Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to JKR's Harry Potter universe. I also do not own the rights to Van Morrison's Brown Eyed Girl. The character of Kellen G. is original as is the plot.

"Mister Grimseth, I do hope you find Hogwarts more accommodating than Ilvermorny. I have nothing against your former institution, but unfortunately they weren't properly equipped to handle special-needs students. We have had a few wizards and witches with Asperger's before, some of which have turned out to be quite brilliant."

Professor McGonagall smiled warmly at twelve year old Kellen Grimseth. An American wizarding apprentice of Norwegian extraction, he was rather tall and gangly with a shock of dusty blonde hair and bright green eyes.

Kellen looked at the kindly Professor, but not in the eyes like a normal person would. He settled for the bottom of her nose. He just nodded with a blank expression on his face.

The head of Gryffindor House continued. "Judging from your transcripts and recommendation letters from the Ilvermorny staff, you are exceedingly intelligent. You may have the goods to give our esteemed Miss Granger a run for her money. Follow me, please. We are having a special banquet in your honor this evening. In a few moments, I'll place the Sorting Hat on your head to determine which house you'll belong to. Good luck, child."

Kellen, for all of his book smarts, unfortunately suffered from Asperger's Syndrome. He was socially awkward, had unusual mannerisms and rarely had much to say to anyone. Although he unintentionally alienated himself from most of his peers, for the few students that took the time to know him, it was readily apparent that the boy had a heart of gold and would run through a brick wall - literally - for his friends. All three of them.

But that was back in the States. Now on the other side of the pond, Kellen was a stranger in a strange land. His heart raced, and the anxiety-prone adolescent was not far from experiencing a panic attack. He was repeatedly assured that Hogwarts had everything he could ever need to make his stay not just tolerable, but enjoyable.

When he walked into the feast hall that night, his sweat glands were kicking into overdrive. Hundreds of pairs of eyes were all on him. He knew he stuck out. He wasn't yet comfortable changing into his new Hogwarts robes so he stayed with his tried-and-true blue striped golf shirt and khaki colored trousers that Ilvermorny students wore. Professor McGonagall was willing to be flexible with Kellen as she knew he was different and wanted to make his transition to Hogwarts as smooth as possible.

He closed his eyes as he took his seat on the stool in front of all the students and faculty. He wasn't just nervous. He was legitimately frightened. He desperately wished that he could apparate to his no-maj parents' farm in Minnesota. Any place that could provide him comfort.

He braced himself as the professor placed the Sorting Hat on his head. The dusty old hat's lines and wrinkles contorted to take the shape of an ersatz face. It seemed to speak directly to him:

"Hmm... most unusual. Kellen Grimseth, a transfer student from Ilvermorny. You are exceedingly clever, Mister Grimseth. A positively brilliant mind. However, I sense more to you than just intelligence... hunh... I sense a thirst for a true sense of belonging. And a special courage that just needs the right opportunity to shine. Yes... Ravenclaw is more than justifiable, but I sense greatness for you in... GRYFFINDOR!"

The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers and applause. Kellen looked at Professor McGonagall. In a strong Upper Midwestern dialect, asked her, "What do I do now?"

She smiled at Kellen. "You may now go to the Gryffindor table, dear, and take your seat." Somewhat deliberately and awkwardly, he got up and made his way to the Gryffindor table. There was an empty spot next to a shy brown-haired boy. Kellen looked at the boy. "Do you mind if I sit here?" The brown haired boy shook his head. "By all means," he replied.

The brown haired boy smiled at Kellen. "Welcome to Gryffindor. My name's Neville. Neville Longbottom." Kellen didn't make true eye contact with Neville, but at least took his hand to shake. "I'm Kellen Grimseth. How do you like it here at Hogwarts?"

"It's okay, I suppose. I feel so much pressure here though, my whole family are wizards and my fear is that I am going to disappoint them. How did you like Ilvermorny?"

Kellen shrugged. "It was okay, I suppose. The staff and students didn't really understand me because of my condition. My old headmaster recommended a transfer because Hogwarts was better-equipped to handle special-needs students than back at Ilvermorny."

Neville arched an eyebrow. "Special needs? I've only known you five minutes, but I don't see anything majorly wrong with you. In fact, you're already cooler than most of the Gryffindors because you actually acknowledge my existence."

