Ayshe.
~
" .. are you Ayshe Konore? "
I looked up from the lunch me and my girlfriends were sharing out on the yard during one Tuesday and nodded with confidence.
" Yes .. I am. What can I help you with .. officers? "
The two burly man shared an uncomfortable look, seemingly debating who should be the bearer of bad news ..
The larger of the two with an impressive moustache took the initiative and stepped forward.
" My name is Officer Carl Tolley .. your sister .. she has to come with us. We already informed your parents.. We would like you to join her.. maybe you can calm her down. "
" M-marie!? " I got up quickly stumbling a little.
" What happened to her? "
After another round of uncomfortable looks, Officer Tolley spoke again..
" Ayshe!! "
I felt pain, and it woke me up from .. a very vivid memory.
Ironically, it was Marie herself who delivered the kick.
" What!? " I snapped a little loud, fueled by the pain radiating from my leg.
" You were shaking and spasming like a freak .. get a grip. " she said with a sharp look.
Asin was looking at the two of us wearing a bored expression with one headphone visible in his ear.
Marie's eyes were serious.. I pulled myself up the seat and pressed the button above me, calling an ever helpful stewardess.
" Yes .. can I get some fresh orange juice.. lots of ice. Thanks. "
After the lady walked away, Asin fully lost interest in us and pushed the other headphones back into his ear, looking out the window as we closed in on the island.
Oliver was on his laptop sitting beside me but been a little cold today .. fair play, considering the way I acted since last night.
Marie played with his wedding ring, still giving me a look of disapproval.
' Sorry,' I mouted as my juice arrived.
After a few sips, I felt my head cooling down, allowing me to remind myself..
It was just a dream.
A distant memory of a nightmare, my sister, and by extension, I had to go through .. a bad memory from 6 years ago.
But the timing of it is perfect.
With my mother and grandmother taking the reins on finding out if anyone had been blabbing to strangers from those in the know .. I thought I could relax.
Alas, I was wrong.
And now, these random dreams just made my nights stressful as well.
I looked up at the large screen in the middle of the cockpit and saw the tiny aeroplane representing us moving ever closer to our destination. We were about an hour from landing.
" He looks deflated. " I nodded towards Asin, who rhythmically shook his head along the music.
Marie took a look, and a big smile spread on her face.
" He wanted to join the Mile High club .. I refused. We fought.." she shrugged.
The Mile what? .. Ohh! .. right.
High altitude sex club is more befitting name, but that's just my opinion. Oliver beside me couldn't help but snort and smirk at his laptop screen.
" Well, that's a surprise. .. and I do mean the fact you said no. " I smiled.
Marie didn't let it bother her. " We are very new at this .. the opportunity will be there. "
I was shocked how quickly.. and visibly .. my big sister got comfortable with her sexuality.
Asin stood up suddenly, kept his head high, and headed towards the front of the plane, returning with a silver bottle of Flenn Mecca '75 year old whisky and one glass.
" Are you not going to offer us any? " Marie asked, leaning closer.
In return, Asin simply pointed at his headphone, indicating he didn't hear us and poured himself a large glass, leaving the bottle on the table seperating our seats then leaning back on his seat, enjoying it alone.
Marie's smile told me she got him exactly where she wanted him as she gleefully played with his hair, which he didn't seem to mind.
Oliver didn't pay much attention to us as a whole, so I started reading his screen.
It was just a bunch of boring documents that needed his approval.. such as financial statements, spending reports, operation rundowns from the crew and various companies I never heard of, etc, etc.
" Pretty boring, huh? "
I took my eyes off the screen and looked up, right into Oliver's smiling face.
" It's fine .. for a lawyer. " I smiled, sitting back.
He nodded with pretended sadness and closed his computer motioning behind him.
Soon, the same stewardess arrived, holding a single glass.
How did she know what he wanted?
He reached over and without objection poured himself a glass.. he and Asin toasted by clicking their glasses, and he sat back matching our eyes.
" You know that's very rude .. " I nodded towards the glass.
He took a sip before asking. " You want some? "
The truth was .. I didn't.
Last night, the relentless tea drinking left a bad taste in my mouth and pushed me away from all forms of alcohol. Even the smell from their glasses rubbed me in the wrong way now.
Also .. that bottle alone looked hard core.
It was very intricately carved and shaped into a skull with red stones for eyes and with the name burned on the bottle.
" No .. but thanks for the offer. Hey, listen.. I wanted to apologise about..
