BrookLyn's Journey (47 page)

Gabby glanced over at
BrookLyn
, smiled, shifted gears
,
and
announced
, “I
also
have to
make some modifications
to my tattoo.”

“What modifications?”

“I’m adding your name
.
”

BrookLyn
closed
her
eyes, placed
her
head on
the
headrest and dreamt of the new life that lay ahead. A few months ago
she absolutely
wanted to give up on life and
now she
was
so glad
that she
didn’t. It got better
—and
BrookLyn Scott
was living proof that no matter what, it always did.

Epilogue

North Carolina was all that BrookLyn dreamt it would be. School started off without any problems. She and Gabby enrolled in a timely manner and
started attending the LGBT Center in the area for extra support.
This gave them a pl
ace to make new friends and gave them
a comfortable
place to hang out.
They became involved in a lot of the events
.
At first, BrookLyn was shocked to see so many LGBT people openly embracing
their lifestyles
,
but then she felt inspired, especially when she saw all
the people who supported them.

BrookLyn and Gabby had seen
BrookLyn’s
sister
s
more
since they moved to Charlotte
,
than BrookLyn had seen them over the past few years. She w
as finally driving her new car
after
passing the road test on her first try.
They both worked on campus
and they enjoyed being adults in the truest sense of the word
.
They were on their own and free.

Life
had evolved into a safe, peaceful place for them,
and although there were a few bumps on the road they traveled, the love they shared continue
d to grow
.
BrookLyn’s conf
idence and courage gre
w
too
. Each day she became a better girlfriend to Gabby
as their
love increased
.

BrookLyn heard that her mother had finally found the courage to leave her father. Ms. Cora
had
contacted her
,
letting her know
about her
mother
running to a safe house
.
She explained
the fear and guilt that her
mother lived with daily.
BrookLyn
tried to feel sorry for her
mother,
but couldn’t
—m
aybe one day
she
would
,
but it was still too soon.

Tiffany told her that Shante finally had a girlfriend and had moved to Texas. All the doors that were left open a crack had now been closed. BrookLyn welcomed the closure.

BrookLyn decided that she wanted to start a support group to help young kids that were struggling like she was. Although she hadn’t grown to be completely comfortable in her own skin it
was feeling a little better. H
er eyes were wide
open to what she deserved
, and that was a healthy relationship with Gabby.
With a lighter stride
,
she developed the plans to start the group. She wanted to be the ear for them that she never ha
d since she now owned her peace
.

Dear reader:

Everyone has a different journey but in some ways they may be quite similar.
Issues
may
range from bullying, sexuality, abuse, addiction, poverty, loneliness, etc. You are NOT alone. This was BrookLyn
Scott
’s experience through something that she didn’t know was even within her. No matter how tough things became she always knew deep within that things would get better. Being a teen is hard
,
but there is someone always there to listen. It may be a teacher, counselor, neighbor, parent, a friend’s parent or a stranger. BrookLyn found that out too. Don’t allow fear to keep you quiet. People can’t offer to help if they’re unaware of what you’re going through. There are resources to help you through every situation. Speak up!

When we are going through something we may feel like we are in this world alone but we aren’t. Your choices or experiences may be different than BrookLyn’s
were
or they might be the same on some level. However, one thing that’s important is that
YOU
matter.
No one person is better than you and before you think of the million reasons to harm yourself, pause and think of the million reasons to live.

Life is challenging and can be painful at times.
It always gets better and that’
s what is important to remember. Don’t give up on tomorrow because you’re in pain today.
If you are reading this, that means you are alive—that
means you have made it through e
very other moment you thought you wouldn’t!

If rain falls all night long the sun usually shines soon after. That’s how I look at life and BrookLyn began to see that through her experience. Every storm ends with sunshine. Each pain promotes growth. Every night gives way to a new day. A new day for you to SHINE! Never give up!

Stacey Pierce
aka Coffey Brown

http://c
offeybrownbooks.wordpress.com

[email protected]

Acknowledgements

Most importantly, I thank God for giving me the ability to create stories worth sharing with others. Without Him, I know this wouldn’t be possible. With great thanks to Jenny, my partner of thirteen years, for guidance, patience, support and inspiration. She encouraged me daily to focus on my manuscript even on my toughest days. Thanks to my editor, Lisa Dawn Martinez, who worked tirelessly to help breathe life into this story. Without her professionalism and kindness, BrookLyn’s Journey might still be sitting on my desktop instead of in the hands of readers.

I would also like to thank my family for always being supportive and offering encouragement. My niece, Rachael Ames, courageously appears on the cover, to her, I extend my gratitude. I would like to thank my friends on all of the social networks. Some I know personally and others virtually. They have inspired me to work toward my goals and dreams daily. I appreciate you. Thanks to all that have been actively involved in the production of this book.

And finally, I tip my hat off to all of my readers. Those trying to find their true selves, I salute you. Stay focused and know that you're worthy. And to those who are standing tall embracing life fully, don’t ever give up.