Kellen smiled. "Welcome to my world, Neville. I hope we'll become good friends."

A bushy, chestnut-haired girl from across the table introduced herself to Kellen. "Hi, Kellen. I'm Hermione Granger. Welcome to Gryffindor," she said sweetly.

"Hi, Penelope," Kellen replied in a somewhat robotic monotone. "How are you?" He looked at her neck instead of her face. Hermione gave him a strange look, but giggled to herself and smiled at Kellen.

"It's Hermione, not Penelope." She giggled again.

"I'm sorry," Kellen breathed softly, more to himself than anyone. He looked down at the floor, embarrassed.

Hermione smiled warmly. "I like your accent, Kellen. I admit I haven't met many Americans, but the ones I have met either sound like Elvis or California beach bums and valley girls. Yours is very different, sort of Canadian-sounding. And what kind of name is 'Grimseth', exactly? It's definitely not a British surname."

Kellen smiled at Hermione. He tried to force himself to look her in the eyes. He came close, settling for her nose. "Norwegian," he responded simply. Hermione's mouth rounded into an 'o' as she nodded in acknowledgement.

Seamus Finnegan chortled. "Norwegian? Ha ha ha! Bork! Bork! Bork!" Hermione glared at Seamus.

"You're a pretty girl, Hermione," Kellen blurted, deliberately emphasizing Hermione's name. Hermione blushed.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be that forthcoming," Kellen said, trying to correct himself. "I meant no offense. Sometimes my Asperger's can rear its ugly head. I know I can be a little... off at times. I struggle with social norms, sometimes even holding a simple conversation can be overwhelming for me. Please be patient with me."

Hermione grabbed Kellen's hand and squeezed it gently. "It's quite alright, Kellen. You seem to be a very sweet boy. And I'll be honest, I'not exactly a social butterfly myself." She smiled at him radiantly. Kellen felt a warm, tingling sensation run throughout his body.

Hermione's radiant smile continued. "I hope you like it here at Hogwarts. I'd be delighted to be your friend."

Between her beautiful smile and hearing those beautiful words, Kellen was reduced to putty. He finally looked Hermione in the eyes. Those warm, inviting brown eyes. "You're pretty," he re-iterated.

Hermione giggled.

Seamus and his partner-in-crime Dean Thomas burst into laughter. "You're pretty", Dean said in a mocking tone. Seamus smooched the air several times, then literally fell out of his chair laughing. "That boy is all sixes and sevens," he chortled.

SLAP! CRACK!

Seamus and Dean suddenly felt their cheeks stinging, and immediately saw the reason why. Hermione glared over them, obviously cheesed off by their behavior.

"How DARE you," she said forcefully. "That sweet boy can't help it. Yes, he's different, but that doesn't give either of you the right to tease him like that. The poor thing was probably mocked half to death at Ilvermorny. He came here looking for a fresh start and already you're giving him a hard time. Shame on you both."

Kellen again looked into Hermione's liquid brown eyes, finding them to be a new source of comfort. "Thank you, Hermione," he stammered. "That was very kind of you."

Hermione beamed at her new friend, and leaned over to give him a gentle peck on the forehead. "It's what friends do," she replied with a slight shrug.

Neville patted Kellen on the shoulder and gave him a slight smile.

Hermione's curiosity was piqued. "What part of the States are you from, Kellen? I take it you miss it there."

Kellen smiled. "I'm from Minnesota. You were kind of right about my accent, as my parents' farm is about four hours from the Canadian border. It's still distinct from Canadian English though, as our dialect is more Nordic-influenced. Ilvermorny is literally half a continent away so even though it's still in the same country, it's very different than Minnesota. I found Massachusetts to be a bit... pretentious. And you have a lovely accent as well. Definitely not the piratey West Country, yours seems to be more posh. Received, right?"

Hermione was quickly able to determine that Kellen was indeed quite bright, perhaps just as much as herself. Maybe even more, as hard as that was to fathom. She smiled at him. "Speaking of West Country," she giggled. "I have a friend that has pretty notable West Country accent, I'd love to have you meet him sometime. His name's Hagrid, he's the gamekeeper around here. I think he'd love to meet you."

She paused to brush back a strand of hair out her face. "And I'm so sorry that Ilvermorny didn't work out for you, Kellen. I don't know the details, and frankly it's not really my business, but what I do know is that lack of intellect was not the issue, as you strike me as being exceptionally smart."

