Early Bird (Erkenci Kus)(Part 2)

51. The Courting Game

"Walk faster, mom, faster," Muzaffer snaps and speeds up the hill, his arms laden with flowers and chocolate.

"Son, can we rest just a minute? There's more than enough time. Slow down."

"Where is the time? We've waited long enough. It's time now. If we wait they'll be asleep when we arrive and chase us away."

"Honey, we didn't even call and ask them if we can come over. This is not how we do these things. What are you even going to say that hasn't been said before?"

"Oh don't worry. I have this planned out. I'm going to say I returned from the army, my eyes have opened. We've been long time neighbors for years and that is why I came with flowers and chocolates to ask for Sanem's hand. There's no need for appointments and calling. We're knocking on the door and going in. I'm leaving as Sanem's fiance come hell or high water!" He nods and then pauses a bit, stopping for a moment. "Maybe the back door is better, through the garden? Surprise them?" He walks again looking more determined.

Aysun groans tiredly, but chuckles at his eagerness, hurrying to keep up, her legs burning. "Alright, if you want to do that," she shakes her head. "Why not?"

-

"Mevkhibe," Nihat clears his throat. "Aren't you going to eat your kofta darling?"

"I think I'll wait for Can to return, I don't want him walking in and seeing me with my mouth full of food."

Sanem stuffs more of her own food into her mouth as the front door closes and she turns her head, her cheeks bulging.

"Sanem - "

"Mwom," Sanem speaks and chews faster so she can swallow.

Mevkhibe sighs and they all look at the hallway while Sanem fixes her hair, pushing it out of her eyes and then smiles widely - she wanted him to see that as soon as he walks in, not her stuffing her face.

Her smiles drops when a large bouquet of flowers and a chocolate box enters with legs attached to it, Muzaffer revealing himself a beat later.

"Evening Aydin family!" he grins.

Everyone around the table stares at him - but mostly his new outfit - and Sanem gets to her feet slowly, following Nihat's lead when Aysun enters behind her son.

Only Sanem wasn't planning on greeting him, she was planning on sticking her fork in him. "Zeberdjet? How did you get in? What are you doing here?" she asks.

"The garden door was open. I came in through the kitchen. I took slippers from hallway and here I am." Muzaffer turns and grins even wider. "I had a makeover, just for you, do you like it? What do you think?"

Sanem looks him over from head to toe, her face blank, she shakes her head. "You didn't belong here before your makeover, and you still don't after it. Why are you forcing this Zeberdjet?"

He gasps as she glares at him, her hand tightening around the fork. "Why are you not forcing it?"

Aysun eyes Sanem in distaste, wondering why her son couldn't just move on from this girl.

The front door opens and closes again, making them all turn their heads in the direction of the hallway.

Can comes in with flowers and chocolates a minute later, his eyes roaming the filled up room as soon as he does.

"Oh, great, the original version is back," Sanem mutters and swallows dryly. This is a disaster.

"What are you - " Muzaffer looks at Can. "Welcome, Mr Divit," he nods and Can lifts a brow, pursing his lips. "I also found some flowers on the way over."