My Turkish Heart

Chapter 23 - Coming Home

Izzy felt anxious the closer they got to Cape Town. Her stomach was in knots and the turbulence wasn't helping either. Serkan kept looking from his seat to see if she was okay. He was determined to call their meeting fate, as even his last minute ticket purchase got him a seat opposite Izzy's isle seat. As much as she tried to show no concern to the matter, she felt regret for her impulsive decision. Usually she wouldn't regret her impulsive choices no matter how absurd they were, but she knew even her family would disagree with this one. Trying to ease her overthinking, she asked for some coffee to set her mind straight.
"Are you okay?" Serkan asked concerned at her bleak outlook.
"I'm fine thanks"
"I know you feeling anxious about it all, but I'm sure when we land you will feel better"
If only he knew more problems might arise when we land, she thought.

When they finally landed at Cape Town International, Izzy's nerves were through the roof. Serkan was more excited than her and was extra cheerful getting off the plane. She kept rehearsing in her head what she should do or say to Serkan that he enjoys his vacation without seeing her, but she knew he was determined to have it his way. As they grabbed their luggage from the baggage carousel, they headed out to the arrivals area. Izzy forgot all about Serkan when she saw Rachel waiting for her. She ran towards Rachel and hugged her tightly.
"At this rate, you would swear that you missed me" Rachel joked.
"I did!"
"Let me look at you! To check if every limb is still in place" Rachel spun her around.
Before they could continue their banter, Serkan came over wheeling his suitcase next to him. Rachel's mouth fell open when she saw him coming over. His golden brown wavy hair was all tousled about, his broad shoulders, dazzling smile and his slim fit travel wear made him look like a model from the runaway. When he finally came to them, he stood tall next to Izzy, but Rachel was so in awe she didn't realise he was really there.
"Rach! Rach!" Izzy nudged her as she wasn't responding to her name.
She could see that Rachel was definitely in awe of Serkan's good looks and had trouble hiding it.
"Hello" Serkan's manly voice finally made Rachel snap out of it.
She stood wide eyed, waiting for an explanation.
"Finally! Rachel this is Serkan, we met in Istanbul. Serkan, this is my best friend Rachel, who hopefully has regained her speech" Izzy mocked.
"Yes! Yes! Merhaba"
Rachel seemed to be malfunctioning, as her words were coming out all jittery.
"He speaks English, Rach" Izzy laughed.
Serkan felt guilty that his presence made Rachel feel awkward.
"Merhaba.. Are you okay? Do you want some water?"
The embarrassment of Serkan's concern, made Rachel finally get her mind right.
"Sorry! How do you know Izzy?! Also, sorry for sounding blunt, but how are you this handsome? Are you a supermodel or something?"
She started scanning him from head to toe.
"Thank you for the compliment, but I think super models are way better looking than me. I met Izzy as we were boarding the plane, she told me why she was coming home and I felt really bad seeing her so anxious. So on impulse I invited myself to Cape Town, I didn't like that she seemed so alone"
He looked over at Izzy that was just nodding in agreement, too shy to look him in the eye.
"Hmmm.. I see. And what are your intentions besides comforting her? You do know she has a boyfriend right?"
Rachel was back to her old self, being an over protective mom to Izzy.
" Yes I know she's in a relationship. I met her partner before we left. No bad intentions, I swear! Only to be a friend for her"
"Ok, ok! Enough questioning for now. Can we leave?"
Izzy turned Rachel around and pushed her to start walking. Serkan and Izzy followed Rachel to the exit of the airport.
"Serkan, do you want us to drop you off somewhere? Or is your accommodation close by?"
"Actually... I didn't book accommodation yet. I wasn't sure if I would get the same flight and it was a last minute decision so any recommendations please?"
Izzy and Rachel looked at each other.
As they were about to give a few places, Izzy's mother called. She wanted to know if Izzy landed and if she was heading over to the hospital already.
" Serkan, I have to go to the hospital straight from here. We can find accommodation while in the car and drop you off along the way"
"Can I go with you to the hospital?"
"Uhmm..."
Izzy seemed so confused by his request.
"Please.. Let's first take care of your business then I'll solve mine"
Without Izzy even agreeing, he was already putting everything in the car and ushering her to the passenger side.

The ride over to the hospital was in awkward silence. Everyone seemed a bit on edge, not sure what to expect. The background music from the radio filled the void of the silence. Rachel hummed along but neither Izzy or Serkan said a word. On the arrival at the hospital, Izzy was more tensed up as they walked to her father's private room. She was more silent than usual and Serkan noticed how anxious she seemed.
"It will be ok, just take a deep breath. You have to be positive"
His words gave Izzy some strength, as she turned to give him a feint smile.
Getting closer to the room, they saw her mom in the hallway.
"Mom!"
Izzy screamed out, as she ran towards her.
"Izzy! You finally home!"
She hugged her daughter tightly and kissed her. Rachel went closer to join them, but Serkan kept his distance. His eyes smiled at how close Izzy seemed with her family. As Izzy's mom briefed her about what was going on, she noticed Serkan lurking in the background, not sure if he should come over or not.
"Izzy is this a friend of yours?"
Her mom asked her softly as they all turned to look at Serkan. Izzy forgot all about him and then she called him over to introduce to her mother. After the pleasantries were exchanged, Izzy wanted to go inside to see her father.
" I'll wait outside" Serkan said.
"I'll wait with him. You guys can have some private family time" Rachel encouraged.
They went inside and the two of them walked down the hallway to get some refreshments. Rachel led him to the canteen area, where they could take a break.
"Is it your first time here? What's your plan while you here?" she asked inquisitively.
"Yes, my first time. I plan to pursue your friend" he said confidently.
His words left Rachel speechless as she gaped at him in disbelief.

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