Ayshe.
~
The night was young .. and full of unexpected fun.
" .. is this becoming a tradition of ours? " asked Oliver.
We just stepped outside from the very same house we ended up sneaking in a few weeks ago during the night of Ecdysis.
I smiled in the dark, patting my dress and hair to avoid embarrassing anecdotes from Marie and girls later.
" All couples need those. " I turned around, taking his hand. " What are you and the old guys talking about? "
We slowly walked back towards the sounds of music taking our time.
I was a little annoyed by the outdated 9th ward tradition of excluding women from the ' business of men '.
Oliver simply nodded with much understanding and told the boring truth.
" Politics! " he pushed me by the waist.
" Seriously? "
" Well, yes .. it's different kinds of politics but politics non the less. Like .. as you know, there are 3 districts in the 9th ward, right? "
" Right .. " I nodded.
" But did you know that none of them are officially recognised as being part of the capital? "
" Okay .. so what does that have to do with the secret boys club? "
I felt my head patted.. for some reason, it annoyed me.
" You're a nice kid .. " he smiled as I slapped his hand away. " .. the people who live here don't have addresses.. or, in many cases, proper papers, birth certificates, passports, and such .."
He told me about the struggle many of the residents face without those crucial yet missing documents.
" .. you see, as much as the 9th been embroidered in casual criminal activity, not all their residents want such a life for themselves.. or their children. But out there .. "
We stopped on a large hill overlooking most of the city in the distance, and he gestured towards it as we stood there.
" .. they can't even be allowed to start a new life. They can't go to a hospital or apply for benefits. They can't even attempt to find proper work that pays. Anyone who tried came back with horror stories.. full of racism and heartbreak. "
His expression darkened when he arrived at that part.
" ..anyway. With Asin Martell at the helm now, those old men can finally rest. In a few years, we will have enough power to push the people needed to integrate all the 9th into the capital. "
A worthy goal.
It gave me peace as well. Knowing their long-term plans is for the betterment of these people.. who might have looked a happy go lucky bunch from the outside but struggling with societal issues, I can not even imagine.
" .. you two are regular folk heroes. "
His seriousness disappeared and gave way to a smile.
" We aim to be. "
~
The party was winding down as the clock hit 3 AM.
Marie was helping Aunt Krista directing a few dozen locals who got stuck with the unfortunate task of cleaning up after most of the others were getting ready to sleep.
Henny somehow found herself surrounded by a few newly named blood brothers of Asin and enjoyed every moment of their attention.
Kol and Lilly were sitting not far from us huddled together, looking sweet as ever.
I was waiting for the headache caused by that despicable tea I kept drinking since the early afternoon to finally pass.
I had my head down, hoping it would help until a silver metal piece blocked my view, reflecting my nauseated expression.
" Here .. in case. "
Unfortunately, the nice gesture came from a toxic source.
" Thank you, Harpy. " I smiled at Desiree, pushing the bucket away. " .. why continue to poison the night, darling? Go .. rest now. "
She took my insult with grace, not even a snarky comeback. Instead, she took a seat next to me like we were old friends.
" I don't remember offering an invitation. " I tried to ignore my own pains leaning back.
She lightly exhaled, turning to me.
" .. one day, soon .. you understand that all this hostility was a time sink. It's a pointless waste, really. I'm here to stay. "
Her nonchalant attitude really pissed me off. Her words pissed me off.. her presence, her shared past with my boyfriend..
It took me a considerable amount of effort to hold my hand back, slapping her across that oval face of hers.
After a few calming seconds, I asked her something instead.
" With all seriousness.. what is your worth? "
" Excuse me? "
I enjoyed breaking that stone face of hers, seeing some genuine feelings showing up on her face.
" I mean .. look, I understand. Seriously. You and that broken girl as well. Being used by the rich and powerful sucks.. but all this revenge fantasy. Is that your worth? To get an assistant job and .. annoy us to death with your unbearable presence? "
As I went on, I saw her carefully controlled emotions showing.. Anger, rage .. sadness, something else, I couldn't quite name.
I saw the internal struggle I myself went through just moments ago and secretly waited for her hands to move towards my direction..
But her better .. saner self triumphed.
" Good one .. I admit you are more resilient than we thought you are going to be. I mean you and your sister background surprised us, normal life .. mostly. But those years missed school. They warranted some investigation. Imagine the surprise finding out about the .. killing and all ..
( SNAP. )
I felt her hot flesh on impact as my hand slapped her across her face, distorting that nasty smile.
I disregarded my surroundings and grabbed her face, pulling it..
Until a hand stopped me.
