Simon caught sight of her surprised expression. He began to wonder to himself if he and Emily ever mentioned his profession in their long, one-time conversation. He pushed the thought aside as they pulled up to a smooth driveway under a lattice work arch, and towards the detached garage in the back. The home resembled the neighbors with shrubs and bushes around the front. Simon shut the car off, “I’ll take Jr. first and then come for you two.” He said.
Cherish looked around the garage and felt a smile creep on her face. She couldn’t stay there. He was far too gracious and now she felt obligated to do something in return for him. But what? All she could do was barely keep herself from crying, “T-take your time.” She whispered in response.
Getting out of the car, he pulled Jr., who stared up at his father with dark blue eyes for a moment, out. Simon brought his boy inside the house and turned on the lights as he passed through the kitchen. Setting him in the downstairs crib, an idea Emily loved, Simon counted it lucky now that there were two babies in the house.
Returning for Cherish and Jasmine, he opened the door and took the bag for her. They went the pace that Cherish stepped to the side door into the kitchen. There was a staircase tucked behind a hidden wall across from the door, with the open floorplan. The kitchen, dining room, and living room flowed seamlessly from one space to the other. Cherish’s eyes danced around the room a bit in awe.
He led Cherish to the living room, so she could sit down. Releasing a huff, Simon was washed over with a very odd sensation. Though Emily wasn’t there, the room felt warm suddenly and a calm came over him; almost surreal. He stared at Cherish and was thankful to have another person with him. He realized he’d rather spend time with a stranger in his home than be alone. Focusing on Cherish, he was able to put his internal struggle on the back burner, “So, welcome home.” He said.
Cherish’s mouth fell open as she blew out and stared up at Simon, “I…I…I don’t know what to say other than thank you. You really didn’t…” Feeling herself tear up again, her mouth tilted into a frown as she looked away from him and towards the picture of he and Emily on their wedding day. Blowing out, she swallowed the knot in her throat before she looked at him again through the fallen black curls in her face, “…you didn’t have to do this, but I thank you so much for giving us this chance. I will do anything, anything to repay you. I promise that when I’m able I will get a job and save up money, I will find my own place. I don’t want to be a burden, Simon.” She said.
He empathized with how Cherish felt. This situation was odd and yet he was sharing all of it without the expectation of anything in return. As awkward as they both were, he was happy to help her. She was a good, grateful person and Simon believed every word she said. For the first time in days, he smiled, though minute, warmly. He could’ve told her she wasn’t a burden but, she would find out on her own.
Just as she was about to speak again, Jasmine’s face twisted. Her eyes opened, a mewl came from her chest, and Cherish’s breasts ached. She was hungry. As Jasmine struggled in Cherish’s arms, the latter’s breath caught in her throat and her stomach clenched. She always became nervous when she started to cry because she knew her baby had a terrible latch, “Shh, shh baby. Are you wet?” she whispered.
Simon looked down at how Cherish struggled and got the message. Naively, he assumed, that because of the size of her breasts, she’d breastfeed. He noticed the tired lines on her face that likely mimicked his own. Naturally, he figured she’d want privacy, “Take your time and come upstairs. I’ll bring her up.” He said pausing, “Oh, what’s her name?” He questioned.
Cherish glanced at Jr. before she grabbed her baby bag with a nod and followed, “Her name is Jasmine.” She answered.
“Jasmine…” He repeated reaching for the little girl. He lifted the restless child who grew grumpier as moments passed. Simon led Cherish up the stairs to his bedroom without thought. He already planned to sleep in the guest bedroom with Jr. before they’d left the hospital. The bed in the master was nicer and he felt Emily would’ve done the same. His wife was a saint and he remembered how highly she spoke of Cherish. All she wanted to do was help.
Simon thought it would’ve been nearly impossible to enter this room without his wife, but the situation lessened the blow. To Cherish, it wasn’t hard to figure out who the room belonged to. She stared around at how beautifully the bright, pastel room was decorated. There was a new, dark rocking chair, changing table, and crib to the far side; beneath a row of windows overlooking the front yard. The bedroom set was white lacquered wood which was in stark contrast to the black baby furniture. The area where Jr. was meant to sleep was practical and simple; special.
The messy bed, in Cherish’s eyes, showed it was in use right before Emily went into labor. Instead of feeling put off, she couldn’t help but feel a warm presence in the room. Emily’s beauty and kindness seemed to radiate within those walls. This was where she and Simon shared their most passionate moments, intimate thoughts, and ultimately where Jr. was conceived. Cherish felt honored to be
