Twenty Third Secret

Zach stood with his friends outside the venue that was being used for the masked ball and shivered. It was a cold night and he wasn’t dressed for it.

Emilia patted his back comfortingly.

“We’re nearly at the front of the queue. Have you got your ID handy?”

That was Emilia all over. She was always the organised student in their group and probably the most caring. Zach readjusted his mask on his face so it was comfortable and took his ID out of his pocket. As it was an informal ball he had skipped wearing a tie, but was wearing black trousers and a tucked in white shirt. It was the dress code that a lot of other male guests had adopted by the look of the other groups in the queue.

“I’ve got it handy,” he assured her. “I’m not going to lose it.”

His best friend gave him a knowing look.

“Just let her mother you,” Tom stage whispered. “She enjoys it. She’ll ask about everyone’s ticket in a few seconds.”

Emilia pinched his side and Z