CHAPTER 27- CHANCE ENCOUNTERS

BELLE'S POV

"Ah! Here we go. Shakespeare!"

I had taken a walk earlier that day and decided to go to a cafe and sit inside while indulging in a good cup of coffee and a great novel. It was a romance, and I had finished it in under two hours. It was such a lovely story, and I decided to walk around campus a bit more, and my feet wandered to the I was again, at the library, so I decided to do some more research for me and Adam's project. My sonnet book was back at the dorm, and there was no way I was going to head back in the brisk air. Winter truly was right around the corner.

"As You Like It, Henry the Fourth, and the Fifth. My goodness, these books are so out of place!" I said to myself. My compulsiveness had completely overtaken me and I tried to put the Shakespeare books back in alphabetical order while I was looking for the sonnet bok.

Couldn't help it!

As I fingered each spine with my finger to find the section of Sonnets in the shelf my hands touched another. I quickly turned to apologize to the other person when I was surprised to find a very pleasant face. A handsome pleasant face.

"Sorry, it looks like we're interested in the same section of the library," I said letting the handsome guy claim his book first.

The gentleman gave an apologetic look and motioned his hand for me to continue on my search. "No please go ahead. I'm not here for work anyway."

"Pleasure?" I guessed as I continued on my search.

He chuckled. "You could say that I guess. I was looking for the play Romeo and Juliet, but I didn't see it earlier when I checked here before."

"Ah. 'Tis a popular one," I noted fondly. I found the library's copy of the book of sonnets and smiled at him. "Well, I found what I'm looking for. I guess it's your turn." I chimed.

"Thanks and sorry I didn't see you rummaging in this section till just now. My mind is...well my mind is elsewhere these days."

"It's all good," I said dismissively.

"I'm Phillip, by the way," he introduced sticking out his hand.

" I'm Belle," I replied, shaking his hand.

"Wait. You're Belle? Oh my goodness! I know this may sound odd to you but I feel like I know you already!" he proclaimed enthusiastically.

I got a little apprehensive that and I was pretty sure my cheeks blushed a bright pink with wonderment as I retracted my hand back slowly. "How's that?" I asked hesitantly.

"You're all Tiana talks about at the Wonderland duo meetings."

I guess Phillip could see how confused I looked so he went on explaining.

" Duo meetings are when the Gentlemen of Wonderland and the Ladies of Wonderland meet together for business. Most of the time, we meet separately. Your name has really come up a lot. She really thinks you can add a lot to our organization, and I have to say, the majority of the group is pretty convinced you would too."

I didn't know what to say. At the same time, I was flattered but also weirded out to find I was talked about, unbeknownst to me.

"So, you coming to the Induction on Thursday?" he asked sounding very hopeful.

I smiled and shrugged my shoulders. "Not sure to be honest."

He looked perplexed. "Why not? It's the most coveted and highly exclusive organization to be a part of. If you're nervous about the 'getting in' part, I can highly assure you it will be unanimous yes from both groups! You're a sure in!"

"Well, I'm flattered to hear that," I thanked, "but I am not sure if I want to be a part of the Ladies of Wonderland."

The young man began to scratch his head, his face etched with great confusion "Everyone wants to be in Wonderland, and you don't?"

"I guess I'm not everyone," I replied as I returned to my usual study area where my notebooks, pencils, and bag took residence often.

From the corner of my eye, I could see him smile as he continued to follow me, taking the seat across from mine.

"But that's what makes you perfect for the club. The fact that you're not like everyone else." He insisted as he placed his bag on the floor next to our desk. "We're all different and that's what makes Wonderland unique."

"How so?" I had to admit I definitely admired his persistence.

"Some of us come from high powers and titles, while others are not royal or rich. Look at Tiana- working class you could say, but does that make a difference? Not to us, not to anyone in Wonderland. Furthermore, she's the president of the Ladies. You've got to admit, that's pretty unexpected."

"I hate to admit it but one would naturally assume that someone who leads such a prestigious organization would be one of royal or high power birth considering the majority of the student population here are from opulent families. Tiana certainly is breaking down barriers."

