It’s #BookQW and when Cor tries to ‘hide’ who he is, trouble follows.
More from chapter 1:
Footsteps sounded behind him. “You didn’t even read it.”
“Can’t take a handout.” His aunt would be furious. She’d certainly tell his dad. His parents’ rules were he and his sister had to earn stuff, not be handed it because of who they were.
“It’s a job, as a volunteer gofer for the conference. You’ll be running your legs off, which certainly isn’t a handout.”
Cor stopped. A…job? “Not as an attendee?”
Master Harold barked a laugh. “That would take more pull than I’ve got. One of the coordinators asked if I had any academy students who could fill tomorrow’s last-minute vacancy. I recommended you.”
Cor turned. “Me?” The question spilled out before he had a chance to think of how bloody desperate he sounded. “I’m not in academy and likely can’t swing it next year.”
“You. The chap who won’t study for the entrance exams because he’d rather visit the ailing elms across town and ward them against infection. Who steals my catalogs and orders exotic bare root stock with his own pocket money and hides the saplings in the optimal beds. Who will have those bonsai planted before my first cup of coffee is even made.”
So the old man had noticed.
Master Harold held out the envelope.
He shouldn’t, but…a job Aunt Syl would agree to. He took it and pulled out the card, lighting his own fingers this time. He scanned where and when to report, attire to wear and duties. “Field trips?”
“Likely you’ll just have to fill in for what the sick gal was supposed to cover.” His boss shrugged.
Cor pretended to read it over again, but his mind rolled with the possibilities. He’d already researched the speakers, their home enclave tree species, their pet research projects. He’d have to prioritize who he’d most like to ask about internships. If only I don’t blow it.
“I might not get to those bonsai.”
“I will. Do me the honor of being on time and sticking to the duties they assign, not disappearing like you are wont to do. If I might suggest…”
Cor stuffed the card and envelope in his jacket pocket. “What?” He brushed a hand over the black leather. “I should color my clothes into something pretty?”
“Leave your leather armor at home for once.”
“You’ve been listening to Aunt Syl. I don’t wear it to put people off.” But it did. People looked at him, a black guy in black, and zipped their gazes away in disdain, rejecting him before even finding out anything about him. Cor glanced at his hand, the warm red-brown of sessile oak leaves in autumn compared to the sleeve’s true black. At least the jacket let him fade into the background when alone in a crowd, because when he was beside his dad, he was never overlooked.
“First impressions matter. Your docent uniform will be suitable. Consider toning down the jewelry. And try to smile. Like you’re happy to be there.”
No one needed to know if he was happy or not. Now that he had a legitimate way in, he simply had to say enough without being a show-off or bloody sappy. Too much was riding on his chance to get a real internship to mess it up by blurting how keen he was about trees.
~~~
This week’s word – hide – brought me to the exact point of Guardian of the Pines that has given readers trouble: Cor isn’t a character they immediately love. Reading this excerpt, maybe you can tell why–he’s wearing an armor that goes deeper than his leather jacket.
Beneath that is a kid who just wants to follow his dreams, like many of our LGBT youth.
For years I had Cor’s story in my head and half on paper, that of a black, gay boy with a passion for trees who couldn’t find his place. I’m neither black or gay (or a boy or a teenager, but somehow those details don’t matter as much) but I wanted representation in my fantasy world. I sought out two black, LGBT sensitivity readers who brought up many thoughtful points and nudged me toward ideas and details that strengthened Cor’s story. I found a lot to love about this tough kid, then and today.
Want to know more behind the scenes of Guardian of the Pines? Here’s a post and a review of the novel:
- Guest Post on Joyfully Jay, LGBTQ Romance Reviews and More
- Review on Raise Them Righteous, A Curated Collection of Inclusive Children’s Literature.
Pick up Guardian of the Pines during Pride Month!
You won’t be sorry.
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