Page 4 of Enzo

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Doge's Palace, Venice

“I would like you to go in my place.”

“To Venice, Illinois?”

“Venice, Italy, Molly.”

I hear her words, but my imagination is running riot. I see Venice, its canals and gondolas, and cobbled streets and old buildings. I see the sunsets and the Grand Canal. Whatever I’ve picked up from watching films. I’ve never set foot outside Chicago.

It takes a few moments to sink in. I pick up the invite. A few moments ago I was putting up the children's artwork all around the classroom and now I'm staring at this.

“The Doggy’s Palace?”

“The Doh-j Palace.” She enunciates clearly.

I’m speechless. Miss T has always been wonderful to me. When I first started and was so nervous, and hesitated before stepping into the classroom, Miss T walked in with me, and told the children that I was a wonderful teacher. Right then and there she made me feel as if she had complete faith in me.

I laugh nervously. “I've never even travelled outside of Chicago.”

But the idea ignites my imagination and Venice turns into a 3D experience inside my head. Suddenly I see myself sitting in a gondola, gliding along the Grand Canal, looking chic and elegant. Or walking along the cobbled streets and admiring the architecture and sights.

My insides turn all loose and light, like I’ve won a million dollars and am struggling to grasp the amount. Miss T coughs into a handkerchief before giving me an apologetic smile.

“I don't want to take a transatlantic flight feeling like this. It's such a wonderful opportunity and it would be a shame to turn it down. Besides, Mr. Valizar has always been extremely generous to us.”

“Who is he?”

“A very generous benefactor. However, going to something like this … I’m hardly of an age to appreciate dressing up and being there, as much as someone like you.”

“Why has he invited us?”

“He used to be a pupil here many, many years ago. He has always been extraordinarily good to Oakleigh. He’s a good man.” Something in her expression softens. “But I have to admit, this invite surprised me.”

And it continues to surprise me.

A masked ball in Venice. At a palace. And I’m going. I pinch myself because this seems surreal. I have some crazy dreams. Some crazy thoughts, but the words which just came out of Miss T’s mouth have trumped them all.

“I've never even been on a plane.”

“Well, now you get to. The flights are booked, but I insisted on booking the accommodation myself. I told Mr. Valizar that was the only condition on which I would go. He's been far too generous to the school and I didn’t want to take too much advantage of his good nature.”

“Of course not,” I say, vaguely, trying to process everything. I’m still sitting in a gondola, but Miss T’s mention of flights and hotels has me panicked. I can’t afford this. I won’t even be able to contribute a little. I clasp my hands together, then unclasp them. Then shift in my chair which suddenly feels too hard, and too uncomfortable. Beads of sweat pop up around the back of my neck.

“You won’t have to pay me for the accommodation, Molly. It's on me, but it is rather frugal, be warned. You know how I am.” She always seems to know of my worries.

“I … I would like to contribute something, and I can pay in small instalments if that’s—”

“No. I’m asking you to go, at short notice, and I appreciate that.”

But panic still grips me. I know nothing about Venice, or how to get about there. I don’t speak the language and I won’t know what to wear.

But Kiki will know. She’s super smart about these things. She’s a beauty influencer, and is desperate to get out of teaching so that she can do that full time.

“It’s next week, did you say?”

“Next Saturday.” Miss T coughs again.