Early Bird (Erkençi Kus)(Part 1)

34. Leyla gets back her job

Driving through Sanem's neighborhood once they reach it, Can looked at all the homes and businesses they pass. It was a beautiful little corner - busy and energetic, yet charming and magnetic - much like it's resident beside him.

He glances over quickly at her, before he turns onto her street. He was probably supposed to be angry with the way she pushed him away for no logical reason, but seeing her - peacefully sleeping, and smiling in her sleep - made him thaw towards her somewhat.

"Sanem," Can says her name and checks. She is still asleep, light snores coming out. He reaches over and gently rubs her arm with the back of his right hand. "Sanem," he repeats, a louder this time.

Sanem shoots up from her sideways position and looks groggily at his retreating hand. "What is it?"

"We're here."

"Where's here?"

"Home," he shrugs, driving slower so she could see where she was.

Sanem looks around, blinking at her street. They were indeed very close.
"How do you know where my house is?" she asks, wide awake and lucid now.

"Your mom called while you were sleeping. She gave me the address."

"You talked to my mom?!"

"Hm, she was worried about you."

Sanem gapes him, then at the passing houses before sliding down in her seat so she wouldn't be noticed by her nosy neighbors. She spots Ayhan and Muzaffer on the side of the road as they drive by them - their curious eyes on the unknown vehicle.

Slowly she gets into a sitting position when she realizes that she wasn't as well hidden as she'd hoped, shaking her head slowly. You have no idea what you just got yourself into, she thinks as he pulls up next to her house. "Well, thank you, Mr Can," she nods and grabs her small bag. "Good night." Getting out of the car she says, "I'll see you Monday at work," before closing the door.

"Goodnight," he mutters back, frowning after her. He watches her run up to her house, only to come to a skidding stop when a woman with short dark hair opens the front door.

"Ah!" Sanem squeaks.

"Sanem," she greets her and then looks over her head at Can. "Good evening son."

Can clears his throat and steps out of his car to go greet her as she was obviously Sanem's mother from what he could tell. "Good evening Mrs Mevkhibe, how are you?" he greets, walking closer.

"Very well, thank you," Mevkhibe smiles widely and he returns it with a nod. "And you?"

"Me too, thank you very much." A short, heavy set girl runs up from the side that he just glances at fleetingly as Mevkhibe was talking.

"Thank you for bringing our daughter home."

"Oh it's no problem."

Sanem wanted this to end. Badly. So her eyes shot daggers at Ayhan when she chirped a greeting. "Hello, I'm Ayhan."

Can turns around to face the girl speaking. She had a scary smile on her face. "Can," he shakes the profferred hand.

"Can," she repeats and her eyes slide behind him. "Can?" Sanem glares at her and she chuckles sheepishly. "I'm Ayhan. Nice to meet you. Yes, very nice to meet you."

Can nods and lets her hand go. What a strange -

"Hello!"

He jumps slightly at the new voice and spins to see a short woman with a bandana covering curlers on her head, walking over from next door with a covered plate. "I am Melihat, their neighbor. Welcome!"