A story based on an interesting memory. To the person who somehow provided the inspiration for this tale: thanks, and I hope you value my friendship as much as I value yours.

11:30 PM

“Thank God my mother’s stopped looking for me!”

Ethan merely gave Isadora a sideways glance as he continued searching for something to drink. In the crowded ballroom, it was rather difficult to locate anyone, even waiters holding refreshments.

Isadora swilled the remaining wine in her glass as she tugged on her purple shawl with her free hand. “I told her that if she wanted me home early, I’d have to ride with you,” she grinned. “I don’t think she wanted me to.”

“You’re out of luck, Isadora. I’m going out after this,” Ethan said nonchalantly as he found a wineglass of his own, taking care not to spill anything on his coat. He sipped at his own drink more cautiously, never mind if he was a little underaged to be drinking. Still, how often did one see such a party that required such changes in masks?

“At this hour?” Isadora asked, raising an eyebrow. “Where?”

Ethan nodded as he caught sight of Jan coming over, taking care not to trip on her gown. “Hey guys, everyone’s dancing!” Jan greeted Isadora.

Isadora smiled widely as she put down her glass. “What are we waiting for?”

Before Ethan could say anything, he and the rest of their motely band were out on the parquet, pairing off or going into little circles. In the meantime, Isadora was trying to stay on the fringes of the crowd despite the best attempts of Jan and the rest to push her further in.

“Hey guys, no way am I dancing. No,” Isadora said, stepping back.

“Come on, you have to! It’s my party!” Jan said, tugging on Isadora’s arm. “Please? It’s my birthday…”

Isadora sighed even as she stepped forward into the circle and began bobbing her head to the music. Amid the hoots and cheers of their friends, Ethan was suddenly pushed into the circle with Isadora.

“No way guys!” Isadora laughed, backing out hastily two seconds before Ethan did. She did not even dare to meet his gaze while the others laughed.

Just then, Ethan reached into his coat pocket. “Excuse me,” he mouthed, ducking out of the circle. Isadora watched him run up the stairs and out the door, stopping only to adjust his coat.

“I could have at least asked him,” she muttered, thankful that the dark was enough to hide her flush of disappointment.