AN: I apologies for the lateness. Please blame hot images of Rob in VF November issue.

Thanks to Xx Bri xX and Flyaway Dove for betaing and Madcowre for pre-reading! :) 3 you three!!

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight. I don't even think I'll own the VF November issue.. :(

Chapter 3: Meeting Isabella Marie Swan

EPOV

Walking up to the food counter made me felt like a kid in the candy store. There were good-old hamburgers, kebab's, Chinese food and last but not least, steaks.

I darted off directly to the steak counter and ordered a C set, which is beef steak, along with some wedges and steamed vegetables.

Hey, at least I'm eating my veggies right? After I paid for my food, I walked back to the table.

"Bro, why do you work with Tanya?" Jasper questioned.

"What's wrong working with her?" I asked back.

"Dude, she broke your heart. She told you that she was in it for the money," Emmett added.

"It's not like I can do anything. Tanya is the best singer in my class. I want a good grade. Nothing's wrong with wanting good grades," I gritted out, my anger flaring up.

"Edward, you wouldn't even talk to her at the start of the term. Why are you now?" Alice placed her hand on mine. It was our way of comforting each other.

"It's Esme," Rose said in a matter-of-fact tone.

I didn't answer, knowing that there was no way I could keep the secret.

"Whatever she told you Edward, it's not true. She asked you to give Tanya another try didn't she?" Alice huffed.

"Yes," I whispered.

"It's not fair on you." Jasper added.

I didn't really care what people said. Esme asked me to give Tanya another chance. I compiled. It's not like I'm going to date her or anything. I'm just going to pretend that I've forgotten what happened ten months ago.

But Esme was persistent, and she was getting on my nerves. So I promised that I'll be nice to Slutya and, in return, she would shut up about the whole thing.

*Flashback*

"Edward, why the hell are you throwing the money away to some POOR people?" Tanya screamed.

"It would benefit them more than us Tanya. And it's not like we can take money with us when we die," I chuckled darkly.

"It's not like you're going to die you asshat!"Tanya then stomped off. Pausing at the door, she smiled sweetly at me before saying, "and for your information, I only wanted you for your money. As I can see, you won't be useful to me any longer. Good-bye Edward," she grinned evilly and slammed the door shut.

I didn't hear from Tanya for a month. Then one day, Esme lectured me about how I should talk to her and how Tanya wasn't eating because of me, because I 'broke her heart', blah blah blah.

She didn't know a thing and I didn't intend to tell her what Tanya did to me. I still didn't understand why she tried to push Tanya and I together. It's not like we make a good couple or anything.

Now, I just treated her if she doesn't exist or I simply imagine her as a cabbage.

*End of flashback*

Emmett cleared his throat before saying, "Ok. Rose, Alice, Jasper and I have to get going, because we have graduated, and you haven't. So, we're leaving it up to you to help Bella out. Thanks and bye." He grabbed Rose's arm and pulled her out of the cafeteria. Alice and Jasper followed them out.

"So, what do you have after lunch Bella?" I tried to converse with her as she had barely spoken a single word.

"Conducting with Professor Rolanzo." Bella didn't make eye contact with me and continued to play with her salad.

"Wait. You're music major?"

"Yes, is there a problem with that?" She glared at me.

"No, I'm sorry," I scoffed as I wondered why she's being such a bitch. I was only trying to make a conversation.

"Wait, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be a bitch to you. It's just it feels weird being here. I hate moving. You know?"

"No, not really. I haven't moved since…" I stopped half way, not allowing myself to remember my past.

The last time I moved was when my parents died in a plane crash. Before that, we lived in New York, but when Esme adopted me, I had to move to California.

"Another story for some other time, huh?" she smiled. It wasn't a pity smile like others give me, it was more like she was teasing me for stopping so suddenly.

"Yes," I replied. "Well, I also have conducting with Professor Rolanzo, so we can walk to the class together." I looked up, seeing that Bella was surprised by my offer. "If you want to, of course" I added.

