A/N: Hope you enjoy this chapter. It is split into both Bella's and Edward's POV. I wasn't sure that I wanted to include multiple POVs at first but it just fits. The next chapter will be all EPOV.

Also, I wanted to apologize if some of my paragraphs get too long. (Thanks ROB for that bit of advice). Sometimes I forget that I'm not still writing term papers. So I hope I've done at least a slightly better job of breaking this chapter up a little more so it's more easily read.

Chapter 10: Getting Settled

BPOV

Alice and I slept late on Sunday, which wasn't surprising since we never made it back to bed until 5am. Aside from those that were intimately involved in the case, Alice was the first person that I had ever confided in about what happened with James. It was a very stressful night but at the same time, I felt a great weight had been lifted from me. I was actually able to get through the entire story without completely losing it. Alice was great. I couldn't believe how wonderful she was throughout the whole night. She just listened to my story, without much interruption, and she always knew what to do to calm me down when things started to become to much for me. She's just an amazing person.

My cell phone started blaring Muse throughout the room around 11:30, causing me to jump out of bed, too quickly, and promptly smacking my knee on the corner of my bed..."Shit"...yet another bruise to add to my collection. I used to be nothing but a walking accident, a pure klutz. My coordination has gotten so much better over the past few years, thanks to yoga and pilates, but I still can turn into a klutz at times. (Of course the biggest help to my coordination...the strip aerobics classes that my mom guilted me into taking with her....talk about embarrassing, but hey if I can ever manage to land a boyfriend, the embarrassment might just pay off.) After uttering a few more four letter words, I stumbled to my bag and pulled out my cell phone. It was my mom.

"Hey Mom!"

"Bella honey, I'm so sorry I didn't answer your call yesterday. Phil and I went out to celebrate. He got a promotion. He is actually going to be a trainer for the Diamondbacks!!!! Can you believe it Bella? That's the major leagues."

"Wow!!! Tell Phil I said congrats. I know that's what he has always dreamed about. So does this mean you'll start traveling with Phil more?"

"Well, we haven't gotten that far yet. There are still lots of details to consider. But don't worry, I'll keep you in the loop. So how was move in day? How is Jake? Do you like your roommate as much as you thought you would? How's the room? Met any cute boys yet?"

"Mom, slow down, one question at a time. Let my brian process what you are trying to say." I gave her a good laugh.

"Sorry baby, just curious to see how things are going for you so far."

It took me 30 minutes, but I finally was able to answer all her questions. Of course I couldn't say enough nice things about Alice. I told her all about our shopping trip and how generous Alice was. She just about flipped when I told her about the music room. She was ecstatic about my news. I also told her about the gorgeous stranger. She giggled like she always did when we talked about boys. I could tell she was crying when I relayed the events of early morning hours. But she was happy that I was finally able to talk to someone about it.

"Well Mom, I have some errands I need to run and I still need a shower. I'll call you later this week and let you know how classes are going."

"Okay sweetie, I love you and I'm so proud of you. You are going to get through this and you'll be even stronger for it."

"Thanks Mom. I miss you. Give Phil a hug for me. I love you."

"Love you too honey. Bye"

I hadn't even hit the end button before Alice was on her feet and standing in front of me.

"So Bella, care to tell me why you haven't mentioned the gorgeous stranger to me?"

She gave me the pouty puppy dog eyes. So I had no choice but to tell her about him, even if I didn't have much to tell.

"You have an Alice assignment this week Bella, you have to find out his name."

"But..but..."

"No buts, you will have his name by Friday, end of discussion."

"Yes Alice" was all I could say and she smiled.

When she finally got a good look at me her response was quick

"Damn Bella, you look like hell."

"Geez, thanks. But that's what a night full of crying will get ya, bloodshot puffy red eyes and a swollen looking nose. I know we are supposed to have coffee with Rosalie and Angela today, but do you think it would be terribly rude of me if I didn't go. I just don't feel like facing people today. I'll cook dinner one night this week to make up for it."

"I'll just tell them you aren't feeling well. You're right, you should stay here and relax. You don't want to look or feel like shit on your first day. But don't worry, once I get back from coffee, I'll put my beauty remedies to work and you'll be as good as new tomorrow morning."

