I apologize, it's a short chapter...

Chapter 3: And So It Begins

Two agonizing days later, Beaux managed to find Meliah by herself at the local park. Although he could not deny that this was "pre-ordained," he convincingly pulled off what he thought was a look of pleasant surprise. She seemed delighted to see him as well and greeted him as though they were old friends. Beaux was impressed she remembered that he did not like formality. And at that moment, he stumbled upon a wonderful idea.

"Miss Meliah," he began. He let his flaxen-hued bangs hang slightly over his eyes and then bit his lip to signal confusion.

"Yes?" she asked, drawn by the mysterious tone in his voice. His trap was working.

"I have need of your advice – that is – the advice of a woman." Beaux knew her attention was caught. She smiled exuberantly, probably pleased that he saw her as a woman.

"Anytime," she said, "whatever for?"

"Well," he said with what he hoped was a shy, uncertain tone, "a couple days ago, I met a beautiful woman."

Meliah's eyes brightened. She knew she was being entrusted with a secret, and she was happy that he considered her as such a close companion. Beaux remembered from their conversations perfectly: she was easily amused, she loved daydreaming, and she always wanted to be included. Beaux's eyes caught the 'O' shape that Meliah made with her small, pink lips and grinned.

"Yes?" Meliah was trying hard not to sound so desperate for news.

"I was wondering about…about it," He purposely spoke slowly and tried to sound confused.

"Yes?" Meliah asked again. He could sense her impatience; it thrilled him astoundingly.

He concentrated on making his face look discouraged and lost. "When I am with her, I feel every nerve in my body rushing. Everything feels so…so alert. And when she's away, I…I feel so alone and distraught. My heart hurts," he said in something more than a whisper as his hand clutched where his heart should be. He wondered if he could squeeze out a tear or two. Meliah's eyes widened with understanding and sympathy.

"Mr. Beaux-" she began.

"Please," he said with such emphasis that he surprised himself, "I'm sorry - just call me Beaux."

Meliah seemed offended by his sudden sharpness but with his apology she softened again.

"Beaux," she said (just her saying his name was a pleasure!). "I think you are in love."

Of course I am! Beaux thought, growing frustrated. With you!

"What should I do? Miss Meliah, I have never felt anything like this before. It's so..so…foreign." Beaux found himself saying with urgency.

"First, you must organize your feelings," she dictated expertly. Beaux wondered if she had ever been in love before and he grew angry with jealousy. "Why do you love her? Is it for who she is and not what she looks like?"

Her question intrigued him. And he feigned stupidity, just to hear her argue. "What do you mean?"

"I simply detest those men who fall blindly in love with women because they're beautiful or seductive! If you are in love with this woman because of those reasons, then she will never be able to make you happy!" she exclaimed vehemently. Beaux adored her response. She was as passionate as he expected she would be. "But you'll probably make her happy – if she is that superficial," she started, "because you're-" Meliah cut herself off, shocked by her own heated response.

"Because I'm what?" Beaux questioned. He was unsure if she was going to ridicule him or compliment him. Why did she stop? His startling green eyes sought hers. She did not make eye contact and turned her back to him.

"I'm sorry-" she began. Beaux could feel his heart aching to hear those words from her. He quickly walked ahead of her and lifted a finger to hush her.

He lifted her chin up to face him. "Because I'm what?"

"Because," she started with reluctance, "because you're handsome, charming, and wealthy. You are what every girl wants." The last part seemed unintentional and because of that she quickly cast her eyes down. He was delighted.

"Why would you apologize for that?" He asked, his eyes twinkling.

"I didn't want it to sound as if you were manipulating any of those assets. You are not that type of person, Mr. Beaux. I know you would want someone to love you for who you are, not what you are."

"And what if I am trying to seduce this girl?" he challenged even though her reply was completely accurate. He only wished she knew.

"Mr. Beaux!" she admonished incredulously; the steely glint in her eye was almost realistic. She suddenly burst into laughter. "Well, I suppose it is not as though you're letting your talents go to waste. I don't believe it will be too difficult for a man of your caliber. So why exactly do you love this lady?"

Beaux marveled at her tendency to transition out of one subject to another. He realized that the true reason she cut herself off was because she did not want to sound star-struck by his presence. He congratulated himself for being so charismatic.

"She loves to talk and laugh. She smiles a lot and makes me feel like a person- equal in ever respect and not casually cast off. She is a joy and brightens the room with her presence. She is full of emotion. She's beautiful and perfect, but oh-so-flawed. She is passionate and is not afraid to say what she believes-"

"She sounds perfect," Meliah interrupted softly. Her eyes sparkled for they seemed to be filling with tears. Beaux eagerly wondered if his plan was going so well so quickly. Was she jealous of losing me? He thought.

Meliah spoke once more with strength and yet subtly, "I have faith in you Mr. Beaux. You will be able to win this lady's heart and she will be so fortunate to have you."

Is that so? He thought to himself.