Early Bird (Erkenci Kus)(Part 2)

22. What kind of war?

"So, how are things going at Fikri Harika?"

Aylin stabs a few leaves and looks up at her friend. "Can is a professional, of course, that's why I was able to transfer the work so smoothly. You know I worked hard to get this  contract, so it's important to me that it's in trusted hands."

"I heard they're working hard on it." Hila leans closer. "I have to say, a competition between employees to see who has the winning idea was a stroke of genius on Sinan's part. Our blog polls on who might win between the agencies are off the charts."

"Oh," Aylin smiles stiffly. "So you're saying they're better than me?"

"No, I never said that. Shame on you." Aylin shrugs. "I did my best to make you stay a part of it, Aylin, but even I'm scared of certain things. You know our board better than anyone. You know they like working with groups not individuals." 

"That's true," Aylin nods and sips on her wine.

"That said, it's idiotic. I mean, forget about the fact that I'm a close friend, you're an expert in your field."

"That's true too."

"Trust me, I'm as upset as you are that your agency folded when it did."

Aylin sighs and puts her chin on her palm. "Oh honey, you are one of my closest friends, so I can't hide anything from you." Hila looks at her in question. "The media sector can be brutal, especially if it's just you with no support. You get pushed harder and the bigger names tend to take over and then leave you with next to nothing. And God forbid you're a woman. Then it's even worse," Aylin shakes her head and sighs, "but anyway, enough about that. I still have some hand in this, and that's what I'm focusing on."

"I can imagine how hard it must be. Leaving it all up to Can. That's not what I want for you, as your friend."

"What can we do? That's how it is now," Aylin shrugs. "I would have been higher up by now but thanks to some people and their selfishness... let's just say that they're not letting me do anything after that. And then there's the creative director. Deren. You know the type, the ones who like taking over. You've worked with people like her too, so you know what I mean, I'm sure."

"Of course, I've been dealing with her kind for years. They're a very frustrating breed." Aylin nods. "Listen, why don't you let me help you, hm?"

"No," Aylin shakes her head, her eyes wide. "No, don't you dare. You'll put me in too difficult a position."

"Aylin, I'll do everything, you don't need to worry abouy a thing."

"No, please don't go to any - "

"Consider it already done. We'll call it woman's solidarity." Hila lifts her glass and Aylin shrugs after a moment, lifting hers as well.

"If you insist. I guess I have no choice. Cheers."

"Cheers."

Well that was way too easy. Aylin looks at Hila over her glass with a small smirk.

**

Osman looks around with pursed lips before he straightens up from leaning on his knee and sighs. "Sanem, come down would you?" he calls and looks up at the tree, squinting against the sun.

"I can't Osman," Sanem pouts. "I have to think and I can't do it down there amongst people."

There was only a few scattered souls sitting at tables who were probably wondering why she was in the tree.

"He's declared war..."

Osman rollsd his eyes. There she goes again...

"Can can pop up from anywhere at any moment...He'll surprise me and I won't be ready for him."