"Oh sorry," she blushed, realizing what I saw before she composed herself. "I was just shocked that you offered, you didn't seem to even notice me sitting here when you were talking to the others."

"It's not that. I just had a lot of my mind." I wonder why that small misunderstanding makes me feel so unsettled.

"Ok. We better get going. With Prof. Rolanzo, you have to be very punctual. Got it Kiwi?" I teased.

"Yep, sure thing," she smiled back. Her smile was so peaceful and calming that I never wanted her to stop smiling again.

Wait what am I saying? I was just introduced to her, and not even an hour ago.

We walked quietly, bypassing many rooms before walking into the lecture hall. As we walked in, I noticed that we were the only ones yet to be seated.

"You're three minutes late" the Professor scowled. I turned to Bella, raising my eyebrows giving her the "I told you so" look.

"Professor, I have a new student with me. That's why I was late." I smiled at him, as if it was a plea for him to not mark me down.

No other professor in the university cares about attendance, but when we asked Professor Rolanzo about it, he simply told us that a conductor should never be late. He should always be early, as he's the one leading the whole group of people. I say he's a control freak.

"It seems you're the last couple to arrive, therefore, you're partners, got it? This term assessment is not purely on conducting, but I want you two to compose a song for the whole orchestra. It can be an old piece that you've arranged or an original piece you've composed. It is due three months from now. Remember, you still have a normal conducting theory class with me weekly." He walked into his office, not giving us a chance to ask any questions.

Bella and I stood there stunned for a couple of minutes before we both processed what the professor has told us.

"Shall we get started then, partner?" I raised my hands before taking a grand gesture of taking her hands. I lead her into the corridor looking for an empty and private practice room.

"Where are we going?" Bella's voice quivered slightly.

"To a practice room. Don't worry, I'm not going to take you into the woods and murder you," I laughed as Bella exhaled loudly, unable to compose myself. I laughed again, forgetting where we were going.

"Edward, there're signs saying that we have to be quiet. So stop laughing, and it wasn't funny." She stomped her feet. Quite the tantrum thrower I see.

I found an empty room and led her into it, closing the door behind us.

This is going to be one interesting afternoon. Something is changing; I can feel it, I thought as Bella looked around the room. For the better. I hope.

AN: Review please? (I only got 5 last time.. *sob*) :) Like it? Yes, I know, I haven't update in 15 days. RL kinda suck at the moment. So what do you ladies think about the VF photos of Rob?? I love the piano one most. Probably because I play the piano too. *mental image*

Big thanks to Katherinef7, ., madcowre, chels926 and mermolie for reviewing. I 3 you girls! :) And thanks to those who have favorite and alerts as well.. Most of all, thanks for reading! :)

Here's the rec'c for this week. I only choose fics that are complete, as I do think some of you like to read things that have been completed! :)

A Beautiful Lie by Brindalyn = Bella kept a secret from Edward, her best friend, whom she has been in love with since high school. What happens when Edward finds out about the secret? Will it mends them together or tore them apart! It's a great story. I love Hollyward and that's what you get in this fic lol! :)

Kidnapped by Madcowre = as you can tell by the title. But wait, there's more than that. Bella and Edward hated each other, but when a certain circumstance pushes them together, will they be able to come to an understanding of each other before it's too late? Love the lemons in this! :)

Blind by Jayeliwood = Blindward and Bella met in college. Will they be able to move pass the obstacles most people wouldn't have to face? Another beautifully written story!

Guardian Agent by Archer24 = an action pack! Bella isn't who she said to be while Edward finds out that maybe, Bella is different from those girls he used.

Falling For You by GreenEyedGirl17 = Bitchy ex-wife, two daughters completely the opposite, equal Edward Cullen. When Edward meets Bella at a family party, sparks flies. Can they get pass the obstacles and continue to trust each other?

Tell me what you think of these fics!

P.S. I now have a blog where I rec'c fics! come and visit me! http.// gossip-bangkok (dot) blogspot (dot) com

xx

Gossip_bangkok