"Exactly! Not all of us are royal snobs. Well, some of us, on the other hand, are royal dumbasses though…." he said chuckling which made me laugh too.

Phillip continued. "In all seriousness Belle, to us and our group, it's not where one comes from that matters. It's where you are going that counts."

"Wow. That's some powerful words there," I acknowledged. Phillip was totally beaming from pride. I could tell he was relishing in the possibility that I was changing my mind.

"You want to know something? Tiana and Cinderella have been trying multiple times for me to give them a yes. I mean convincing me has been their prime goal for the past couple of days. You're the one who's actually made some traction in that mark. You almost had me convinced to come with that whole, it's 'where you're going that counts', remark."

Phillip opened his mouth dumbfounded. "Almost? Jeez! What's a person gotta do to convince you?" he chortled.

He looked at me observingly. I could tell he was trying to read me, my face, guess what I was thinking. Truly measure me up. I smiled opening up my book of sonnets hoping that the silence would deflect his persistence, but it didn't look like it would dissuade him.

"We're the kind of group that's going to change the world one day. We're not going to just live up to the tradition of belittling people to get our way as our forefathers have. We're a new generation that represents a will to fight for a cause and make changes for the better."

"Yeah but you also have members that are snobbish, drink a lot till they get drunk, party hard, and frequently belittle others already." I counter-argued.

He looked a little stumped. I smiled. Bullseye.

"Okay, you got me there. Yes, Belle, there are a few, only a select few that engage in that sort of thing, but are you trying to tell me you would refuse to join a group with a great cause because of a few pompous jerks?"

"Hmm, maybe not because there are a few like that. But I certainly have my hesitations due to one in particular."

"Who?"

I looked at him uneasily. "Sorry, did I say that out loud? I shouldn't have."

Who was I to be bad-mouthing Aurora? There was no way I was going to stoop low especially in front of someone I had just met.

I'd never do that.

Phillip's face softened as he realized I wasn't going to elaborate. "Sometimes it just takes one."

"Well they say one bad apple spoils the bunch," I said playfully.

He smirked, "I guess you could say that." Phillip looked sad all of a sudden and turned his head to the stacks. I could tell his mind had wandered off into an abyss.

"You ok Phillip?" I asked trying to get his attention back to the present.

He shook his head smiling dismissing my questions. "It's nothing really."

I nodded and decided to drop the subject.

"So, I guess I should be on my way," he said. "I need to let you get your work done after all," he said as he gave a salute.

"Thanks," I replied as I waved bye.

The encounters at this University were certainly getting more and more interesting. As I saw Phillip almost exit the door, I saw him make a quick pivot and he came back towards me.

"Forget something?" I asked as he sat back down across from me.

He smiled. "Belle I know we only just formally met and I know you don't really know me, but I'm very nice and respectful. Look this may catch you off guard but I think you need to go to this induction ceremony and if you do I hope you'll have me escort you."

I was surprised and definitely startled. I wasn't expecting this at all.

"Phillip I don't know what to say."

"Look, you just made it clear. You're hesitant because it all sounds wild. But I'm in it and so are some really highly reputable students like Cinder and Ti."

"Well I wasn't trying to sound like a prude it's just I'm not much of an extrovert."

"Right! And I totally get that. Respect it even. Look, I like to have a little fun but it also sounds like you would take it seriously just like I do. If you're like me and want to stay out of drama I think we'd make great company for each other at the induction."

I studied his face and I could tell he was being pretty genuine about it. Plus he was right. Yes, I only met him now, but he was pretty respectful and I had a hunch he wasn't into all the drama.

"And just to be clear, this is not me making a move on you or anything," he stated.

"I didn't take it that way at all Phillip. I mean...you were looking for Romeo and Juliet. It's only the most romantic play ever written."

It's not like I couldn't see what was on his mind especially since he said he was reading it just for leisure, not school. Maybe his mind was all about a girl, possibly heartbreak, or worse, unrequited love.

