A/N: From here on out I will not have my lovely Beta-Reader Trudi edit my chapters. She is very busy because that's how high in demand she is :) and I just wanted to get this story finished especially because I've received many PM's of fans wanting me to write this. I feel that these days I can write more often. Sometimes you just need to get your ideas on paper. You've been forewarned so please kindly be NICE when you review and try not to cringe if you see a few grammatical errors. I won't go back and fix them. This is my cathartic piece these days so I'm afraid you will either have to deal or not read. If you do chose to keep reading please leave a Review. I love them and often times I tend to send PM's to those that have reviewed out of appreciation. Without further delay is here is the next chapter.

Chapter 24- Unwanted Guests

Belle's POV

I was looking forward to working with Adam. We made a good team, but he definitely looked exhausted and unwell. His demeanor this morning was very different from his upbeat and lively self from last night. I tried to forget about it, but I couldn't help it, I was really concerned that something wasn't right with him.

It was such a shame he had gotten ill at a point where we had finally made so much progress in our project, not to mention in our friendship. I felt like the foundation of it got stronger and stronger every day and the process was so natural. Out of all the new friends I made it occured to me that I spent most of my time with him. Who would have thought someone like me and someone like Adam would've become good friends? Things between us certainly didn't start off smoothly and I'm positive no one would've thought we would've ended up where we are today, not even me.

I was beginning to miss the little ways he would contradict an idea or two I would have for the project because I'd get a rush from the challenges! We would always debate and counter each other and I'd totally indulge in the banter! He mesmerized me with the way he could just put what I was trying to say onto paper so effortlessly. When I was telling Ariel how brilliant Adam's writing skills were, I wasn't exaggerating. He has an ease to writing that I envy. He also made working on the project a lot of fun. In addition, something I found flattering is whenever we were together he used the time to genuinely get to know me more, which was a first among my experiences with other people. Damn. I was definitely missing him.

I had been working a few hours in the library when Tiana had caught sight of me. I smiled as she approached me. It was nice to see her, and I could definitely use the distraction.

"You're still coming Thursday right?" Tiana had asked once again pressuring me.

I laughed at her attempt. "The verdict is still out," I replied.

Tiana placed her hands on her hips with a pretend glare. She did her best to look tough and intimidating but she had too much of a "smiley" face to to pull it off, that we both busted out laughing. Receiving a hush from one of the librarians, Tiana gave an apologetic look to the lady, and then took a seat next to me.

"Guess I can't be like Aurora huh? She has that intimidation tactic down to a pat!"

"No I guess not, but that's not a bad thing," I said with a wink, as I set my book down. "What brings you to the library?"

"Cinder and I were supposed to meet up with the rest of the sorority girls to discuss Thursday's induction party and activity plans. We even booked one of these secluded study rooms here to conduct the meeting. Of course Aurora didn't show which meant Snow White didn't either. At least that's what I assume." Tiara shook her head in disappointment. "She always follows suit to Queen Meanie's ways anyway. Jasmine came though. She's always helpful."

"I'm sorry it's not working out for you all," I said feeling sympathetic. Tiana was definitely looking a bit stressed behind her smiley demeanor. "Is Cinderella around?"

"No she's doing some research on an assignment. She's a little upset to tell you the truth. She's sent many telegrams to Ariel's messenger, and Ariel hasn't responded to any of them. Cinder is pretty hard working when it comes to assignments and likes to get an early start. She feels as if she is doing it all on her own. Any idea what's up with your roommate?"

I began to get a bit nervous. Covering up for Ariel would be hard to do given I am supposedly see her every day. No one else had any idea what was really going on with Ariel, and I wasn't going to betray our friendship like that and give a hint about it to anyone. Besides who knew how long her and Eric would go without seeing each other after this week?

"She keeps to herself a lot. She's traveled far to University like Jasmine after all. It's going to take her time to warm up to people. Didn't it take Jasmine a few years to open up to?" I asked hopefully. Maybe then Tiana could understand where I was coming from in regards to Ariel.

