Checking on the babies again, Simon brought over a frilly headband and placed it around Jasmine’s head. He took a soft brush and ran it through Jr.’s thick, black hair. They both looked pristine and cute for the day. Simon looked down for a pair of little socks mimicking dress shoes for Jr. Unable to find them, he looked at his watch and groaned internally. To himself, he was already late. He appeared in the doorway of the master bedroom and called out over the noise, “Cherish, have you seen Jr.’s socks?! The little shoe ones!”
His voice caught her attention. Turning off the machine, she clicked it into an upright position, and looked at Simon, “What?” she questioned. There was Jr., tucked in his father’s arms, in a little short sleeved dress shirt, vest, and slacks. He stared up Simon before he caught sight of the Cherish’s curly mass of hair, and his head turned to face her. Her expression was forced into a long frown, “Oh my gosh, he looks so cute! And…” Trailing into the babies’ bedroom, she did a double take before she noticed Jasmine dressed in a white romper decorated in little orange flowers; complete with headband, “…you’re taking both?” she asked reaching into the drawer and sifting through Jr.’s socks.
Simon set Jr. down, “Yes, of course I am.” He answered without hesitation.
Pulling out the socks which would complete his look, Cherish glanced over to her daughter again and felt a bit uneasy, “Are you sure it’s a good idea? How are you going to explain her?” she asked.
He took the socks and unrolled them, “Thank you.” He said placing them on Jr.’s rotund feet, “I was hoping that you would come and celebrate with us.” He said. Picking up his boy again, Simon kissed against his cheek and held him close, “We can explain it how we always have. You’re a good friend to Emily and me.” He answered.
“Wait, you want me to go? I... are you completely sure?” She asked. Cherish fingered the curls of her hair before she looked up at the clock hanging over the changing table. Glancing down at her clothes. She pulled on her shirt before she looked at how Simon and the kids were dressed, “Alright...”
Leaving the room, Cherish's bottom lip poked out while her footsteps echoed across hallway and into the master bedroom, "...I don't even think I have anything fancy enough to wear." She muttered to herself. Going into the closet, she ran a hand over the garment bag holding Emily's wedding dress. Blowing out, she placed both hands on her hips and looked over the small amount of clothes she had, “Help me out here, Emily. What should I do?” she whispered to herself.
Simon grabbed the semi packed baby bag and brought it, with Jr., to the bedroom. He placed his son on the center of the bed and the bag on the floor before he left. Returning with Jasmine, he kissed against her forehead and placed her beside Jr. Cherish listened to Simon shuffle in and out of the bedroom and chewed on her bottom lip as she pulled out from one sundress to the other.
Appearing in the closet, he saw how she had yet to move, “How about that white sundress you have. I think it looks classy.” He said browsing his rack of ties for a good one. Taking a navy blue one with subtle horizontal stripes, he adjusted it under his collar carefully. Usually, he could put on a tie himself, but it ended up slightly crooked and out of place from his well put-together image. Emily wasn’t there to help so he had to try his best. Simon’s tongue dipped slightly from the corner of his mouth and his glasses slid down his slender nose; concentrated, “Don’t you have white sandals with a heel on it too?” he asked.
Glancing over her shoulder, she wet her lips before she pulled down the white, halter sundress with the flared skirt. The tag, which donned far too much that she’d pay, still hung from the side. This was a gift from Simon to show his appreciation for all she’d done for them through the weeks. She rubbed her lips together, “You know I have matching shoes because you bought them.” She claimed. Looking at the tag, she wrapped her hand around the thick paper and held her breath, “Are you sure you don’t want to return it? There’s still time and you can get your money back.” She said. Catching how he looked at her through the reflection of the mirror in front of him, she shook her head and popped the plastic, “Never mind. I didn’t say a thing.” She muttered.
Leaving the closet, the next thing Simon heard was the sound of the shower. Before long, she exited, dressed herself, and stood in front of the mirror. She stared down at eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick Margaret had bought, “Oh God.” She whispered to herself.
As she got dressed, Jasmine and Jr. were lightly sleeping on the bed beside Simon’s cell phone. Soon, it lit up and vibrated with Susan’s name across the screen. Simon finally got his tie to sit right after several do-overs. As he returned to the bedroom to check on the babies, he heard the dull buzz on the bedsheets and lifted the phone, “Hello Susan.” He answered.
Susan had the phone tucked between her ear and shoulder, "Hello, Hello, Simon! Oh, I can't
