Bella and Emily were busy in the kitchen, putting servings of banana pudding in bowls, adding whipped cream to the top. They were also busy keeping Brady and Collin from sneaking bites out of the dessert before they had it all served. After the fifth time she caught the boys trying to sneak a plate she threw her hands up in the air, exasperated.

"Listen you two. I'll let you have a piece now, and I won't tell anyone about it. BUT, you have to carry these trays out to everyone as soon as you're done. Deal?"

Collin and Brady didn't even give her time to change her mind. They ate as fast as only two teenage werewolves can, grabbed the trays and took them out the back door. Well, not before each of them kissing her cheeks. After they left, Emily and Bella burst out into laughter.

"Oh, my gosh, Bella! That was funny! I'm surprised they didn't lick the plates clean. You'd better hope their brothers don't find out they got extra dessert from you. They may never let you live it down!"

"Uh, they had better make sure Leah doesn't find out. I'm more afraid of her than I am of the boys!"

"Bella, I think I'm going to take the leftovers into Jake's garage. I'm pretty sure he has an extra fridge in there, and I think he'll like the surprise of the leftover dessert."

"Emily, you're awesome. It's a good thing one of us knows our way around this house. Lord knows I don't."

Emily stopped in her tracks. "Didn't Jake give you the grand tour? I thought you were here yesterday?"

Bella started to blush. "Uh, well, I was. It was late, and we were both pretty tired, and well, I just didn't..."

"ah, I see." Emily gave her a knowing smile.

"No, Emily, it wasn't like that. We really just fell asleep together. That's all. It was, well, it was nice."

She raised her eyebrows. "Nice?"

"Ok, it was great." If the huge smile on her face was any indication, Emily was sure that it was.

While Emily went to the garage to stash the dessert, Bella started thinking. Maybe she could talk to Emily about tonight. Em had always been a kind hearted person, and she had been so good to her all those years ago. The truth was, she really loved Emily, and couldn't really blame her for her part in keeping she and Jacob apart. Bella understood loyalty, and that was what Emily felt she needed to be. Loyal to her husband. Right or wrong didn't matter. But, when push came to shove, Emily actually stood up to Sam and walked out. Bella hoped they would work out their differences, she really did. At least Emily and Leah seemed to be doing just that.

Emily walked back in to see Bella up to her elbows in soapy water, and lost in thought. She grabbed a dishtowel to dry. "Bella, you ok? You seem to be thinking hard about something."

"Emily, could you shut the door and turn up the radio?"

Emily raised her eyebrows at her, but did as she asked. Something must be serious if Bella didn't want to chance the wolves hearing what she had to say.

"Ok, Bella, shoot."

"Uh, Em. Ok, this is hard to talk about." Bella took a deep breath. "I know Jake wants me to spend the night tonight."

"I take it you're worried that you won't just be sleeping this time?"

"Well, yeah, sort of."

Emily was confused. "Bella, you have nothing to worry about. Jacob loves you. It's not like you're going to be another notch on his bedpost."

"Oh, no! No!", she exclaimed. "I'm not worried about that. I know I'm not just some booty call." She looked down at the sink and scrubbed hard on the pan, not looking at her friend. "It's just that - ah hell! I've never done it before Emily. I'm still a virgin, ok?"

Emily's eyes widened. She had no idea. "Bella, are you sure you're ready?"

"Yes, no, I don't know. I'm freaked out is what I am. I mean, I know how sex is supposed to work. I love Jake, and I want this with him, but I'm kind of terrified. I've heard how Leah talks about the boys, and that they're uh, 'proportionate'. I'm just a bit freaked. I know it's going to hurt, and ok, whatever. I'm just freaked out that I'm going to do something wrong, or that I'm going to disappoint him. I mean, I know I'm not his first, and I'm worried that he won't - oh I don't know! I just don't want our first time to be horrible."

Emily put a hand on her shoulder, gently reassuring her. "Bella, first times are never perfect. Have you told Jacob you're still a virgin?"

"No."

"Well, you should. Honestly, I think he's going to be happy about it. Men, wolves especially are possessive", she explained. "His wolf is going to love that you're a virgin. The man in him, the man who loves you is going to be thrilled. Don't you realize how happy he'll be that he's the only person you'll ever share that intimacy with?" Bella nodded her head slowly. She knew Emily was right. "Now, as far as the 'proportionate' thing goes, Leah is right. Well, at least in my experience, and from what I've overheard of the guy talk over the years. They are all rather large. I'm sure Jacob will realize that and do whatever is necessary to make it comfortable for you the first few times. After that, you'll get used to it, and it won't be a problem. Your body will adjust. As far as Jacob enjoying himself, I don't think that will be a problem. You're going to be so tight he'll be lucky to last a minute. In other words, don't worry about it. Just let yourself feel the connection that the two of you have and you'll be fine. He'll guide you, Bella."

"Thanks Emily. You're a good friend".

"Well, I'm trying."

"No, you are." Bella wanted to assure her, and try to be a friend to her as well. "How about you and Leah? You two getting along?"

"As much as can be expected. We're trying to move on. It's just hard. There's alot of hurt, alot of history there. I guess one thing that she seems to understand is that I can't leave Sam. Not that I couldn't physically do it, it's just that, well, these scars, they bind me to him. I've gotten used to them, but other people haven't. Men, they don't look at me and see a beautiful woman. They see a poor woman who was hurt and they pity me. So, I think in a way, she understands why I didn't walk away from him all those years ago."

Bella dried her hands and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Emily, you know there are some pretty amazing medical advances out there. You might be able to have the skin repaired."

"I know, but it's not something we can afford. It's ok. I've gotten used to it. Now, let's get outside. The dishwasher is loaded, the rest of the dishes are washed, and I want a marshmallow."