Early Bird (Erkenci Kus)(Part 2)

76. Putting things to rest

Sanem had just opened a new box of pasta to unpack when her phone rang. She digs it out of her pocket and answers after she sees JJ's name, hooking it between her ear and shoulder. "Hello JJ."

"Hello? Really Sanem? When it benefits no one you say hello."

"What? JJ, I don't understand."

Ayhan is standing in the doorway, keeping her company and sucking on a lollipop. She shrugs in question and Sanem shakes her head.

"You didn't come to work again, where are you? Come to the office, if you can't find it I'll send you the damn address."

"I won't be coming in anymore, JJ, I resigned."

"You resigned? Sanem, are you serious? Wait," there's a shuffling of clothes and then JJ speaks again, his voice quiet now, "is it true then? Are you going to work with Mr Fabri? Because that's what everyone is saying around here. They're spreading all kinds of stories."

"What does my resignation have to do with Mr Fabri?" Sanem groans silently. "Look, I decided to return to my job at the store, okay? That's it. I'm not working anywhere else."

"The store?"

"Yes." Sanem looks out the window after placing a pasta pack on the shelf. "Offices and those kinds of places aren't for me anymore."

"This is stupid. That explanation makes what kind of sense? None. And by the way, listen here, where did you go so abruptly last night without saying anything to anyone? You didn't even call me."

"I misunderstood the entire situation yesterday, JJ. I thought Mr Can organized the party for me as a surprise for my birthday, and because it was you who told me, I believed you."

-

Unbeknownst to JJ, Can had walked up to the coffee bar to make some tea and saw him sitting on the other side talking on the phone.

JJ sighs. "I'm sorry, okay? But what was I supposed to think? Guliz was speaking to Miss Aylin over the phone and I just got bits and pieces from the conversation. She said Mr Can is organizing a party for you."

Can glances up at JJ when he hears his name, trying to concentrate on pouring hot water and listening at the same time.

"And I...look, I know you're upset with me right now, and I completely understand why. My information was wrong and I'm sorry, Sanem. Please forgive me?"

Can frowns, his hand pausing on replacing the kettle.

"I apologize for what happened, truly..." JJ listens and then huffs, "Sanem, how can you say it doesn't matter anymore? Don't say that... Listen, please just come back because my body is busy shaking like a maracca and there's gossip everywhere about you and Mr Fabri being a couple..."

Can takes a step back, letting go of the kettle and taking his cup of tea with him.

He had no desire to listen to anything more. He heard enough.

-

"They're saying that the dress was a million dollars and I don't know what else... You have to come and handle this before it gets worse and I go insane, Sanem, please."

Sanem scratches her nose, thinking it over as JJ pleads. "I have to hang up now, JJ," she swallows, fresh tears already starting. "I'll talk to you later."

She ends the call fast and puts her phone down, biting her lip with her back to Ayhan and staring at the poster of ice cream against the wall, trying not to cry.

"What's happening Sanem?" Ayhan hurries over. "What is it?"

"Everyone is just looking for reasons to gossip!" Sanem huffs and shakes her head, turning to her friend. "And Aylin and Emre came up with this sick plan for the party. Isn't that just great? They ruined my birthday."