Cue “Gymnopédie No. 1” by Erik Satie, Minoire
Theodore Boulanger || Male || Mentions: Ivy
If the limousine wasn’t crazy enough- this manor tipped the scale over. Daaang this place is huuuge. It practically qualified for a Victorian mansion.
Although the weather could hardly be called harsh, a chill ran up Teddy’s spine. This was it. That mysterious building he always wanted to break into as a kid was right in front of him.
As a child, it seemed much more impressive. The large gates, towering hedges, and heavy doors seemed far beyond his reach. Now, however, he could practically touch them. What he would have given for this opportunity merely a decade ago…
Oh shoot!
He shot a glance back to the driver and grinned sheepishly. Time to quit gawking and get out so the man can do his job.
Pencils and paper scraps spilled across the footwell as his fingers frantically tried to grasp for materials. If he had remembered that it took practically five minutes to cross to this part of town, he wouldn’t have gotten everything out.
Finally, Teddy collected his things into a messenger satchel and stumbled onto the cobblestone. Looking up at the faint outline of the stars against the still-lit sky, he drew in a breath and tried to appreciate the moment. He would love to sit out here with a record player all night; but alas, the night must go on.
Clearly, the inner courtyard could use some work. Sure, vines and ivy gave a building some character, but they also tore up the bricks. And was that Jimsonweed? Ohhh they’ve really let themselves go.
The faint sound of music from the party ripped him from his inner monologue. If he could stay outside all night, he would. However, he was becoming increasingly self-aware after noticing how many people were already arriving. (Plus he was sure that butler kept side-eyeing him.)
Grudgingly, Teddy set his excitement aside and joined the line
🝔
A clock tower’s dull chime echoed through the hall.
Teddy sure had his reservations about the situation. The Anchorages were long a subject of wonder and fascination for this quaint town. Cynicism… Yes, that’s the word! Cynicism… No, that’s not the word! While Teddy would love to be skeptical of everyone, his current distrust only extends to the family of the establishment. Something feels off about that man.
But first there’s a table of delicacies to inspect! When glancing over the invitation, he had assumed he would be catering the event. But man- was he far off.
Since he is for some reason a guest, he might as well see how the kitchen staff manage. Like, do they put a pinch of paprika in the mayo for the sandwiches? Not likely!
Once his eye caught the pastries, he was prepared to march over like it was war. Or- at least politely weave through the attendees while profusely apologizing for running into everybody.
But before he could begin this parade, the sudden lack of chatter caught his attention. At the front of the room… someone introduced themself.
It was a girl about his age- maybe they went to school together. She looked exactly like what Teddy thought of when he pictured a surfer. Golden hair rippling like the waves and colorful jewelry like the shells beneath their depths.
Oh wait- maybe he went to school with most of the people here? It was like experiencing deja vu. He could vaguely tell he might know the person, but couldn’t be entirely sure.
He sure didn’t want to introduce himself next, but apparently everybody else was spacing out or also too scared. Worst case scenario, he steps out at the same time as someone else and they all stone him to death.
Why couldn’t life be easy?
Before making a fool of himself, he tried to adjust his clothing to not look like his mother still dressed him. No need to become an even bigger fool. At that point, he might as well go find a court jester hat.
Still tugging at his shirt, Teddy found himself gravitating toward the front of the room as well. Oh gosh, why was he doing this? This is the first time he’s been invited to a fancy event and he’s about to never be invited to another one ever again.
“Uhhh-” his brain immediately blanked. “Well I for one don’t recognize most of you.” He glanced at Ivy-” I think?”
(Well introductions are usually bound to be awkward. Might as well get it out of the way early.)
“But I’m Teddy- er- well, Theodore Boulanger- that is. My family runs that old bakery down yonder.”
He already wanted to sit in front of a mirror smacking his forehead thinking, stupid stupid stupid. As he’s learned from previous social gatherings, he had better luck waiting for a few other people to introduce themselves and then falling into oblivion. Nobody ever remembers what happens in the middle of the play except for a climax! The beginning and end make the impressions.
By extension, if you flub up the start- everyone’s bound to notice!
Spring Month: 2 
Day 
Heavy Rain
