Early Bird (Erkençi Kus)(Part 1)

103. Some motivation

"Mevkhibe?"

"Hm?"

"What's that in Nihat's hands?"

"How should I know? I can't see a thing from here." Mevkhibe squints and leans around Melihat, popping a seed into her mouth. She was sitting outside the salon with Melihat, looking over at the butchery.

"Be careful! Don't let it spill!" Nihat calls after Muzaffer who is pushing a wheelbarrow down the street now.

"Oh look, he's coming over," Melihat whispers as if Mevkhibe wasn't looking.

"I can handle it uncle Nihat! Leave it to me!" Muzaffer calls and starts to jog.

"What's in that thing?" Melihat nudges Mevkhibe's side, her face still turned towards Muzaffer.

"I don't know Melihat," Mevkhibe repeats and gives her friend an exasperated look before she raises her voice when Muzaffer gets close enough. "Muzaffer, come here for a second son!"

He stops, looking over at them when she calls his name. "But I have to - "

"You have to come here!"

"Okay." He sighs and turns their way,  jogging over with the wheelbarrow, away from Mevkhibe's front door.

"What's going on?" Mevkhibe asks, standing up and looking at the glass bowls and dishes filled with food inside it.

"Oof, my back is killing me," Muzaffer groans first, letting the handles go and cracking his back.

They wait for him to go on but he just stands there with his hands on his lower back.

"Muzaffer?" Mevkhibe prompts and he blinks, turning to them. It was like he fell asleep with his eyes open right there in seconds.

"Sorry aunt Mevkhibe," he says sheepishly and she waves it off.

"It's okay. What's happening?"

"Oh, I'm not breaking into your house or anything like that. Uncle Nihat gave me the keys. Here," he pats his pocket, grinning as the keys jingle, "see? Safe and sound."

"Muzaffer, what is all this for? And why are you heading into my house with it? Why did Nihat give you the keys?"

"Yes," Melihat agrees. "What are these dishes for?" She completely ignored Muzaffer being on his way to a house he didn't live in.

"Hold that thought," Muzaffer holds up a finger, stretches and then shakes his head. "I don't have time right now. I'll tell you everything later. And why do I have your keys? What question is that?" he asks in a docile tone. "Am I not like a son to you, aunt Mevkhibe?"

Mevkhibe takes a breath as she chews, sighing.

"I'm a member of the family too. Oh, and by the way, I had the completely wrong opinion about Osman. The man is awesome! I turned around this morning and took a good look at myself in the mirror. I've received a huge lesson about being mistaken about someone."

Both women looked confused. He could tell them this but not what the dishes were for?

"He's gotten us involved in a whole new kind of business. Me and uncle Nihat." He holds up his hands and nods. "I know, I know, I have a business already but I think I can have two right?" he shrugs. "Plus this all for Sanem. I'm doing this for her." He leans closer to Mevkhibe. "Have you thought about the proposal? No, you haven't. But it's okay! Don't wor - "

"Muzaffer! Don't make me angry. It's too early in the week for me." He smiles sheepishly, looking down at the keys and Mevkhibe sighs. "What is all of this for? And why is it going to my house?" she repeats her question a third time. "You're giving me everything but the answer I want and I don't understand what you're up to. Any of you."