" So this doctor internship .. how come you didn't mention it to me? " he interrupted, swirling the content of his glass.
I bit my lips.. could've anticipated this question.
After all, the call came over a week ago.
Dr Jeremy Hardy, a rising star among medical circles, called me himself! He offered a form of residency before medical school even started.
It was beyond rare to get an opportunity like that.
He also went on and told me over the phone how they selected me based on test results and achievements, but I had a feeling it had to do more with the Martell family than anything else.
Either way.. I took it.
After all, it was just too good of an opportunity to pass on. No matter one's financial situation.
.. and I didn't say anything about it to Oliver. Not to mention the lie about having to apply behind his back weeks, potentially months ago?
So, of course, the question was coming.
" Listen .. I was never supposed to get it. " I took his hand, trying my best to swallow the guilt that crept up my throat. " .. and yes, I did take the job. But I promise you it won't change anything between the two of us. I promise. "
He didn't show any particular emotion or said a word .. just finished his glass and poured another.
I almost got annoyed by the theatrics, but then ..
" Okay. " he nodded.
" Okay? .. just like that? We're okay? " I asked a little hesitant.
But to my relief, he nodded immediately and squeezed my hand. " It won't change nothing between us .. right? "
Marie was the only one witnessing my stream of lies since Asin was more interested in the clouds above the Atlantic ocean... but there was at least one truth.
" Nothing .. you and me are forever. " I leaned closer, taking his lips.
I felt a little ball of guilt forming in my stomach, but it was pushed away when he kissed me back, erasing the last few hours of indifferent attitude we showed one another.
Just in time.
" This is Captain Morris Hepburn speaking. We are about to begin our descent towards.. Paradise Island. "
~
The island itself was much larger than it was described.
From the air, we could see a long landing strip, clearly marked by fluorescent white paint. For some reason, it reminded me of a racing strip.
I admit being heavily influenced by the boys' lifestyle.
On Paradise Island itself, we got in a large looking golf cart, which was driven by Oliver.
On the road, I saw a bunch of large black tarps covering a section of the island. I looked at Oliver, who's was having the time of his life driving these tiny cars and thought he must've planned something for tomorrow.
When parked down, we were greeted by an army of familiar and unfamiliar faces.
The island was relatively small compared to places like Mardin but very well equipped.. so to speak.
There were roads built, the concrete looked .. new. It leads us further in giving us more to see.
There were buildings such as changing stations, clearly marked portable toilets, and a bunch of capsule homes arranged nicely. A large white tent in the distance looked to the medical one. The others behind it showed no signs of what they held.
Close the middle of the island, the largest cover tent I ever saw. Inside were a very well equipped bar, a fully built wooden floor to dance, and a famous DJ called Heron spinning his best records.
The people on the dance floor started cheering loudly. Some began to run towards us when they noticed Asin.
" Babe, I'm gonna .. " he turned to Marie for a second but then remembered he was still mad and turned around in a huff.
He was led by Oliver to greet them.
I saw Marie amusing herself, watching and catching Asin, turning around for one last look.
" Hey!! "
We were spotted by Henny and Lilly, who came with Kol hours earlier. They were both sporting their best bikinis and even had their hair decorated with colourful flowers, giving them a real island vibe.
" Sweeties. Welcome to Paradise. " Henny greeted us, smelling like the cocktail she held. " Brother Asin!!.. Happy Birthday!!.. for the third time. "
Asin turned around hearing his name and politely nodded before being dragged again by some crew members towards the tent and music.
" How's your flight dear? " asked Lilly.
" Dull .. unlike this place. " I looked around, counting around a hundred people after a quick glance. " Where can I get a drink.. ? I'm tired of holding back. "
The light and fun filled atmosphere and the countless people holding glasses filled with yummy drinks, the nice music making your body move unconsciously .. it made me do a complete 180.
Why not enjoy this island while we're here?
We were led towards and inside the main tent that covered quite a bit of the open area of the South beach as well.
The bartender was a girl we saw with the crew before and offered us the house special, a non alcoholic for Maire.
" .. in honour of our leaders' birthday. The Swift. Enjoy. " she winked, sliding them over.
We took the tall glasses filled with something blue and took a sip.
It was fruity and refreshing. Nicely masking the smell and taste of pure alcohol.. Perfect for an island getaway.
Marie was distracted by seeing Asin surrounded by no less than a dozen girls. They looked to be singing for him .. while Oliver played the conductor.
