Holding On To A Promise

Chapter Seventeen

Can perched himself on the wall that surrounded the pool, sipping his nightly drink of whiskey.  So many thoughts were traveling through his head that it was hard to concentrate on just one. A smile crept across his face, so naturally that he hadn't  realize it happened, as he remembered how happy Sanem was when she saw the cabin tonight. She always saw things so much more exaggerated than anyone else, simple things delighted her more than anything. It made him happy to see things through her eyes, things that he would have otherwise missed. She had opened his heart to a whole new world of experiences, and the realization that he would be able to share the rest of his life with her excited him more than ever. 

As soon as Sanem was out of the house for work that next morning, Can would place that ever so important phone call to Mrs. Mevkibe. He was relying on her old feelings for him to give him that edge he would need in trying to convince her and Mr. Nihat that he had made the mistake of a lifetime by walking away from Sanem. They had to see what Sanem meant to him, that he couldn't live without her, they just had to...it was still a few days before Emre and Leyla were to return from their honeymoon, he hoped by then he would have everything planned. Getting married was the only thing on his agenda, and the sooner the better.  After her parents, then he would make that call to Metin, a call he was dreading, but for him it was the most important call of all.. As he thought back on that day he left for the Balkans, he wondered how he had done it, how he had managed to walk away. But then he remembered how empty he felt inside, how hurt he was. 

No more running, ...no more expecting people to be more than human, no more closing myself off, he said to himself......

I made a promise, and I will hold on to that promise.....till the end of time.

Sanem wondered when Can would call her mother, but she had promised Can she wouldn't let her know what he was going to do. Mevkibe was quite at the breakfast table, stealing a glance or two at Sanem. Then she asked, " Well Sanem, how is Can. Will he return to the agency to work or does he have other plans." Her question was heavy with sarcasm. Nihat turned to Sanem, " Have you seen Can. Is that wise, I hope that you will keep your head about you." He spoke, as they waited for an answer. Sanem look at them both, " Can is fine Mom, and he hadn't talk about returning to the agency just yet, but I'm sure that whatever decision he makes he will take everything into consideration." She smiled at her mother,  hoping the answer would make her happy. " And Dad, I'm totally aware of what I'm doing, and I have complete faith in myself, so please don't worry about me." She nodded and stood to leave, " Things are not always as they seem when your heart has been hurt, but to turn your back on what you know to be true....well that is the biggest mistake of all"....The words she said had never sounded so true until she said them out loud. Her life without Can would be the biggest mistake she could make.

Can paced back and forth, waiting for the moment to place that call. Sanem had texted him when she left her house going to the bus stop, telling him she was on her way to work, and confirming their lunch date. Can had returned the text telling her he would pick her up at 12:00. If things went well with her parents this morning, then the lunch date would have a whole different meaning, but if Ms. Mevkibe and Mr. Nihat had objections about him, then it could possibly be the worst lunch date he could think of. He looked at his phone, his heart was pounding in his chest, as he called her number. She answered on the second ring, "Hello Can, I've been expecting your call. What can I do for you?" She asked, her voice sounding dry and matter of fact. He swallowed hard, trying to speak the words that he had visualized in his mind.   " Ms. Mevkibe, I hope you are fine and Mr. Nihat too." He stated, deciding not to go into a lot of small talk. " If you both are available this morning, I would like to visit with you. There is something that I would like to discuss with you both." He breathed deeply, relieved that all the words had came out right. 

Mevkibe closed her eyes, just the sound of his voice brought back all those fond memories of him. This young man had touched her heart when he first entered their life. She was just as infatuated with him as Sanem, but with his politeness and genuine kindness. She wasn't usually wrong about people, she had her impression from the very start and most of the time she was right. Can still held a special place inside her and there wasn't anything she could do about that. " You would like to come this morning, and what is it you need to speak to us about." She asked him, knowing full well what the topic would be. Can rolled his eyes, his stress level rising, " Ms. Mevkibe, I would prefer to have this talk face to face if you  will allow me. I can be there in 30 minutes if that is accommodating for you." She smiled slightly, hearing the urgency in his voice,   " Ok, we will be waiting for you, and I will brew us some fresh tea." She replied. 

He leaned against the table to brace himself. He took a couple of deep breaths, relieved that it was over. " Ok, 30 minutes, you have to pull yourself together, you can't blow this." He lectured himself.  Then a smile came over his face, one step closer, I'll make them understand how much I love her, I have to. He grabbed his keys and his phone and was out the door, on instinct he touch his front left pocket to feel her scarf, yes it was there. He never went anywhere without it, he carried it with him at all times. And this time may be the most important in his life. 

He arrived right on time, staring at the door he felt like this could be the moment that would make the rest of his life. He rang the bell, and the door opened. Mevkibe had not expected to feel that feeling of warmth and connection at first sight of him, but there it was. She couldn't help but smile, and it was a warm and inviting smile. He returned it with respect, taking her hand and giving it a gentle kiss. Then she did something that totally surprised him, she reached for him giving him a hug. Not just any hug, but a Mevkibe hug, one that was different from anyone else. 

" Come in Can, I'm glad to see you." She motioned for him to enter.

He smiled and entered. He had traveled to many places, lived in many different homes, but this was a place that felt most like him. He felt for the first time in all long time, he was home....