" I was looking for Romeo and Juliet because I'm sweet on a girl and we're facing very similar challenges like Shakespeare's main couple," he admitted.

"Wow. That's a really tough situation to be in."

Phillip smiled as he sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. A gesture I noted Adam did pretty often. It looked really adorable though when Adam would do it.

"Well like I said if you decide to go, you got an escort right here," he reiterated pointing to himself.

"Phillip, just one question. This girl that your sweet on, does she go here? Is she an official inductee or Lady of Wonderland? If she is, don't you think maybe you should escort her?"

Phillip smiled. "She's already part of the sorority and well as I said before, things between us are pretty rocky, hence the Romeo and Juliet reference."

I nodded, but I just couldn't buy into what he was saying. After all, I was a witness to such genuine love and romance this weekend of Ariel and Eric. Romeo and Juliet was just as much a tale that related the same allegory to theirs. If Ariel and Eric could triumph over family dissonance, couldn't Phillip and whoever it was that he cared for, accomplish that together as well?

"I might not be very experienced in love or relationships but Phillip, if you really care for this person, I don't think you should give up on her."

"Well, the thing is I didn't really give up, it was more her. You can't clap with one hand, Belle." He shrugged. I could tell he was trying really hard not to show any vulnerability. "My ending is not like Romeo and Juliet's. They at least are together in the end, albeit dead. My girl and I, we're not together at all."

I felt like it was so sweet that he still called her my girl. I bet it was his subconscious speaking out. They may be over, but deep down she was still his.

How sweet.

"Oh. Sorry to hear that."

"It's all good," he quickly replied, completely dismissing my apology like he wasn't that upset.

"Well, I better be off but remember what I said. If you change your mind, let me know!"

"Thanks, Phillip, I will."

A couple of days later after Belle and Phillips Encounter: Wednesday afternoon, Day before the Induction Ceremony

ADAM'S POV

Belle and I had made some pretty great traction on our assignment and before we knew it, we had completed the whole thing! The project was done. We had accomplished our goal of getting it done before the due date. This allowed Belle to balance all her other assignments and papers which was good, especially since she needed to make time to work in the tavern.

It still plagued me that it was a secret we kept from each other, and more so that unbeknownst to her she was really serving me in disguise the whole time. I keep convincing myself that it was better that way though. Whatever was the best for Belle was the only matter of priority.

"I can't believe we did this! It's done!" Belle said as she carefully held the pile of papers and tapped them together gently on the surface of her desk to keep everything straight.

I chuckled at her elatedness. I've never seen someone so excited about getting school work done. That was Belle for you.

"You really penned that last page out so well Adam. I could read your writing all day, truly," Belle said with a smile.

"Thanks for the compliment," I said as I got up from Ariel's chair and scooted it back under her desk. We had been in her room all day since morning.

"I'll take these to the printer's office so I can make copies for us and the professor," Belle stated as she put the documents in a folder.

"My dear, it's 5:30. I think the printers close at 5:00," I said as I looked down at her desk clock.

"Oh no!" she cried.

"Belle it's not a big deal," I said. Did she not catch that I called her my dear just now? Hopefully, she didn't! Freudian slip! "We're like weeks ahead of the due date. Just do it sometime next week. I know you'll keep our work safely in the folder. "

Belle smiled, "Good to know that you think our project is in good hands," she winked.

I grabbed her hand and kissed it, " come on we've been crammed in your room all day. And practically in my room all day yesterday. Let's go out and get a bite to eat, my treat."

Belle squeezed my hand "Sounds like fun! Where?"

"There's a Bistro that opened up in town. I'll get a carriage for us."

"Mind if we walk? My legs need exercise. We've been indoors way too long," she said stretching out her legs when she sat on the bed.

"No," I said a little too strongly than I wanted to. "Carriage. It's too cold outside."

"I assure you I'll be fine," Belle said.

"I was talking about me, it's too cold for me," I replied.

Belle laughed, "Wow, someone is so fragile!" She put her hands in my hair and messed around with it.