All part of the crew and harmless, but that didn't stop her from giving out a chilli aura while playing with her drink.
" Stop staring and .. maybe have some more of this. " I offered her the alcoholic version of the cocktail she held.
She took it before understanding what it was. After a final smell test, she shook her head, pushing it away.
" No .. I can't lose my sanity anymore. Besides.. " she looked at her husband again. " Someone have to look out for .. whatever will happen this weekend. "
As much as I agreed with her words, I still insisted.
" You been sober since .. Well..
An embarrassing memory surfaced.. Marie's smile spread, remembering as well.
" Yes .. since you and Oliver first time ..
" Right! .. so it's time! " I interrupted her as I felt my face burning. " I'm not saying get blackout drunk.. just have some to relax.. we need it .."
After the talk we had this morning with the family, my worries somewhat lessened since we won't know anything concrete for a couple of days anyway. But still..
Returning to those dark days of the past when we were basically hiding and Marie..
I shoved the unpleasant thoughts away and stepped closer, whispering the rest.
" You can use some fun .. who knows when will be the next occasion, huh? Besides .. Asin seemed to stop holding back and let lose for bit as well. "
We watched as he and Oliver emptied a bottle of something.. fear inducing .. and howled at the moon while the others cheered them on.
Marie bit her lips, looking at the scene than her glass .. than Asin again. Indecisive as ever.
" Fine! .. don't drink .. feel like the odd person out then. " I snatched back the glass. " Mom! "
She watched with her eyes narrowing the entire time while I emptied the glass in one big gulp.
I really got a taste for these blue mixers and asked for another. It was super smooth going down.
Suddenly, Marie stood beside me, ordering some as well while the girls were in deep conversation with the recently appeared Leyla and that girl called Julie.
" .. I don't trust them for some reason. " Leyla shook her head, watching a particular group a little further than the rest. " They will slip up mark my words. "
I looked and saw some of Asin's new blood brothers. Not all 26 came from the looks, but those who did stand around the water unsure what to do.
They were probably waiting for a que from Asin.
" Well, I think you're wrong this time. " Henny defended them. " I had time to talk with some of them, and they're just normal guys .. want to prove themselves in the eyes of brother Asin...
Meanwhile, Marie was in conversation with the bartender lady, Melissa.
" .. Trust me. He's been drinking it for a year. But I don't recommend that for you. " she smiled.
" Don't treat me like a child. " Marie emptied her glass. " I think people often forget that I'm almost 4 years older than my husband. I bet I can handle it.. pour me some? "
Melissa was still hesitant, which allowed me to ask.
" What exactly are you about to drink? "
They both looked at me at the same time and answered together.
"" Absinthe. ""
———
Asin.
~
Okay .. this was fun.
Finally, I let myself go little .. drinking helped.
Soon, our favourite records were playing, and the surroundings became a little blurred.
Oliver sure gone above and beyond the call duty here. The amount of work involved with this must've required an army and week and week of planning.
I quietly felt guilty for thinking about those things about him yesterday. He would never betray me..
" .. Little attention party people! A toast! "
The Dj suddenly turned the music down and lifted his glass.
" Charles!! " I shouted his real name into the silence.
" CHARLESS!! " Oliver howled next to me.
It prompted the others to follow suit ..
Soon, the entire crowd was greeting him, shouting the name he left behind in middle school. Other than me, Oliver, Metin, Kerem, and Kol, no one knew the why behind it.
I saw his face twist a little in annoyance, narrowing his eyes for a minute, but since the crowd was large, he had to let it go for now.
" Yes, thank you, birthday boy .. We all gathered today to celebrate in style a very important person to many of us here. Happy birthday, bro. "
He lifted his glass as the crowd followed. They shouted before emptying them.
" May you have a hundred more! "
Oliver rested his head on mine after finishing his bottle as we listened Charles continue.
" Tonight.. let us reach for the fucking HEAVENS!! "
As the crowd cheered with him the party really got going.. it felt really liberating.
Dancing without fear to make a fool of myself.. to be around people who would never stab you in the back .. it was just what I needed.
I'm not sure how much time passed but I was very much aware how close I was to the point of no return.
My vision got blurry from time to time and my energy levels were fluctuating depending on the music Charles played .. I mean Heron.
After the stomach stuff started I had to get some fresh air..
I walked/wobbled out of the open tent's back, the air outside punched me in the face in a pleasant way as I passed a few familiar faces wishing me well.
