ÇiçDer - Collection of Oneshots

The journey (Part 2)

Spending time in jail, offered both Iskender and Çiçek time to reflect on their lives and how they could improve it. For example, Iskender realized that he gave Çelebi opportunities to finish him, by acting in rash and without taking time to think. His rashness was a weakness he needed to get over.

As for Çiçek, she realized that she will have to take the reins of her life in her hands. She let many people decide for her in the past, first Ruya and Ali then later Tomris. They all made decisions regarding her life without consulting her. It's time for her to stand on her feet and decides on her own.

Although, they couldn't meet, Iskender and Çiçek discovered more about the other in that period of that time. They corresponded by letters just like lovers from ancient history. They shared their past, their secrets and their future plans with one another. They advised, commented and encouraged one another to become a better version of themselves. Sometimes, they even prepared small gifts to each other. Iskender sent her a secret selfie he took for the two of them with Atlas when they went to the park. That photo he provided her with, has become her most precious possession that she hanged it on the wall by her bed. While Çiçek made him a designed pillow, when he mentioned that he found difficulty sleeping sometimes. Her present brought peace and comfort to Iskender and helped him sleep like a baby.

Many things changed while the couple was behind bars. For a start, Hulya became more affectionate towards Iskender. Especially, when she discovered that she raised a monster willing to of his family just for power and fame. She appreciated Iskender more and tried to get close to him and help him during that hard time. Kaya, who became like an older brother to Iskender, became responsible on managing his assets while he's been in jail. Kaya found proves that Çelebi was behind the fire incident and was trying to frame Iskender the entire time. This new revelation added to Çelebi's sentence making it even longer. Unable to handle being exposed for his crimes, Çelebi ended his life in jail.

Çiçek on the other hand, became more self-aware and decided to cut any toxicity from her life, starting with her so called friendship. Çiçek couldn't get over the fact that Ruya bailed on her to the police without coming to confront her. Although she tried to apologize later, Çiçek didn't find it in herself to forget her, at least not that soon, maybe someday. The two girls hurt each other and their relationship was damaged.

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After finishing her 3 months' sentence, Çiçek was finally able to embrace freedom again. She never thought that she will be that happy to see daylight again. Freedom is such a marvelous feeling that she hoped Iskender will experience soon again too.

The day after her release, she went to visit Iskender who didn't think she will come to meet him that soon. He was pleasantly surprised when he saw her in front of him. He dreamed for the last three months about that moment and it has finally become true. She looked even much beautiful than in is dreams, with the big and bright smile on her face.

Iskender walked slowly to sit in front of her. Except for few words, they didn't speak much and were consumed by the presence of one in front of the other for the first time in a while. None of them complained that the visit was wasted on sharing gazes instead of talking. When the visit came to an end, Çiçek was reluctant to leave and kept turning and looking at him, as if she was waiting for something. When she disappeared from his sight, Iskender couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment that no hug was shared in this visit, but he was happy and delighted that she promised to visit him every week.

Çiçek who started taking an evening course in Business Management, planned also to open a small restaurant with the help of a loan from bank.

Although, she was very busy and occupied, Çiçek never missed a week without visiting Iskender who was extremely proud and pleased by the steps Çiçek was taking to improve her life. He was very supporting and encouraging of her. He insisted on her to ask Kaya, his attorney and assets' manager, if she needed any financial help.