"Yeah, I guess now that you mention it, I remember Jasmine being very quiet and to herself in the beginning. We at first thought she was standoffish, but as time went on we realized she was just shy. She wasn't use to being outside her palace walls, let alone a whole different country. I can only imagine that Ariel would feel the same," Tiana said as she looked down at her hands. I could tell she was starting to really empathize with Ariel's situation, which made me feel better.

"Ariel is definitely one of the sweetest people I've ever met. She's become a lovely friend and I know her to be honest and very hardworking. Besides, the sonnet project is not due for some time. And while I share Cinderella's work ethic of getting assignments completed well in advanced, I think they will be fine. Tell her to rest assured. I will relay the importance of this to Ariel myself."

"Thanks Belle you're a doll. Ariel seems really nice, after all she has a very noble reputation. I do hope you also wouldn't mind telling her about the induction this Saturday?"

"I already did. Like I said she keeps to herself a lot so she may not, but she's considering it like myself."

Tiana nodded. "It would be a shame not to have you both. If you decide not to come aboard, I hope we can still be friends."

"Of course!" I cried. I knew Tiana was genuine to the core and wasn't trying to win me over with friendship just to join her sorority. She and Cinderella seemed so kind and above all the dramatics that Aurora seemed to get off on.

After Tiana had left, I decided to stop researching for the sonnet project and move on to some Calculus. I wasn't getting anywhere anyway with the sonnet project and it just wasn't the same without Adam. I didn't want to intrude on him again, but part of me thought it might be nice to check up on Adam before I go to bed considering how awful he said he had felt earlier when I saw him. It was already late afternoon and I wanted to get a lot done before it got dark and visit him.

As I opened my calculus book, I noticed a couple holding hands walking past me, whispering, completely immersed in conversation, and ignoring their surroundings. They had made their own little world among themselves. Who would I one day build my own little world with? Every so often my thoughts when to my mysterious customer. The tavern hero who had stolen my heart. If only Thursday could come sooner.

ADAM'S POV

After sleeping for most of the day, I finally woke up a little after five in the afternoon, and decided to start tidying up the place.

Fuck me. The place looked like a disaster, after just one night. I must have been really drunk because I couldn't exactly pinpoint how I made the mess. I rang for Lumiere to bring me up some tea and while waiting I decided to revisit my diary and write another entry. After my mom died I went through a downward spiral and the diary Eric gave was a great help at the time. It still offered the same escape time to time, so I wrote a lot in it while I was at the Parthenon. I would jot down my thoughts, dreams, and events time to time. It was cathartic and helped me feel free from the burdens of my mind and heart.

"Ah, writing in that Diary of yours master?" Lumiere asked as he set the tea tray on the table.

I smiled and nodded. "It helps." That's all I needed to say. Lumiere nodded. I never had to explain to him. He always understood.

"I bet you write poetry too in that diary of yours, don't you?" he inquired as he poured some tea in a cup.

"I dabble a little in here from time to time," I sheepishly admitted as I rubbed the back of my neck.

"Ah yes. I recall a fond memory of your father catching you in the library reading poetry instead of being in class" he said as he handed me a tea cup and saucer.

"Oh yeah. That's right. He scolded me for missing a political history lesson with the highly coveted German tutor he had hired for Eric and I."

"Once you got bit by the poetry bug, I knew you would be hooked!"

I laughed. Only Lumiere understood and respected my love for poetry. He gifted me with the works of Kant, one of my favorite poets, as a graduation gift after finding out I had been accepted into the Parthenon.

"Why don't you sit and have a cup of tea with me Lumiere?"

Lumiere put his hand out to deny the gesture. "Thank you for the kind invitation, but I have a chess tournament to attend to. The personal servant of the Prince of Wales and I have a big match today. It's all the talk in the servant quarters, and I have a reputation to keep up!" said Lumiere with a wink.

"Reputation?" I asked.

"Master! You are looking at the top contender for the chess grand championship! Wales doesn't have a chance!" Lumiere exclaimed with great pomp as he bid Adam farewell to retreat back to the servants quarters.

I shook my head completely entertained with the thought of Lumiere in the tournament. Why, the way he was talking about it made it seemed like he was on his way to battle Wales in arm to arm combat! As I went back to my diary to go back to writing on the page I had just left on, I heard a knock on the door.

