What love can not do

Chapter 1

Natalie pov

They tried waking me up after I slumped and passed out but they couldn't, I already thought I had given up the ghost until after 5 good hours I regained consciousness

And guess what?

My birthday is the next day and I knew I was going to stay in doors all day.

"Happy birthday, cockhead!" Gabriella's voice resonated from the corridor, jolting me awake to face another tumultuous day. I burrowed deeper into the bed, wrapping the blanket around me like a shield. "Natalie!" she bellowed, pounding on the door with a force that made the walls tremble. "Get up!"

"What's got you so riled up, Gabriella?" I asked, my voice measured, as I leaned against the bed cabinet, smoothing out my hair with a calm I didn't feel. "I'm not opening up to you until you show some respect, little bunny," I added, my tone firm but measured, a hint of steel beneath my words.

I swiftly slipped into my pajama nightwear, the soft fabric a comforting embrace. A quick glance in the mirror revealed a reflection that seemed almost as fragile as my nerves. Taking a deep breath, I reached out and grasped the door handle, my fist tightening around it like a lifeline. With a sense of trepidation, I pushed the door open, the creak of the hinges echoing through the tense silence.

"Oops, I'm so sorry to keep you waiting, girlfriend!" I exclaimed, my eyes widening with delight at the sight of my favorite strawberry cake and two cups of milky coffee in her hands.

I quickly grasped the treats, my smile overflowing with appreciation. "From my favorite coffee shop, I presume?" I asked warmly, but my words faltered as her gaze pierced through me, her expression unyielding. "Get out of my way, silly head," she snapped, her tone a stark contrast to my cheerful greeting.

"My mouth agape, I watched, transfixed, as she sashayed to my bed, her hips swaying with a feline grace that belied the danger lurking beneath.

The short yellow dress clung to her curves, a vibrant splash of color that seemed almost jarring in its audacity. My thoughts raced to keep pace with her boldness, my eyes darting out into the corridor, wondering if my mother had borne witness to this provocative display. But Gabriella's deadly glare froze my curiosity in its tracks.

"I apologize, Gabriella," I stammered, my voice laced with a mix of contrition and apprehension. "And thank you for the gift," I added, my words tumbling out in a hasty bid to appease her.

"I've been planning a birthday party for you at the club," Gabriella announced, her eyes sparkling with excitement, but she couldn't comprehend what she meant by planning a birth...

My jaw dropped in disbelief. "What?!" I exclaimed, my voice trembling with shock. "A club?!" My voice was laced with shock as I watched her nod to it like a lizard, seemingly oblivious to my distress. "Yes, the club! It's going to be epic!"

With a gentle shake off, my voice barely above a whisper. "I can't attend a party at a club, Gabriella." I protested, sinking into the couch beside the bed, my gaze fixed on the cake as if it were a lifeline.

"The mere suggestion was enough to make me sneeze, my jaw clenched in distaste as I savored the softness of the cake, the sweetness a stark contrast to the bitterness of Gabriella's words. My adrenaline surged as she casually mentioned 'two credit cards' like it was nothing, the extravagance of it all leaving me breathless."

I raised an eyebrow, wiggling it playfully to grab her attention, but she simply shrugged, lounging on the bed like a chameleon, her legs shaking with excitement as she chatted away on her phone call. "Gabriella, seriously, you should cancel the cards," I said with a crackly voice, my tone laced with disinterest. 'I'm not buying into this extravagant spending, bla bla bla...' I trailed off, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

Natalie! Come on! It's your birthday! You only turn twenty-one once! Let me spoil you, just this once." Her eyes rolled dramatically, and her voice dripped with exasperation. Then what's the big deal in turning twenty-one, Gabriella? Nevertheless, turning eighteen or twenty-one doesn't change it.

"'It'll be a princess-worthy feast, complete with shrimp, chicken in a savory sauce, and a hint of liquor to give it a grown-up twist,' Gabriella announced, her eyes scanning her phone with excitement, her lashes batting rapidly as she read out the menu. Her voice was tinged with satisfaction, like a chef reveling in her own culinary masterpiece.