" What is happening!? "
Oliver took a quick look at us before checking if anyone saw the scene.
After confirming we were safe, he turned to me.
" Babe.. there places you can do this and there ..
" Oliver! "
As he recoiled from my voice, I heard footsteps behind us and soon Marie's voice.
" Ayshe?.. What's going on? "
I froze a little, unsure what she saw .. and what to say.
Luckily, Oliver was quick on his feet.
" They were getting sleepy.. fell off the bench. Are you alright, Desiree? .. you really should be more careful. "
" I .. yes. I guess I should. " she held her face, covering up a possible bruise as she stood up. " It's getting late, guys.. I'm going to stay with my Aunt Yass.. goodnight. "
Desiree gave me one last look of hatred before disappearing into the night.
Marie stood behind me, grabbing my shoulders.
" .. you're so clumsy. " she started to examine my face. " I go grab Asin, and we can leave. Are you okay? "
" Hmm .. I didn't feel anything. " I pushed her hand away. " .. Go and find Mr Leader. "
She gave me one more questioning look before returning to the house behind her.
Oliver waited a few more seconds before stepping closer, lightly touching my back.
" Okay .. so now you're willing to tell me what that was about? "
———
Oliver.
~
Ayshe was lying to me.
It's probably the first, too.
It was stressing me out still as I stepped out in front of my apartment building.
She slapped Desiree right as I looked at them. For the why?..
Desiree pushed her till she snapped.
Come one, sweetheart. That's paper thin.
After a few minutes, Asin appeared and broke up the gang. Both Marie and him wanted to get home quickly for obvious reasons.
Ayshe was all too quick to fein tiredness, and after a quick goodbye, she disappeared into the car, leaving me with a lot of unsatisfied curiosity.
Ayshe must've had a good enough reason to forget about everything and leash out to hurt Desiree.
But it wasn't as simple as .. pushing her to snap.
For one. Desiree pushing her was not only expected but handled very well by her for a long time. Tonight was unlikely her breaking point.
Second. Desiree looked satisfied as she left. As in .. whatever she wanted, she got.
She wanted to get slapped?
No, that doesn't make any sense!
Times like these, I wished I could share my thoughts with someone else.
The incident still bothered me as I turned the nightlight off going to bed.
Very well, my love .. you're not the only one knowing what happened tonight.
Desiree knew the truth as well ..
~
I woke up with the sun.
Less than 4 hours of sleep to operate with, was less than ideal, but I was almost greatfull getting drunk inside the temple party two days ago, I didn't have a drop last night, so it was manageable.
After a quick shower, Leyla was knocking on the door holding a tray of coffee.
" Angel.. " I smiled, taking the burden of holding it off of her. " I was about to call. "
" No need. " she walked in, pulling her luggage behind her. " Couldn't sleep. Packed after the party last night, and Bob was on coffee duty. Those are his creations. "
I looked at the almost professionally presented, delicious looking coffee tray and bobbing my head approvingly.
Bob was Robert Salamakis, our crews drone expert and Leyla's boyfriend. He also .. apparently .. made killer coffee.
" He sounds like a keeper. " I approved.
I picked out a random cup and tasted it .. it was caramel adjacent.. and sat down going through some last second checks about the day of all days..
" The Island party operation commences as ..
" No code names. " I interrupted.
Leyla sighed, a little disappointed but continued.
" Fine .. as far as transportation and housing are concerned, we are all set. Simit Corp was generous..
" As always.. " I smiled.
" .. the crew and their plus ones are arriving in a few hours. No last-minute cancellation.. obviously. " she smiled at her own joke. " ..khmm .. entertainment is left with Mr Sanilmaz and party... I'm still not sure that was a good idea..
" You and me both .. but he said it's a friend.. whatever that means." I shook my head.
What can I say? He wore me down over time..
Leyla continued.
" The only thing that's left .. is the boss himself. " she looked up with a full smile.
I rolled my eyes at her childish behaviour.
" Don't worry. I got him. But Leyla.. as far as security goes ..
" Don't worry, Mr. Aster. Everything is ready, and it's been ready for weeks. Nothing, and no one will be able to see or hear from us this weekend. " she smiled confidently.
With that done, we parted ways. Leyla is off to the airport and me ..
Well, I break the news to Asin and see his reaction.
Brother .. remember when we wanted to buy an island?
———
Marie.
~
Blessed mornings..
I can't remember ever sleeping better than in the last few days.
I reached out in the bed and ..
Touched air.
As my brain registered Asin's absence.. I heard the shower running and slumped back on the pillow.
