Early Bird (Erkenci Kus)(Part 2)

34. Ihsan's return

Mevkhibe stares at the boiling eggs, mumbling to herself when Leyla walks into the kitchen and greets her parents. "Good morning."

"Good morning honeybee," Nihat smiles at her and continues peeling the potato in his hand.

"It looks like this tray is done," Leyla looks at the tray on the counter. "Should I take it?"

Mevkhibe waves a hand, still mumbling and Leyla frowns, looking at her.

"Mom? What are you doing? Did the eggs hypnotize you? Daddy?"

"Your mother's making egg kofta for the shoot today. She's been counting the minutes since they started boiling. Don't disturb her." He clears his throat. "Mevkhibe, I also want some, when you cut into them and the yolk flows onto the plate..." He hums and smacks his lips, already tasting it. "Delicious." She smiles at him then holds up a finger, counting again.

"Daddy, this is too much. It's not going to he whole cast of people...it's a short story written by Sanem that doesn't even contain six - "

"That's exactly why we're doing this. Because your sister's starting as a writer now. What more could you need to be proud?" Leyla pushes her hair back and nods. "Your mother's cooking, and I'm going outside in a bit to clean the street before they come here. It needs to be spotless."

Leyla chuckles and shakes her head. "Okay, but I'm telling you, it's not necessary...Mom, I'm taking this out."

"Hm," Mevkhibe waves her away and Leyla huffs before smiling at Nihat with a small shrug.

"Good morning!" Sanem sings, coming into the kitchen.

"Good morning, sunflower."

"Well, it's afternoon for you," Mevkhibe scoffs and walks to the fridge while Sanem kisses her father's cheek. She removes the jams and turns to Sanem sitting next to Nihat. "And where did you tiptoe to before sunrise?"

"Oh, I went over to Ayhan's. Where else would I go?"

"Mevkhibe, the eggs," Nihat reminds her when she lifts a brow at Sanem.

"Oh Lord!" She gasps and runs over to the pot. "I forgot where I was! You made me forget where I was!"

"What? I just sat down!" Mevkhibe groans and Sanem shrugs. "I'm sure they're fine, don't worry."

Nihat looks at Sanem, who looks to be in a pretty good mood but he was still worried. "Darling, did you get enough sleep? You returned late last night. You take on too much work."

Sanem glances at him. "I wasn't working, I went to see Guliz." Leyla was back inside and listening to Sanem lie outright but stayed silent. "We talked, had tea...and time just flew, you know? Before I knew it, it was dark. She's such a nice girl."

"Oh, that's sweet."

Leyla smirks. "Where does Guliz live again? Which street? I'm curious, I may go by myself some time."

Sanem lifts her head from rolling the dolma she decided to help with and glares at Leyla with pursed lips. "She lives close by. Very close, right over there," Sanem points in a general direction and looks at Nihat.

"Hm hm," Leyla hums, still smirking.
"She came by to get Osman yesterday. I thought they were going to spend time together."

Mevkhibe looks over her shoulder curiously, listening in on the conversation.

"Maybe I misunderstood," Leyla shrugs. "It could have been just a quick visit. You should have told me, some girl talk would have been nice. Did you - "

"Are you hungry? You look hungry. Let's go sit down. I'll pour some tea." Sanem jumps up. "Come on. You too mom." She pulls Mevkhibe away from the counter by the kettle.