I couldn't see Marie or any of the others but found a little part of the beach that we haven't fully occupied yet and took a seat in the sand.
I closed my eyes and let the faint sound of music slowly being replaced with the waves clashing against the edge of the sands, the water even reached my feet.
It didn't bother me. In fact I pushed off my shoes and let the cool water cover my feet every minute or so..
We arrived here as well.
Bought a freaking island!
Oliver assured me over and over that no one and nobody can bother us here for the place was untraceable.
This place will be perfect for the future.
" .. We can actually relax here, if life becomes a little.. much. " I spoke to the stars.
You nailed it brother. Best gift I ever got.
Closed my eyes and enjoyed my slightly enhanced hearing.. the laughter of others, shouting, the music keeping everyone's spirits up .. or down depending on Charles whims.
The sounds of footsteps behind me didn't even register until a familiar voice came clearing their throat.
" Too much of a good thing? Had to hide? "
" Desi.. " I smiled without opening my eyes.
I tapped the sands beside me and soon a felt a petite frame taking a place using my knee for support.
I felt a small object placed on my chest.
" Happy birthday.. "
I opened my eyes and sat up. " You didn't had to... what's that? "
She looked at me smiling and I noticed something odd. I turned her head enough to see her left side .. covered with a large white patch.
" Who .. who did this you? "
I felt my anger flair up fueled by my inibriate state of mind. Who dared to hurt my friend!?
She pulled her face away shaking her head.
" It's not what you think. Less violent and more stupid. " she pointed at her face. " Hair straighteners are hot.. did you knew that? "
I let my hand fall a little relived. " Yeah .. I heard that. You were always clumsy. "
" Hey! .. I prefer uncoordinated. " she smiled without denying it.
We both stared at the water stretching in front until I started working on the packaging of my gift.
It was a framed picture of our childhood containing a lot of small pictures. There were a variety of them .. the two of us at the Suirless chalet, me and her before the elephants when we got separated at the zoo from Oliver and .. Anna.
In the middle of it, me and Desi smiling, awkwardly hugging each other on her graduation, being forced to take that pose .. by Anna.
" Thank you for this.. " I smiled looking up.
This here picture collage made me remember the past fondly, for the first time in years. I felt .. strangely calm when I accepted that fact.
" Your welcome. " she nodded resting her head on my shoulder. " Have you ever saw her again? "
I didn't need to ask who she meant.
" No.. I wanted it to happen for a while. But then everything happened. You? "
Desi shook her head on my shoulder. " She didn't exist for me after what she done to you. "
I felt a nice warmth inside my chest, hearing her cold voice and reasoning.
" I wonder what happened to her.. sometimes. " I admitted.
" Hmm .. me too. Not going to lie. She was a big part of our lives. " she said without looking up.
" Also.. would've wanted to know the reason.. you know? "
" Trust me .. I do. " I lamented. " There was a time I would've done whatever it takes to find that out .. "
" No longer? " Desi asked.
I stayed silent for a while contemplating my answer.
Was I still interested in the reason behind her sudden change and disappearance? Why she tossed me aside so sudden?
The sound of running came from behind us interrupting my thoughts.
" Asin!! .. and you. "
Oliver arrived with a large smile that died almost immediately recognising his ex girlfriend. He was clearly on the edge of going from tipsy to flat out drunk.
" Anyway.. I go mingle. " Desi stood up and were nice enough to help me as well. " No more drinking.. your eyes are still shining. "
She dusted me off a little before embracing me.
" Thanks for the gift. I appreciate it.. and you, very much. "
" Your welcome. Sometimes the past is exactly where we need to be. It's the only way to .. make sense of the present. "
Her eyes became cloudy after she finished but after another quick nod she turned around walked past Oliver without a look or a sound.
" Stuck up little .. " Oliver turned around. " It's a party dear! Please act accordingly!! "
I laughed at the annoyance I heard in his voice. Looks like we both got a good dose of the past tonight.
I felt much better .. the nausea was largely gone and my feet as clean as the water, I was ready to go back.
Oliver was still shouting and I took the time to take one more look at the picture collage..
It's a nice gift Desi.
———
Marie.
~
Absinthe had a unique quality.. it tasted an awful lot like liquorice.
The cocktail of the day consists of La Fee Parisian and Pol Roger sweet champagne .. and it kicked like a mule.
