Page 7 of Finding Molly Parsons

“Let it all out,” Mateo cooed softly as he hugged Faith closely.

“We’ll help you,” Carmen announced. She and Mateo knew exactly what it was like to be scared and vulnerable. They’d grown up in the system together. By the time they were fifteen they’d run away and started a life of their own. Away from foster parents who used them as their personal punching bags and servants.

“What?” Faith spluttered.

“We’ll help you find your aunt. Right Mateo?”

“Damn right, honey. We got you.”

“You don’t even know me,” Faith replied, her eyes wide. “Why would you do that?”

“Because everyone needs a little help now and then. Plus, you’re family.” Carmen could see the confusion on Faith’s face. “I’m a lesbian and Mateo is gay. Family, see!”

Mateo chuckled when Faith gasped and smiled. “I’ve never met anyone else like me.”

“I’m sure you have, you just didn’t know it. We gotta get your gaydar working, chica,” Mateo clucked.

“All in good time,” Carmen laughed. “First, let’s get you settled in. We have a third bedroom, it’s only small though. You’re welcome to it.”

“I… I haven’t got any money,” Faith whispered. Carmen’s heart was breaking for this girl.

“Unnecessary. If you could help with a few chores, that will be enough.”

“Of course, you name it.”

“And,” Mateo added. “I get to play dress up!” Carmen huffed out a breath. She should have known Mateo would want to use Faith as a mannequin. Kudos to the man, he had impeccable taste, and Faith could definitely do with a change of wardrobe. But Carmen wasn’t sure Faith was ready for the full Mateo Ruiz experience yet.

“Dress up?”

“Honey, I’m gonna make your entrance onto the scene…”

“The scene?” Faith looked more confused than ever.

“Gay scene. A place of wonder,” Mateo said with as much dramatic flair as possible.

“Mateo, maybe we should get her settled in first before…”

“Nonsense. We want Faith to look awesome when she meets her aunt again.”

There was no point in arguing with him. In a flash, Mateo pulled Faith up and dragged her to his room. Carmen closed the pizza box and followed. Faith was already sitting on his bed laughing as Mateo held up different women’s garments to his torso showcasing them with a twirl.

“What’s your style, Faith? Dresses? Pants? Shirts?” Mateo called from inside his wardrobe.

Carmen sat next to Faith on the bed and gave her a smile. “He loves fashion. He especially loves a chance to dress someone. That being said, if this is too much, just say. He won’t be offended.”

“It’s… well, it’s a little overwhelming. I’ve worn the same style of dress since I was tiny. I was never allowed to pick clothes.”

“Has anything Mateo showed you looked appealing?”

“The jeans were nice. And the t-shirts. Although, I’m not sure I’d want them that sparkly all the time.”

Carmen chuckled. Mateo loved anything that sparkled. “He does have some that won’t blind you in the sunlight.”

“Who got blinded?” Mateo asked, exiting his wardrobe with an armful of clothes.

“I was just explaining that not all your t-shirts are glittery.”

“Oh no, girl, I have every style you could think of.”

---