Page 71 of Finding Molly Parsons

“If you’re referring to the fashion show set up, then yes, it is a lovely sight.”

Before Enid could make another comment, Liam pressed play on his phone. Music blared through the speaker. “Welcome to the annual Sunflower Ranch fashion show,” he mumbled with all the enthusiasm an adolescent boy could muster. Molly chuckled, as did Carmen.

Bursting through the curtain, Mateo took center stage. “Here we go,” Carmen mumbled.

“Ladies and Carmen,” he shouted. “Welcome to the first annual Sunflower Ranch fashion show. In just a few short moments, our three gorgeous models will strut down this fine ass catwalk to show you the latest trends in teenage fashion.”

“Por Dios,” Carmen mumbled again. Molly laughed silently. Mateo was throwing everything into his performance.

“Do we walk now?” a garbled voice called from behind the curtain, momentarily knocking Mateo off his stride.

“When the music changes,” he hissed good naturedly. “Liam,” he nodded. Liam rolled his eyes but pressed his phone to change to the next song.

Molly sat back and watched as Faith, Lisa and Courtney all took turns walking down the red carpet runway. None of the clothes were designer or, for that matter, anything out of the ordinary, but those girls strutted as if they were attending Paris Fashion Week.

At the end of the show, Mateo walked out with the girls on his arms. Molly rocketed to her feet, wolf whistling and clapping. Enid whistled twice as loud and Bessie whooped in excitement. Turning her face slightly, Molly caught the exchange between Carmen and Faith. A subtle wink and quiet round of applause saw Faith burst with pride. They’re really close.

The celebrations came to a stuttering halt as the sound of a car driving far too fast up the lane caught everyone’s attention. It was Faith’s gasp that drew Molly’s gaze from the approaching vehicle. Turning, Molly saw her niece’s face drain of all color.

Stepping forward, Molly covered her brow with her hands, trying to keep the sun from her eyes. The moment the car door flew open, she knew who she would see. “Alan,” she gasped.

Alan screamed, “You dirty little whore, get in the car now!” Molly was frozen. In her peripheral vision, she saw Carmen place herself in front of Faith, Mateo mirroring her movements. Both Ruizes completely shielding Faith.

“You have thirty seconds to crawl back into the hole you came from before I put your face through that windshield,” Carmen growled, her finger jabbing towards Alan.

“This has nothing to do with you. I’m here for my daughter. Faith get in the car now. I won’t tell you again!” Alan screamed, his face puce.

The second Molly saw Carmen move, she unfroze. Stepping out in front of everyone, she came eye to eye with her brother, who until then hadn’t noticed Molly. His eyes grew wide as recognition settled over him.

“Alan, leave now,” Molly said calmly.

“Molly,” he whispered. For just a second, Molly glimpsed the brother she’d known and loved.

“Faith is staying here,” Molly continued.

Snapping out of his shock, Alan took a step forward. Molly held her ground. “I should have known,” he sneered. “Is this what you were planning all along, hmm? Waiting for my daughter to come of age so you could corrupt her with your unnatural choices.”

Molly regarded her brother. His hair was neatly combed. He wore slacks and a button-up shirt. All in all, he looked very respectable. A few lines graced his face, but time had been kind to his features. Unlike his character.

“I hoped, for so long, I would get to see you again,” Molly began, her voice strong. “I wrote those letters praying that God would guide you back to me. But you are still lost, brother.”

“Don’t you dare speak of God to me, you filthy dyke!” Spittle flew from Alan’s mouth.

“Mom and Dad would be so ashamed.” She shook her head solemnly. “If they saw the man you have become, they would be so very sad.”

Alan took another step forward. “I am taking my daughter home. She can still be saved,” he growled, fists clenched. Molly wondered if he would actually strike her with everyone watching.

“Are you going to hit me, Alan?” Molly asked. “Isn’t this a little too public for you? Don’t you like to hide the abuse you dole out on your wife and child?” It was Molly’s turn to take a step forward. “All this righteous bullshit is nothing more than a frightened and angry little boy who never dealt with his grief. You are nothing like the brother I knew, nothing like the son raised by our parents. I can’t blame you fully, though. Your precious pastor picked well. Who better than an emotionally distraught child to teach and pass on his hate?” The car door opened and Maureen Parsons stepped out.

“Get back in the car,” Alan howled. Maureen flinched but remained where she was.

“You took what you were given by God and ruined it. Hurt the people that you were supposed to love the most. I know it’s too late now, Alan. I will never get the family back I craved for so long. But, I’ve made a new one. Faith has made a new one. A family that treats her with love and kindness. You,” Molly pointed to Alan, her finger millimeters from his chest, “have thrown away your chance of happiness. You can throw all the insults you want, but you are not getting your hands on Faith.”

“Faith?” Maureen’s voice was soft, her eyes pleading at her daughter. Molly turned to see Faith push gently through the Ruiz body barrier.

“I’m not coming with you, Mom. I spent so long fearing you both,” she said, shaking her head. “I will never go back to that. I’m sure you will cast me out, just like you did Aunt Molly,” Faith said, now talking to Alan. “But that’s okay. I forgive you.”

“You forgive me?” he laughed mirthlessly.

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