Kellen blushed. "Thank you, Hermione. Thank you for being so nice to me, I wasn't expecting a warm welcome. You seem to be quite clever yourself, but at least you act like a human being. You don't seem to have my nervous tics, nor do you tend to just stare off into space, or have trouble making eye contact. Having difficulty knowing how to act in public without embarrassing anyone. I have some sensory issues as well. Yes, many kids with Asperger's are gifted with heightened intelligence but the trade-off can be steep. It sucks sometimes. I wish people could spend a day in my body to get a little perspective, maybe then they'd gain a little appreciation for me."

Hermione leaned over the table to give Kellen another couple of gentle pecks on the forehead. "I'm so sorry, Kellen. Really I am. If it means anything, I was mocked for my intelligence a lot too. I had a lot of trouble making friends at my old muggle school, and even here at first. It took a little while, but Ron and Harry became my two best friends. I wish they were here tonight, but they've been in the infirmary all afternoon. They had a scuffle with that prat Draco Malfoy yesterday, and the slug curse Ron tried to use on him backfired; they've been vomiting something fierce ever since. You'll meet them soon enough. I promise they're not dorks like those two wankers," she added, gesturing toward Dean and Seamus.

Hermione's little kisses made Kellen melt. He smiled at her. "I like Hogwarts way more than Ilvermorny already," he said with a grin. "I had some friends, but none of them were as genuine as you. Or as pretty," he added with a smirk.

Hermione smiled. "Thank you for the sweet compliments. I don't get called 'pretty' very often, but it does a girl's heart some good knowing that someone out there thinks she's attractive."

She cleared her throat before continuing. "I'm guessing that you're muggle-born, if you live on a farm? What kind of animals do you have?"

Kellen smiled. "I'm guessing 'muggle' means no-maj. My dad knows nothing but farming. My mom's a veterinarian, but in addition to cats and dogs she also specializes in livestock. We have sheep on our farm, and three Great Pyrenees for the flock's protection. Their names are Gurgi, Taran, and Eilonwy. They can get lost in the flocks sometimes with their fluffy white coats."

Hermione returned the smile. "That's awesome! I'm muggle-born too, and my parents are dentists. And I love the names of your fur-babies. I thought I was the only one here that loved the Chronicles of Prydain."

A short while later, the prefects were directed to lead their respective houses to their dormitories. Hermione took Kellen by the hand as Percy called out for the Gryffindors to follow him.

The Gryffindors traversed the many daunting hallways and staircases, and came to a halt at a T intersection. A portrait of a large, elderly lady asked Percy to provide the password.

"Caput draconis," he answered confidently. The wall behind the portrait revealed a passageway to the Gryffindor common room.

"Kellen, would you meet me here in a half hour?" Hermione asked. Kellen nodded and smiled.

"Mister Grimseth," Percy called. "Please follow me to your quarters." Kellen followed Percy up a flight of stairs and on the left hand side, Percy gestured him to his dormitory. "Your belongings are by your bed, Kellen."

"Thank you," replied Kellen. He saw some bags and a large case next to a rather luxurious-looking four-poster. Kellen grabbed some soap, shampoo, a washcloth and a towel and grabbed a warm shower. He then brushed his teeth and put on some comfortable pajamas. He then opened the case and took out an acoustic guitar, and then put on some slippers and went back to the common room to tune his guitar while waiting for Hermione.

Several minutes later, Hermione took a seat next to Kellen in the common room, also in her night clothes. Her face lit up when she saw Kellen strumming his guitar. "Oh, wow! I had no idea you were into music."

Kellen smiled shyly. "I suppose you'd like for me to play you a song, Hermione."

Hermione beamed. "If you don't mind."

Kellen laughed. "As it just so happens, I know a traditional Irish tune that I think you'd appreciate."

In a stunningly rich tenor, he started singing:

"Hey, where did we go?

Days when the rains came

Down in the hollow

Playin' a new game

Laughin' and a-runnin', hey, hey

Skippin' and a-jumpin'

In the misty morning fog with

Our, our hearts a-thumping and you

My brown-eyed girl

And you, my brown-eyed girl

And whatever happened

To Tuesday and so slow?