"You are the greatest!!!"

"So I hear, you really swelled my ego this morning while talking to your mom."

"Well I didn't say anything that wasn't true. Really Alice, thank you so much for putting up with me last night. I know I'm not going to be the easiest person to live with but I think by you knowing, it will be much easier for me."

"Well I'm glad Bella. I'll do my best to make sure you have a wonderful year."

I decided to call Jake and ask him to come over. I finally got in the shower and Alice headed off to have coffee with our suite mates. Jake showed up around 2:00. I didn't feel like going out but I needed supplies. So we made a quick run to the store. I had decided not to cook supper that night and told Jake about the events of the night before. He understood but I promised him his lasagna sometime during the week. We got back to the room and put the groceries away and Jake put together my bookshelf. He helped me unpack and then we decided to watch a movie. I wanted to watch a comfort movie but couldn't decide between 'My Fair Lady' or "Pride and Prejudice" so Jake picked for me. Pride and Prejudice...he didn't like all the singing in My Fair Lady. We were propped up on my bed, eating popcorn, and enjoying the movie when Jake started running his fingers through my hair. I was asleep within 20 minutes. I didn't wake up until Alice came back. Jake was gone, but he left a note telling me to call him when I woke up. Alice commented on how close Jake and I were, and wiggled her eyebrows at me.

"I know you said it wasn't like that Bella, but I'm just curious."

"I promise I will give you the whole story, just not today. Deal?"

"Deal"

"So tell me about your afternoon."

After having coffee with Angela and Rosalie (who according to Alice were just wonderful and I was going to love them), she stopped by to visit her brother, Edward. She was so excited. Apparently he was a musician and one of his talents was music composition. Both of these facts interested me a great deal. He was in the middle of composing when she unexpectedly dropped by. This was a big event. Alice informed me that he hadn't composed any new music since Jessica. I didn't know what that meant but she told me it was another story for another day.

She didn't have the emotional strength to get into it today, which I was glad about because I didn't think I had the emotional strength to listen to it. Alice agreed to fill me in about Jessica sometime in the future. She did add that it was really her brother's story and although she knew all the major issues, she still felt there were things that Edward wasn't telling.

"He won't mind you talking about it?"

"No, it isn't really a secret what happened. But it has had a major affect on him."

She started applying all types of creams to my face to help get the puffiness out. While the mask dried on my face, she told about her coffee date. She obviously approved of Angela and Rosalie. She told them I would be cooking supper one night this week and they seemed excited. Alice was anxious for me to meet them. By 9 that night, I was ready to crash. I had an early class and needed to make up for the sleep that I hadn't gotten over the past four days. Alice agreed to let me crash early but not before I let her pick out my outfit for the next day. I hated to admit it, but I was actually excited about putting on new clothes in the morning. I put on my new PJs and slide into bed with my iPod. Classical music always helps me relax, but tonight I needed something more, so I went with Sigur Ros. I was asleep within minutes and I was very grateful for the dreamless sleep that followed.

EPOV

I was in the middle of composing a new piece of music when there was a knock at the door. I reluctantly got up from my keyboard, since I can't have my piano in the dorm, and walked to the door and swung it open. I was immediately assaulted around my waist and blinded by black spiky hair when I looked down.

"Hey sister. What brings you by?"

"Do I really need an excuse to come see my brother. Jeez Edward, I just wanted to see how you are doing." She said while trying to to look hurt but the smile pulling up the corner of her mouth was giving her away.

"Sorry Alice, I was just in the middle of.....something."

I didn't want to let Alice in on what I was doing, she'd read too much into it. But I knew the instant she caught my eyes, she knew something was up.

"In the middle of something....what would that be Edward? Were you releasing frustrations?" She smirked at me.

"Well not in the way you are implying and even if I were, I wouldn't tell you."

"Oh please Edward, we've lived together for ages. And don't forget, we'll be roommates again next year."

"Just for the sake of getting out of this conversation....I'm actually working on a new composition."

"Really?! You haven't written any new music in ages...not since Jess..."

"Enough Alice." She flinched at the anger that was laced in my voice.

"I'm sorry. I know better than to bring the bitch up. So, will you play for me?"

