Night approached softly over Beaufort, first reaching one of the town's docks where Tacey sits. She is on the wooden railing looking out at the dark ocean, stars reflecting off the water.

This has been her 'deep thought spot' for the past three years. She usually brings her saxophone with her to practice on, but she hadn't. Not since the night of the talent show. She couldn't even look at Christine.

Now, she thinks of nothing but running away. There is nothing in this town for her that seems to be a comfort. Well, except for the Society. But, even that she would give up in a split second just to be as free as a bird, flying wherever she pleases.

But, that isn't so. She is still in Beaufort, another school year to go, and a hole still filling her heart. School isn't something Tacey enjoys, the only thing she's ever truly loved is her sax, but now, that's just a stupid dream she's had for too long.

As she sits on the dock still, the very boy that won that talent show walks past the dock. Realizing she is there, he slowly takes a few steps back and gazes upon her back which faced him now.

Finding confidence inside of him, he speaks out, "Hey you."

Quite startled, Tacey clumsily falls off of the railing and onto the wooden dock, making a soft squeal. The boy smiles to himself as he runs over to see if she's okay. He leans down next to her and helps her up.

"I'm so sorry; I didn't mean to disturb you."

But Tacey still leaves her imaginary 'wall' up and simply replies, "Yeah, that's fine."

As she walks away from him, he follows her and says, "Did I offend you in some way?"

Tacey stops in her tracks and stares, "What?"

"Did I like put gum in your hair in the 3rd grade causing you to hold a grudge against me for years? Is that why you won't try to talk to me?"

Tacey curiously looks at him, and then begins to walk again, "No. And I never said I didn't want to talk to you."

"So that's why you're walking away from me?" He grins at her as he walks next to her.

"No, I don't even know your name-"

"You never asked me," he says back innocently, "And you never told me yours, even though they announced it at the show. I'd still like to hear you say it."

But Tacey still ignores his stare, "Boy, you don't know me at all. Why are you so intrigued?"

Tacey rounds the block; just as this happens, the boy jumps the streetlight post and spins around, landing in her way, eye to eye, "Because you're such a mystery."

This time, Tacey can't help but look at him. She suddenly notices how dark his brown locks are, his fresh pale face, and piercing amber eyes. He wasn't too tall, and he wasn't too short. She thinks for a split second that he looks just like an angel.

Then, she shakes her head, letting the thought slip away and says, "I'm not worth thinking about."

Tacey begins to walk again, but stops when he says, "Why do you think that way about yourself? Why do you lack self-confidence? Don't you see how wonderful you are?"

"Wonderful? What's wonderful about me Mr. Perfect?"

The boy stares at her confused from the remark, "'Mr. Perfect'?"

She shakes her head nervously again, "Yes! You're the suave confident boy who excels in everything! You're a jokester, you're a brilliant performer, you sweep all the girls off of their feet, and you get everything just because you're so gorgeous!"

Tacey couldn't believe she said this. She tries to think of something to say more, but she can't.

But, the silence was filled when the boy walks closer to her, "You see now? There is a little bit of confidence in you after all! I think with some training, you'll be able to perform your lovely saxophone at the end of summer party for everyone in town!"

"What? End of summer party? I didn't even know we had one of those!" she claims curiously.

The boy smiles and says, "I know. I persuaded the town to put one on a few nights ago. Also, I gave them the idea of having for the high school kids, a midsummer night's dance, in July. They were really keen on that idea too."

Nervously, Tacey looks him in the eye, "So, you aren't mad for what I said? Calling you all that?"

The boy laughs aloud and replies, "I've heard insults that have actually offended me. That was more of a compliment."

"Oh." Is all Tacey says back.

"You know, you don't seem like that kind of girl though."

"What kind of girl do you mean?"

"Just that! A mean girl; I've only spoken to you this once, but I know that you really are a sweet, generous girl, with a very cute nose may I add!"

Tacey is too nervous to smile, and only curls one side of her mouth. The boy sees this secret gesture, and smiles brightly back. Slowly, he sticks out his hand and introduces himself as, "Amergin Gadsby. And you?"

Trying to not smirk at his name, she gives him her hand and says, "Tacey Rosette."

Amergin takes his other hand and places it over hers. He smiles sweetly and says, "Now that we are acquainted, why don't you join me in a tasty funnel cake?"

Tacey smiles back and says honestly, "I'd like that."

Being a gentleman, Amergin places Tacey's arm through his and escorts her down the block.

On their way, Tacey asks him, "Did I know you in the 3rd grade by the way?"

Amergin keeps leading her on, trying to act seriously as he says, "Actually, I moved to this town not but two weeks ago!"

Tacey thinks a moment, and then laughs out loud. This Amergin definitely keeps things interesting.