Early Bird (Erkenci Kus)(Part 2)

5. Artemis and Orion

Can stares out at the rippling water of the ocean, his mind and body relaxing as the sea breeze cooled his skin. As he inhales the clean air, he wished that he could share the moment with Sanem.

Thinking about her has him turning his head to look back towards the campsite, wondering if she was still awake after their phone call. The thought disappears however, because standing there just behind him, is the very girl. He blinks and then swings his head and upper body round.

"Sanem?" He moves to sit up, surprised that she managed to sneak up on him. Usually he was more alert than this.

"Mr Can," Sanem looks just as surprised that he noticed her there. "I just came for five minutes." She swallows, looking around shyly when he gets to his feet.

Wow... "That's cool," he nods and smiles. "Well, I'm happy to see you."

Sanem looks at him, quietly taking in his appearance. It starts getting awkward and he fidgets with his necklaces.

"I - "

"Well," she says at the same time and they chuckle. "Sorry."

"No go ahead."

"I was saying that I came, and...and I saw you. So I'll go back now."

Wait what? Can shakes his head when she turns around and stops her. "There's no need to leave," he takes her hands and she looks at them and back up. "Please don't run, again, please? Stay here with me."

Sanem looks at the water, chewing the inside of her cheek.

"If you...That's if you want to of course. We can sit down here and talk?"

He nods at the hammock and Sanem eyes it then finally agrees. Just five minutes.

Can leads her over. "We have to sit down together though because it can tip and we'll end up on the ground."

"Okay."

"Ready?"

"Yes."

"3 - "

"2 - "

"And sit." They sit at the same time, the hammock only slightly moving. "You good?"

"Hm hm." Sanem is half leaned into his side because the net dipped more under his weight. "Don't worry."

They sit quietly like this for a beat and then he looks at her and away, breathing out a silent sigh. She peeks at the side of his face before looking away and playing with her thumbs.

"You scare me, you know." Her eyes go to his at his admittance, seeing him once more looking at her. "You may be the only person who's been able to do that."

"You're scared of me?" Sanem blinks in confusion. "Why?"

"I don't know," he says honestly. "You remind me a bit of the wind, I think. I can't catch you." He shrugs. "Just when I think I have, you're gone." He shifts to face her a little more, and the movement jostles the hammock. "Mostly it scares me to think that you might misunderstand me again and either run away or ask me to leave."

Sanem frowns and then shakes her head, shifting to face him as well. "Mr Can, I'm so sorry about that," she tells him sincerely. She still felt miserable every time she thinks about it.

He looks at her for a second and then nods. "Okay, well," he inhales and sighs, "Let's forget about that. We're not talking about it, we're not thinking about it. We're just going along as things happen now, right?"

"Right." Sanem nods and smiles to herself, looking the grass under their feet.

Can smiles at her too, happy that she was on the same page and then, because they were smooshed together, he asks, "Is this okay? Or do you want to lie down? I mean, it'll be more comfortable." Sanem looks up at him. "Come on." He fixes his pillow and swings his right leg up.