Like a cat, I stretched, enjoying my muscles twisting and turning and the satisfaction that came with it when an intrusive sound ruined the moment.
" Yes, sister .. what is so important..
" Marie, meet me at the big pool in 5 minutes. "
The sound of dial tone cut my clever comeback in half ... which was .. bring the money.. you get the kid back .. but whatever.
I guess it's time to get my daily dose of Ayshe lunacy early.
~
I saw Ayshe kneeling beside the pool, playing with the water on the surface.
She poked inside the water and waited until the rings it created fully extended and repeated it.
Strange as always.
" I see you are productive as ever .. " I spoke up, gaining her attention.
" Marie .. I need to tell you something. " she got up immediately.
I waited patiently, but she didn't continue. Took a careful look around and walked closer.
" Something happened with you and that girl last night? Oliver story felt a little hollow. " I theorised.
As far as .. simply falling off a benches goes .. that girl Desiree held her cheeks like she was .. hit?
Ayshe started to pace back and forth only a few feet away but eventually started to talk.
" She knows .. about your.. freshman year. "
I felt all my energy siphoned away as her words reminded me of some truly bad memories.
" W-wha.. what does she know? " I stepped closer.
" She knows! .. okay? .. look, I can't go into more detail, but we have to talk to Mother about this. Like. . Now. "
Her words barely registered as my mind raced a mile a minute.
How did a nobody assistant like her dig out something my family spent years not to mention a fortune to hide?
What will Asin think if he ..
NO!
He can never know .. not ever.
" .. okay. Give me 5 minutes and meet me at the gate. Call our mother and make sure they are all home. " I massaged my stomach turning away.
As I walked away, I felt being pulled by my wrist.
Ayshe buried me in a quick hug, gently caressing my back.
I accepted her support and let myself slump a little. After a few seconds like that, she grabbed my shoulders to face me.
" .. it's wasn't you. Remember, right? "
I nodded absent-minded as a large ball began to form inside my stomach.
What if all that work to erase the past was for nothing? What if ..
" Marie!? .. where did you go? "
Ayshe shook me a little, bringing me back.
" Sorry.. I'm okay, Ayshe. I promise. Let's go quietly and quickly.. "
She gave me a confident nod, and we walked back towards the house..
All my joy from 20 minutes ago disappeared like a lie.
———
Asin.
~
Let's chill and do nothing today.
That was my motto for the day .. might make it permanent.
Birthdays are supposed to be a home run .. yet every year, I dreaded the day more and more.
God bless my family and friends for putting that much effort in every year but just once .. ask me!
As I stepped outside the bathroom, I noticed my wife's absence.
Knowing Marie it literally could be anything, so I continued with my routine.. choosing a comfortable pair of pants and jumping back inside the bed.
Maybe I can convince Marie to spend the day inside here? ..
From Monday, my life will pick up the pace again and won't be slowing down anytime soon, so enjoying some peace and quiet would be ..
My thought process was interrupted by the fantasy shattering sound of an ordinary phone ringing.
I crawled over the bed and saw Oliver's caller ID .. there goes my hope to just hang up.
" ... "
" Good morning to you too.. I'm guessing it was a good night as well, but I won't be crass..
" Lord god.. what is this? "
I laid down flat, hoping for a courtesy call.
" Listen here, I'll be by yours in 20 minutes.. pack some things, will you? "
" P-pack? .. what things? Where are we going? " I sat up.
" That's a surprise, Kerdes.. pack something comfortable and make sure the girls are packed as well.."
" Oliver, wait! You can't just call people and expect..
My rant was cut short by the dial tone on the other side and felt a bitter arrow slicing my dreams of a chill weekend apart.
Just in time, Marie arrived with a bit of whirlwind.
" Ohh hey .. you're awake.. Good. " she started scanning the ground. " I.. me and Ayshe will have to visit my parents for a while.. shouldn't take more than an hour.. or maybe two.. have you seen my . Ohh there it is! "
She showed almost an unbelievable sight by getting dressed in under a minute.
I was impressed.. and infuriated at the same time.
" Yeah, but.. Oliver .. wait, why do you need two hours.. and..hey! Wait.. "
" Love you, byeee! "
I stood frozen watching the door as it closed behind her ..
" I remember this speed of yours next time we going somewhere .. just know!! "
I went and laid back down on the bed, embracing the silence only broken by the sounds of nature and the occasional engine sounds from outside.
" Ask me .. "
~
Oliver arrived a few minutes after I got fully dressed.
" Okay, you look ready.. where are the girls? " he looked around.
" They got something with their parents.. be back in a few ..