Going down the old mine with a

Transistor radio

Standing in the sunlight laughing

Hiding 'hind a rainbow's wall

Slipping and sliding

All along the waterfall with you

My brown-eyed girl

You, my brown-eyed girl

Do you remember when we used to sing?

Sha-la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la tee-da

Just like that

Sha-la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la tee-da, la-tee-da

So hard find my way

Now that I'm all on my own

I saw you just the other day

My, how you have grown

Cast my memory back there, Lord

Sometimes I'm overcome thinking 'bout it

Making love in the green grass

Behind the stadium with you

My brown-eyed girl

You, my brown-eyed girl"

Hermione applauded his performance. "That was awesome! That was my father's song for me, but while I love him, he's nowhere as talented as you are. I dare say the Irish Cowboy himself would be impressed."

Kellen shrugged coyly. "Well thank you. So... do you play anything?"

"I took piano lessons for a few years, but that was before Hogwarts. But it seems like such a long time ago now. How did you learn the guitar? Did someone teach you?" Hermione replied casually.

Kellen smiled. "Nope, completely self taught and proud of it."

Hermione beamed. "Well, you're very good, Kellen." She wrapped her arms around him in a gentle embrace. Kellen generally disliked being touched in any way, but the way his new English friend put her hands on him felt... different. A good different. He slowly wrapped his arms around Hermione and savored the warmth of her body against his.

Kellen's cheeks flushed. "Thank you, Hermione. I can teach you some chords sometime if you'd like. Are you much of a singer?"

"I dunno. Maybe?" replied Hermione.

"Do you know any songs? No-maj or otherwise?"

"Hmm..." Hermione drummed her fingertips on her elbows while thinking.

In a sweet, delicate soprano she started singing a pitch-perfect rendition of the classic French folk song "Au Clair De La Lune".

Kellen gave Hermione a look. He struggled to find his words.

"Hermione... wow. Just, wow. That was, that was, that was... beautiful. I didn't understand a word of it, but you sing beautifully."

Hermione's cheeks turned rosy-red. "You really think so?"

Kellen grinned. "As we say back in Minnesota, donchaknow, 'oh fer sure'", he said, slightly exaggerating his native dialect.

The two new friends laughed at how ridiculous he sounded. Hermione scooted herself next to Kellen on the sofa and snuggled up against him. "I like you, Kellen Grimseth. I've only known you a couple of hours but I feel like we're kindred spirits of sorts."

Kellen smiled at Hermione, her head resting on his shoulder. "I like you too, Hermione Granger. You're the first girl I met that actually seems to enjoy spending time with me. That means a lot to me. All the other friends I've had are guys. But you're different..."

"Oh yeah?" Hermione responded.

"Well for one, you're wicked smart. I haven't even seen you in class yet, but even with my limited perceptive skills I just... know that you're on a level beyond most students. I need a smart person like you to push me. And if you're anything like me, you'll want me to push you to be better, too."

"Kellen," Hermione answered. "As I've said before I'm not much of a 'people person' either. And it doesn't take a bookworm like me to know how impossibly brilliant you are. I would imagine that you have an eidetic memory, do you not?"

Kellen beamed. "It's a distinct possibility," he said with a small laugh. "And you have one yourself, Miss Smarty Pants."

Hermione blushed deeply. "Guilty as charged," she said with a giggle. "I will gladly push you to reach your potential, Kellen. And I would be most delighted if you could do the same for me."

At that moment, Percy's voice rang out from the hallway. "I have a package for Mister Robert Grimseth. From the headmaster, himself."

Robert? Hermione wondered.

"Right here," answered Kellen. Percy handed Kellen a medium-sized sealed envelope. "Thank you," Kellen told the prefect.

"Robert?" Hermione asked, confused.

"It's my legal first name," Kellen sighed. "It's also my maternal grandfather's first name."

"Oh," replied Hermione. "It's not as interesting as Kellen, not many boys are named that here."

"Not many boys are named that in the States either," said Kellen. "But I kind of like it that way."

"Robert Kellen Grimseth," Hermione said. "Now I can call you by your full name if you torque me off," she said with a silly grin.

"Only my mother calls me Robert, and that's when she is especially upset with me," laughed Kellen.

"I'm Hermione Jean, in case you were curious."

"Fer cute," Kellen said with a chortle.

"Is that more Minnesota slang?" Hermione asked innocently.

"You betcha," Kellen replied. "Do you like being a Hermione?"

