Page 16 of Moonlit Kisses

He works to collapse the playpen I’ve already sterilized while I disinfect the change table and bring it out for him to pack away.

“So, what made you start doing this?”

“What, fixing cars?”

“No, I mean helping single parents the way you do?”

He stops what he’s doing to face me. “My sister was a single mom for a long time. I saw her struggle to make ends meet and figured if I could help one person, it would be worth it. In the beginning, people were wary of the offer, but it’s grown over time and people in the local community have learned to trust that I’m not trying to rip them off or get them back in for more expensive work.”

“Well, I think it’s very noble of you. Each person who stepped through that door this morning was stressed.” I wave my arm out toward the front door. “When they left, I could see the difference in their features and their posture. They were relieved that they had one less thing to worry about. Thanks to you.”

He drops his head down, but not before I notice his cheeks flush, and a smile touch his lips. “Thanks. I like to help where I can.”

* * *

The sun sits low on the horizon as I slow in front of the old brick building. It’s got great character and I’d love to sketch it some time. After finding a parking space just down the road, I draw in a deep breath and exit my car. The area doesn’t look all that pleasant, so I double check my locks are engaged. The last thing I need is for my car and all of my belongings to get stolen.

As I step through the large doors, an older lady greets me with a broad smile on her friendly face. She has a warm and welcoming demeanor about her, which instantly puts me at ease. I’m guessing it works well for her in this environment.

Appearances are obviously deceiving because the inside of the building is nothing like the outside. It’s clean with simple but modern furnishings. The place has a welcoming vibe, much like the woman who greets me.

“Welcome toShelter. My name is Simone. Come, sit.” She gestures toward a couple of comfy chairs off to the side.

“Hi, Simone. I’m Molly.”

“How’s your day been, Molly?” She asks as she steps toward a counter along the side wall, complete with a coffee machine, kettle, and cups. “Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?”

“I wouldn’t mind a coffee, thanks. No sugar, but I’ll take cream.” She smiles and nods at my preference, then directs her attention to making my drink. “Today’s been great. Crazy busy, but awesome.”

She turns toward me, her eyebrows raised. “You sound thoroughly pleased.” Bringing our drinks over, she places them on the coffee table and then takes a seat in the chair opposite mine. “What brings you toSheltertoday, Molly?”

I give her my best smile. “Well, I’m new to the area. Back home, I used to volunteer a couple of nights a week at the local women’s shelter, and I wanted to do the same here.” I take a sip of my drink, hoping there’s some way I can help. “If the opportunity is available,” I add.

Simone’s smile widens, her eyes twinkling. “We can always do with volunteers. How wonderful of you to offer your time. Can I ask where you volunteered previously?”

“Sure. I moved here from Portland, Maine recently. I used to volunteer atFemCity. I would help with the sign-in registrations, chatting with the ladies, setting up the beds for the night, cleaning, putting together the overnight toiletry kits, and I’d help in the kitchen if needed. Though, to be completely honest, I think I was more a hindrance than help in the kitchen.” I chuckle.

“You sound like me. I’m terrible in the kitchen, too. When were you thinking of starting and how many evenings can you help?” Simone asks, leaning forward to collect her coffee.

“I’m happy to help maybe two or three nights a week and I can start anytime you want me.”

“Sounds perfect. Would you mind completing some paperwork and then I’ll give you the tour?” She takes a sip of her coffee. “I hope you don’t mind, but we do need to run a background check. It only takes a few moments.”

I nod, eagerly. This sounds promising. “That’s not a problem at all. They had to do the same thing atFemCity, so I was expecting it.”

Simone heads to another room and returns with a clipboard and a couple of pages of forms that I need to complete. “If you wouldn’t mind completing these. Then I’ll show you around. We’ll start getting some ladies coming in soon, I expect.”

I set to work filling out the paperwork but come up against a snag. I don’t have an address. Shit! “Uhm, I don’t have a permanent address yet. I only arrived on Saturday. Is it okay if I give you the address for where I work?”

Her eyes narrow ever so slightly. “Where are you staying?”

“Just couch surfing with some friends at the moment. As soon as I get a permanent spot, I’ll let you know.” I don’t want to tell her I’m sleeping in my car because I have very little money. When I was young, Mom and I would only use the women’s shelter on freezing nights. She never wanted to take a bed away from someone who was worse off than us. She always said that while we had our car, we weren’t truly homeless. As an adult, I’ve learned that’s not technically true, but I still don’t want to take a bed from someone who needs it more than I do. Mom taught me all the tricks of the trade for surviving in a car and I’m managing okay so far.

“Sure. That shouldn’t be a problem.” She gives me a reassuring smile. “I quickly need to check that we’re ready for registrations. Be back in a minute.” I nod as Simone pats my arm on the way past me, then I continue to complete the forms.

I hand Simone my completed forms, and we begin the tour. “This is obviously where we meet with women as they come through the door. We like to have a quick chat first to find out how we can help. This facility has space for women who need short-term accommodation as well as overnight facilities to escape a night on the street. Unfortunately, we never seem to have enough beds, but we do our best. We find it best to offer our ladies the opportunity to have a warm drink during our initial chat. Like we just did.” She smiles at me, then guides me around the corner. “We have a play area here for the little ones.”

The area is well decked out with a playpen, similar to the one we used today at the workshop. There are toys that would suit different ages, from babies up to young children. There’s a small table in the corner with a collection of writing and coloring pencils, as well as a pile of coloring and puzzle books. “Wow. This area looks great. I bet it’s popular.”

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