[MaC] And So it Begins ... Braham

[Tara Kunkel]

The tuxedo had almost been left behind. Braham had not really believed it 
would come into use before the cut had fallen out of style. It had been 
packed more as a reminder of what had been forsaken then anything else. 
Looking at it, he remembered brightly lit parties full of laughter and 
music. There would always be an over abundance of food and drink. The young 
women would hide their giggles behind glasses of champagne while he and his 
friends did their best to impress with witty humor. Had he remained at 
school that was exactly the sort of party he would be attending tonight, 
loud and exuberant. He would be wearing this exact tuxedo and preparing 
himself in nearly the same way. Wistfully he stared into the mirror and 
allowed himself a few moments of mourning.

'"All right then," he said to himself when he felt he could bare the 
sadness no longer. "Enough of that." Forcing a smile, he instantly began to 
feel a bit better. This Christmas was to be nothing like those of the past. 
He simply had to accept that and move on. Being here was his choice and his 
alone. He would go about his studies and find a way to enjoy a bit of 
Holiday cheer.

With a last adjustment to his bow tie, Braham turned from the mirror and 
prepared to leave the flat. His dark hair was still a bit rumpled but his 
suit was amazingly tidy. It still fit him well, or rather it fit him well 
again. The extra pounds he had packed on during the spring semester had 
melted away over the last few months. Once again he could be considered 
trim. Despite, or perhaps because of, his inner melancholy, his blue eyes 
sparkled brightly. Around him the flat was dark and a bit dismal with worn 
edges and muted colors but he remained handsome and youthful despite his 
recent trials.

Braham picked up a notebook, thought for a moment and set it promptly back 
down again. No, it was best to not take notes at the party. Some people 
might find the behavior distinctly odd. He knew he would if he had 
witnessed someone doing the same just a few years ago. Whatever happened, 
he would simply have to mark it in his memory and record it later. That 
would be the easiest way. With that decided he headed for the door without 
further hesitation.

Once free of the confines of his flat, he bounded towards the staircase. He 
nearly flew up them, taking the steps two at a time. The exertion did not 
steal his breath but it was still enough to get his blood flowing. Feeling 
much more like his normally easy going self, he knocked gently on the 
Fitzroy's door. I am probably first to arrive, he thought to himself. 
Mother would be horrified. An impish grin met his lips as he awaited an answer.