Page 100 of Finding Molly Parsons

Faith flopped back on her bed. Today kicked her ass entirely. Working with Rita was proving to be one of the most difficult things she’d ever tried. It wasn’t the day-to-day grunt work that was taxing; it was the group meetings.

Rita had wholeheartedly welcomed Faith into the fold, acting as a mentor right out the gate. They’d discussed Faith’s plans for the future and Rita felt her dreams of becoming a counselor were more than achievable. To help Faith understand what she would face, Rita asked her to take part in group sessions. All the participants had given their permission for Faith to sit and listen.

Some stories Faith heard in that room were horrifying. The trauma which had been inflicted on those people was unimaginable, but Faith did her best to sit silently. The people in that room didn’t need her sympathy, they needed help to move forward.

Watching Rita navigate such rough waters was impressive. At no point did she instruct. Rita listened, asked questions and helped the person get to where they needed to be on their own.

After each session, Rita would debrief with Faith in her office. It was a good way for them to discuss how Faith was feeling and explain the methods Rita used to help the kids move forward.

Today was a particularly hard session. A young woman had joined the group for the first time. Her story sent shockwaves through everyone, but as usual Rita handled it like a pro. Bile rose in Faith’s throat every time she recounted Lila’s story.

Alan might have been a terrible father and husband, but he hadn’t inflicted the torture Lila had suffered for years. Why were people so cruel? How could anyone do such inhumane things to anyone? Was a woman loving another woman really so bad? No, of course not, the world was just a fucked up pool of hatred.

The idea of going out tonight sat heavily on Faith’s shoulders. Nathalie wanted to take her on a date, but Faith was far from being in a romantic mood. All she could do was think of Lila. The tough part of the whole thing was Faith couldn’t talk to anyone about the session. It was strictly confidential, and Faith had no plans to break that rule.

“Hey, babe, are you ready to go?” Nathalie asked, entering Faith’s bedroom. Faith swiped away a rogue tear that had fallen. “Whoa, what’s wrong?”

“Hard day,” Faith replied, sitting up. Nathalie regarded her for a few seconds before taking Faith in her arms.

“Okay, go take a shower. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

And that’s why Nathalie was the perfect girlfriend. She never pushed for an explanation. She simply gave Faith what she needed in the moment. Watching Nathalie scamper out of the room, Faith allowed herself a minute of reflection and thanks.

The shower helped wash the day away. Upon returning to her room, Faith couldn’t help but smile widely. Nathalie had switched on the fairy lights, set up a range of naughty snacks on the bed, and queued up Netflix. “Come on, get snuggled,” Nathalie said, extending her arm to Faith. Allowing herself to be pulled into Nathalie’s body, Faith sighed in contemplation. Only after a few minutes did she realize she was still in a towel, damp from the shower.

“Let me get dressed before we start the movie.” Faith noted the look of lust in Nathalie’s eyes. They still hadn’t taken the next step, but Faith was ready. Not tonight, but soon. Their make-out sessions became heated every time. Clothes were discarded, but they always stopped before underwear came off.

Nathalie cleared her throat, her eyes darting around the room. “I forgot hot chocolate. I’ll do that while you sort yourself out.” And just like that, Nathalie shot from the room. Faith couldn’t help but chuckle.

Halfway through the movie, Faith was struggling to keep her eyes open. Normally, Nathalie went home after a movie night, but tonight, Faith needed her to stay close. “Will you stay?” she mumbled through her drowsiness.

“If you want,” Nat replied, holding her closer. “Let’s turn this off and get some sleep. You’re shattered.”

Faith didn’t have the energy to argue. After a day like today, falling unconscious in Nathalie’s arms was the perfect balm.

Sunlight piercing through Faith’s eyelids woke her early. Damn, she’d forgotten to close her blinds. For a split-second, Faith was confused with the warm body wrapped around her until she remembered Nat had stayed the night.

Turning slowly, Faith peered over her shoulder. Nathalie was holding her like a koala bear, her face buried in Faith’s neck. It was a wonder she could breathe. Nathalie’s entire face was smothered in Faith’s hair.

The little snort and mumble Nathalie made caused Faith to laugh, which in turn caused Nathalie to stir. Had Faith ever seen anything more adorable than a sleepy Nat? Nope, never. “Whatsappenin’?” Nathalie asked. If Faith hadn’t been paying attention, Nathalie’s words would have been completely nonsensical.

“Hey, babe, sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you,” Faith cooed, turning in Nathalie’s arms so they were facing each other.

“S’okay,” Nat yawned, burying her head deeper in Faith’s hair.

Faith chuckled again. Nathalie wasn’t a very good morning person, by all accounts. “Do you want some breakfast?”

“Nostayhere.”

“What?” Faith laughed. Even she didn’t understand that rambling. Nathalie lifted her head and gave a sleepy smile.

“I said, no, stay here.”

Faith’s internal thermometer was skyrocketing. Nathalie was gorgeous, her hair mussed up from sleep and her eyes a little wet from the morning light. When Faith thought of the perfect time for them to have sex, she’d always imagined it would be after a super romantic date. There would be candles and music, you know, all the cheesy stuff in movies. But, here, now, looking into her girlfriend’s eyes, Faith couldn’t think of a more perfect time.

Nathalie had held her all night, giving Faith love and support. Waking up, tucked into Nathalie’s body, was so natural and felt so right. Seeing Nathalie first thing in the morning was Faith’s new favorite thing, and her body was reacting in kind.

Bringing her hand up to Nathalie’s neck, Faith slowly drew her girlfriend into a slow, deep kiss. Nathalie’s hand landed on Faith’s waist, her fingers scratching slightly in small circles. Who knew that was an erogenous zone?

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