The House Where Love Grows

Chapter Fifteen

Can and Beni took their time developing the photos, each one seemed to be better than the first, as Can watched his son meticulously handle each one of them. Can complimented Beni as the process went along, " Beni I think you have outdone yourself today, these are all fantastic. What are you going to do with them all?" He asked, as they viewed the photos hanging there to dry. Beni took a minute before he answered, then he said, " I will keep them all, I'm going to put them in my scrapbook of the things I love most." He said, quickly looking over at his Dad. Can couldn't keep from smiling, " That sounds great. But I didn't know you had a scrapbook. What do you have in it?" He asked...Beni answered quietly, " Just everything I love most about my life." 

As the days went by, Can and his father pasted on request after request to meet with Mr. Chavez and his attorney. But the requests had either been denied or ignored. Can was beginning to think that his Dad was right, they were just trying to make them squirm...

Luis's birthday party was just right around the corner. Can was going to make sure they kept their promise to him about the motorbike. He had already contacted the seller and made arrangements to have the bike delivered the morning of the party. The party was scheduled to begin at noon, with a full day of football and eating on the menu. The only girl allowed was, of course Emira, their cousin, Leila and Emres daughter. And that was only because she was family. 

That morning was even more hectic than usual for the Divit household. Can was busy setting up the goals in the massive backyard of their home, while Sanem took care of the decorations. Luis was expressing his displeasure at having so many balloons and streamers filling the backyard and patio, but he knew better than to complain too much. His mother had gone to a lot of trouble to organize it all. 

The truck bringing the motorbike arrived just on time, as Can and Beni were finishing up the makeshift football field. Luis was busy with making sure the balls were all full of air and ready to go so he hadn't noticed the truck. Can unloaded the bike, inspecting it over before sending the driver on his way. Can jumped on and started the bike, revving the motor a couple of times just to get Luis's attention before taking off on it across the back lawn. All the commotion brought Sanem and the triplets out to the backyard to see what was going on.. The babies were squealing with delight as Can rode around the yard, but Luis only stood with his mouth open. 

The gift, although not a surprise, had been the highlight of his day. Can and Sanem watched their oldest son as he welcomed his friends in for the party and proudly showed off the best gift he had ever gotten. Their hearts were full of love for each one of their children, but Can still had this ache in his heart for the son that they may not have much longer. The longer that he knew nothing, the more he was determined to fight. In fact his fight had not even began yet...

The party was in full swing by the time Aziz and Mihriban arrived. But the game was halted instantly when Luis saw his grandmother and grandfather waving at him from the patio. He trotted across the yard to greet them, " Grandmother, welcome." He said giving her a hug. "Grandpa, how are you? He asked as he extended his hand for a hand shake. Aziz frowned, "Whats this, he asked, " Being sixteen does not make you too old for a hug from your old Grandpa." Aziz replied, pushing Luis's hand aside and giving the boy a hug. Luis smiled and wrapped his arms around him. He always loved the feel of this man's arms around him. It was as if he was his true grandpa, like the blood from  him ran through his body just as much as it did the triplets. 

Aziz felt the tears begin to burn his eyes as he held on his boy. He had a place in his heart and it would never be changed. " Ok, go on and play your game." He said giving him a slap on the back.  Luis trotted back out the finish the game with all his friends, with Aziz and Can watching him, and both of them feeling proud, proud at how he had carry on the Divit name. 

Beni had been inside putting the finishing touches on that scrapbook of his. He was anxious to show it to everyone, and he wanted to take more pictures of the days festivities. Finally with all the photos placed just the way he wanted them, he grabbed the book and his camera and headed out to the backyard. Beni and Aziz had a special relationship, Grandpa Divit was much more than just a grandpa to Beni, he was his best friend. He had been from the very beginning, and Aziz felt the same way about Beni. " Grandmother, Grandpa, you're here." Beni yelled as he ran across the patio to greet them. They both wrapped him up in their arms, with Mihriban showering him with kisses. Beni giggled, but welcomed all the attention.

Aziz watched the small boy as he told them how his father had been teaching him to be a photographer. His heart hurt at the thought of someone trying to rip this child from his home, and from the people that loved him. He felt his throat tighten and his eyes burn from the pent up tears. He knew that as long as he could draw a breath he would make sure that Beni was safe and with his family. Aziz tried not to let his emotions show as Beni revealed his scrapbook. Mihriban ohhhd and ahhhd at every picture, quite surprised at how good the photos were. " Can, I think you may have some competition when it comes to photography. It looks like you were the one taking these photos." The proud grandmother said, giving Sanem a wink. 

Beni smiled from ear to ear, soaking in all the compliments. He grabbed the camera and ran off to take more pictures, he wanted to document the whole days events. Beni positioned himself on the sideline as the older boys played football. He snapped picture after picture, from every angle. Can and Aziz watched him as he shifted around clicking away, " Can have you heard back from their lawyer yet. It has been a couple of days since we sent in this request to talk." The elder Divit said. " What is this now, about the fourth request we have made, and they keep making excuses." Aziz shoved his hands in his pockets, " I'm about to loss my patience with it all." He spewed, feeling the frustration of the ordeal.

Can looked around, making sure that no one was going to overhear them, " No, not yet, but he is going to have to talk to us sooner or later. It's getting harder and harder to keep my feeling under wraps in front of Sanem." He whispered. 

Aziz nodded, knowing his son was in a hard situation. 

Their conversation was interrupted by three bundles of joy, as they came running from the house, just up from their naps. 

" Grandpa, grandpa." They yelled as they all three wrapped themselves around his legs.

 He couldn't help but laugh. This family truly had been blessed, he thought as the babies clambered their way onto his lap.

He hugged them tightly as he gazed out at Beni, so unaware of what was about to happen.....