Holding On To A Promise

Chapter Twenty Three

Can was chatting away about his visit to the agency and helping them with a new campaign as the they drove toward her neighborhood. She tried to concentrate on what he was saying, but the words that Metin had said to her were still echoing in her head. Why, she wondered, why did it matter to him. This was her relationship and he should be happy for her, if he was her friend he would be, she thought. Her mind was grasping for an explanation, if he really wanted to rekindle that friendship with Can as he said he did, he wouldn't think those thing about him. She was even more confused, but she would have to forget about it to for now, if she intended to talk to her parents about her and Cans plans. 

Can touched her arm, " Sanem, are you ok, did you hear what I said?" She smiled, " I'm sorry Can, I was thinking about what I was going to say to my parents. What did you say?" She asked, giving him her full attention. He reached over moving a strand of hair from her face, " Bebek, I think your parents will be ok with our relationship, just be truthful and open about what we talked about. Let them know that we are serious and want to move on to the next step. I'll do whatever I need to do, you know that. I will come and ask for permission to marry. Just tell me when." He boasted, smiling at her, making her melt inside. She shook her head, " I know, and It will be. I want to tell them everything so they know that we are ready, that I'm ready for this relationship." She took his hand, looking at him she knew that everything Metin had said to her was a lie. She saw a totally different man, she saw a man full of love and compassion, a man that showed his love to her in every way. That was the man she loved... 

As Can pulled up in front of her house, the reality of it all settled in his mind. In a matter of a few days he would come here with flowers and candy to ask for this beautiful woman's hand in marriage. Nothing in this world could make him happier, he knew this now, she was his reason to live. All that time he was gone had been his wake up call, his life had only been to exist until he found her again. Sanem leaned over, giving him a peck on the cheek, which was quite out of the ordinary. She smiled, " I will call you later, after I talk to my parents. Then we can make our plans for the rest of our lives." She touched his face, remembering the promise that he had made her that first night they were together after he returned. She knew he would never leave her again, no matter what Metin said, she was holding on to that promise....

Can watched her as she disappeared into the house, his heart beating fast. He had never wanted anything more in his life, he just hoped her parents wouldn't stand in their way. He headed towards home, full of so much love it was hard to contain himself. The only thing left to do was talk to Metin, and now seemed like the perfect time to him. He picked up his phone and rang his number. " Metin, how are you." He asked. " If you're not busy this evening I wondered if we could have that talk we have been needing to have."  Can spoke, ready to clear the air with this man that had been a very important part of his life. Metin took a second before answering, " Can, I'm fine, but this evening isn't good for me, I have a dinner business meeting. Maybe we could have this talk tomorrow evening, if you're free that is." He answered, just as anxious to have that talk as Can was. They agreed to meet the next day at the bar down the street from his office for drinks. 

Mevkibe knew her daughter well, and knew she was waiting until after dinner to say what was on her mind. As soon as they cleared the table, they took their tea and went to the garden. Sanem was fidgety, nervous to start the conversation, but finally she took a deep breath and started. " Mom, Dad, I need to talk to you about a few things. As you know Can and I have been seeing each other again. And I know he came to talk to you earlier, to explain his actions and his feelings." She stammered, not for sure what to say next. Her mother smiled, " Sanem, your father and I know your feelings and Cans feelings as well. We have expected this talk from you tonight. Yes Can came here to talk to us, he told us everything that happened and everything that he felt. So, if you feel the same as Can, and can forgive what happened in the past, then I see no reason for the two of you not to be together."  Mevkibe reached for her daughters hand, " Your pain of the last year should not be forgotten, your love for this man has lasted through many obstacles, and still your love survived, so we approve and welcome Can back to our family."  She smiled as she wiped the tears from her eye, knowing that her daughter had found the love of her life. Sanem smiled, her heart so full of love, " Mom how do you always know the right things to say. Thank you for knowing me so well and loving me enough to let me follow my heart." 

 Nihat stood to hug his daughter, but not as convinced as his wife that this was the right thing. But he did trust and believe in Sanem and her heart. " We do expect Can to go through the traditional ways, he must come and ask for your hand in the proper way, he does know that doesn't he." Her father spoke, holding his youngest daughter close. Sanem laughed, " Yes Dad, he knows and has already made his plans to do just that. He will do everything that he needs to do." She replied, more excited than she ever thought she could be.. How could her life be so changed from a year ago, she wondered. Was she suppose to go through all that pain to know this much happiness. Just thinking back to the accident and all the recovery that it took, she never once doubted that he would come back. Maybe that's what helped her cope with it all.....knowing he would be back for her. 

She closed the door of her bedroom, thinking of what she would tell Can. Before she could even make that call, her phone rang. She answered, " Yes my love, I was just getting ready to call you." Can took a deep breath, " So, how was your talk, tell me what did they say. I can't stand it any longer." He demanded, his stomach twisted in knots. 

" Can they knew before I said anything, they already knew, so everything is fine. Of course you have to do all of our traditional ways, but that is ok, right.....

Can could feel his heart stick in his throat, the tears had formed in his eyes as he tried to speak. . " I will do everything I need to do. Are you sure Sanem, everything is ok for us to marry.

She smiled...." Yes Can, that is, if you still want to.........