" No! .. no, they can't! ..Ayshe...seriously? " he pulled out his phone and dialled. " She must be losing it .."
I decided to use this moment to get to the bottom of today's surprise visit.
" Alright.. I think I was cordial enough to accommodate your flights of lunacy but .. enough, yes? What's going on .. why do you act like we are late for something? "
I had a truly bad feeling since I knew he had a little something in mind for my birthday as he called it .. but I assumed we were just going to tag the fingers and get drunk..
" Well .. it's a .. come on, Ayshe! .. it's a .. have you done packing? " he widened his eyes in horror.
" .. yeah, I did it. " I pulled a backpack up from behind the bed. " I packed a change of clothes and some necessary survival stuff.. "
I simply grabbed one from the prepacked versions I used for races since they contained all I might need in an emergency situation.
" Good .. Good. Okay.. she doesn't wanna pick up .. " he put the phone away, grabbed my bag, and headed out. " We go and pick them up.. speed up the process. Come come.. "
I allowed one final look at my comfortable bed and said my goodbye.
At least I get to see their parents' place.
———
Oliver.
~
Ayshe was avoiding me.
At least, that was my thought when pulling up to her parents' villa.
It was a nice enough house surrounded by a plethora of flowers and trees. Some I saw in nature others on the Nature channel.
There were small bridges built above a few artificial streams, making you feel like you're walking through inside a tiny jungle.
The staff quickly went to inform the owners of their son in laws arrival while we waited near a large bird bath complimented with marble statues and ivy growing all over it, placed in the middle of the garden.
" .. and then she just left. " Asin finished his morning story.
" No explanation at all? " I asked, leaning on the statue of some half-naked dude wearing a toga.
He played with the surface of the water while shaking his head. " Nope.. something probably happened.. "
He didn't seem suspicious about their sudden urge to visit their parents, but it was harder to ignore for me.
I had a feeling this was very much connected to last night's events.
" Seriously.. where are you taking me? " he looked up, cleaning his hand.
I was about to tell him to be more patient, but the appearance of the girls didn't let me.
Ayshe was pale .. they both were.
" Look at you two.. you know we are on a schedule, right? " I asked as they closed in.
Marie went straight for her husband open arms and got comfortable while Ayshe simply stood beside me like a pal.
" What's wrong? " I asked in a low tone.
" Later .. " she nodded and walked closer to the couple. " Marie, we have clothes here as well.. we should just grab a few. "
Marie barely paid attention while working on Asin's neck.
They sure didn't mind with the PDA.
Ayshe buttons were pushed as her sister, kept ignoring her wise words in favour of making out, and by stomping her feet, she gained both their attention.
" Right .. " Marie sighed, patting Asin's chest.
" Give us 10 minutes, mister.. and keep that enthusiasm. "
" .. and then some. " Asin smiled. " Yeah, go .. we just say hi to your parents. "
He turned around and immediately walked towards the house, but I stayed and saw the girls sharing a nervous look before noticing my questioning gaze and left as well.
As I walked after Asin, my mind was racing.
My hand was constantly playing with my phone, unconsciously knowing that the answers to most of my questions laid in a very unpleasant conversation.
~
The insides were over the top as well.
The number of useless, overpriced antiques was headache inducing. I knew Asin hated this kind of decor as well.. he often sighed, looking at things. Especially the thrones ..
No one needs three golden thrones in their ballroom! ..maybe 2, maximum!
" Ridiculous.. " I said while we waited.
" Boring .. " Asin said, staring at the chandelier.
The maids brought us some coffee, and soon Emine, their mother, and Narian Konore arrived wearing their best from the looks.
" Ahh, what a lovely day. " Emine came over and smiled gleefully when Asin kissed her hand. " My son. Lovely to see you. And you, dear Oliver. "
She came and offered her hand to me as well, which I quickly kissed, followed by their grandmothers.
They sat in front of us, and the silence descended.
I was studying to be a lawyer, so small talk should be a breeze, but I was woefully unequipped to handle a conversation with ladies I might be related to in the future.
Luckily, Asin didn't lose his social butterfly badge.
" Be honest with me, dear mother .. you two are bored as hell, aren't you? " he smiled at them.
I was surprised when they both laughed at the same time. Seemingly, the question caught them off guard.
Narian disregarding her age slapped her own knees before answering.
" I'm not going to lie. It's been tough. New town, new society.. we attended a few charities hosted by your mother but didn't get the welcome we hoped for. "
" Unfortunately, not everyone is as welcoming as your family dear. " Emine added.
