The Wonderful Queer Story of Racetrack Higgins

I Am What I Am

Yes, the title comes from the song from The Birdcage called I Am What I Am. It's such a good inspirational song, you know?

And it fits the situation perfectly.

This is kinda a big moment. One might say it's climactic...

Enjoy! :)

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Warning: transphobia

It's eleven days into September, which means it's been nearly two months since the strike started and around a week until the next meeting of the Cercle Hermaphroditos.

It also means that David is back in school and Jack is suffering from an aching heart.

So Race spends more time in Manhattan to keep Jack company. Jack doesn't like feeling like others are pitying him, but he's grateful for them wanting to spend time with him.

Luckily the star-crossed lovers aren't completely separated. They can still see each other.

"But it ain't the same," Jack laments. "How many days until summer?"

"Too many to count," everyone answers sympathetically.

Jack groans and tells himself that he can get through this.

Race, on the other hand, is counting down the days until something much, much sooner.

He can't wait to see the Cercle Hermaphroditos again.

He's been practicing what he's going to say. He pictures every scenario where he can make a transition into what he's going to say. He'll make sure everyone's impressed by him.

Especially Jennie June.

And Spot will be at his side.

That was never to be debated.

Spot will be there.

And Race hopes that Jack comes too. Ever since he told Jack every single detail that happened that night, he keeps checking on Jack to make sure that yes, he will come to the meeting with him.

"Why didn't Medda tell you about the place?" Race asks curiously.

Jack shrugs. "It didn't come up. I guess she just thought you might need it more."

Well that was on point. Race did need it.

But Medda talked to Spot about it. So maybe she saw that he was the one who needed it most.

Regardless, it's coming up soon.

Race goes to sell at Sheepshead that day, everything just fine.

He hears voices.

Not again.

The Delanceys.

But they're farther away.

And for once, don't sound like they're coming towards him.

Sure enough, Race looks around, and spots them in the distance. They're walking and talking, too absorbed to notice him.

Good.

He doesn't need anymore trouble from them.

So, as quickly and quietly as he can, he makes it out of their sight, and doesn't stop walking until he's safe inside Sheepshead.

Except when he gets to Sheepshead, he doesn't feel relief like he thought he would. True, he's relieved that they didn't try to fight him today. But...he also feels shame that he has to live in fear, and anger that they have this power of him without even trying.