Early Bird (Erkenci Kus)(Part 2)

28. Taking the opportunity

JJ walks into the lobby slowly, still hooked on his IV with Ayhan beside him.

"You still good?" she asks worriedly.

"Yes Ayhan. And this was a great idea by the way."

"JJ?!" JJ looks at Guliz rushing over from the side. "JJ where - there's so much to do! What happened to you?" She looks at the IV.

Where were you when he collapsed? Ayhan wonders, helping him push the drip.

JJ stops at the corner and everyone stares at him. Most had seen him go down but some others had no idea.

"JJ?"

"JJ?"

His name echoes around the floor and the descend on him. "Ayhan - "
JJ gulps. "It's starting again..." he breathes. "Oh no...No...why are they all walking so slow? I need more medication..." He turns the valve to increases the dosage on the IV and closes his eyes, inhaling deeply to try and drown out the voices.

"JJ, can you get me a refill?"

"JJ, I need help with this."

"JJ are you okay?"

"Here, make me some copies please."

Ayhan stares in alarm at all the people and feels like screaming at them. I just fixed him! Go away!

"I'm fine," JJ mutters and then opens his eyes, taking another breath before he says loudly and to all who asked questions at the same time in the same breath, "Fill it up yourself! Send that to the client, read through it first! That looks terrible! Make your own copies, it's two buttons!"
More things are shoved under his nose and into his eyeline as he starts to move, taking his IV along. "That's not the right folder, it's yellow! And why are you giving me an empty water glass? Ayhan!" JJ looks at her as she jogs to keep up with his fast pace. "I don't have the energy for this! This thing's running out of juice, find me another one. Do it fast!"

"Where?!" Ayhan lifts her hands and stops, yelling after him while he and the buzzing hive pass her.

"Fast Ayhan!" He yells back and walks faster.

"I'll bring it! Don't worry!" She turns and runs back the other way. "Somehow," she mutters breathlessly.

*

"Can, thank you very much for this," Aylin looks at him.

Can is leaning against the wall outside the boardroom, his jacket hooked over one shoulder, his stones in the other. Emre is also there, his hands on his hips.

"I told you what I was going through, if you remember? To be honest, this couldn't have come at a better time."

Can nods in acknowledgement then looks at Emre, who's eyes are on him. "It's really no problem. If, of course, the next three months pass without incident." Emre just keeps looking at him and he widens his eyes slightly so he would stop then looks back at Aylin.

"I can't guarentee that, your team don't like me as it is. They don't want to work with me," she shrugs.

"Our employees are professionals, Aylin," Emre gives her a pointed look. Can eyes the two of them silently. He was worried the most about them working together when he accepted. "They know the difference between business and personal issues."

"Of course. But me being here for this project is one thing. It's another being around for three months."
She sighs when neither of them comment. "But what can we do, hm? I'll work in my office most of the time if it helps. I'll need an assistant though? Someone who can help me keep in touch if I'm not able to make it."