"Forget something Lumiere?" I asked as I opened the door. "Aurora?"

"Well, well Adam. At least it's nice to know you haven't forgotten my name," she said, uninvitingly gliding her way inside my room.

"What do you want?" I asked with my fists clenched.

"Oh you know, just wanted to catch up. I've missed you Adam," she said in her infamous syrupy sweet tone with a fake pout. I rolled my eyes as she confidently strided up to me. "You have that just out of the bed look. The one I used to love to wake up to after a night of pure sweet love making," she quipped as she reached to stroke my hair.

I backed away not letting her touch me. She looked hurt at my reaction. "Not in the mood Aurora. Get out."

"Why Adam! Is that any way to treat a lady?" she said pretending to be offended.

"No, but I don't see a lady around here do you?"

Auror's fists clenched in response as her brow furrowed in anger. Now she was really offended. "How dare you?"

"Come on Aurora. What kind of lady comes to a man's room alone?"

"Oh of course, not all of us can be as respected and elegant as the Boring Belle!"

"What have you got against Belle and why the hell are you bringing her up?"

"I know for a fact that she comes to your room often. Don't even try to deny it I have my sources!"

"Well you might want to check on your sources because if they really did their job they would know that she only comes up to work on a project we have for one of our classes! And furthermore, Belle knocks first and then she asks if she can come in, unlike the way you just barged in!"

"What a convenient excuse," Aurora said as she circled my room like a hawk scoping the landscape for prey.

"Ah! I see you still write," Aurora said as her fingers brushed over my diary. I immediately grasped my diary giving Aurora a glare.

"You know that's off limits Aurora," I said calmly.

"Oh please, like I'd care that much to know what goes on in that little head of yours. You knew the only reason why I was ever interested in you," she said huskily as her eyes lowered to my pants.

"You know, I didn't really think you were that bad before. To tell you the truth I even felt a little guilty at the way I dumped you that night, but now I don't feel so bad anymore. Look at you! You're superficial and nosey."

"How dare you talk to me that way!"

This was getting nowhere. In an effort to get Aurora out of my hair I decided to try to be calmer. "Aurora. Please tell me what it is you came here for or leave. I had a long night and I need to get to work on some assignments."

She look a little confused probably because I had never seemed as studious before, but it looked as if the thought had come and gone pretty quickly.

"Fine," she said as she pulled herself the chair at my desk. She set her purse and gloves down on the desk and began to fiddle with her hands. I could tell the proposition in her mind was filled with great angst..

"As you know Thursday is the induction. Your fraternity and my sorority are affiliated with each other, and it would be a shame if we didn't attend together."

I was shocked. I didn't think she would have the nerve to ask me, when she definitely knew I was done with her that night I said I was done. "What the? Aurora, we are not together. People have known we've been broken up for a while now. Why would you think this is ok?"

"Adam can't we just pretend that we made up for a day just for the sake of saving face? I mean people saw us as the perfect aristocratic pair!"

"I doubt it," I said under my breath.

Aurora gave me a piercing look in response.

"Aurora you and I were privately screwing different people every now and then during this supposedly perfect aristocratic relationship. If we can't lie to ourselves how the hell are we going fool other people?"

Aurora crossed her arms across her chest. "You weren't planning to go with someone else were you?"

"What's it to you?" I counter argued also crossing my own arms.

"Belle?"

"As a matter of fact I was going to go solo, and Belle may not even go."

"Nice cover," she said with a snort.

"It's not a cover. Why the hell are you so obsessed with Belle in the first place? She told me how you came up to her in the cafeteria and started talking to her."

"Oh she said that did she?"

"Yes. And I know for a fact Belle's not the kind to always initiate a conversation so don't even lie and say she came to you first."

"I was just being friendly."

I snickered. "Come on Aurora! We both know you have ulterior motives to whatever "friendly" gestures you do" I said with air-quotes hoping to tick her off. "What gives?"

"Fine you want to know?"

I kept looking on. Aurora's intense gaze met my equally cold stare. What came out of Aurora's mouth next caught me completely off guard.

