When I arrived home all of the lights were on. I knew Charlie would wait up for me. He would want to know everything about me and Embry. There would probably be a question or two about Jacob as well. It was nothing that couldn't wait for tomorrow.

"Bella," Charlie called as soon as I shut the door.

I slowly took my shoes off allowing myself time to relax further. Embry still had my mind going in circles. "Yeah Dad?" I pretended to yawn.

"I had a talk with Bill."

I yawned again. "I'm sorry Dad. I'm so exhausted. Can we please talk tomorrow?" I gave him the puppy dog eyes.

"I guess. Good night."

"Good night." I trudged up the stairs, keeping up appearance. I went into the bathroom for a quick shower and to brush my teeth. When I went out Charlie was in the bedroom. I could already hear his soft snores. Embry wasn't in my room yet so I just laid on my bed.

Somehow Edward's face came into my head. I usually didn't think of him as much as I did. It didn't hurt when he was mentioned anymore. I found myself thinking that Edward leaving me was meant to happen. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't have tried to put my life in danger to hear his voice. Then I wouldn't have brought my bikes to Jake and met Embry. Of course not right of way anyway. Embry was my soul mate. We would have found each other eventually.

XxX

"What if he doesn't like it?" I asked again as I twirled around and examined myself in the mirror. When Embry had asked me out last night I was happy. I was looking forward to take that next step. Now I am so nervous I couldn't sit still. I just really hoped I wouldn't start sweating. He would easily be able to smell it.

"He'd have to be mental… and blind if he didn't," Kelly told me.

"Stop worrying. He can't think you're anything but beautiful. It's like in the imprinting manual or something," Emily added.

I snorted. The three of us were up in my bedroom preparing me for my first date with Embry. I wanted to look perfect for him- or at least my very best. They did a wonderful job considering what they had to work with. My hair was elegantly wavy. They only applied a light amount of make up; red eye shadow, thin layer of black eye liner, and red lip gloss.

The outfit was my favorite part. I was in a red halter dress that showed off boobs that I hadn't realized I had. It ended just below my knees. It was skin tight. I wasn't too crazy about the shoes. They were black with a two inch heel. They were the strappy kind that wrapped around my calf. I was positive I would trip over myself the whole time but according to them that was a good thing because he'd have to catch me. I couldn't exactly complain with their logic though.

Everything was simple and beautiful but would Embry like it. Was it too much? What if Embry didn't like red? I bit down on my lip.

"Isabella I worked hard on that."

"Sorry Kell."

I went stiff as the doorbell rang. I hadn't heard his car pull into the driveway. Emily and Kelly had to practically pull me down stairs. They gave me a hard shove so I stumbled toward the door. "Have fun!"

I took a deep breath and opened the door. Wow. If I wasn't already having trouble breathing I was now. He was far too perfect. There he stood on my front porch looking as if he just stepped out of a movie. His hair was combed back out of his eyes. He was wearing a white shirt with black dress pants. He held out a beautiful bouquet of roses.

"You look gorgeous," he murmured.

Of course my face heated up. I turned behind me and handed the flowers to Emily. I turned back to Embry and found he was still staring at me. It was normal for him to do this but his eyes held more for me. Lust? I wasn't sure but I liked it. As I took his hand the butterflies in my stomach died down and I was able to catch my breath.

"Where are we going?" I asked once we were on the road. Our hands were still connected in the space between us.

"It's a surprise."

I should have seen that coming. Normally I would protest against it but I didn't want to ruin what he had planned for me. Besides, it was Embry. He knew me better than I knew my self. This would be the perfect first date.

And I was right. Embry had set up a place on the beach where we ate dinner under the moon. He was so sweet. I loved it and from my little experience in dating I would have to say he was the best date I ever had. We talked about everything and nothing the whole night. It turns out red was his favorite color on me. I loved spending time with Embry. He never seized to amaze me or make me happier. They say you will always love your first love but I guess that didn't count with immortals. Embry was the only one I cared about that way and always would be.

Charlie stopped me before I could go upstairs. "Bella come in here for a minute."

It took me a second but I managed to get the smile off of my face. "Yeah Dad?"

"You're dressed up," he stated, as though I hadn't noticed.

"I had a date." I couldn't keep the happiness from seeping in to my tone.

He shifted in his chair. "Bella are you sure you should be doing this? I mean after Edward…"

I cut him off. "Embry is nothing like Edward."

"I know that. He seems like a decent kid but I don't think it's a good idea."

"I can take care of myself Charlie. Mind your own business!" Yes, I allowed myself to sink into depression after Edward left me and it hurt like hell but that doesn't mean I shouldn't try to find happiness with someone else because I'm afraid to feel that way again.

"Alright, alright. No need to get defensive. Forget I said anything."

Gladly.

I sighed and ran into the bathroom. I dropped the shoes I had been holding onto the floor. That was probably uncalled for but I couldn't help myself. He just drove me insane sometimes. He wants me to move on then he wants me to stay the same. He needs to accept the fact that I am a teenager and I will date whoever I want even if it wasn't his choice for me. Embry is my destiny, I know I felt that way with Edward but Embry was different. We were equals. He respected me and would never leave me. Charlie would see the differences and would approve. I hoped.

After I showered I changed into my tank top and shorts. I didn't bother doing anything with my hair because I wanted to get back to Embry. He was waiting for me on the floor. His long legs were stretched out in front of him and his hands were behind his head. I lied beside him on the comforter from my bed. We always slept on the floor so he wouldn't be so uncomfortable on my tiny bed.

He pulled me close to his body and kissed me briefly. I rested my head on his chest with a content sigh and placed my hand on his muscular stomach. "He's only worried about you getting hurt," he whispered. Of course he had been listening.

"I know. He'll just have to get use to us."

He smiled crookedly. Months ago I would have curled into a ball and cried because it was a reminder of Edward. Now, I didn't feel any tightness in my chest. Embry was the glue that held me together. "I love you," he murmured

"I know." I know one day I will be able to say those words back to him.

"Sleep well." He kissed me on my forehead. I squirmed closer to him and let sleep take me over.