Adrian Excerpt Two

Hello out there,

This excerpt is one of my favorite scenes in my book, Adrian. I was inspired by Pat Trimmer— a Film friend— to improve this scene. I talked a bit about my film experience yesterday. You’re welcome to have a look at that too.

This is about a transgender character Adrian, her best friend Anne, and her cousin Claire. They are out shopping for girls’ clothing. Adrian was too scared to buy girls clothes and wanted to leave. Claire had different plans though. She had the bright idea the night before to dress up Adrian as a girl, so she wouldn’t feel so embarrassed.

I spent a lot of time crafting this. Enjoy!

12:25 Nov 24

I saw myself in the mirror as I walked out of the stall, and goosebumps cascaded down my arms. It was like the person in the reflection wasn’t me. My heart started beating faster, and I turned to go back into the stall. Anne spun me around, grabbed my hands, and dragged me in front of the mirror, forcing me to confront myself.

Anne danced in front of me, making minor adjustments to the wig. She would block the mirror then move out of the way, and I would catch a glimpse of myself, only for her to cover my vision again.

When she finished, I washed my hands and got a good look at my reflection. An amber-haired girl stared back at me. Her hair seemed to make her green eyes pop. She had a round face, but you could see her bone structure underneath. Her chest was flat as if she hadn’t yet gone through puberty. She was thin around the waist, which surprised me. I wondered if it was the guy’s clothes that made me feel as if I were fat. I shrugged and filed that thought away in my ‘Later’ file.

I caught a glimpse of the skirt as I went to dry my hands. It draped down, stopping above my knees. I knew I didn’t have hips under there, but the skirt gave the illusion that I did.

When I eventually finished with my hands, Anne said, “Sit on the counter.”

I pulled myself away from my reflection and hopped up on the ledge, wishing I could further examine my new other-self.

Claire came over, digging through her purse and pulling out different types of makeup.

“Try to go light,” Anne suggested.

“I might have to go darker around the eyes. Our complexions are close,” she said, pointing to her eyes, “and I always have to go darker around my eyes.”

“You should probably get your phone out so you can watch what she’s doing,” Anne suggested.

She was full of suggestions today, and I needed some way to show her I was appreciative. ‘Later’ file.

My hands weren’t doing anything, so I dug through my pack, grabbed my phone, turned on the selfie camera, and observed her handiwork.

I obeyed Claire’s directions as she had me open and close my eyes or hold my breath while she applied makeup. I didn’t think watching her helped me at all.

***

12:34 Nov 24

Claire finished my face, and the three of us stood there staring at me in the mirror.

“Weird,” Anne and I chorused, while Claire said, “Cool!”

Anne and I turned to Claire, and the bathroom door opened. Three women walked in. They went directly into the stalls, not giving us a second glance.

I grabbed my pack, zipped it up, and zoomed outside, too scared to say anything.

Once out of the bathrooms, I thought I would be safe, though my heart was beating a million miles a minute. I was scared that those women would know I wasn’t a girl.

Claire and Anne were only a few seconds behind and grabbed me when I started to hyperventilate. I swear I would have fallen over right then and there if they hadn’t been close by.

“It’s okay. You’ll be okay,” Anne cooed while holding onto me.

Several people walked by, and no one even looked at us, so I began to calm down. I saw a couple of guys show up in my peripheral vision, and one went into the men’s room. For some reason, guys didn’t seem to scare me. Either that or I wasn’t in the right mind-space to be worried about them.

“See? Everything’s okay,” Anne reassured me.

“You’re fine, see.” Claire did her best to reassure me, too.

I let out a deep sigh and noticed Anne staring at something behind me. “I think that’s Josh,” she whispered.

I started to turn, but she stopped me. “Don’t. He’s looking at us!” I could feel panic starting up again.

“Oh, em, Gee, he’s staring at your shoes!” Anne whispered.

I looked down at my shoes and saw that I still had my boy’s high tops on. Shit!

The men’s bathroom door opened, and a guy came out, heading toward where Anne was looking. Anne let out a deep sigh. “They’re leaving.”

Claire and I looked at each other and laughed. I don’t even know why.

***

If you enjoyed this please let the world know. Share and like! I appreciate you even if your finger is tentative.

Expect more in the future!

Katherine