The House Where Love Grows

Chapter Fourteen

Aziz and Mihriban had finally gotten Can to calm down a bit. " Can, don't worry, we will both talk to Mr. Chavez's attorney. I'll be right there with you. I'm sure we can work this all out without ever having to involve Sanem." He said calmly and confidently. Mihriban agreed, " I'm sure of it, he doesn't have a leg to stand on if he took you to court." 

Can leaned back in his chair and took a deep breath, hoping beyond hope that his Dad and Mihriban were right. Aziz could see the toll that this had already taken on his son and it broke his heart. Sanem and Can had already been through so much with trying to adopt these two boys, he wasn't sure what it would do the either of them if these somehow went wrong. 

Aziz sat down beside his son, eager to change the subject to a more pleasant one, "So, what's the plan for Luis's birthday, I'm sure my daughter has something spectacular planned." Aziz asked, excited about his grandson big day. Can smiled, " Well this is all Luis's party. He wants the guys from his football team along with a ton of food and cake, and those are his words." He laughed, as he felt the fear he had before slowly slipping away. Grandpa Divit roared with laughter, " Is that so, so no girls at this party. That's my boy, keeping his head on straight."  

Can told them about the motorbike that Luis wanted and how he wisely convinced Sanem to go along with it. " We came to an agreement,  if he wants the motorbike then he would have to earn the money for the upkeep on it. So as soon as school is out for summer break Luis will be working at the agency part time." Can announced proudly. Aziz smiled broadly, " Nothing could make me happier, you know that don't you. Listen, let Mihriban and I buy the accessories to go along with the bike, you know his helmet and what ever other protective gear he wants. We already bought him a professional football and new shin guards to match, but we want to do this too. You only turn 16 years old one time in your life and it's a big deal." Aziz bragged loudly as he clapped his hands together..

Can glanced at his watch, " I better get going, Sanem was already upset with me for having a meeting today. She thinks this day should be reserved for family." He told them, feeling a stabbing pain in his heart. " And besides Beni wants me to help him with his photography. Did I tell that Beni wants to be a photographer?" Can asked as a smile spread across his face. Aziz smiled as well, " No you didn't, but I'm not surprised. Those boys want to be just like you." He said, admiring the person his son had become.

They watched as Can pulled away and drove down the street, then they both looked at each other. " What is going to happen to them if we are wrong. What happens if they take that boy from them?" Mihriban said, pleading with Aziz for the answer. Aziz looked squarely int his wife's eyes, " We both know what would happen to them, especially Sanem. So we will not let this happen. There is always a way out, we just have to find it." The elder Divit said, as tears formed in his eyes.

Sanem and the babies were already outside when he arrived home. The triplet were running about playing hide and seek with Beni, and Sanem was writing in her journal as she always did, describing and documenting their every move. Can stood there watching, undetected at first, until Beni spotted him, " Dad, you're back." He yelled as he ran toward him. Can scooped him up in his arms giving him a big hug. The feel of this child in his arms was no different than the feel of  one of the triplets. Even though he was not his own flesh and blood, he was just as important to him. He had cared for this child just as deeply in his heart, loved him just as much or more than any father could..

Sanem watched the encounter, amazed at how open Can had always been with his affection. She motioned for him to join her on the lounge chair, " Come sit her with me. How was your Dad and Mihriban?" She asked as she moved over giving him room to sit. He smiled at her, " Just fine and they sent you their love. And they want the details of the birthday party as soon as possible so they can be sure and make it. Sanem laughted, " Oh I think that Luis has it already planned out. Pizza, cake and football. That seems to be the agenda for this party." She said raising her eyebrows. Can wrapped his arms around her on impulse, just wanting to touch her skin, just needing to feel that warmth that came from only her. He pulled her closer to him, holding on to her tightly, " Hey babe, what's wrong, I can feel you trembling." Sanem said as she snuggled in closer to him. 

Can tried to calm down, " Oh nothing, just excited to hold you in my arms that's all." He replied, but he knew she didn't buy it. Sanem turned to look at him, " What is it, I know it's something." He looked away, " How did she always know his feelings, how did she always read him like a book." He wondered. He shook his head, " Just business, you know there's always something that someone wants that we are not willing to give." He answered, knowing the meaning all to well. She seemed to accept his answer, at least for now, but she knew this man of hers pretty well and he didn't physically tremble over a business deal.

Beni was ready for his lesson with the camera, " Dad come on. Let's take some pictures. I want a picture of the house and all of you in front of it." Can and Sanem smiled, " Ok, in the front or the back of the house? Can asked as they climbed out the lounge chair. " I think both." Beni said, as he looked around for the perfect spot for the first shot. In a second he pointed at the large outdoor table, " Here, right here. I want everyone to sit around the table." He ordered, as if he was directing a mini series. Sanem giggled as she watched him, he was so cute, she thought, so sure of himself, so much like his Dad. 

After he had placed everyone in their correct places, he stepped back adjusting the camera. He held up his hand and waved, " Ok people, give me a big smile." Beni yelled out, showing who was in charge. Can cut his eyes over to look at Sanem, as they both tried to cover up the humor they felt. Benin was quite professional as they watched him move from spot to spot to capture different angles. The triplets were having the time of their lives, posing and waving at him, along with sticking their tongues out at him playfully. 

Beni finished up there and moved everyone to the front of the house, " Ok now I want Mom and Dad to stand in the back with Luis right in front of them, and the babies in front of Luis." He directed, in his most distinguished voice. Can could tell this this boy would make a great photographer one day. They all did just as he said, not wanting to go against his orders..

With the pictures all taken, Can and Beni took the camera and shut themselves up in the darkroom to process the photos. This was Benis' favorite part of photography. He loved watching the images he had just taken come to life...

" Look Dad, " He said as the picture slowly began to appear right before their eyes. " I think these are perfect...

He gently took the picture and hung it to dry, " Yes they're perfect. I will keep these forever." He mumbled. Can looked over at his son and could see the tears forming.

" Did he know something, did he know he may have to leave this place and his family."  Can wondered.  " No he couldn't, there's no way he could."