Chapter 4

I couldn't help but experience a sense of liberation as I sat at the bar and enjoyed the lively ambience. The neon lights gave the room a pleasant and inviting glow, and the air was filled with the sound of music and laughter.

People of all ages packed the dance floor and danced to the beat of the music. While others were bouncing and twirling madly, some were swaying seductively. The atmosphere in the room was lively and everyone looked to be having a good time.

I loved the sharp flavor as it pricked my taste buds as I sipped on my margarita once again. The drink's ice offered a pleasant relief from the dance floor's heat. I spotted a variety of people as I looked around the room, some in groups, others in pairs, and some flying alone.

I continue to search the crowd, my eyes searching for my best friend Farrah. Today is her birthday and she had promised to meet me here tonight, and I was eager to catch up with her and our college friends. I looked around, weaving my way through the dancing crowd, but I couldn't see her anywhere.

Just as I was about to give up, I caught a glimpse of her blonde hair swaying to the rhythm of the music. My heart lifted as I made my way over to her.

As I approached, I saw that Farrah was dancing with a tall, handsome guy. He had his arms wrapped around her, and they were swaying together in perfect synchrony. Farrah looked happy and carefree, a wide smile on her face.

I tapped her on the shoulder, and she turned around, a look of surprise on her face. 

"Hey!" she said, pulling me in for a hug. "I didn't think you'd make it."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world, Happy birthday girl" I said, staring at the guy beside her. "Who's your friend?"

Farrah grinned. "Thank you for the greetings Zavi" she remarked and gave me a short embrace. "By the way, this is Jake. We met a few minutes ago. He's a friend of my cousin, and he's been showing me some killer moves."

I smiled warmly at him, and he gave me a nod in reply. I could see why Farrah was attracted to him - he was personable and had an easy confidence about him. Maybe it will be just one of her flings or something, she's been like this ever since. 

"By the way, where are the others?" I asked Farrah, glancing around the crowded bar.

"They're over there," she said, pointing to a nearby table where our friends Raquel, Risha, and Vonn were sitting. "They've been asking about you."

I grinned, knowing my buddies all too well. "Probably wondering when I'll show up so they can start making fun of me," I joked.

Farrah laughed. "Well, you do have a reputation for being fashionably late."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help but chuckle. Farrah had always been the social butterfly of our group, the one who knew everyone and was always arranging parties and activities. That's why I'm not even surprised at the number of people gathered here on her birthday as if she rented the whole pub. 

As I made my way over to the table, I felt a sensation of nostalgia flood over me. We'd been friends for years, ever since our college days, and there was a comfort in being with people who knew you so well.

"Hey there, stranger," Raquel murmured, drawing me into a loving hug. "We were starting to think you weren't coming."

"Please, you know me better than that," I said with a grin.

We settled in around the table, catching up on one another's life and reminiscing about old times. Risha regaled us with humorous stories from her last vacation excursion, while Vonn mocked her about how she makes use of I*******m filters.

"I mean, seriously, Risha, you don't need to add bunny ears to every single photo you take," Vonn added, jokingly rolling his eyes.

"Shut up, I don't even do that!" Risha shouted as she reached Vonn to grasp his hair. 

Raquel and I giggled at their silliness. They continued to quarrel about the i***a filter accessory while Raquel and I started a chat.

"Zara, I heard about what happened at work. Are you really sure about quitting?" Raquel questioned, her eyebrow raised in curiosity.

I let out an annoyed sigh, bracing myself for the discussion that was about to occur. Ever since I left my work, some of my colleagues had been bombarding me with calls and messages, urging me to reconsider my decision. They knew that I was one of the top marketing specialists in the company, and losing me would be a blow to their team. Even my friends are attempting to soothe me about what happened.

After a lengthy pause, I finally replied, "Well, I've given it some thought, and I do miss my work. Perhaps it wasn't the job that caused me to lose interest, instead it is the toxic environment and negative coworkers." I remarked. "I'm thinking of finding a company to apply to though." I replied and smiled at Raquel attempting to show her that I'm alright. 

It had been a week since I quit. and I was already getting restless. Despite not having to wake up early and head to the office every day, I found myself keeping the same routine, unable to shake the feeling of unease that comes with idleness. Sitting around doing nothing made me feel terrible, like if my purpose in life had suddenly evaporated.

As Raquel and I talked, Vonn overheard us and leaned down, placing a soothing hand on my shoulder. "You know what you need? A good drink," he offered, a little smile flickering at the corner of his lips.

Before I could argue, he had already passed me a shot glass filled to the full with tequila. As we all raised our glasses in a toast, I gulped the booze in one rapid motion, the familiar burn of the alcohol spreading warmth throughout my body.

As the night drew on, I could feel the booze taking a toll on my body. My sentences started to slur, and I laughed a little too hard at every joke. Raquel, as always, remained sober, sipping on her water with a slight smile on her face.

But for me, the night was only getting started. I danced more, throwing my head back and immersing myself in the flow of the music. The beat slammed through my body, and I felt alive and free.

I started to consume harder liquors, feeling bold and invincible. The tequila burnt my throat, but I relished the sensation. I was in power, and I loved it.

But as the night drew on, the effects of the drinking became more obvious. My movements became more unstable, and my speech more slurred. It was like I was walking on a cloud, and I had to focus on every step I took. 

As the night drew on, my behavior became increasingly reckless and impulsive. The tequila had energized me, and I felt like I could conquer the world. I laughed louder, spoke brasher, and took risks without a second thought. The excitement of the moment was addictive, and I desired more.

But as I continued to consume more alcohol, the consequences of my actions became more apparent. I stumbled and fell, knocking over glasses and spilling drinks. My words slurred together, and my thoughts became incomprehensible. The cloud I was walking on felt less like a dream and more like a horror.

I laughed and danced with my close friends, immersing myself in the music and the moment. The hours sped past, and before I knew it, it was already early morning.