Part 11

It was Syed's birthday. Zainab and Amira had gone into full over-the-top mode organizing everything and insisting he had to have a bit of a "do". Syed really didn't want to do anything and just a quiet meal with his family would have been fine on its own but as well as that Amira was insistent they would go to the Vic and meet up with some friends. Syed knew that she probably was including Christian in that list but hoped Christian would get out of it somehow.

They hadn't spoken much since their chat and that kiss a few weeks back and Syed had avoided going to the Vic as much as possible. He had been foolish going to Christian's on his own like that and shouldn't have put himself in that position.

Later that evening when he got home from work all the family had a lovely meal cooked by Zainab. She had cooked all his favourite dishes and he felt quite touched by all the hard work she had done. Zainab was still frosty with him though and things were still fraught between them. Syed enjoyed the food and then when it was all finished, he started trying to take things out to the kitchen to help clear up.

"Not today Syed it's your birthday and besides you and Amira are going out shortly" said Masood.

Syed put the plates down and shrugged with a small smile. He knew when he was outnumbered and there was no point arguing. They started to put their coats on and he, Amira and Tamwar headed over to the Vic. As they walked in there was a small group of people sat down at one of the tables with a few balloons hanging on the back of one of the chairs and they all cheered when they saw them come in. It was Bradley, Stacey, Bianca, Ricky, Chelsea and also a couple of old friends of Syed's that Amira had obviously got in touch with and invited. No sign of Christian thought Syed as he looked round and he felt disappointed but reminded himself it was better that way.

They all sat down and had drinks and Syed enjoyed himself despite his misgivings about the evening. Bianca and Chelsea in particular were a good laugh and Amira was happy to sit with them and laugh about things. After about half an hour the door opened and Christian walked in with Tim who went on up to the bar. Christian came over to the table.

"Hi everyone. Sorry we're a bit late, been to London today and got caught in traffic coming back. Happy birthday Syed." As Christian said the last bit he handed him a card.

"I left the present back at my flat, I'll have to give it to you another time sorry."

Syed smiled "it's fine" and he opened the card. He was half expecting it to say from Christian and Tim but thankfully it just said Christian. It was a joke card about being older and he smiled as he read it.

"Thanks Christian."

Amira reached out a hand "Come on Christian come and sit down with us."

Christian looked over to where Tim was at the bar ordering their drinks.

"I had better give him a hand and then we'll come and join you." He asked everyone what they wanted and then went up to the bar to help Tim.

Syed watched him go up to the bar and join Tim. His arm slipped around the other man's waist so easily and their heads moved close together. This was now turning into the birthday party from hell. Christian and Tim came over with all the drinks and sat down with them. Ricky had been talking to Syed about how long he and Bianca had known each other and their history so Syed took the chance to drag the conversation out as long as possible so he wouldn't have to look at Christian or speak to him.

Roxy called out from the bar "hey guys switching on the karaoke if anyone wants a go."

There were loads of cheers and Amira and Chelsea dashed up first and sang a fast number giggling their way through it. Syed was grateful for the distraction from their table and when they had finished other groups made their way up. Some tried to drag Syed up but he didn't want to do it. Singing really wasn't his thing. Tim and Amira went up and started singing a duet and Christian took the chance to sit next to him in Amira's vacated seat.

"Enjoying your birthday then Syed?"

"Yes it's fine thanks."

"Look you know your present. Well I have got it with me actually but didn't want to give it to you in front of everyone. I thought perhaps we could both go to get the next round in and you could open it then."

"Okay. I see things are still going well with Tim then?"

"He's a good laugh. It's not serious Sy, I just have fun with him that's all."

Tim and Amira came back at that point but Amira was happy to sit next to Tim instead. Everyone was chatting and laughing and after a few minutes Christian and Syed went up to the bar to get the next round in.

"So how are things at home?" asked Christian.

"Much the same really."

"Have you stood up to your mum now? I hope you're not letting her walk all over you still."

Roxy came over and took their order and while she was busy with the drinks, Christian turned his back on their group and took something out of his inside jacket pocket. It was a present and he handed it to Syed.

"Happy birthday Sy."

"You shouldn't have Christian." He started to unwrap the present and inside was a box and when he opened the box inside was a lovely watch. He remembered when they had gone shopping together once when they were still together and he had admired this watch so much. He knew it was expensive though and didn't think he could accept it.

"It's lovely Christian but I can't accept it."

"You have to Syed, it's bad manners to turn a gift away. I brought it for you ages ago shortly after we saw it and I want you to have it."

"How will I be able to wear it though, I mean what if Amira sees it?"

"Look just say you treated yourself. Enough of your hard-earned money goes on her shopping sprees, it's about time you spent some on yourself. Next time I see you I will be checking you are wearing it."

Christian looked at him with a bemused glint in his eyes and Syed knew he was beaten. He put the box in his pocket.

"Thanks again Christian it's really generous and I will wear it."

Christian smiled a pleased smile and just after that Roxy had finished their drinks and they both went back to the table. Syed was quieter than before sitting thinking about the gift he had received. Christian could see that he was deep in thought and that dark sad look seemed to be coming back into his eyes again. Everyone was talking away and suddenly Syed felt a reassuring hand on his leg. He looked down in shock but Christian had already moved his hand and was turned chatting to someone else. He knew it was him though. Syed smiled to himself and forced himself back into the evening. It was comforting to know Christian was on his side.