Early Bird (Erkenci Kus)(Part 2)

10. If only...

Around four thirty that afternoon, Guliz arrives with the taxi to pick up Sanem from home. They agreed to go together beforehand and as they turned onto the highway, Guliz kept smiling in the backseat as she looked out the window excitedly.

"You're practically glowing Sanem," she comments, turning to Sanem.

Sanem had put on a beautiful pure white, spaghetti strap dress that ended just above the knee. Her makeup was subtle as well, just a little highlighting over her cheeks and nude lipstick. She had her hair done in an updo, pinned onto her head and a pair of golden teardrop earrings.

"Thank you," Sanem smiles back at her. "You look really beautiful too Guliz."

Guliz was also in white, albeit a different shade. Her dress had billowing sleeves and her hair was in a sidepart down one shoulder with darker makeup. "Thank you, Sanem."

Sanem nods and looks out the window as they drove. After a few minutes she sighs and looks at Guliz again. "I'm worried about JJ. He's all alone and working while we're going to a party. It feels wrong."

"Don't worry," Guliz assures her lightly. "Maybe he'll finish early and come when he's done," she shrugs.

"I hope so." Sanem turns to the window again, playing with her white and silver purse strap in her her lap. She couldn't help feeling guilty about him not being able to go to the party he helped prepare.

"This is going to be a great night, I can feel it," Guliz gushes and grins, her eyes shining. "Parties at Mr Aziz's house are legendary." Sanem nods as she listens. "And this one is going to be extra special because Mr Can arranged it for Miss Polen."

"Right," Sanem looks at her purse and swallows, scoffing quietly. Guliz gives her an odd look and she shrugs it off, saying, "I mean, it is a birthday party after all, so obviously it will be special either way, no matter who arranged it."

"That's not why. No." Sanem frowns in question and Guliz shifts a little. "See, it's not just for Miss Polen's birthday," Guliz shakes her head knowingly, her voice taking on her gossip filled tone. "They're celebrating moving in together. So it's a house warming party too."

What?! "What did you say?" Sanem asks, looking at Guliz and blinking, feeling like she was just slapped.

"One of the agency drivers is friends with Miss Polen's mother's driver, and apparently he helped Miss Polen move boxes to Mr Can's house this morning. Lots of boxes."

"Are you sure?" Sanem could  remember seeing the boxes scattered all over the living room and the hallway.

"Of course I am. Ahmet told me himself."

Sanem stares at her, her throat dry and her hands clasping her purse.

"But that's not all - " Guliz continues.

Oh God...Sanem squeezes the strap.

"Remember how I cancelled Miss Polen's plane ticket? Well, she also asked me to book a business meeting in Ankara on her behalf. A business meeting, Sanem."

She's not leaving...She's staying?
Sanem blinks ahead. If she stays then Can... They will definitely get back together... "So she's staying then?"

"Oh she's not just staying, dear, she's settling down in Mr Can's house! Probably in his heart too! Oh isn't this just so romantic?" Guliz smiles dreamily and looks out the window.

What am I doing? Sanem swallows and stares at the seat in front of her. Why did I think we could be anything when he will have her around all the time? Raising her head, she sets her jaw and blinks at the cars ahead of their taxi. I can't do this. This is a stupid idea. I don't stand a chance against Artemis. She shakes her head. "Guliz, I'm sorry. I changed my mind about going." I won't act like a fool anymore...