she’s a doll.” She whispered.
“Thank you. She’s my little blessing. I don’t have many to count so, she’s precious.” Cherish replied quietly.
As Margaret and Cherish spoke, Simon Sr. gave his son an appraising look. He saw how attractive this particular woman was and knew his son’s type. In fact, when Simon brought Emily home the first time, they were very surprised. He had to ask to make sure without the pressure of his wife near them, “So, nothing between you? At all?” He questioned in a whisper.
Simon knew from experience that his dad would ask him one on one after being grilled by his mother. That’s how it worked in his household when he grew up for many years. Though, this time, he answered the same as before, “Nothing at all.”
Simon Sr. still seemed a bit skeptical. He turned his glance towards the girls further in the home before he nodded, “Hmmm. If you say so.” He muttered to himself.
Margaret once again clasped her hands together and tucked her straight, black hair behind her ears, “It’s quite hot out there, isn’t it?” She asked.
Cherish rubbed her pinky finger beneath her eyes and nodded, “Very. But, at least I don’t have to go through the rest of the summer pregnant.” She said with an awkward smile.
Margaret pressed a palm to her cheek, “That’s true. I got pregnant in the Spring. That was a god-awful experience.” She replied giving Cherish a smile. Stepping away, she advanced closer to the kitchen, “Are you thirsty, Cherish? Would you like something to drink?” She asked.
“Uh, yes please.” She answered.
Margaret nodded before she went to make a glass of lemonade before she paused, “Boys, do you want something to drink?” She called waving a hand, “Son, come here for a moment and help