I rolled my eyes good-naturedly, snuggling deeper into the couch cushions as I mindlessly scrolled through my phone, seeking refuge in a Bible quiz to distract me from Gabriella's over-the-top enthusiasm.

"My health is really taking a hit, Gabriella," I confessed, my brow furrowed in concern and my eyes locking onto hers with a mix of apprehension and expectation. "The doctor's report was grim, and I'm still trying to process it all."

But then, in a sudden burst of energy, I sprang up from the couch, twirling around like Cinderella transformed, my excitement threatening to spill over like an overflowing fountain. I gasped, my hands flying to my mouth to stifle the squeal that almost escaped.

"Mmm... is the club some kind of Bible study retreat?" I teased, clamping my hands over my face and whining playfully, my toe tapping out a rhythm on the floor as I pretended to be overwhelmed.

Gabriella's surprise was written all over her face, her eyes wide with confusion. "What's going on, Nat? You're being super weird right now," she said, her voice laced with amusement and curiosity.

I just laughed, my excitement still bubbling up like a champagne bottle ready to pop. "Let's just get ready for the club, shall we?" I said, dodging her question and already heading towards the door.

"Where are you going to dress up like some pastor's wife?" Gabriella's question was laced with sarcasm, but I detected a hint of curiosity beneath her teasing tone.

I spun around, my eyes scanning my wardrobe as I hastily searched for an outfit that would fit my newfound excitement. My fingers brushed against the soft fabric of my favorite dress, and I knew I had found the perfect choice.

"Check out this!" I exclaimed, holding up the long black skirt and blue chiffon blouse. The fabric shimmered in the light, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of transformation as I gazed at the outfit. Within minutes of toiling, I fit into her red short gown, which she had actually brought along. "Let's head to the club, Gabriella!" I said, My excitement is now in high gear.

Chapter 2

Kian POV

"It's clear you don't know who you're dealing with, dude. I'll reserve a spot in hell for you, I promise. The bartender walked away while I was still talking, but my words stood firm. My eyes blazed with a sinister light, fueled by my alcohol-soaked brain, as I stepped forward into the crowd, my movements captivating every lady who cared to stay."

"Kian, do you want to stay for the night? A woman at the bar caught my attention, sitting with her legs crossed, tauntingly waving a pack of condoms in the air. What a trashy woman! I sneered, pouring a glass of whiskey into my mouth. The pungent taste seeped deep into my being as I gasped, the smell wafting out of my mouth."

"I turned back to the bar, signaling the bartender for another whiskey. The lady's eyes met mine, a sly smile spreading across her face. I raised my glass in a mock toast, and she laughed, her legs uncrossing as she slid off the stool. She sashayed towards me, her hips swaying like a pendulum.

'Well, well, well. It looks like we've got a player in the house,' she said, her voice husky.

I downed my whiskey, feeling the burn all the way to my gut. 'Just a man living his best life,' I replied, my eyes locked on hers.

She leaned in close, her breath hot on my ear. 'I think we can make this a night to remember.'

"I let out a soft giggle as she stroked my hair with her finger, and I pulled her closer, our chests pressing together. But then she suddenly pulled away, my eyes flashing with anger. 'A night with you would be a total waste; you're such a disgusting being, Miss...,' I spat, my voice trailing off as she stormed away, splashing her drink on the floor.

'Hey, watch it, lady!' a guy from the crowd warned, pointing a finger at her as she stomped off."

"I shrugged off the tension and turned back to the bar, ordering another whiskey. The bartender raised an eyebrow but poured me a shot anyway. I downed it quickly, feeling the alcohol coursing through my veins.

"Kian, please order vodka, and I'll mix your favorite," he said. But within a minute, I switched gears. "Make it whiskey," I told the bartender, who noted dryly, "You've changed your tune quickly!" The glasses clinked loudly as he poured my drink.

"For now, I'm a brandless buddy," I grumbled, still simmering about the earlier encounter. "That woman over there ruined my night with her toxic behavior and complete lack of manners."

