Page 44 of Finding Molly Parsons

Standing for a minute to soak up all the love and joy that poured from the Polaroids helped Molly dispel the melancholy her birthday brought. The ranch was silent as she made her way to the kitchen. To help the kids feel at home, Molly and Bessie had a routine. Breakfast at eight, in the large kitchen. It wasn’t mandatory for everyone to sit together. Sometimes, one or more of the residents weren’t at the stage where they could socialize. But Molly encouraged the shared time.

As well as feeling like the ranch was home, Molly and Bessie wanted to foster the feeling of family. The residents ranged from sixteen to eighteen. And Molly knew that having friends to lean on was imperative in the healing process.

There had been plenty of times when Molly dealt with a kid that fought the idea of getting close to other people their age. The idea of rejection was often far too potent to allow their barriers down. However, Molly also knew those kids were the ones that benefitted the most from having supportive peers.

That all being said was the reason Molly and Bessie tried to encourage the teenagers to bond, lean on each other and become support pillars. Micah, Liam, Courtney, and Lisa had so far bonded well. Micah was the oldest, they just turned eighteen. Courtney and Liam were seventeen-year-old twins, and Lisa was a few weeks away from turning seventeen.

So far, the four of them were getting along well. Lisa was the newest addition. Her background left Molly wanting to commit murder. When Lisa was caught with a girl, her mother—if she could even be called that—beat her. If that wasn’t bad enough, her mother’s boyfriend raped Lisa, believing it would set the girl straight.

Molly had years of experience and unfortunately Lisa’s story wasn’t unique and yet it still took Molly’s breath away when she heard the heinous acts committed against these young and vulnerable people.

Lisa adapted well to the ranch. It took her a little time to open up to Molly and Bessie. Even longer to open up to the other kids. But Molly could proudly say that Lisa was doing so well now. Her therapy sessions were really paying off, and Lisa had become an integral part of the ranch.

Thinking of the youngsters asleep upstairs boosted Molly’s resolve. This is where she belonged. Well, right now, she belonged in front of the stove because teenagers were savages if they didn’t get fed. First thing first, though, Molly needed caffeine.

Bessie would be down shortly and they would spend a little time discussing the ranch and any jobs that needed taking care of. They’d also go over each teenager’s case, filling each other in on any incidents or worries. Thankfully, none of them gave Molly cause for concern.

Creaking wood signaled Bessie’s arrival. The four-foot-five firecracker bounced into the room. Molly had known Bessie for nearly ten years. Their paths crossed several times over the years and they’d formed a friendship. When they first met, Bessie worked for a nonprofit, while her wife tended to the ranch. Three years ago Carol, Bessie’s wife, passed away. Bessie opened up the huge ranch house to homeless LGBTQI+ kids so she could still tend to the farm.

Now Bessie was getting older and needed support. As soon as Molly got the offer to move to California and help Bessie, she’d taken it. They were a formidable team and, with the aid of different charities, they’d helped dozens of teens find their place in the world.

“Coffee’s up,” Molly called over her shoulder. Both women drank a bucket of coffee first thing in the morning.

“Oh, you’re my favorite. Do you know that, Molly Parsons?”

“And so I should be,” Molly chuckled. “What’s on the agenda today?”

“I’m taking Lisa to therapy at eleven. Micah has that job interview at two-thirty, but they insist on going alone.”

“They just want to feel in charge of themselves, can’t fault that.”

“That and the guy who runs the coffee cart next to the building where the interview is being held is hot, according to Liam.”

“Ah, okay, they don’t want us senior citizens cramping their style,” Molly laughed, rolling her eyes playfully.

“Courtney wants to help in the fields today, which is fine by me.” Bessie sat down at the kitchen table, her feet dangling an inch above the ground.

“I’ll work with Courtney today. It’s been a minute since we’ve had some time to talk.”

“Is there something in particular you want to talk with her about?”

“No, I just want to check in. Liam has been spending more and more time with Micah, and I just want to make sure Courtney is okay. They’ve only had each other for so long. I don’t want Courtney to feel pushed out now Liam is exploring away from their little support bubble.”

“Good idea. Is Chelsea coming over later?” Bessie’s eyes twinkled. Molly rolled her eyes again. Bessie had tried several times to set Molly up. When that didn’t work, she went all in on Molly and Chelsea’s relationship. No matter how many times Molly explained she wasn’t interested in more than they had, Bessie continued to push.

“She is coming over later, but you need to simmer down. We are friends and that’s it. I told you I don’t want more than that, so listen, you stubborn old goat.”

“Hey, less of the old,” Bessie scowled.

“But you agree with the stubborn part of that sentence?” Molly grinned.

“I just don’t want you closing yourself off, Molly. We both know how hard this line of work is. Everyone needs someone to go home to.”

“Not everyone, Bessie. And besides, I didn’t say I never wanted that, I just haven’t found The One yet. Pushing me towards Chelsea isn’t going to magically resolve that.”

“So, it’s just not there for you, between you and Chelsea, I mean?”

“That’s what I’m saying. Chelsea is a great friend and yes, great in bed, but she doesn’t feel—”

---