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The Mask

There's a mixed reception for Joey and his friends when they go trick or treating at the exclusive Grosvenor Square Hotel -- everything from hostility to humour to handfuls of caramels. They’re a motley crew -- a swamp monster, a vampire, a red devil, and a ghost in a less than flattering sheet. Joey’s costume is uncomfortable and daft, his friends are unruly, and he’s tired of everyone dismissing his best friend Gaz's awkward stutter. The novelty of the quest soon wears off.<br><br>But when Gaz goes missing, Joey learns some home truths about his apparently shy friend. And when they knock at the final door, a horrific masked figure tricks Joey into finding maybe the best treat of all -- that romance has its own, often startling disguise.

Clare London · LGBT+
Not enough ratings
7 Chs

Chapter 5

&ldquo;Well, he wouldn&rsquo;t.&rdquo; Chris said finally, shrugging. &ldquo;He never does. Say anything, that is. That&rsquo;s the thing.&rdquo;

I frowned at him. &ldquo;Because you all tease him. With the stutter and everything.&rdquo;

Vince cleared his throat. &ldquo;Sure, man.&rdquo; He cast a glance at Chris as if looking for backup.

&ldquo;What is it with you two?&rdquo; I said.

Chris took a deep breath, as if he&rsquo;d decided finally to face up to an unpleasant duty. &ldquo;Gaz only stutters when he&rsquo;s out with us socially. Right?&rdquo;

&ldquo;Well, yes.&rdquo;

Vince joined in. &ldquo;He hates the stutter, but needs some time to control it. We talk over him so he can pull himself together. He asks us to.&rdquo;

&ldquo;Asks you to?&rdquo; I was very, very confused. &ldquo;But he&rsquo;s okay when we&rsquo;re on our own. At home, with only the two of us. He&rsquo;s just nervous of being out in a group.&rdquo;

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