"Hey hey! Not the hair, I forgot to tie it up this morning."

"It looks nice all loose," Belle said as she got up to playfully mess up my hair \ with her hand.

She was getting a child-like look in her eyes.

"You keep doing that to my hair, you're going to be sorry," I warned trying to get away.

"Oh yeah? What are you going to do make me walk outside?" she said sticking her tongue out.

"Alright, don't say I didn't warn you!"

I picked Belle up around the waist and, set her down on her bed a little bit more forcefully than I had intended, and began tickling her. She was all giggles.

"No no! Adam!" she cried through laughs as she tried to wiggle out of my grasp. There was no use, I definitely had more power and weight over her to keep her in place. As I continued my torture on her she continued laughing hard under me, and she was getting to the brink of literally crying from laughing too hard that it even made me chuckle. As I went for her under her arms, she pleaded again, through closed eyes for me to stop.

I paused, as I held her wrists above her head."Only if you promise never to mess with my hair."

"Ok ok, I promise!" Belle cried out between giggles.

I raised up off her my hands in the air in a truce as she looked on making sure I wouldn't go back on my stance.

"Adam," she started.

"Yes Belle," I said as I gave her my hand to help her off the bed. She stood up and placed a small kiss on the side of my cheek.

"What was that for?" I asked.

"For being my friend. I'm not exactly used to this life, being around so many, but you've helped me so much. Ariel is great too, but I've missed her so much while she's been with Eric and well, I just don't know if I could've…"

"Belle," I said cutting her off. "Give yourself more credit. You're getting along just fine with people around here. But thanks, it's nice to know I've been helpful to you."

In that pause, there was a moment that passed between us. It was a moment of deeper understanding. It felt so right, but at the same time a little unsettling, because I didn't know if Belle was feeling the same way. All I knew was, it was powerful, and the feeling was simple. I care for her.

"Ok, get dressed I'll be down in thirty minutes to pick you up ok?" I kissed her back on her cheek and rubbed my thumb where I had kissed it. I so badly wanted to kiss her on the lips, but, I knew that wouldn't have been right, not yet anyway. Maybe one day soon if things kept going smoothly as they were right now. She smiled as I exited out of her room.

After I got up the stairs to my floor, I noticed someone standing near my door from up the hallway.

"Aurora?"

"Oh, hi Adam, I was just writing this note to you and putting it under your door since you weren't inside," she said as I noticed the paper and pen in her hand. She placed the items back in her basket.

"What's up? I haven't heard from you since the night we last talked."

"I'm afraid I have some bad news. Sure could use your help on this," she said softly. I nodded as I took my key out of my pocket to open the door. "I don't have a lot of time, I'm planning on heading out in a few to go out to dinner."

"With Belle I presume?" she asked.

I nodded. Leading her in, I then noticed how extremely puffy her eyes were like she had been crying all day.

"Yeah, but I have a few minutes to spare."

"Thanks, I appreciate it," she replied.

"You look sad," I observed out loud as I offered her a chair.

"I've had a lot to be sad about," Aurora replied as she took the chair.

"I'm guessing things haven't gone well with Phillip?"

Aurora brought a handkerchief to her eyes, dabbing her tear ducts. "I tried reasoning with him. I apologized for the scene he saw between us and I tried to explain how he was mistaken. I pleaded with him to understand that I would never do anything to hurt him. I admitted to him that I did initially want to go with you to the induction ceremony but I explained the political pressure I feel from my parents."

"That was honest of you."

"Well, I'm trying a new route remember? I really want to be completely perfect for him because he's always treated me so well."

I nodded. "So, how did he react to that?" I asked as I stood against the wall across from her.

"He actually seemed to really understand that part, because he expressed how he felt the same push of expectations from his own family. But he couldn't wrap around the fact that you and I were just together talking….given our history. Which is a pretty infamous one around campus if you know what I mean."

The inclination that Aurora and I were once very physical was definitely not news to the students at the Parthenon. Nevertheless, it didn't mean Aurora and I were like that now, but I could see why it was hard for Phillip to move past that, given our rep when we were a couple. If you could've called us a couple I guess.

