Read an exclusive excerpt from jbjustbe's upcoming YA novel TheEdgeofBeing, a heartfelt LGBTQ coming-of-age story that incorporates the story of the 1966 Compton's Cafeteria Riot.
“I can’t believe . . .” How long has this been here? If I hadn’t moved Santa, I would never have seen it. That’s how far back in the shadows it was hidden. Like Mom shoved it into the darkness to completely forget.I slowly lift the lid. It takes me a minute to realize the moisture on my cheeks is from my tears. I push them away.
I had a duffel bag thrown over my shoulder. Filled with whatever I could shove in there before running. It all feels like a dream. One minute I’m putting on Momma’s lipstick and heels and Maidenform bra, singing, “Tammy, Tammy, Tammy’s in love . . .” and the next minute Momma’s beating me with her hairbrush. When she left to get Daddy, I ran all the way to the bus station and didn’t look back. Didn’t think it would happen when it did. So fast. So sudden.
“Alex.” Guess that’s my name now. I made it up in that second. I didn’t want any part of the old me in this new land. Some people sat under tents muttering to themselves. Some offered me every colored pill imaginable. Some said, “Hey, girl,” to Esmeralda as we passed. “Feds are thick tonight. Be careful.”
Hearing those words, so blunt, so strong, I almost burst into tears right in front of her. Never heard them said back to me before. “I’m not sure . . . exactly.”
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