The bar was filled with laughter, and the aroma of fried food and alcohol lingered. The dim neon lights cast a red glow over half-empty glasses and the grinning faces of Adex's close circle of friends. John, Neyo, and Seun sang the birthday song in a delightfully off-key manner. The camaraderie of friendship drowned out the dreadful singing. It was so late that the streets surrounding the bar were almost deserted, serene under the night sky.
"Happy birthday to you!" Happy birthday to you!" John sang in an off-key tone.
Neyo and Seun applauded and lifted their glasses, clinking them together in a toast. But in the middle of all the celebration, Adex sat hunched over his drink, barely trying to look at them. His feeble smile failed to hide the misery on his face.
John playfully slapped Adex on the back and smiled widely. "Come on, man! It's your birthday. Be happy!"
Neyo saw Adex's face and joked, "Hey, why the long face? It's your special day! You're meant to be the happiest guy in the room tonight."
Seun moved closer and examined Adex's face. "Yeah, man. You've been looking down all night. What's wrong?"
Adex sighed and ran a hand through his hair before replying. "It's Lydia," he muttered. "She's coming over, and it's late. I don't support women driving late at night."
Neyo put an arm around his shoulder and rocked him back and forth. "Dude, don't worry! She's a big girl. She'll be fine. It's not her first time driving at night. You understand she works late almost every time. Cheer up, man. We are here because of you." He began singing the birthday song again, only this time louder, attempting to break the mood. John and Seun chimed in, laughing at the off-key pitch.
Adex felt anxious. He ran his finger along the rim of his glass as he glanced at his phone. He had a bad feeling about the evening.
Seun frowned. "Where is she now?"
Adex tapped his phone screen and read her latest message. "She's already on her way," he murmured. I ought to be home shortly."
John sighed. "Come on, man!" "We came out to celebrate you. Relax and enjoy the moment."
Adex panted. "I appreciate you all for the outing, and I truly enjoyed myself, but I cannot shake this feeling inside me. I just—" He paused, then said, "I need to know that she is alright."
Seun rested his hand on his shoulder. "Give her a call," he said. "Ask her if she's all right. Then you'll feel better."
Adex nodded and started dialling her number, his friends watching silently. The bar's noise faded out when he put the phone to his ear, waiting for her to pick it up.