"And if I were to tell him why we were really there, he….he wouldn't be able to even look at me."

I understood then what she meant. She couldn't bear the thought of Philip knowing she had stolen my diary. To Phillip that would be very beneath his character.

"I would just die if he knew I would do something as low as stealing your diary Adam. He might not think too highly of me now, but I know it would be much worse if he knew I went to the length of stealing your diary and trying to find your most inner thoughts and darkest secrets. Not only would he think it was crazy, but to go to such lengths to blackmail someone. He would be really disappointed at me, and probably freaked out that I could be so obsessed with bringing down someone."

"I mean...you kind of were obsessive….and stalker-like," I pointed out with slight hesitation as I scratched my eyebrow. Aurora shot me a look of utter shock.

I shrugged, "Don't take it the wrong way it's just…I can see what you mean, and I can see why he would take it like that. Face it, you were being a little obsessive."

Aurora sighed. She had no argument to counter. What could she say?

"Well, I wanted to let you know that it's too late anyway. He's already been asked out and he said yes."

"Damn Aurora. That sucks." I said softly. "I know how much you wanted to go with him."

"Yeah, well, it's all my fault," Aurora replied.

"Do you know who he's taking?"

"I didn't ask. It's not like him to lie. I know him, he's definitely taking someone. I wish I knew who, but at the same time, maybe it's good I don't know. So I don't start stalking them both, and starting looking like I'm obsessive as you claim I was," she said with a slight smirk. That made me chuckle a bit.

"Jokes aside," she continued, "I'd like that old version or perception of me gone, so I decided not to pester him anymore. Now I really have no one to escort me to the induction ceremony."

"I am really sorry to hear that Aurora. I think you and him look really great together. It would've been nice to see you both enter the party arm in arm." I genuinely meant that.

She shrugged. "Don't suppose you'd like to go with me?"

I smiled and felt so bad to admit it, but I really wanted to ask Belle to go. Especially since we had gotten so much closer to one another.

"I was kind of thinking…."

"Say no more," Aurora smiled holding up her hand and standing up. "I can guess. You want to take Belle."

I nodded. "Yeah, I really do."

"You love her don't you Adam." It was more of a statement than a question.

I shrugged. "She understands me and I understand her."

Aurora nodded. When Aurora left I went to the armoire to change into something. I then proceeded to wash my face and do a very quick shave. After I was pretty impressed with not accidentally cutting myself given such a hurry I was in, I tied my hair in a loose ponytail and proceeded downstairs to Belle's room.

As I turned the corner I saw Belle talking to someone. Not just any someone, a man.

Wait a minute! Was that Phillip? Why was Belle talking to Phillip of all people?

He didn't notice me down the hall walking towards them when he went the opposite direction after waving bye to Belle. Thank goodness. I saw him proceed downstairs to vacate the building. He didn't reside at this dorm which meant he purposely came in here just to talk to Belle!

But why?

"Hey!" she said cheerfully as she saw me. "YOu look so nice! See you got your hair tied up," she winked.

"Yeah," I replied hesitatingly as I rubbed the back of my neck. "Was that Phillip?" I asked trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.

"Oh, yeah. Do you know him?"

"Yes, he's my year Belle," I said a little too sternly. The guy was in my year, after all, it's not like she wouldn't do that, being the smart person she is.

Was she….blushing?

"Right, of course!" Belle said.

"Was he here to get notes from a class or something?"

"Oh no, nothing like that. We don't have any classes together."

"Hm." I know, I know. Short response. But, I couldn't help it. I was getting a little nervous about where this story was headed.

"Funny story actually. I decided I wanted to attend the induction ceremony after all."

"When did you decide this?" I asked a little more assertively than I intended to.

Belle gave me a little look that definitely pointed out that she acknowledged the change of tone in my voice. I couldn't help it. I wanted to take her to the dance.

How did Phillip even know of Belle?

"A few days ago actually. I'm going with Phillip. We were just discussing plans and all since the event is tomorrow."