"I think you like her."

I was taken aback. "What are you talking about" I asked trying to hide the fact that her charges were true. How did she know?

"Everyone sees it Adam. You flirt with her openly. The day she arrives to campus and you tell me it's over between us. It can't just be a coincidence."

I shrugged my shoulders hoping it would discourage Aurora's hypothesis. "I flirt with a lot of girls, openly."

"There's flirting, then there's flirting. The latter being the kind when you know a man is really into you."

I didn't respond. Aurora looked on hoping to get some sort of reaction out of me, and after realizing I wasn't going to give in, she stood up and came close to me. Her chest only centimeters away from mine. The girl definitely had nerve.

"Do you remember the first day you saw her? Because I remember it clearly. You worried about her leaving the event noticing she was distraught. You never seemed worried about me in that way no matter how upset I was. But for some reason you did with her. It had just been mere minutes since you had met her and already, you were showing this high level of concern that I had never received from you. I was your girlfriend at the time Adam." She pointed a finger into my chest enunciating the last sentence slowly.

"I was just being…nice."

"You're not willingly nice Adam. Rough, on edge, biting. Now those are characteristics that coincide with all that is you. Nice, isn't one of them. She has a spell on you. I don't know why or how but she does. She definitely doesn't seem interesting enough to bother with. She's a bookworm with no fashion sense," she said rolling her eyes. Furious, I almost lost all self-control and wanted to smack Aurora right then and there. Grinding my teeth I took a step back. I knew I was better than that, and I was reminding myself that while Aurora couldn't see that side of me, I had people in my life that did. The last thing I wanted to do was stoop down to her level.

"Cat caught your tongue?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"You're delusional!" I said as I slammed my diary down on the desk. The noise caused Aurora to wince. "You know what the real issue here is?" I asked pointing to me and her, "You just can't stand to be humiliated or rejected because that's what I did to you!" I roared pointing my finger so close to her face. "I rejected you because I didn't like you. You were just an aristocratic slut willing to open her legs and I took advantage of it. Another name on my list. A point on a scoreboard. But guess what? I got tired and bored of you, so I dumped you!"

Tears developed in Aurora's eyes. They weren't necessarily sad tears for they were definitely angry too but I stopped myself from trying to decipher them. I was too angry and this conversation needed to be over and done with.

"I'm sorry. I…I shouldn't have said that," I said as I squeezed the bridge of my nose. I didn't want to succumb to my old habits of being mean and hostile. I knew I was better than that.

"Look, saying all those things to you just now was not gentleman like and not to mention hypocritical. I've done things too behind your back just like you've done to me."

Aurora didn't say anything. I could tell she was upset and offended, yet surprised I was being forthcoming and apologetic. It was a side she had never been privy to. Though I was sorry, I still wasn't going to allow her to get away with her arrogance. She had no right to come in to my room, proclaim that we get together again and denounce Belle. The behavior was uncalled for, and I didn't want her to get the wrong impression. I really was over her. We had a past, but it remains there. I knew what I wanted in my present and future, and it didn't include her.

"I'm sorry Aurora."

She looked up at me in shock. I was not usually known to be one that ever apologized. I was beginning to turn a new leaf and by her reaction I could tell she didn't get the memo.

"Do yourself a favor. Go with Phillip. I know from my own sources you two have been canoodling, and I know you did so while we were an item."

Aurora looked shocked.

"Didn't think I knew did you?"

Aurora ignored the question. "What do you see in her? What is it that she has that I don't?" She asked exasperating furiously.

"Aurora, there's no one," I said hoping it would deflect any more interrogation about Belle. Besides the way I looked at it, while I certainly had feelings for Belle, the verdict was still out on where Belle's true feelings lied. It was none of Aurora's business anyway. Turning my back to her I headed out for the balcony.

"You should leave."

"Fine Adam. Don't tell me the truth. Don't come with me to the induction. Don't even come to me for anything. If you can't admit the truth, I don't need to waste any more time here."

Finally! She was going to leave.

"By the way Adam," she said as she stood up heading for the door. "Don't think I'm not going to find out the bottom of this," she quipped as she slammed the door behind her.