MOLLY
by
Goosefire
A/N I moved this story to the last season so the behavior of the characters makes more sense..
Molly Webber knew she wasn't popular, but here she was, nominated to be hostess at a special school banquet. She didn't know why, she knew she didn't have a chance, but here was Marcia Brady, one of the most popular girls in school, offering to help her out.
When she arrived at Marcia's house after school, she noticed her three brothers playing basketball. She was familiar with Greg and Peter but had never met Bobby; something about him suggested energy and honesty but he wasn't jaded by life yet.
Molly was invited to supper with the Bradys and was surprised with what happened: at first everyone tried making polite conversation except Peter; Molly had the feeling if he said what was on his mind, his parents would ground him until the end of the decade. Amazingly Bobby talked to her asking questions about her favorite music, favorite color, did she like ice cream? pizza? Did she like watching sports? Bobby thought she looked like a fencer or gymnast, did she ever participate in either one? Molly was too shy to admit she tried tumbling as a little girl but had an accident and lost her confidence.
Marcia took her time with Molly, working on building her confidence as well as strengthening her poise. It took time, especially getting Molly to wear contacts, but it happened; Molly was stunning, in both looks and confidence.
Molly kept pondering Bobby's behavior; he didn't behave like he had a crush on her so she wondered why he acted so differently. When she showed up at the Brady's home with her new look and change of fashion, she noticed Greg and Peter behaving much different than before, but amazingly Bobby continued working on the bike and politely said hi.
That convinced her: unlike his older brothers, Bobby was trying to see beneath the surface and be a sincere friend. It didn't last long. Molly let her ego regarding her new popularity run amok; but she was able to make amends by telling the principal about Marcia's help and getting her chosen as co-hostess for the banquet.
Even after everything Molly still lacked confidence in one area: boys. Like Greg and Peter, she decided most boys would only date her if she was 'pretty'. She wondered how to solve the problem. She decided since Bobby had been so straightforward, maybe she could spend the day with him and maybe get a better 'feel' for boys and how to act around them.
She called Marcia to see if she could set up a date with Bobby, something basic to see how he would be around girls. Marcia agreed to ask Bobby about spending some time with Molly. After hanging up the phone, Marcia considered how much this 'favor' was likely to cost her.
"Bobby, what did you think of Molly after her makeover? Pretty, huh?" Marcia was surprised at his response: "I suppose, but you know the old saying, 'Pretty is as pretty does.' She was more attractive after she mended fences with you. That showed real beauty." Bobby continued, "You were talking with Molly and she clearly asked you for some favor; just as clearly, it involves me so what is it?"
Now Marcia was nervous. "Well, she assures me after all that has happened, she's found her general confidence but she's still shy around boys and was hoping for some help." As Marcia said this last, she watched Bobby, hoping for some positive sign. Bobby was thoughtful, mulling over what he'd just heard. "If she wants a date with me, she must really be in a bad way. Let's go talk with Mom and Dad."
After talking to Mr. and Mrs. Brady and assuring them he understood, and would be careful of, Molly's feelings asked if Mrs. Brady would help prepare a picnic lunch. After receiving her promise to help he then hurried downstairs and made a call. When Molly answered, he asked her if she would join him Saturday for a picnic lunch. He asked if she could bring the blanket since he would bring the lunch. She promised to be at his house at 11:00am since she lived only a block or so away.
Saturday arrived and Bobby dressed in his usual sneakers, tube socks, shorts and Joe Namath shirt. It wasn't long before Carol had a picnic lunch for 2 ready and Bobby had it strapped to the back of his bike. Shortly before 11 Molly arrived wearing loafers and knee-socks, shorts and a t-shirt. Owing to her vision, Bobby had suggested she wear her glasses since contacts might upset her eyes. After a few moments on the patio so Molly could rest, they hopped on their bikes for the park for a quiet picnic lunch.
After 3-4 miles on the bikes, they arrived at Woodland Park which had been expanded a few years ago. After parking and locking the bikes, they followed a path to a quiet spot for the picnic. They both enjoyed the picnic, eating slowly, but hungrily with Bobby later stating that good company improves a meal. Despite being older, Molly felt a shy blush.
After finishing the lunch and cleaning up, Bobby and Molly relaxed on the blanket in the shade and just let the lunch digest. "You know, Molly, although we shouldn't judge a book by its cover, it is admittedly, the cover that gets our attention." Molly listened to this, then replied, "But is that really right?"
"Reading a book is like talking to a person: it introduces you to someone and lets you get to know them." Molly understood that, but recalled how she behaved when she became popular at school; she then mentioned that to Bobby. "Like any book, there was a dark spot; but seeing how you finished for the banquet, I'd say the book had a happy ending." Again, Molly blushed; was she so out of practice that someone Bobby's age could do this?
Bobby checked his watch and informed Molly it was now after 2 in the afternoon. He told her openly he thought she was attractive, but that it came from her actions, not just her looks. He noticed her shyness and made a choice: he gave her a sudden kiss on the cheek then smiled at her when she looked at him.
After slowly biking back home, Molly realized she was in her own world for some time: she was hearing birds sing and music play. Bobby never knew it, but he had really given Molly a boost.