For the Love of Molly: Part 1

“Gross.”

Molly fingered the dry end of her braid. Its reflection in the mirror didn’t look any better.

She looked from her braid to her face. Her lips were pale, as were her cheeks. Even her hair color had seen better days.

Molly blinked back tears. “I’m so ugly,” she whispered.

I, the one and only Jasmine Copeland, strode up to where she sat.

“Molly, you look so cute,” I said as casually as I could. “I love your classic outfit. Such an authentic vibe, am I right? The ’40s were so—”

“I’m ugly, aren’t I, Jasmine?” Molly blurted.

“Why would you ever say that?” Surely there was something I could say to make Molly realize how beautiful she is, no matter what she thought she looked like.

“Because it’s true.” Molly bit her lip.

“Molly McIntire, take that back right now. You are an absolute queen, that’s what you are. Just look at your stunning French braid!”

Molly looked back at the mirror. She swiped at her eyes. “Isn’t it time for you to get ready for the Hollyn concert?”

“Yeah, it is. But we can share the mirror.” I hated having to share the mirror with absolutely anyone.

“No, no. I know you have to leave soon. You can have it.”

Molly stood and turned away with a downcast gaze and shuffled steps.

Poor Molly! There had to be something I could do to help her feel like a queen again.

I turned to the mirror to freshen up my curls. My best friend Cécile and I were going to a Hollyn concert later that day, and I couldn’t wait! We had saved up all winter and spring for our tickets!

I glanced at my hair, and that’s when it hit me.

I knew just the thing to help Molly feel like a queen.

I ran to Molly’s best friend. “Emelie! Will you help me put together a surprise for Molly?”

“Of course I will, but what is it?”

I quickly explained my plan. “Tell the others—but don’t tell Molly!”

“Oh, Jasmine. This is the most exciting thing! Don’t worry, she’s in the kitchen.”

I rushed to Taryn. “Taryn, pull your nose out of your schoolwork for one minute, will you?”

It took a second, but Taryn glanced up. I quickly explained.

She smiled. “Count me in!” she said, then dashed to the others.

“Cécile!” I rushed to my best friend. She was misting her curls. “Wow, you look great! But… maybe we shouldn’t go to the concert.”

Cécile whirled around. “What! Why? Is something wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong. But maybe we should get a refund on our tickets and use it for something else.”

Cécile looked shocked, but the more I explained my idea, the more her expression changed until she beamed.

“Jasmine, I think this is the nicest thing you’ve ever done! I’ll go help the others. See if you can get a refund on our tickets.”

I rushed to the computer and found the tickets website. I was going to scream if I ever saw “non-refundable” on the page.

Luckily, I got our tickets cancelled and money refunded.

I leaned across my desk to where the others were giggling and whispering much too loudly.

“How’s it going, guys?” I asked.

“Everyone’s in on it!” Cécile called back. “And the refund?”

“It’s a success. Everyone get over here!”

Everyone—Josefina, Cécile, Emelie, Ellie, Chloe, Taryn, Delaney, and K.C.—crowded around me.

We all giggled and shushed each other and tried to pick out the best option on my screen.

“Guys,” I said. I paused and stared at the page for a few moments. “I think this is perfect. Thoughts?”

Everyone expressed their agreement.

“Do it, Jasmine,” Emelie said. “Hit purchase!”

I took a deep breath, briefly thought of the Hollyn concert, then slammed my finger on the touchpad to hit purchase.

“Hurray!” Emelie cried. Then everyone cheered and squealed and hugged each other.

Molly, who had been in the kitchen, rushed up to our group. “What’s going on? What’s so exciting? Jasmine, Cécile, you’re going to be late for the concert!”

“They’re not going to the concert, Molly.” Taryn beamed. “But you are going on a deluxe spa package trip!”

Confusion flashed across Molly’s face. “What?”

“We all chipped in to buy you a fully-loaded spa package so you can see how beautiful you really are. Included is a full hair, skin, and face makeover!”

“But that’s too expensive!” Molly cried.

Emelie stepped forward and grabbed her hands. “Nothing is too expensive for a queen. You’re worth it, Molly.”

Molly’s eyes filled with tears, but not like the ones before.

“It was all Jasmine’s idea,” Emelie said. “She’s the one who made this happen.”

“Jasmine—” Molly began.

Then she cried.

Emelie threw her arms around her. “You’re so beautiful, Molly! And you’re going to feel like it!”

Cécile was the second to step forward and hug her, and then we all followed.

“I don’t deserve you guys,” Molly said through her tears. “You are the best friends anyone could ever ask for.”

After a minute, Molly looked at me and gave me the biggest grin. “I’m gonna be a queen, Jasmine.”

“No, Molly. You already are.”

STAY TUNED FOR PART TWO!

Also sorry my stupid blog ruined the quality. I had to re-upload the photos three times and re-insert them in the post a lot of times and then I had to do a hack for it and even then it made them super grainy, ugh. XD

That’s why I didn’t post last week. I tried a lot of different things but I still gotta figure out what’s causing that.

But yes, I am restoring Molly!

However, I will not be sending her anywhere. Especially not the doll hospital. I couldn’t bear to part with her head. She was my first doll and way too special to me.

So I’m going to do it all myself! It’s a little scary with everything I’m planning, but I can’t wait to see how she’ll look…

I bought a beautiful new Molly-style wig for her, I’ve worked for WEEKS on getting her stains out, I will restring her loose limbs myself (AHHHH), and redo her face paint myself!

BY THE WAY, I splurged and now I have four new dolls, lolllll. Making up for the four years I went without buying a single one! I will introduce them as soon as I can!

Have you ever restored a doll back to her original beauty? I would love to hear from you in the comments below!

Featured outfit:

Emelie is wearing this beautiful outfit from Sweet Dolly!

I got it in 2016, but now the outfit also comes with a hat that looks amazing. ?

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