Just Lucky
Page 15
A new family photo, I thought, when she showed us all what she had taken. It was perfect.
Everyone had brought gifts. Even Mia, who had gone to the comic book store with Isabelle. They had bought me a Sandman figurine for my room. Ryan and Thomas had chosen a Doctor Who sweater that looked like the TARDIS. Charlie’s gift was a copy of Stephen King’s latest book. Jake blushed when he handed me his. A thin gold chain with comedy and tragedy masks on it.
“Because you like theater,” he said, smiling shyly.
“I love it. All of it,” I said, looking around at everyone. “Thank you so much!”
Janine handed me her gift. It was a blank cookbook.
“So you can write down your family recipes. And maybe some new ones,” she said, dishing out the casserole.
“It’s amazing. Thank you.”
“Now mine,” Grandma said, holding out a gift bag.
“Grandma, you didn’t have to get me anything.” I dug into the bag. There was a deck of cards and a Poker for Dummies book that she seemed to think was hilarious. And underneath that was a quilt. I looked at her quizzically. “Did you make this?” I asked her.
She nodded.
“Look closer,” she said, smiling.
I did. There were little squares of different materials that I recognized as I ran my fingers over them.
“Grandpa’s favorite shirt,” I said, my voice hitching.
“And his church tie.” She smiled.
“My baby blanket. Your apron. The dress Grandpa bought me when we went to Florida.” I stared at her. “My whole life is in this quilt,” I said.
She nodded wordlessly. There was nothing to say. I knew I’d spend hours later going over every inch of the quilt and discovering memories of our lives together.
Dinner was loud and full of laughter. All of my favorite people were at this table, except Grandpa. Even Mia, who I finally understood a little, was taking part.
When the table was cleared, Janine brought out a chocolate cake, candles blazing, as everyone sang “Happy Birthday.”
“Make a wish!” Lucy screamed, laughing maniacally.
I stared at the candles, watching the wax drip onto the icing.
“Any minute now, Lucky. Preferably before we have to call the fire department.” Ryan laughed.
What did you wish for when life didn’t turn out the way you planned? When the place you ended up finally felt like home and the people around you made up one incredibly weird but amazing family?
I closed my eyes and took a breath and finally, I blew out the candles.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
So many people supported me in the writing of this book and I hope you know how grateful I am to all of you.
To all my writer friends who are a constant source of support and encouragement. Mel and Karen in particular—my waffle buddies. You inspire me constantly.
To my amazing friend Robin Stevenson for answering my panicked emails and pointing me in the right direction when I was trying to make sure I got this book right.
To Heather MacKenzie. A million thanks for answering my questions and making me feel much more confident that I got Lucky’s story right.
To Amy Tompkins, my incredible agent. I couldn’t ask for a more supportive and amazing champion. Thanks for everything you do. I truly couldn’t imagine a better partnership.
And to the team at Second Story Press for letting me write another book for you and trusting me with this one in particular. You’ve had my back from Day One and I appreciate it more than you know. Margie, Emma, Kathryn, and Melissa. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Lastly, thanks to my family for letting me disappear into my studio to write. You guys are the best. And Taylor, your late-night text when you finished the book was the best review I’ll ever receive.
DEDICATION
For my grandmother, Anne, on whom Lucky’s grandma is based. For my grandfather, Alfred, who reminds me of Lucky’s grandpa. And for Taylor, who is a badass like Lucky.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melanie Florence is an award-winning writer of Cree and Scottish heritage. Her picture book Stolen Words was the winner of the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Award. Her first picture book, Missing Nimama, won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award. She is the author of the YA novels The Missing, He Who Dreams, Rez Runaway, and One Night. She also wrote the nonfiction books Righting Canada’s Wrongs: Residential Schools and Jordin Tootoo: The Highs and Lows of the First Inuit to Play in the NHL. Melanie lives with her husband and two children in Toronto. Visit her website www.melanieflorence.com
COPYRIGHT
Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication
Title: Just Lucky / Melanie Florence.
Names: Florence, Melanie, author.
Identifiers: Canadiana (print) 20190074949 | Canadiana (ebook) 20190074957 |
ISBN 9781772601046 (softcover) | ISBN 9781772601053 (EPUB)
Classification: LCC PS8611.L668 J88 2019 | DDC jC813/.6—dc23
Copyright © 2019 by Melanie Florence
Cover and illustrations by Katy Dockrill
Edited by Kathryn White
Design by Melissa Kaita
Printed and bound in Canada
Second Story Press gratefully acknowledges the support of the
Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts for our
publishing program. We acknowledge the financial support of the
Government of Canada through the Canada Book Fund.
Published by
Second Story Press
20 Maud Street, Suite 401
Toronto, ON M5V 2M5
www.secondstorypress.ca