I'm not Stephenie Meyer, just a writing fan. Second half of ch.3, Bella's POV, nuff said.


Edward entered the music hall at exactly 3:01 PM. She smiled at his surprised face and quick glance at the clock.

"I have a free period at the end of the day," she answered his unasked question, "although you made it here pretty quick."

"My last class is very close." he said softly, "what are you practicing today?" he asked.

She was shifting through her music, cello laying on its side. "I'll be practicing the piano portion of the Williams piece. This weekend I'll be recording it so I'll have something to play with at the show." She leaned over the length of the piano, grabbing a bulky folder.

"Ah, here it is." she clutched the papers, moving around carefully to sit down on the bench.

"Do you mind?" Edward motioned to sit by her.

"S-sure, go ahead." Shocked. How did he get across the room so fast? Wasn't he just by the door? Shaking her head she arranged the music in front of her.

As she set her fingers on the keys Edward sat perfectly still, as if carved out of stone. Despite the space between their bodies she had a hard time concentrating. Taking a deep breath she began to play.

After the first few bars, Bella settled into the music. Her mind drifted away to a peaceful place. Her place. Williams 'Going to School' from the movie Memoirs of a Geisha was one of her favorite pieces. The piece challenged both her skills on the piano as well as her cello. Leaning into the notes, Bella quietly hummed the instrumental part, imagining how it would sound together.

She was prepping herself to turn the page when Edward's white hand flashed up, tugging the corner and watching for her to reach the end. She sighed contently, not having to pause in the music for even a second kept her focused on the music. A few times, she slowed just a bit, her hands tenativly working out the difficult measures.

One particular measure was proving troublesome, her right hand stumbled for the third try to execute the notes perfectly. Stopping, she isolated the right hand, slowly playing the notes at first, then bringing them up to tempo. Once at the correct tempo however, she stumbled again.

A hand covered hers. Cool fingers traced slowly down her digets. She shivered.

"Try breathing on the pick-up note to prepare yourself." he told her, face near hers as he leaned in towards her. As she played the notes, his hand moved with hers. This time she didn't make any mistakes.

"Good, now add the left hand and I'll stay on your right to guide you." he spoke, breath causing her hair to float a bit. She played the phrase a few times, thankfully not making any mistakes. How she managed that was beyond her imagination, it couldn't have been brain power, because her mind was reeling with thoughts of Edward and that cool hand covering hers and nothing else.

She began to move on in the music, his cool hand falling back into his lap. Concentrating on breathing, she played the final bars. Pulling her hands away from the keys, Bella caught Edward looking at her again. Despite how often he did this, his gaze still sent her heart racing and palms sweating. Bella distracted herself by penciling in the breathmark he suggested.

"You play well." he commented, "Do you have any other talents your not telling me about?"

Blushing, she looked back at the music. "No, only the two instruments. Besides, it's not that far-fetched for someone to play the piano."

"No, you're right." Edward replied, "and you do play exceptionally well on both instruments."

"Thank you." she said. Bella reached to grab the music from the piano, but a hand stopped her.

"Would you like to try it together?" he asked, topaz eyes smoldering.

She could hardly refuse. "Sure, but what you heard just now is weeks worth of practice." she raised her eyebrows.

"I think I can manage. As long as you will forgive me when I make mistakes."

"Alright," she gave in. Moving to pick up her cello, she slid a chair close to the piano. "From the begining then, you start."

She had long ago settled with the fact that there were no piano players out there who could handle her choice of music. At least the ones who worked with student musicians. So it came as a pleasant surprise when Edward flawlessly played along. Able to relax, Bella settled into the music and her place once again.

Time had flown by, it was already the end of her practice section and she felt it had only started. Her confusion must have shown on her face because Edward laughed.

"Guess the saying, 'Time flys when having fun' is true." he said.

"It is today." Bella responded. Dusting her bow off, she placed it inside the case. Edward was gathering up the scattered music.

"I'd like to try some of your compositions," he said, waving some of the sheet music at her, "it looks well written. If you don't mind of course." He smiled.

Embarrassed she merely nodded. Zipping the case shut, she stood. Together they walked to the parking lot. Bella could tell that Edward was bursting with questions by the quick glances he sent her way and how his lips began to move.

"I have so much I want to ask you." he finally said. "Are you free tonight?"

Catching her off gaurd she stumbled. Edward caught her by the elbow. "What?" she finally managed.

"If you are not busy of course." he said quickly, "I think a Q & A is in order."

"Oh, well..." Bella hesitated. How close would they get to 'that' subject if she said yes? Deciding she would deal with it when it came up she said, "Yes."

"Yes?" Edward asked, "you are busy, or you are free?"

"I'm free." she said.

A huge grin broke out across his features. Gosh how she loved just looking at him.

"I'll see you later then. Is eight okay?"

"Eight is great."

Ch.3 End


Oh my, oh my!
I'm hoping that added a little spice for you! and thank you for waiting so patiently for me to get the second half up. I'm not sure if it will be another day or two before the next chapter is up, so stay with me! I'm off to relax, think about my next chapter, and then to bed. see you!

Jane Pierre