I downed my whiskey, feeling the familiar burn, and motioned for another. The bartender obliged, and I continued to nurse my drink, trying to shake off the unpleasantness of the evening.

"As I sipped my whiskey, I couldn't help but glance over at the woman who had ruined my night. She was now laughing and flirting with another guy, completely carefree. I shook my head in disgust.

'You know, Kian,' the bartender said, wiping down the counter,'sometimes it's best to just let go and move on.'

"'Move on'? She's just a random girl I met a few minutes ago," I said, shrugging. "I wasn't expecting much from her anyway; maybe just a quick makeout session. And who knows, maybe her body could even temporarily distract me from my worries," I added with a sly smile, sipping my whiskey.

A lady beside me raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "You're quite the charming one, aren't you?" she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "But I think you're selling yourself short. You seem like someone who's capable of so much more than just a quick hookup."

I chuckled, taken aback by her perceptiveness. "And what do you think I'm capable of?" I asked, and my curiosity piqued.

"A sudden surge of irritation swept over me as I scraped my stool against the floor, the noise echoing through the marble hallway. I stormed outside the club, my eyes scanning the darkness, until I spotted a familiar dress. I hastily grabbed her from behind, my fingers wrapping around her arm.

'Too quick to decide, huh?' I sneered, my nose flaring as I breathed in her scent. A sense of contentment washed over me, but she remained rigid and unresponsive.

'You smell different,' I said, my voice low and curious. But she didn't budge, her silence piquing my interest."

"Someone called out from the darkness, but I ignored them, my gaze fixed on her. 'Hey, you're not saying anything,' I said, my voice laced with seduction. 'Don't you want me for the night again?'

My words trailed off as I grabbed her forcefully, my lips crashing down on hers in a deep, pleasurable kiss. I devoured her mouth, my tongue tangling with hers as I sucked her lips hungrily. The world around us melted away, leaving only the two of us, lost in the passion of the moment."

"As we broke apart for air, her eyes gleamed with fierce intensity. 'What's wrong with you?,' she whispered, her voice husky with a sudden hatred. 'My first kiss,' I raised an eyebrow, my mind racing with possibilities. 'First kiss?' I asked, my voice low and cautious.

"Tears suddenly streamed down her face, and I initially tried to walk away, but her sobbing and sniffling drew me back. 'This is actually serious,' I murmured, my tone softening.

'Why are you crying?' I asked, my voice laced with a mix of confusion and annoyance. 'It's not like I slept with you. You're being dramatic.'

I smoothed my hair, a habitual gesture that also served to soothe my ego. But as I looked at her, I saw the depth of her pain and felt a pang of guilt. Maybe this was more than just a casual encounter. Maybe I had misjudged the situation entirely."

"'You stole my first kiss,' she whispered, her voice trembling as she repeatedly wiped her lips with the back of her hand.

I raised an eyebrow, taken aback by her words. 'So, what's so special about your first kiss?'

Chapter 3

Natalie POV

"I felt restless all day, my head throbbing with a dull ache. As I mechanically chopped the vegetables, my mind wandered, unable to focus. The sound of the knife hitting the table seemed to echo through my thoughts, a harsh reminder of the discomfort I couldn't shake.

My gaze drifted to the window, lost in the memory of a stranger who had taken my first kiss without hesitation or apology. The pain of that moment still lingered, a bitter reminder of a violation that left me feeling empty and unsure."

"I snapped into action, lifting the lid off the pot of potato porridge. The aroma burst forth, enveloping the ceiling and captivating my senses. I inhaled deeply, savoring the scent and anticipating the taste.

'Nat, come on! It's past lunchtime!' My mom's voice cut in, her tone laced with a reminder of my notoriously slow cooking pace that always seemed to leave her and our taste buds hanging. 'Mom, please, just a little longer...' I trailed off, searching for an excuse to justify the delay."

"I knew I had to think fast or risk facing hunger-induced grumpiness from my mom. 'I'm adding a special ingredient, Mom,' I said, trying to sound convincing. 'It'll be worth the wait, I promise!'

