Page 5 of Enzo

“Can I get you something?” I offer, feeling concerned for her. “Lozenges or something?”

“I'm fine, dear. Really.” She lifts her cup and takes a sip, but she’s not fine. And her cough sounds worse today.

“But why me?” I ask.

She smiles. “Because I think you can handle it. The others would struggle.” She taps the invitation against the desk. “It's a masked ball.”

“An actual ball? Like the one Cinderella went to?”

“If you want to think of it like that, dear.”

I pick up the invitation again and hold it between nervous fingers.

I can't let Miss T down. She thinks I'm the only one who can handle this. She believes in me. I have to prove that I can rise to the occasion.

“I've only ever seen Venice in films. The canals, the bridges, the sunsets, the romance...”

“Romance?” Miss T raises a brow.

My cheeks heat up. “I didn't mean... not for me, obviously.”

“Obviously?”

“I don't even have anything suitable to wear.”

“A nice dress will be appropriate. I’d caution you against turning up in your flared trousers and brightly colored cardigans.”

“I won't let you down, Miss Turlington,” I promise. “I'll make sure I represent the school and make you proud.”

“I hope so, dear. I hope so. Don’t forget to get a mask. Something pretty with sequins and glitter. All the things you seem to like so much.”

Now she’s talking. Sequins and glitter are my friends.

“I'll transfer the flight ticket to you, and send you the accommodation details. You'll be there for two nights only, I’m afraid. You’ll arrive late on Friday evening, and the ball is on the Saturday. You fly back the next day.” She makes an apologetic face. “Sorry it’s so short. I couldn’t justify giving you two days off school.”

“It’s fine. It’s wonderful,” I quickly reassure her. I get to have two nights in Venice. “Thank you for this opportunity, Miss Turlington. This sounds like a whirlwind.”

Just like the one spinning inside my head.

“It does indeed.”

“It all sounds very...”

“Grand?” Miss Turlington offers. “I’m sure it will be. Think you're ready for the adventure?”

“I am always ready for an adventure!”

But Kiki will be annoyed that Miss T is sending me and not her. I’m nervous about what the other teachers might say. I’ve only been here for a few months, but I already care too much about this place to do anything that might upset things.

“What is it?” Miss T senses my hesitation.

“I’m nervous about what the other teachers might say.”

“You’ve worked incredibly hard ever since you got here, Molly. You’re the first to volunteer for after-school clubs, you helped with the winter fundraiser, and when we needed someone for the Saturday family day, you were here before I was.” She gives me a pointed look. “The children adore you, and so do their parents. You deserve this.”

“Why, thank you Miss Turlington.” Her words sink into my heart and snuggle up inside it.

“You make people feel comfortable, but also, you've never been intimidated by anyone. Children, parents, governors... you speak to everyone exactly the same way.”