I didn't really want to share what I had written. It was still so new and I wasn't sure if I liked it or not. But this was Alice and I loved her dearly. I had a hard time denying her anything she asked for. Plus, I could never forget all she did for me last year. She was my backbone and I will always owe her for that. So with that in mind, I walked over to the keyboard and played what I had written so far. It was a slow piece, not really sad but not happy either. I started on it last night when I got home from the music building. I had the most unusual experience. I wanted to unwind after the stress of moving in so I walked to the music building, just hoping that there would be an empty practice room. I knew that even on move in day, the chances of me finding one were slim. But I was in luck. All the rooms had the 'occupied' sign lite up above the door, except that last room. So without hesitation, I opened the door and stepped in. I wasn't expecting someone to be in the room and playing. There so much noise on this hall that it's hard to tell which rooms are in use, hence the indicator signs over the doors. I guess she didn't know that by locking the door, the 'occupied' sign would light up.

I was getting ready to back out of the room when I realized what she was playing, my favorite song, 'Claire de Lune'. But that wasn't what caught my attention. The girl sitting on the bench playing, now that's what caught my attention. She looked to be of a slender build with long mahogany hair that flowed down her back. Her hair wasn't straight but not curly either, more wavy than anything. After getting a good look at her hair, I noticed her posture. She was somewhat hunched over. Not at all good playing posture. But then a heartbreaking noise reached my ears...there were small sobs erupting from her throat and her shoulders were shaking. If I didn't know better I would think she was crying. Well that would explain the emotional climate of the room. The sudden wave of sorrow overtook me. But the energy in the room quickly became so charged that I literally could feel the hairs on my neck stand up.

She finished the piece and I couldn't help but gasp. The emotions radiating off this girl were powerful. She turned around and our eyes locked. I couldn't breath. She had the most beautiful brown eyes I had ever seen. They weren't your normal flat brown, more like dark chocolate with a shine. They were deep and endless and... to my surprise, full of hurt. I couldn't help but wonder what caused the hurt. It took me a few seconds to even focus on the rest of her face. She had a heart shaped face, a cute nose, and pouty pink lips. It was then that I noticed how wonderful her skin looked when she added the natural blush to them. She reached into her bag to grab tissue and it was only then that I realized that she had indeed been crying. There were tears still on her cheeks and her eyes were red and puffy. Her nose was running too.

"I...I'm...sorry, I didn't realize my time was up." she stammered looking a bit embarrassed. Her voice was so quiet and delicate.

"It's okay. I didn't sign up for time. I just stopped by on the off chance that there was an open room" I replied.

"That's how I ended up here. I was surprised that they were all full on move in day."

"So goes the life of those dedicated to their love of music" I said with a small chuckle.

There were a few moments of silence as we looked at one another. The strangest thing happened. I started feeling that same electric energy envelop the room. But as soon as it started again, her cell phone rang. Ahh, rookie mistake, leaving the cell phone on. But I was intrigued by her choice for her ringtone. She was a Muse fan. I was too. I stood there and listened as she took the phone call. Sounded like she was late meeting someone. Wonder if it's her boyfriend.

She jumped off the piano bench and grabbed her stuff, nearly tripping on her way to the door. She apologized again and averted her eyes as she walked out of the room. I couldn't help myself but I just had to see those eyes again.

"Nice choice of music" I said and gave her my famous crooked smile.

"Thank you" she smiled back.

I found it interesting that she had not only played my favorite piece of piano music but she also liked my favorite band. I was definitely going to have to find out more about this girl.

I walked to the piano bench, still warm from it's previous occupant, and started playing 'Claire de Lune.' After I finished, a new melody started running through my mind. A sweet slow melody, not happy but not sad either. I couldn't believe that after all this time, I was actually composing again. I hadn't composed new music since that shit with Jessica happened. Yes I was hurt, angry, disappointed, but mostly I was bitter. I shook my head to get those thoughts out of my head and instead chose to focus on those beautiful brown eyes. The music just kept coming.

"Edward, it's beautiful. What was your inspiration?"

"Let's just say a beautiful pair of brown eyes and that's all your getting out of me Alice so drop it." I didn't feel like sharing yet and if I knew Alice, she'd claim the owner of those amazing brown eyes as her best friend before I could even find out her name.