My mom raised an eyebrow but didn't press the issue. I could tell she was intrigued, though. I quickly added a dash of paprika and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley to the porridge, stirring it in with a flourish.

As I ladled the steaming hot porridge into bowls, the aroma filled the room, and my mom's expression softened. 'Okay, okay,' she said with a smile. 'I think it might be worth the wait after all.'

"The ceramic plate clattered in protest as I swept my hand through it playfully, reaching for my favorite flowering deep-bowled plate. Just then, the kitchen landline vibrated loudly, making me turn swiftly, still clutching the plate in my fist.

'Who is it?' I muttered softly, a wave of annoyance washing over me as I continued to set the table, my mind preoccupied with the meal preparation."

"I didn't bother to answer the phone, assuming it was just a telemarketer or the wrong number. But the persistent ringing eventually got the better of me. I carefully placed the plate on the counter and made my way to the phone, wiping my hands on a towel before picking up the receiver.

'Hello?' I said it curtly, expecting to hear a robotic voice on the other end. But instead, a warm, familiar voice spoke up. 'Hey, Nat! How's it going?'

"My heart skipped a beat as I recognized the voice. 'Gabriella?' I called out loudly, attracting my mom's attention. 'Natalie, focus and serve the food!' my mom admonished, her voice laced with amusement. 'I don't know if you're lost in thoughts of Gabriella, but your lunch is getting cold!'

I raised an eyebrow, shooting my mom a playful glare as I tiptoed away from the table, holding the phone close to my ear. 'Why in the fuckin world did you call me on the kitchen landline?' I whispered urgently to Gabriella, my tone laced with a hint of excitement and a dash of annoyance."

"My girl's using slang on me now, 'baby girl'?" Gabriella's voice was laced with excitement, but mine hitched in my throat as I realized what I might have just said. "Wait, did I just...?" I trailed off, my hands gesturing as if to demonstrate my uncertainty, even though she couldn't see me. "Did I just say something inappropriate to you?" I asked, my voice laced with confusion and a hint of embarrassment.

Her laughter echoed through the phone, putting me at ease. "No, Nat, you're good! I knew what you meant. But I have to say, it's cute to hear you trying to speak my language." I chuckled, feeling a bit relieved. "Hey, I'm trying to stay current, okay? I don't want to be a dinosaur."

We both laughed, and the tension dissipated. We chatted for a bit longer, catching up on each other's lives. As we wrapped up the call, Gabriella mentioned something that made my heart skip a beat.

"Hey, Nat? I'm thinking of coming over to your place later. I have something important to talk to you about."

"No, don't come over!" I exclaimed teasingly. "Mom won't appreciate a naughty visitor like you causing trouble in her house anytime soon!" I poured myself a glass of water and pulled out a kitchen stool, resting my head on the counter as I gazed down at the floor.

"What's going on, Gabriella?" I asked, my tone softening. "You're starting to worry me."

Gabriella sighed, her breath audible through the phone. "I need to talk to you about something, Nat. Something important."

Her tone was laced with a hint of vulnerability, making me feel tense and pressured to know the reason behind her sudden seriousness. "What is it, Gabby? You're scaring me," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

The line went silent for a moment, and I could sense Gabriella's hesitation. "I'll tell you when I see you, Nat. Just please, don't say no. This is important."

I hesitated, feeling a sense of trepidation. What could Gabriella possibly want to talk about that was so serious? But her pleading tone won me over. "Okay, fine. Come over. But you're going to have to deal with my mom's nosiness."

Here's a revised version of your text with some minor adjustments for clarity and flow:

"Gabi, wait!" I called out before she could hang up. "What's going on? Why the secrecy? And, ow, my ears! No need to scream; I'm already on the phone with you!"

Gabriella laughed, her tone lightening. "Sorry about that, Nat! I got a bit carried away. And, okay, fine... I'll give you a hint.

I waited for Gabriella's response, and suddenly, I heard a male tone in the background. My eyes widened in surprise. "Who's there with you?" I asked softly.

There was a pause, and then she dropped a bombshell. "The guy who stole your first kiss wants to meet up with you."