Early Bird (Erkençi Kus)(Part 1)

23. Party at Divit House

Sanem was busy having a great time with JJ and the rest of the group, when they decide to get some drinks and Deren comes up to them drunkenly, smiling.

"What are you two doing?" Sanem and JJ both see her swaying and eye each other. "I want to say something...you both look so good today." Deren looks at Sanem. "Even you Shebmem, you look very good."

Sanem stares at Deren. At least she didn't call her 'the other one'. She starts to say her name is Sanem but JJ shakes his head and makes a 'she's drunk' gesture. Sanem smiles at Deren instead. "Thank you Miss Deren, you look beautiful too."

"What?" Deren looks at her absently, having danced in a circle.

"You look beautiful," Sanem repeats.

"Oh well, thank you," Deren adjusts her glasses on her head.

"We were about to get some food," JJ says and nods towards the grill. "Come on Sanem...Miss Deren, we'll see you."

They leave Deren there to dance by herself and Sanem looks over her shoulder at her.

"I really am hungry," JJ says. "It wasn't just to get away." Sanem nods, shrugging. She could understand that. "I know she called you Shebmem," JJ chuckles, "but at least it's not - "

"The other one, yes, I agree," Sanem sighs. JJ greets a few people on the way to the grill and Sanem looks around. She hears shuffling on grass and sees Deren following them.

They reach the grill where Can is busy and Sanem smiles. "Hope it's going okay here," she says and looks at the meat. Can's head turns to her.

"Oh, hi guys," he looks at Deren and JJ.

"Hi Mr Can."

"How are you doing JJ?"

"Good, good. You have a very nice house...big...and the pool..." JJ shakes his head in awe and Can chuckles.

"Can, you've worked so hard but you're still willing to do all of this for us, it's very nice of you," Deren beams up at him.

"I like spoiling people I care about," Can says with a shrug. "Here, have a taste," Can grabs a piece of meat and holds it out to Deren. She steps back, her hands up.

"No, no, thank you Can but I'm a vegetarian, I can't eat that."

"Since when?" he laughs. "Come on now don't hurt my feelings Deren. Break your diet just once, for me?" He waves the piece of meat at her face.

"Don't make me eat it Can," Deren begs.

"Really?" he lifts his eyebrows. He looks at her glass of wine.

"I'll just have some snacks."

He drops the piece and sighs, his lips turning down. "You've ruined my mood, you know that?"

Deren's face drops as well. "I'm sorry."

Can shakes his head and gives her a smile. It was okay. He just thought he remembered her liking chicken.

"Is it okay if I don't eat any snacks?" Sanem asks. "I mean, I'm hungry and they look good, but I'd really just like some bread and sausage." She didn't want to offend anyone by asking for this because she knows that Can must have gone to a lot of trouble to set it up. That was the only reason why she checked.

Can looks up at her, fanning the fire. He blinks behind his glasses, surprised by her openness about what she preferred to eat.

"Of course it's okay!" Rifat laughs. "There's nothing wrong with a healthy appetite."

"Yes, Mr Rifat is right," Can points at the old man. "Get a plate and bread for her if you please Mr Rifat."

Deren inches closer to Sanem behind Can's back and then leans in to whisper, "Honey, I know you're not used to this type of thing, but really, bread and sausage when there are lavish snacks prepared? That's not very appropriate."