"Oh." It was the only thing I could say.

"I was studying one day in the library, and he kind of gave me some insight into Tiana and Cinderella's thoughts on me joining and he said if I was willing he would escort me. As friends." She added at the end.

"Oh," was all I could respond with again. I was disappointed and fumed beyond measure actually but I did my best to suppress it.

"Yeah, I mean you're right Adam. I need to give myself more credit. And thanks to you and Ariel, I've become a bit more open to making friends so, I am really excited now about attending the induction ceremony. Phillip was just up here asking me what time we should go and what I was wearing to see if we could coordinate our clothing. But if you don't mind please don't tell Cinder or Ti. I kind of want to surprise Tiana and Cinderella. They've been really trying to convince me and I think they'll be pleasantly surprised if I come there without them knowing."

"Sure, it'll be our little secret," I replied softly.

"Well, ready to go?" asked Belle. I could hear the apprehensiveness in her tone. It's like she was hoping what she had told me hadn't disappointed me.

"Um actually, that's why I came down here. As I was getting dressed I began to feel a little bit under the weather. I'm actually quite warm to the touch. I hope I am not coming down with something, and I'd hate it if I got you sick too so I think it's best I rest and….stay away from you."

Belle looked at me quizzically. She reached up to touch my forehead, but I took a step back. The action made Belle wince and I could tell it hurt her feelings.

"Sorry just don't feel ...well," I lied.

"You mean you don't feel like being touched. I know how you get, Adam. I remember."

I nodded. It was nice that she understood me, but if she really knew what I was feeling why wouldn't it even cross her mind to have me escort her? We had become close. Was I such a beast to her? Then again it's not like she was my girlfriend. She had every right to go with anyone she wanted.

But of all people why did it have to be Phillip? Why did it have to be him?

"Forgive me, I think I better go and rest," I said forcing a small smile.

"Of course. I'm so bummed you're not feeling well. I was so looking forward to spending more time with you tonight."

"Yeah well… things happen. Maybe you can order in food."

"Yeah….maybe," she replied.

"Dining carts are still open and making rounds. You should eat Belle. Well, take care. Hey, and I'm glad we finished our project."

"Yeah," she smiled sadly. "Me too."

As I took a few steps I turned just before seeing Belle head back into her room.

"Belle, wait."

She stepped back out. "Yes, Adam?"

"Do me a favor. When you go with Phillip and plan on color coordinating and whatnot, please don't wear yellow."

She looked puzzled.

"It's just….it's a color I think that looks beautiful on you, and I'm hoping it's something you'd set aside for maybe for me, for another event...someday."

Belle smiled. "Wow, I don't really own anything in yellow. It's a color that-"

"Sticks out," I said finishing her sentence. "Yes, it is. I know how you like to hide and blend in, but I think you deserve to stick out Belle. You deserve to be noticed. I'd love to be the one with you when you wear that color, because….I notice you. I've always noticed you."

Belle raised her hand to her heart as if I had sent an invisible cupid's bow that hit her. I couldn't stay there any longer. The pang in my chest was debilitating. As I went up the stairs, blinded by emotions, I think I heard Belle call me once or twice in the distance, but it didn't make me pause. I kept going up and up the stairs like a simple machine, tuning out the world around me. Engrossed in sorrow.

When I came back to my room I made a request for Lumiere to order me some dinner in and to see if he could if Belle ordered too, and if not to ask her for her order. I also asked Lumiere to send a telegram to Aurora for me.

It read:

"Aurora-plans have changed. Would you still care to go to the induction ceremony with me? I'll see you in trigonometry tomorrow morning and we'll talk about the details then."

The course had changed. I internally berated myself for not telling Belle how I truly feel, and even more so that I should've told her earlier. But that would mean telling her that I was the disguised customer she tended to.

Would Belle be able to overcome the shock and still see me in the same light after divulging such news?

That night, I drank a little and went to bed. Defeated yet again. Such was a constant pattern in my life.

Would I ever triumph over anything? Who the fuck knows?