Page 63 of Finding Molly Parsons

“A little, but that’s okay. You’re being vulnerable with me, so the least I can do is return the favor. I had Mateo to talk to, which wasn’t always the easiest. I’d loved to have had a queer woman who understood what I was going through back then. I mean, I had Rita, but we didn’t have a close friendship until later on. If I can be that for you, that support, I’m happy to put a minor discomfort aside to talk these things through with you.”

“Thank you, Carmen.”

“Anytime.”

They fell silent for the rest of the trip into town. Carmen had given her what she needed. Only a few minutes passed before Carmen pulled into a parking space next to Molly.

“Okay, gang, are we ready to go talk about all things queer?” Molly smiled.

“Always,” Courtney sang, skipping off in front.

Faith smiled and slowly walked alongside the group, who were chatting animatedly. Apart from Carmen, that is, who was happy to meander silently a step behind Faith.

Stepping through the doors to an actual high school felt surreal. How many times had Faith wished to attend a school with other kids? Not just any school, but one that made her feel welcome. How different her life may have been if she’d had friends and learned more than the Lord’s Word.

“So, we’re going to go into the main hall. I’ll do my thing and then we can grab ice cream after,” Molly announced. “You guys just take a seat near the back.”

The group filtered through a set of double doors. The hall was packed with adolescents chattering away amongst themselves. A pang of envy ricocheted through Faith’s body. Stop, focus on what you have now.

Settling down next to Carmen and Lisa, Faith watched in awe as Molly spoke. Her aunt had everyone’s attention as she skillfully answered questions and spoke of her own experiences. Faith understood why Courtney, Lisa, Liam and Micah loved Molly so much. She was warm and open. The passion she had for helping queer youths was evident in every syllable she uttered.

“How was that?” Molly asked after they gathered in the parking lot.

“Wonderful,” Faith answered. “They loved you.”

“They’re just happy to have someone to talk to,” Molly shrugged.

“No,” Carmen began, her voice commanding. “They love you because you understand them and connect with them. Don’t sell yourself short, Molly.”

“Yeah, what she said,” Lisa nodded.

“Can we get ice cream now?” Liam mumbled, already opening the car door. Faith laughed. She’d never met someone as grumpy as Liam before.

“Sure, let’s go.”

Thankfully, the ice cream parlor was only a few minutes away. The day was hot and Faith hadn’t hydrated herself enough. Sitting in a booth, Faith finally gave in and checked her phone. Nothing could stop the smile that bloomed on her face when she saw several messages from Nathalie. Each one was sweeter than the next. Is this what love feels like?

“Is that Nathalie?” Courtney asked from across the booth.

“Yeah,” Faith sighed. She was such a sap, and she knew it, but equally didn’t care. She had something good for once in her life, and she wasn’t about to feel bad about it.

“I’m a little jealous,” Courtney chuckled, but Faith knew it was a mirthless laugh. Courtney was pining after Lisa, hard.

“Tell her, Courtney. You’ll never know if you don’t.” It was nice that Courtney confided in Faith last night.

“I can’t,” Courtney sighed. “I’d be gutted if she rejected me.”

“You’re not giving her a chance to do anything,” Faith argued.

“I won’t get hurt that way. None of us know how long we will be at the ranch. She could be gone tomorrow if she decided she wanted something else.”

“All the more reason to give her something to stick around for.”

Smiling gently at a forlorn Courtney, Faith let her eyes wander around the parlor. Her mind was buzzing. When had Faith become the bearer of advice? And why had she not noticed Carmen checking out her aunt’s ass?

Chapter 16

Carmen

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