Simon took a step and followed Cherish. He knew how much she loved older films and didn’t want her to stress herself with cooking. She, out of all people, deserved a break, “We should get takeout tonight. We can watch a classic and relax.” He suggested.
Everything fell back to place and returned to normal once the Jr. started up and parental instinct took over. Cherish climbed up the stairs in front of Simon with Jasmine in her arms and spoke, “I would like that a lot. You’ve been wanting to show me the Godfather, right?”
Simon paused and smiled at the fact that she remembered to watch one of his favorite movies, “Yes, yes I have. I’ll call in Chinese food.” He answered hopping Jr. in his arms.
They both changed their diapers and bantered as usual. The night was filled with their children’s shenanigans, food, movies, bath times, feedings, and bed times. All of which held a sense of calm in the home. The fears and stress of the day were behind them and Cherish no longer had to move forward alone. Just as she was his rock with Emily’s untimely death, he would be the same in her time of fear. One thing was for certain, nothing would bring them down if they were together.
Chapter 11
October.
Having gotten the job at Wal-Mart a week after her meltdown, Cherish was thrown right into the fray from day one. Orientation was a measly four hours long before they dropped her into the clothing department. What started out as a calm, quiet job quickly became a demanding, overworking, tiresome trade thanks to holiday shoppers. Wanting to make all the money she could, she took on extra shifts when someone could watch the babies and stayed late when needed. This was thrown on top of her duties as a mother.
Overnight feedings with Jr., cooking for the family when she could, and trying not to be a burden in Simon's home. By the end of her first month, she'd gone from a happy woman to a zombie. She was still pleasant, but the demands and expectations only grew once the managers saw what a hard worker she was. Plus, she never said no. That was a fault of hers.
She had just clocked out and trudged towards the front dressed in the traditional khaki pants and collared dark blue shirt. She had lost a bit of weight and the lack of sleep had placed deep cut circles beneath her eyes. Still, she pushed herself.
Halfway past the freezers, a manager stopped Cherish with a clipboard in his hand, "Hey! There you are. Quick question, I know you have the day off tomorrow, but we were wondering if you'd like to come in at 7 A.M." he asked.
It was already eight at night, which meant she'd have less than ten hours to do everything she needed to before having to be back. She knew Simon was waiting for her outside in the parking lot. She turned her head in the direction of the grocery entrance, "Uh. I'll have to check if anyone can watch my kids." She stated.
The manager had already coined that she would show up and nodded, "Great! You call us back and let us know when to expect you if you can't get in that early! See you tomorrow, Cherish!" He said strolling away.
She watched after him and her lips slightly parted, "But I didn't even...oh forget it." She muttered to herself. Turning on her heel, she knew one thing was for sure, Simon would be less than pleased to learn they wanted more out of her.
The double doors opened as she approached and stepped out. Glancing from side to side, she hissed and sat down on one of the concrete slab benches; relaxing. Now, the aches started. Heat radiated from her back down her arms and towards her feet. Blowing out, she leaned over with her elbows to her knees and waited for Simon to pull around.
From his parking space, Simon spotted Cherish and thanked God before he pulled out. As he rounded the corner in the parking lot, she stood, sighed, stepped closer to the curb, and waited. He noticed how troubled and exhausted she looked and was far from impressed with how the job treated her. He leaned far over the passenger’s side and opened the door for her. Slipping into the seat, Cherish gave him a smile as before she pulled the seatbelt over and clicked it into place.
Driving off, he looked at her briefly before returning his gaze to the road, “Have a rough day? You look beat.”.
Cherish cracked her neck from one side to the other, “Beat is an understatement.” She replied.
Simon wanted to encourage her, so, he smiled, “At least tomorrow is a free day.” He reminded. Her silence hindered his happiness and he cut his blue gaze to her from the corner of his eyes, “What’s wrong?” he asked. Before she replied, the answer dawned on him, “No, Cherish, you didn’t…” Upset, he sighed and rolled his eyes, “…you have to stop letting them do this to you!”
Sighing, she propped her elbow on the side and held her forehead. Shutting her eyes, she winced slightly and groaned, "I didn't agree yet, but they did ask if I could come in at seven. I don't know, I feel so bad when I say no. I'm the only one in my department during the day and if they're asking me to cover Katherine's shift then I know that she either called out or some other phantom emergency has happened. I'm the new one so I can't really make demands or point out what they don't see. I don’t even think we have anyone
