While Anna slept, Jake and his mother, Kit - famous architect and glamorous wife of the actor Martin Reedy - discussed what do they could to help Anna. They had enormous resources at their disposal, but the question was how to use them appropriately.
Jake had told his parents about Anna's situation as soon as he had been able to use his cellphone, once they had gotten out of the deepest part of the desert. He painted the scene for his mother:
A beautiful young girl, barely over 18, married to a middle-aged man who already had five wives. Middle-of-nowhere in the desert, no place to run. The girl didn't know how to drive, had only been home-schooled. But she was sweet, plucky, full of personality - eager to explore new things, Jake noted, as he thought about Anna's hands winding their way into his pants mischievously. This girl had just got pregnant. She didn't love her husband. "No way can I just leave her there, Mom," Jake said into the phone. "We've got to help her. I'm bringing her back to L.A. She can go to school, get a job, do anything! She has her whole life ahead of her."
Kit was more reserved about how easily Anna would be able to break from her flock, from years of indoctrination and subordination. But she wouldn't let Jake know her doubts. She vowed to help him help this young girl in any way that they were able to. With that promise at hand, Kit arranged everything.
First she ordered Anna to bathe in the luxurious bathroom using all of Kit's fine cosmetics, while Kit phoned a stylist friend with instructions to bring a variety of clothes over in Anna's size. The slim teen was soon attired in gorgeous premium denim, her sexy rear perfectly accented by the high-waisted jeans. A selection of crop-tops and soft vintage t-shirts were in her dresser, next to lots of chunky platform shoes.
"What is all this?" Jake asked smiling, pointing to the forest of clothing spread all over the room. Anna was rubbing her damp hair with a towel, her cute nipples getting hard under a close-fitting t-shirt as Jake got close enough to wrap his arms around her. "Your mom gave me a makeover??" she said uncertainly. "I'm not sure I can really keep all this. It's a lot. It's, um, very immodest," she said demurely, dropping her eyes with an embarrassed twist of her smile.
"Mmm, you look adorable," Jake assured her. "Trust my Mom, she'll help you with anything you need. We're here for you, Anna."
The next steps were more serious. Kit took Anna to one of the best therapists in the region, an international expert who she felt could help disabuse Anna of the destructive influence of patriarchal religious fundamentalism. The therapist was charmed with Anna's upbeat personality, her adventurous interest in the new world opening up to her. "I think - given time - she'll be just fine, Kit," the therapist confided to Mrs. Reedy after the first appointment. They set up a schedule to meet three times a week, until they could be sure Anna had processed all of her difficult experiences - especially the most difficult to come.
Kit took Anna to a laywer, who discussed with the young woman all the steps and necessities for working toward an annulment or divorce from her marriage with Jebediah. The appropriate paperwork was arranged. Somehow the proceedings would be made known to the compound, possibly by communicating directly with the temple. In either case, the lawyer assured Anna: "You will never have to see this man again. He is no longer your husband." Grateful tears formed in Anna's eyes, and she looked up at Kit. Mrs. Reedy put her hand on Anna's shoulder. This was a profound relief.
Finally, Kit took Anna to her own private doctor, who discussed with Anna the options for severing all of her physical ties with Jeb. She helped Anna understand the simplicity of the prescription, and Anna took the pill. She was scared of her decision, but she took comfort and pride in knowing she could make her own decisions for her future. That there was a future, outside of premature and unwelcome parenthood.
Months passed, Anna learning to love the Reedy family, their support and affection for her growing each day.
Anna started taking art classes. She painted. She took hikes, and rode horses. She enrolled in college classes and started studying botany. She loved learning about wildflowers. She was often outside with Jake, their bodies close together, his hands occasionally on hers affectionately, his hands ever-ready to grab her behind. She was so grateful to him, and so deeply attracted to him. But she was still learning to "un-learn" all of the destructive ideas she had been brought up with, and there was an unspoken agreement between them that held their eager hands and lips at bay.
Jake's parents, Kit and Martin, became her parents. Jake was their only child, and they adored their son and his new friend. They were deeply caring people, always loving and kind, though often out of town on business. During these times, Jake came to stay with Anna and keep her company at the house. He never wanted her to feel lonely or unwanted, like she had felt at the fundamentalist compound.
These visits from Jake were affectionate but chaste. Jake had never violated Anna's trust during their journeys in the desert. He had always been respectful and loving toward her. And she was grateful, always happy for his company. They were not shy together, but their affection was reserved and uncertain. Jake's feelings toward her were implied, not expressed. Anna's feelings were confused and vulnerable. They had never come together as lovers, but they were certainly more than friends.
One day, after a long hike, they were relaxing alone in the cavernous house. Anna stretched up her arms, her golden hair sweeping her back. "I'm taking a bath," she announced.