Hermione smiled. "I didn't when I was little. I used to want to be another Nicole or Alison like the other girls in my old muggle class, but I like it a lot more now."

Kellen looked into her warm brown eyes again. "I can relate to that. Robert isn't a bad first name; it's masculine but mundane. I guess having a unique name isn't as big a deal for boys as it might be for girls, but at least if someone calls for me I know exactly whom they're addressing."

Kellen decided to change the subject. "So you're familiar with the Chronicles of Prydain? I don't think I've ever met anyone else who's familiar with Lloyd Alexander's works. What else do you like to read?"

Hermione shrugged. "I'm a right bookworm. If my nose isn't in a school book, you'd better believe it's in a good adventure or mystery novel. I like Terry Brooks Shannara series, I also like Tolkien. As far as mysteries go, I'm big into Agatha Christie."

Kellen nodded. "I like Brooks and Tolkien for sure. I'm afraid I am not very familiar with Christie's works, but I'm open to suggestions. I also like science fiction, I have a whole bookshelf dedicated to Isaac Asimov and Ray Bradbury. I'm a big, big geek," he said with a smirk.

Hermione grinned. "You're also a very cultivated and misunderstood boy. I didn't think many boys read voraciously, but I'm glad to know at least one exists here at Hogwarts." She planted a little peck on his forehead.

"Are you jealous of half-bloods and pure-bloods, Hermione? I heard that is kind of a big deal here. I know you said your parents are no-maj like mine, but I honestly see nothing wrong with that. I've had a lot of great memories on the farm, and with my no-maj friends - all two of them," Kellen added with a chortle.

Hermione looked into Kellen's green eyes. They were distinct from Harry's, they had more of a bluish tint to them rather than the familiar emerald green. But Kellen's eyes were striking in their own right. She could practically see into his soul - a sweet, innocent, gentle soul. This boy is special, she thought to herself. He's a little awkward, sure, but he is sweet, cultured and gentlemanly.

"That really only matters to the Slytherin house. Pure bloods and half bloods are openly favored there," she said with a note of disdain. "I've been called 'mudblood' before and it's a really mean thing to say. I've tried to shake it off, but it's really, really hurtful." The spigots to her lachrymal glands felt like they were going to turn on at any moment.

Kellen scoffed. "Blood purity is overrated, Hermione. I haven't even seen you perform any spells but I already know that you're an amazing witch. If a pure or half blood calls you a 'mudblood', it's more about them than you. They're too damn insecure about themselves, so they put you down as a way to cope."

Hermione, already snuggled next to Kellen, nuzzled her face against his chest and neck, taking in his simple but pleasing body scent. She then giggled softly. "Are you sure you have Asperger's? You seem to be more perceptive than you give yourself credit for."

"Positive," he replied without any hesitation.

Hermione pointed to the sealed envelope. "I think you should open that soon. If it's from Professor Dumbledore, it's got to be important".

Kellen carefully opened up the envelope. Inside was a single piece of parchment - it was a plain, handwritten note. It did not have any seals or other Hogwarts-related insignias on it. It read thusly:

"Hello Mister Grimseth,

Congratulations on being sorted into Gryffindor. I was wondering if you were going to become a Ravenclaw due to your uncannily-keen intellect, but the Sorting Hat must have sensed something else inside you that made it believe that Gryffindor was the house to best help you achieve greatness.

I hope you enjoyed the feast tonight. We rarely get students from other wizarding schools, and considering the circumstances, we wanted to pull out all the stops to make you feel as welcome and comfortable as possible.

Have you made any friends yet? I know you struggled socially at Ilvermorny but I like to think we have a more varied and accommodating student body here. In time I hope that you will come to agree with this sentiment.

I would love to see you tomorrow morning after breakfast. My office is on the second floor down the gargoyle corridor. Professor McGonagall will personally escort you from the great hall. You may bring one friend along if you wish.

I simply want to spend a few minutes to get to know you a little better, and if you have any questions for me, I will answer what I can. I will arrange for a guided tour of the castle and the grounds tomorrow after our meeting.

I would encourage you to wear the Hogwarts robes we provided tomorrow if that is acceptable for you. You will begin classes the following day. Again, welcome to Hogwarts and I sincerely wish you the best of luck.

