LOVE THE GREATEST ULTIMATE

Chapter 1

Natalie pov

"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.