Simon paused for a moment and glanced back at Cherish. They had a point, “Are you sure?” he asked aloud for them.
Miriam and Simon Sr. went through documentation and made sure everything for Emily’s estate and insurance were in order, “There are four of us, I’m sure we can handle the babies for a few hours. They’re angels.” Miriam called from the office.
Cherish gripped onto her wallet and exchanged her gaze with Simon. She slightly shook her head as though to tell him it was alright. They didn’t have to. But, she knew Simon and his track record, he always did the opposite of what she wanted. Speaking up, she turned to the others, “N-no it’s alright. We can come back, and I’ll make dinner for us all.”
Margaret placed both hands on her hips and appeared in the living room, “No. You’ve both been cooped up in this house since the funeral. You can’t keep this up and you both need this. Now go, we’ll find a way to manage without you.” She stated.
Simon shrugged slightly, “She has a point. Some fresh air and time without the kids sounds good.” He replied. Though he loved his kids, he felt suffocated and needed a break.
Rounding the counter, Margaret waved them along, “Then it’s agreed. Go on, shoo…get out of here!”
Grabbing the keys, Simon opened the door and stepped out. He knew exactly where he wanted to eat; honestly, he’d craved the food for a while. Being rushed out of the house, Cherish turned to fight Margaret but was beaten to the punch, “And don’t come back for at least four hours! That way you’ve had a good, relaxing time! Alright, goodbye! Be safe, you two!” she exclaimed.
The door then swung shut with a slam before the lock followed.
Cherish blinked a few times and glanced back at Simon. He was halfway to the garage and she quickly wet her lips hurrying after him. She went to the backseat, paused, and retracted her hand, “This is going to take some getting used to.” She said. Backing away, she rounded the vehicle and slid into the passenger seat. Pulling the seatbelt into place, she looked at Simon and pushed another curl from her face, “You did get that low budget gynecologist I found, right? I called them, and they said an uninsured visit is fifty dollars.”.
In the back of Simon’s mind, he wondered how Cherish would react when they pulled up to a different gynecologist than she expected. He couldn’t lie to her and his silence spoke volumes. He took a quick look in her direction, “Uh, that one? No.” he said shaking his head and explaining before she could complain, “The one you picked had a two-star rating in a bad part of town. This is your cookie and health at stake. I found somewhere better, it’s almost five stars.” He said.
Cherish stared at him in disbelief. As he turned the ignition and the car roared to life, he began to back out and she sighed, “And how much is this one? That sounds like money and you know how uncomfortable I am with it.” She stated. Placing a hand to her forehead, she leaned back and rolled her head against the seat.
Not wanting to argue, Simon tried to clear the air, “So…are you hungry?” he questioned.
Not answering, She rested a palm on her cheek with both eyebrows tucked together, “Wait. Did you just call my vagina a cookie?” she questioned with a laugh.
The atmosphere in the car lightened quickly as he joined in her laughter, “Cookie seemed like the tamest word I could think of.” He replied.
Once the smile and laughs died down, Simon felt as though he wasn’t clear enough. With what happened to Emily, he couldn’t be more serious about the risks of a hospital, “When it comes to health, nothing it too much. You should never compromise. Clothes are one thing, but your body is another. Anything could happen.” He expressed.
Cherish listened to him and understood why he felt paranoid. She rubbed along his shoulder and gave in quickly, “Alright, I’ll do it your way. Though…” She looked down at her loose t-shirt and cheap jeans. She then cut her eyes in his direction as her hand slid away, “What do you mean clothes are one thing? Do you have something to say about my wardrobe, Simon?”
Simon smirked and gave her a side glance as they pulled into the gynecologist parking lot, “Yes, one word. Ross.” He implied.
Over the last few weeks Cherish was overly keen on buying whatever was cheapest despite the low quality when they took her shopping. He, himself, wasn’t about the name brands, but he appreciated the fact that his clothes didn’t fall apart, “Two of your shirts and a pair of panties ripped since you got them three weeks ago.” He stated. Making his point, he knew she couldn’t deny what he claimed because she was the one who showed him when it happened and laughed when he chided her.
Cherish’s eyes lowered while the car came to a stop, “I don’t feel guilty of it in the slightest. You wouldn’t let me go to the Goodwill.” She pointed out.
Simon laughed, “I told you, they’re shifty.” He retorted getting out of the car.
Opening the door, she stepped out and took a look at a long building filled with suites. At first impression Cherish felt better than she did with the kids’ pediatrician. Simon walked with her towards the entrance and held the door open. She should have known that looks could be deceiving because as soon as she stepped in, she realized the suites was singular.
In the center there was a large, custom built, dark brown secretary desk. There were two waiting rooms, one on either side of the desk through large, double archways. Cherish paused at