" .. that'll get you there. " I emptied the shallow glass.
It was only my second drink but the effects were immediate. Being drunk is like wearing a glass that allowed us to see our surroundings in a new light.
The Island looked impressive enough when landed but now ..
It was brilliant.
The lights were blinding, the atmosphere rowdy and there weren't an individual who wasn't tipsy and dancing without a care.
It's like we all collectively decided to let go.
Ayshe joined me as the news of her residency reached the girls.
" Congrats sweetie. " Lilly embraced her. " Looks like the drastic change in lifestyle didn't rob you from your dreams. Bravo. "
" Indeed.. but I thought you took the year off from medical school? So how can you be working in a hospital? " asked Henny.
It gained my attention since it wasn't something I thought myself when she quietly told me the news on our way to our parents house.
" It's not like that. I'm just invited to shadow actual doctors for a few months. It's an invaluable experience that schools look very favourably. " she beamed.
Her long time dream just reminded me of things I rather forgot.
Like the reason she wants to become a doctor in the first place.
I ordered another cocktail and Melissa was all too happy to oblige. The bar was kept at low capacity since people just usually took entire bottles with them and didn't bother with glasses or flavours.
" You might wanna slow down .. the night is long and full of unexpected yet hilarious missteps if ones drunk.. "
Ayshe almost took my glass but thanks to some commotion under the tent it was saved and soon emptied by me.
Asin stumbled out of the crowd and disappeared behind the tent, it didn't slow down those inside and the dancing continued.
" He drank too much. " I stood up ready go after him.
But .. 3 Absinthe filled champagne glass done its job and if not for the surprisingly quick Leyla I would've tumbled face forward onto the hardwood floor.
She helped me sat back down and even brought a bottle of water, which I used to wash my face a little.
As much as I wanted to be there for my husband my legs simply didn't allow me.
" See .. I told. " Mrs future doctor lady came over handing out wisdom and cheked my eyes.
" Stop acting like you're a doctor already! " I pushed her hand away. " I'm fine.. just underestimated my opponent. "
" Your opponent must be very proud. " she smirked looking at my empty glass.
I sat up properly and thanked Leyla for her help.
" May I remind you that I was ready to go sober until you dragged me back down! "
" Stop shouting! "
As the girls laughed at out theatrics my head started to ache lightly as some kind of precursor for tomorrow morning.
" Ayshe go after Asin would you? " I asked with my eyes closed.
" Hmm .. sure. Oliver is stumbling away after him as well. "
Leyla walked towards her boyfriend Bob who wanted a word. Nice enough guy if somewhat shy.
Soon I was left relatively alone when Melissa was called away for a dance. She was just tipsy enough to jump on the guy.
After I closed my eyes heard footsteps near me. Than a calm, kind voice coming from above.
" Want some ice? For your head? "
I saw a young blonde girl holding a glass of ice offering it to me.
" Thank you .. you ..
" Call me Lam. Nice to meet you .. in person. " she smiled.
" Lam.. thank you. " I turned around grabbed a fistful of ice and massaged my neck with it. " Ahh .. that's better. "
I was grateful for the save, I wanted to introduce myself properly but the girl was gone when turned back..
Couldn't look for her because I caught Asin and Oliver walking towards us, Ayshe was nowhere to be seen.
I put the glass down and made my way towards them slowly but safely.
Asin walked ahead when he saw my unsure steps and let me lean my weight on him. I smelled his breath.. he must've felt just as bad as I did.
" I see you celebrating with us .. you okay? " he asked examining my face.
My face was burning as he ran his hand across my back.. maybe it was the alcohol but I was very sensitive.
" Hmm .. I'm fline..fine. " I steady myself. " Where have you left Ayshe? "
They exchanged a look before scouting their background for signs of her.
" We probably.. passed by each other. " Asin kept looking into the distance searching. " .. Maybe Desi saw her..
Just hearing that girls name managed to sober me up.
I see .. they probably talking somewhere. I took out my phone with barely any difficulty and dialed my sister..
To be surprise she picked it up almost immediately.
" Marie I'm close just ..
" Guide me .. " I asked pushing my husband away.
" Guys I'm going to find Ayshe and ..
" I can help .. " Oliver stepped back looking a little better. " We can ask for others ..
" No that's fine .. it's a girls thing. " I lied quickly.
" We'll be back soon .."
I took a few steps back and kissed my suspicious husband before putting the phone back to my ear.
" I wanna talk to her .. "