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But I do enjoy writing about them, and this site lets me!

Wonderment- Chapter 2

BELLE'S POV

I remember the first day of University clearly, for it was the day that would change my entire life. I had hauled both my trunk and suitcase into my room. Room 180 would be the vicinity I'd be occupying now for the next 4 years. The room was suitable. Two desks on each side of the room with chairs, and two beds as well. There was one large chest of drawers I realized for clothes and a closet to hang dresses and coats. I noted that my roommate must have already settled here a bit. There were books, perfectly placed on her desk. I noted the fine embroidery on her bedding. Plush pillows and sheets in hues of blue engulfed her well decorated bed.

Her paper and fountain pen perfectly placed at the center of her desk. Stationary labeled "Ariel."

A small painting was tucked away behind the last book on the shelf of her desk, but sticking out enough for me to notice. It caught my attention and I couldn't help but pull it out to view it completely. It wasn't large. Usually paintings would be quite bigger, especially ones of portraits like this one. It was of a beautiful red headed woman and another strong tall gnarly bearded man beside her. They looked- regal!

I heard the doorknob turning, and quickly put the painting back in its exact spot. I hurriedly sat down on my bed unlocking the suitcase pretending that I had been emptying out its contents the whole time.

Emerging through the doorway was a beautiful gleaming young lady. She looked like the woman in the painting.

"Hi there," she said with a smile. Her eyes were so inviting.

"Hello," I managed, with a fainter smile. I had just separated from my father and home all in one day. It was hard to smile after all.

She glided in, and faced me as she closed the door behind her, and leaned her back against the door.

"Belle?" she asked.

"Yes, are you Ariel? I couldn't help but notice on your stationary," as I nodded toward the desk.

"Yes that's me". She sat across from me in her bed. "I noted your name on the list at lobby sign-in, when I came yesterday."

I nodded in acknowledgement, "I unfortunately arrived just now. I must have missed the signing in. I had to get the key from the administration quarters at the back of the lobby."

"You seem like you're from around here," she questioned assertively.

"Not too far, about a day's travel. Southern France."

"Oh, yes. I thought so," she said almost in a whisper, "meaning. You looked, local," she said dismissively as she looked out the window. The way she had stated I looked local, made me think it was my simplicity that gave it away. Later on as I got to know Ariel more and more, I would come to find out that she was envious of my closer proximity to home than her own.

"You?" I asked.

"Cyprus. More than a day's travel!" she gleamed. I giggled in return. She was fairly very sweet and I could tell she was missing home as she stared out the window. She talked about the boat ride it took to come here to France, and how it was absolutely wonderful traveling through sea. She stated she was the youngest of 7 girls, and that she was the first to attend University of her family.

"You know. Speaking of France, the duke's son is here, studying in this very University." Stated Ariel a matter-of-factly.

I looked down and smiled as I folded the last bit of clothes into the dresser chest. "I couldn't believe it when I received the acceptance letter. To be accepted and attend a university where mostly royals and nobles come to learn. What was I thinking, a peasant girl like me," I replied as my voice trailed off.

To think I was considered odd in my own village, here I'm sure, I will be no more than a pariah here as well. My face must have looked solemn, as Ariel realized the sorrow in my voice. I was sad to have left my village but really I was more worried for my old father. I wasn't sure if he could take care of himself without me. For as long as I could remember we took care of each other. At least I had him when I felt out of place. Here who do I have now? I was beginning to wonder if coming to the University was in actuality a huge mistake on my part.

"Belle, there are many students here that are not royal or noble for that matter but want to be here for the same reasons as you and those nobles. They came here to go outside of their comfort zone and learn what the world has to offer," said Ariel encouragingly. I admired her sense of optimism and adventure.

Did I not as well want adventure? Didn't I want more than the provincial life back home? Why was I questioning my presence in this University? I don't know. So many emotions were jumbling inside me. Ariel came next to me and took the folded clothes out of my hand and sat them down on the dresser.

"Let's get to those later. We need to get going to a very valiant dance. It's the welcome dance for all the new students. The whole school will be there!" Ariel exclaimed.

Dance? I don't think I have any clothes that would be fitting for such an occasion.

"Oh my! I seemed to have failed in bringing some fancier clothes. I should've known that social events would occur where-. Ugh." I sighed as I slid to the floor. "What have I gotten myself into Ariel?"

"Belle seriously this is nothing to get so wrapped up about. Here, I have a closet of fancy gowns, just choose one. I'm going to go the basin room and wash my face and brush my hair. Oh and by the way…this isn't a grand ball or anything so I wouldn't choose anything too fancy now."

I stood there speechless. What a wonderful roommate. So cheery, and exactly the kind of person I needed around me at the moment.

I peeked into her closet and found an array of outfits. I saw a very sweet pink dress that would hug me perfectly. I was right. When I put it on I felt it fit me fine. Looks like Ariel and I were the same size. The only thing that made me feel a little self-conscious was the low collar. The neckline exposed my cleavage entirely.

Ariel brushed my hair and lightly patted some rouge on to my cheeks. I looked at myself in the mirror playing with my hair a bit, wondering if my hair looked better in a ponytail or halfway up. Did it even matter? Would I fit in with all the royals and nobles?

"I think it looks best halfway," Ariel stated as if she was reading my mind, meeting my eyes in the mirror.

"I don't know how to thank you, - the dress—"

"Don't mention it," Ariel smiled cutting me off. "Let's go now Belle".

Thank you to those that have reviewed thus far. I am humbled by your questions and comments.

Tudirose to address your thoughts I think I may have an answer. Firstly, horse drawn carriages and early cars did co-exist, in many parts of time in history. In fact, the co-existed a long time between the late 1800's to mid-1900. So I kept the horses to also show that since Belle is not as wealthy as the aristocrats that attend this school I feel a horse is more appropriate for her form of transportation where as in a car may be more suitable for richer students. I hope as the story continues all readers see that. I'm not going to specify a time period as well. I just want the readers to have a "feeling" of the times. Otherwise I would have to go into detail of when aristocrats were active and so on. As you can tell it's a university where some Disney nobility appear.

Tudirose, I truly thank you for your thoughts. I think as the story progresses, we'll see why Adam is interested in Belle besides her beauty- because you're absolutely right- there is a beauty all around him- but it's not all that he wants. I do however believe for my character of Adam he's that rich boy that gets what he wants and always has. I think Belle will be the first that will not comply with his expectations and will prove to be a joyful challenge for him.

My version of Adam is feistier. I hope you enjoy! R&R