Knowing she wanted to speak to him privately, Simon crossed the room and nodded to Cherish. He set Jr. down in the crib beside Jasmine and, with one last look, turned away.
Things were going to be okay.
Simon sat on a barstool across from his mother, “It’s been a trying time, but you’re welcome here.” He stated while leaning on the counter and clasping his hands together.
Margaret cut her gaze to her son, “Of course, I am welcome here. I’m your mother. We shared bodies for nine and a half months.” She retorted. Pausing, she lowered her voice as she poured the lemonade, “I take that you know why we came so early.” She asked rhetorically.
Simon smirked as his mother’s sarcasm chewed into him. In a sense, it was refreshing. At least she wasn’t truly angry. Though the situation was odd, she didn't think that she'd leave her son alone one day and the next have a whole half a family under his roof. But, she had to respect him and trust his judgement. At first glance Cherish seemed like a girl who was simply down on her luck. But, was she always this way?
“Emily’s parents I’m guessing.” He answered. Sighing, he pulled his glasses off and pinched the bridge of his nose, “I wonder what they’re thinking.” He whispered to himself. Looking downward, they had been on good terms, but the thought had crossed his mind they wouldn’t have the same relationship now that Emily was gone. Now, with what happened the day before with Cherish, he was even more uncertain.
Simon Sr. went around the sofa and peered into the crib. Jasmine opened her eyes and stared off at the blue bumper lining the bars. He smiled because she was incredibly precious beside his grandson. Turning to look at Cherish, the way he was dressed with his glasses, he looked like a time capsule of his son in twenty years, “She has beautiful eyes. You’re really blessed.” He said.
Cherish glanced over at Simon Sr. and gave him a weary smile, “Thank you. Jr. is a very handsome boy. You all have very strong genes in your family.” She replied.
Simon Sr. was surprised. Cherish was humble and charming. He took her compliment as a way for her to say she found both him and his son to be handsome. He wasn’t entirely convinced that Simon wasn’t Jasmine’s father so, he had to ask, “And what about you? Who does Jasmine take after? You or her father?”
Cherish thought for a long moment about how Todd looked. He had red hair, freckled skin, and blue gray eyes. Obviously, Jasmine took over that trait but the rest of him, she was unsure. She didn’t see much of herself or Todd in her daughter, “I’m not sure, really. I’m thinking that Jasmine is a good mix between the two of us.” She said without realizing how suspicious her response was to a third party. Simon Sr.’s eyebrows lifted high. Her answer made it harder to tell if little Jasmine was Simon’s. Cherish nodded once again, “Yeah, a mix. Do you and Margaret live close by?” She asked.
Clearing his throat, he tried to hide his expression, “Yes, fairly close. About fifteen minutes uptown.” He answered.
“Oh, I have no idea where that is, but it doesn’t sound far at all. I don’t want to be a burden for Simon, but I think having you both around will help him.” She said softly to herself. Then, she glanced down, “I haven’t had a chance to bring it up to him, but I’m so sorry for your loss.” She said.
Simon Sr. released a deep sigh. He knew she was thrown into their family ordeal when she didn’t ask to be, “Thank you Cherish. I hope Simon can make his way through this mostly intact.” He replied.
Margaret looked at her son. He was a bit more disheveled than normal. His hair wasn’t styled, his clothes barely matched, and he looked tired. Just like a new father was expected to be, but there was a profound sadness over him. She understood completely and yet, couldn’t comprehend how he felt. She too was in her own version of mourning, after all, she lost a daughter that she was just getting to know, “They’re understandably distraught and sent us over here to catch you two off guard. They wanted to make sure that you didn’t dishonor Emily. At first, I was a bit appalled because my son has another woman under his roof. But, I know how much you loved your wife. They live in Virginia. We see you every weekend. I just want to make sure this girl is not taking advantage of you. Where is the father?” She questioned.
Simon had to swallow the fact that he upset two people, who lost their daughter, even further. He blew out and tried not to dwell on it, “He bailed. Left her and Jasmine at the hospital and never answered when she needed to go home. He’s a piece of work. You’d know what I meant if you met him.” He replied.
Margaret inhaled a deep breath before she nodded, “Well then, I hope he rots in hell. Come on, grab the glasses before they realize we’ve been gone too long.” She said.
Rounding the kitchen island with one glass in each hand, Margaret approached her husband and handed it to him. Simon followed behind his mother and gave a glass to Cherish before he sat next to her. Margaret took a spot beside Simon Sr. and smiled, “So, Cherish, Since you plan on staying for a while, do you have everything you need?” She questioned taking a long sip of lemonade. “I notice that Jasmine’s wearing one of Jr.’s outfits.” She stated.
Cherish blinked several times before she awkwardly cleared her throat, “Oh, it’s okay. She doesn’t know the difference. Clothes are
