Silver Linings — Lisa Maddock

I am Lucy Mackensie, age fourteen, almost fifteen, but feel like a grown-up sometimes. I do not have a normal life. I suppose nobody thinks they do - but in my case, it's really true.

I have lived in many cities, moving almost yearly since I was very little. Now I live in Minneapolis in a fairly dismal furnished basement apartment with one bedroom (Mac sleeps on the couch). The locks are tricky, the hallways smell funny and our neighbor's many cats keep getting into our apartment. Our car, Old Rusty, is - old. And rusty. Mom is in Africa - she's a doctor and has to travel. My dad (Mac) is an actor. He is the biggest Shakespeare geek anywhere ever and is starring in Hamlet with a local acting group. It is good for him and makes him very happy. Mac is also a part-time English teacher at my school and is the best dad in the world. We take care of each other and most of the time, both feel pretty lucky in spite of everything.

I don't mind the odd stuff that surrounds me. It's just - life. My life - for now. I have my music and a best friend and that makes me happy. Mac and I have become experts at finding silver linings in the midst of those pesky dark clouds.

But it isn't all silver linings. Mine would not be much of a story to tell if nothing was going on. There is definitely something going on in the background of this Minnesota life - something that is making it all come apart piece by piece while in the foreground, it is suddenly about secret admirers with purple sneakers and uncontrollable attraction. It just is - whether I want that or not. I can't seem to end that process no matter how many times I hit Ctrl-Alt-Delete.

Well, grab a tissue and dive in. Welcome to my story and my out-of-control roller coaster life. Better buckle up (I always do).