"You win...for now. Anyway, there was another reason I stopped by. Bella, my roommate is going to cook dinner one night this week, probably on Wednesday and I wanted to invite you."

"I can't. I have a class on Wednesday nights."

"Well that sucks. What time do you get out?"

"9:00 if I'm lucky."

"Well I'll fix you a plate and bring it to you. Does that sound good?"

"Sure Alice, but only if the food is good." I smiled at her.

BPOV

The week went by pretty quickly. It didn't take me much time to learn the campus. Most of my classes were in the Music building. I couldn't help but look for those green eyes in each and every class I had, but I had no luck. I had decided that I at least wanted to get his name, with or without Alice's assignment. After all, he did share in a very pivotal moment of my life. I met Rosalie and Angela Monday night in the common room. They are something else. I don't think I've laughed that hard in ages. Rosalie is a life size barbie doll..legs for days, long blond hair, blue eyes, perfect skin, and of course no barbie doll would be complete without D cups. Yep, my self esteem just took a nose dive. But despite her outward appearance, she was so down to earth. She had an abundance of sarcasm, a hard core exterior, and I learned she loved to work on cars, didn't see that one coming. She was the baby of the family, having three older brothers. So that easily explained the sarcasm, hard outer core, and especially the love of auto mechanics. She was dating a guy named Emmett, who just happened to be Angela's cousin.

Angela seemed to be the complete opposite of Rosalie. She was tall, but she had dark skin, long black hair, big brown eyes, slender, and seemed to be on the quiet side. She loved to read and was into photography. When she told me she was single, I briefly thought of Jake. I'd have to introduce them on Wednesday.

Monday, after class, I called the two therapist that Dr. Leslie recommended. I was in luck, Dr. Kym had an opening. She wanted to see me on Friday at 5:00 to discuss my case file up until this point. I gave her permission to contact Dr. Leslie to find out any information that she needed. For once in my life, I was actually looking forward to a therapy session. Monday was also a big day for the Cullen clan. Carlisle's interview apparently went very well. The board decided to meet Monday night to vote on whether to make Carlisle an offer. It took all of 20 minutes before they came out of the board room, shook his hand, and offered him the job. Carlisle took Monday night and Tuesday to decide. He needed to make sure the move would be okay with Esme, Edward, and Alice. Of course they all agreed. Carlisle accepted the job and the board told him they wanted him to start ASAP. So he spent the rest of the week house hunting as well as exploring the town. He even took the time to stop by and introduce himself to my dad. He called Alice on Thursday night and invited her to join him for dinner on Friday night, before he went back to Alaska. He invited me as well, but seeing as how I had my therapy session, I had to politely decline, which I was totally pissed about. Yes, I know therapy is important but I wanted to meet Edward as well as talk more to Carlisle. Alice assured me that I would have plenty of time for both.

"For heaven's sake Bella, we'll be living in Forks!!!!"

I called my dad on Wednesday while I was walking to class and he told me how psyched the whole town was. He told me about Carlisle's visit. He seemed really impressed that he would take the time to meet his daughter's roommate's dad. Of course, Charlie inviting him to take a fishing trip with him as soon as he and Esme got settled. I told him a little about how things had gone so far and informed him that I had a session on Friday. He was glad to hear that I was still sticking with it. He told me he would be putting money in my account at the end of the week. My dad really is great. I may have the scholarship to pay for school, but I don't have time to get a side job to pay for the extras. That's what a "dad's job is sweetie, to help you out", or so he tells me every week when he calls to tell me about my "allowance."

Dinner on Wednesday went great. Rosalie, Angel, and Jake joined Alice and myself. I cooked lasagna, just like I promised Jake. We had salad and garlic bread as side dishes. I also made a non alcoholic sangria to accompany our dinner. The real stuff is always better but I'm not of legal age to purchase the required ingredients yet. Everyone was thrilled with the food. I couldn't help but notice that Jake and Angela kept glancing over at one another...this may be easier than I thought. Rosalie started talking about Emmett. He was having terrible trouble with his roommate. So Jake and Rosalie bonded a bit over that. Mike was getting on his nerves something terrible. Jake was just counting down the days until he could put in his room change request. By the end of the night, Rosalie was dead set on introducing Jake and Emmett. She thought they'd make good roommates, they both loved cars, video games, and had a wicked sense of humor. I was hopeful that things would work out better for Jake.