Sincerely Yours,

Professor A. Dumbledore

Headmaster"

Kellen turned to Hermione, who stifled a yawn. "Would you mind accompanying me to the Headmaster's office tomorrow after breakfast? I'd, ah, feel more comfortable if you went with me."

Hermione smiled. "I'd be happy to, Kellen."

"Thank you, Hermione. You've been great all evening. I'm not a chatterbox at all, but I think I talked more tonight than I have in the past two months. Its not always easy for me to crawl oat of my shell."

Hermione giggled. "Your accent. It's really cute." Her giggles gradually grew into full belly laughs. "I'm not making fun of you," she said, trying in vain to control her laughter. "It's not an accent I'm used to hearing and it just sounds a little funny to me. It's a cute accent, I promise."

Kellen shrugged. "I'm not offended, even if you were making fun of it. People from other parts of the US think Minnesotans soand goofy. You should hear someone with a strong Southern accent sometime. I had a girl in my class from Soath Carolina last year at Ilvermorny, she soanded like she had marbles in her moath. 'Wingaaaaarrrrdium levy-eau-suh, y'all".

Hermione giggled again. "Too cute," she said softly.

"Your accent is brilliant," Kellen confessed. "It's beautiful... aristocratic, really. I love it. It just sounds so refined, like it's the way English should be spoken."

"Oh, you're just saying that," Hermione said with some skepticism, elbowing him gently in the ribs.

"I mean it, Hermione. Your accent is truly lovely. I could listen to you all day long."

Hermione - almost instinctively - gently placed her lips on Kellen's, and they enjoyed a nice snog session for a couple of minutes.

Kellen's cheeks turned beet-red. "I... that was... I," he stammered, not able to find the right words to say. He looked down on the floor, partly embarrassed, partly overcome with joy, partly just spacing out trying to process exactly what happened.

Hermione cocked an eyebrow, and tilted Kellen's chin up to meet her eyes. "So what you're trying to say is, that was the first time a girl kissed you. Am I right or am I right?" She flashed a radiant smile at him. He flashed a somewhat goofy smile back at her.

"I was very glad to meet you today, Hermione," Kellen said, now with the confidence to give her consistent eye contact. "I like you a lot. You are a great friend and I already feel like I belong."

Hermione beamed. "You're my first friend from the states, Kellen. I really like you. I'm glad you feel like you belong. Im sure that Seamus and Dean will come around in time, they are goof-offs but not horrible. You will want to keep an eye out for Draco Malfoy, one of the Slytherin students. You will need to stand up for yourself or he's going to ride you mercilessly. And I hate to say it, but with your social deficits, you're going to be an easy target for him unless you can put him in his place."

"And I come from a no-maj family, so that's a double-whammy," mumbled Kellen.

"Unfortunately," agreed Hermione. "Try not to worry too much about it. As long as you're with me, Harry, and Ron, you'll be fine. I'm sure we'll meet them tomorrow at some point."

"Sounds good to me. Good night, Hermione. I'll see you at breakfast. I'm looking forward to spending the day with you." Kellen smiled at Hermione

Hermione smiled back at Kellen. "Good night, Kellen. I'm looking forward to tomorrow as well. Please remember to wear your Hogwarts uniform tomorrow instead of Ilvermorny. If you have any trouble with it, your roommates can help, but if not, I'll lend a hand in the common room as long as your naughty bits aren't involved," she said with a giggle.

"I'm a big boy, I think I can handle it." He grinned like a Cheshire Cat.

Hermione nodded. "Very well then. Good night, Kellen."

"Good night, Hermione. I... uhm... I liked the kiss," Kellen said, somewhat embarrassed.

Hermione's face lit up. "So did I," she replied with a dreamy look on her face.

Kellen looked at her rather sheepishly. "I... um, I would like another. If that's okay with you."

Hermione's warm brown eyes met Kellen's soulful green-blue eyes. "You only need to ask," she said softly and tenderly. Her lips met Kellen's again and they snogged for a solid five minutes. When they finally broke off, Kellen simply said, "thank you."

Hermione giggled. "Good night, cutie," she said with a wink.

Kellen's heart was pounding like he never felt it pound before. He had never felt this way about a girl, but even though they had just met that evening, it was obvious - even to him - that they liked each other. A lot.

"Good night, beautiful," he replied, as he started making his way back to his room for the night. He was walking on clouds.