" Hmm.. Hmm .. " Asin took a sip.
I smiled into my cup, knowing how much these conversations bored him.
High society problems? Couldn't help but roll my eyes a little .. God ..
" Those people are suffering more than you, dear mother.. Trust me. Here's what I suggest.. throw a few parties of your own. " Asin gave them an idea.
They both seemed interested and let him go on.
" Tell my mother, and she invites.. whoever you want .. make it large, make it shiny. Treat those ladies like princesses, and all the doors will open to you simultaneously. "
" That sounds like a good idea.. mother? " Emine turned to the side.
Narian chewed on it for a second, a little unsure.
" Hmm .. I'm afraid it will be a little early.. After your birthday..
" Nonsense.. " Asin snorted. " Show them some of that Konore hospitality. They will appreciate it. I know my family did .. "
With that, he leaned back and continued on his now cold coffee while the ladies huddled together already in planning mode.
I was thankful for his quick thinking. By giving the ladies something to plan, we mostly sat in silence until the sounds of footsteps were heard.
" You guys seem busy. " Ayshe remarked walking to their side.
It was beginning to annoy me. Is she deliberately avoiding my very presence?
" Well, how can we not .. lots to plan. " Emine winked at her son in law drawing the attention from her daughters.
" What? " Asin asked with an innocent smile.
He stood up, cheking his watch before turning to the ladies still seated.
" With respect, I'm in currently in the middle of some sort of surprise/ kidnapping, and I would love to get to the bottom of it.. so that's us going, my dear Queens. But you two lovely ladies .. get busy with planning. "
He gave a knowing look to his in-laws before grabbing Marie's hand and leading us out without further words.
Ayshe quickly kissed her mother and granny and ran after them.
" Oliver? "
I turned around slowly after hearing my name.
" Yes, Mrs Konore? " I waited patiently.
Emine Konore, who said my name in the first place, slowly walked over and leaned in so only I could hear her.
" I think it's time for you and I to have a talk.. don't you agree? " she asked with a wide smile.
I did not agree..
" I agree.. of course. After the weekend, we will schedule it. " I nodded automatically.
Her smile was mirrored by her mother standing a few steps behind her.
Good .. I look forward to having an awkward lunch with Ayshe's mother and grandmother.. maybe I can convince or coerce Asin to come with me?
~
After a few minutes in the car on our way to the airport, Asin finally asked..
" So why the early morning shenanigans with your mother? " he nudged his unsuspecting wife beside him.
Marie first shared a quick look with Ayshe before answering.
" Ayshe got an offer.. to be a resident at Baymore Medical.. mother got excited, you know.." she looked for her sister for confirmation.
Ayshe was quick to agree.
" Yes .. Well, you know me. Applied ages ago ..
Asin and I shared a quick look this time ..
They were lying to our faces.
After all, it was Asin and I who made the resident work possible when we threatened that doctor during our time at Mardin Island.
I made an imperceptible little nod, and Asin went with it.
" I see... congratulations. You are actually going to be a doctor..wow.. " he put his arm around Marie.
" How do you feel about that, my love? "
He offered an imaginary microphone like an interviewer.
Marie pulled his hand closer, playing along.
" It blows. " she kept it simple.
It made us collectively chuckle a little.
" Would you elaborate? " Asin asked.
" Well .. for one. Doctors are usually an arrogant bunch..
" Hey! " Ayshe injected.
" See what I mean? " Marie pointed at her sister as irrefutable proof. " Anyway.. second. She will be busy now .. leaving me on my own. "
The atmosphere changed in a second as Marie got a little emotional. By saying it out loud, it probably just hit her.
I felt sympathy.. I was lucky enough to work with my best friend.. the guy I considered my brother. I couldn't imagine being any other way.
Ayshe quickly got up, hunchback walked over knelt in from her, and we were treated for a good 10 minutes of their sobbing.
Asin was supportive at first.. but I saw him playing with his phone a few minutes later.
As we pulled up at the airport and got out, it was my turn to provide answers.
" Okay .. alright. We had fun .. but now you will tell me, right? Where are you taking us? " Asin asked, looking up at the airport neon sign.
I walked closer, pushing Marie out of the way and putting my arm around his shoulder, leading him inside the airport.
" Can you remember our single biggest failure? "
He furrowed his eyebrows, trying to remember.. we had a long list, but eventually, he got there ..
" Buying paradise.. " he nodded with a sad smile.
I waited until his brain started to work.
" Wait .. did you ..Did you ..
" I did .."
With little regard for the girls and the guards, we walked ahead as the quiet airport got filled with two 19 year olds howling.