Everyone pitched in to clean up the kitchen and then Jake left. Alice asked if she could fix Edward a plate to take to his room. He had a late class and wouldn't have had time for food. So I fixed him a big plate of lasagna, a small bowl of salad, and 3 pieces of garlic bread. I also sent some of the sangria. Alice wasn't gone too long, but longer than it would take to simply drop off food. When she walked in the room, she had the biggest shit eating grin plastered across her face. I quickly found out why. Edward hadn't gotten back from class so she left the food with his roommate....Jasper. From the flush that was still on Alice's cheek, she saw something she liked. All she kept saying was "on my gosh Bella, he is one fine looking man. I will make Edward introduce me, properly." And I knew he'd be powerless against her, both Edward and Jasper.

I wasn't able to make it to the practice rooms until Thursday morning, but this time I had enough sense to sign up for a room. I still hadn't seen the green eyes all week. I was starting to wonder if he was a figment of my imagination that I conjured up to help me fully deal with the knowledge that I could play the song, but I'm not that creative. I couldn't make up how utterly gorgeous this man was. I was about 20 minutes early so I decided to relax a little and pulled out a book and my iPod. I was sitting outside of practice room 13 reading 'Atlas Shrugged' and listening to YoYo Ma when I looked up and saw....bright green eyes. I froze. He was even more gorgeous than I remembered. He started to walk away, hesitated, and then changed his course and started walking towards me. I stood up and started putting my book and my iPod back in my bag. I looked up and he was standing right in front of me. We were alone in the hallway. I immediately tensed, waiting for the panic to start creeping in. But before I could really think about the consequences of that, he spoke, and my oh my, what a voice it was. I was too mortified the last time he spoke to me to fully appreciate it. It was deep, smooth, and unbelievably sexy.

"Muse or Debussy?" He gave me that crooked smile and I blushed.

"Neither...YoYo Ma." I smiled back.

"Really? He is amazing. I've always wanted to see him in concert."

"I have and he is even more incredible than I could have imagined. It was quite the experience. I would highly recommend attending one of his concerts if you ever get the chance."

"I'll have to do that. I noticed you were reading too. Do you mind if I ask what you were so interested in?"

"Nope, I don't mind at all....'Atlas Shrugged."

"Is that for class?"

I could feel my self blushing...again.

"Actually it isn't. Just doing some reading for pleasure." He had a look of disbelief or maybe curiosity on his face before it dissolved into a smile.

I started shifting on my feet. I wanted to keep talking to this stranger but I knew I had only signed up for an hour slot and I really didn't need to lose any time. I was still far from where I needed to be with the piano.

"Well, umm, I need to get some practice time in."

He shook his head, turned around, and started walking away. He took a few steps before glancing over his shoulder. He caught me watching him walk away. Well more like caught me watching his fine ass walk away from me. I heard him chuckle before saying "Bye. I'll see you around."

Then the Alice assignment popped up in my head and before I could stop myself my mouth opened and started to speak.

"So, what's your name?"

He stopped, hesitated slightly and then turned with a smile. As he was walking back towards me he said:

"Anthony. My name is Anthony."

He was standing in front of me now, extending his hand.

"And do I get the pleasure of your name?"

Now it was my turn to hesitate. All of my insecurities came rushing back. Then the thought of actually getting close to a member of the male species that wasn't Jake...well that scared me. Since the shit with James, I have trouble being around men in intimate situations. Groups are fine, but one on one is not a good recipe for me. I looked up into those green eyes and they were questioning. So I extended my hand to take his. I felt a jolt of.....something....shoot up the hand and arm that this Anthony was holding. He was looking at me with a strange expression on his face. I wonder if he was feeling the unique sensation of our touch like I was, it was the same feeling I got in the music room the day I played Claire de Lune...electricity almost....then I realized I hadn't answered his question... So I blurted out the first thing that came to my mind.

"Marie. My name is Marie."

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A/N: Yes I did it. I left you with something juicy to ponder. So what do you think of the story so far???? Yes I'm shamelessly begging for reviews. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank to those who have taken the time to read.