My Turkish Heart

Chapter 24: Intentions, Intentions...

Izzy's eyelids were heavy, as she tried to stay awake during the visiting hours. She felt a tap on her shoulder then shook the sleep off.
"Izzy, go home and rest. You just arrived. Your body needs to rest. After you done then you can come back"
Her mother assured her, as she rubbed her back gently.
"As much as I want to stay, I'm really having trouble staying awake. Sorry mom..." she said ashamed.
"No need for sorry. Your siblings arrive in a few days too. So rest now before its chaotic"
Izzy had not seen her sisters in quite a while and she knew her mother was referring to how loud and crazy the house will be when they arrive. She felt pleased to know they would arrive, as it had been hard for her to be alone with her parents especially during a situation like this.

As she closed the door of the private room, she saw Rachel and Serkan waiting nearby. She had completely forgotten about Serkan tagging along and felt bad for making them wait.
"I'm sorry, I did not mean to make you wait so long"
"No worries, its almost time for me to pick up the kids so no hassle for me"
"Don't worry about me either. I'm the one who is intruding on your family time" Serkan reassured her.
Izzy gave them both a timid smile then made her way to the exit. Feeling light headed, she grabbed onto the railings along the wall. Luckily, Serkan was behind her and caught her before her legs gave in.
"Izzy, are you okay?" he asked.
Rachel went to the front of Izzy and offered her a bottle of water.
"I'm fine.. Really! Was just a bit light headed for a moment"
She wiggled her way out of Serkan's grasp and stood tall, trying to convince them she was good.
"Do you want to get checked out?"
"No, no! I'm fine Rachel really"
"Will someone be home to take care of you?" Serkan asked.
There was a momentarily silence as Rachel and Izzy both knew she would be alone when she went home.
"Izzy??" Serkan pressed for an answer.
"No.. My mom will stay here and my siblings are still abroad"
"Do you want to stay with me tonight? Hmm.. Might be a bit rowdy with the kids though.."
"Guys! I'm fine really.. I'm used to staying alone"
"Hayir!! (No) I don't feel comfortable with you being alone in this state"
Rachel agreed, but felt unsure where Serkan was leading to with his intentions of things. After he confessed to Rachel, she wasn't sure if he was still a good guy.
"What if I rent us hotel rooms close to the hospital? Then I'll be in the next room if you need anything" he suggested.
"No, it's not necessary. Also, I'd like to go home and sleep in my own bed. Please don't worry about me"
She walked out the exit to the parking alot and they followed.
"What if I offer to stay over at your place? I'll sleep on the couch and I won't bother you at all.."
Serkan's idea made Izzy and Rachel both turn around speechless with stunned impressions on their faces.
"Serkan, we don't do that here really.."
He looked dumbfounded at Rachel's words.
"What do you mean?"
"She means... We are friendly people here, but due to crime rates increasing we don't really invite people we just met to stay over in our homes.. It's nothing personal.."
Serkan chuckled as he made his way into the car.
"Why are you laughing? We being serious" Rachel said.
"Because I feel silly... I should have realised that my idea was farfetched and irrational. Ofcourse, we have cultural differences, but also it's dumb of me to offer to stay with a woman alone in her home when we just met"
He shook his head at his own idea.
"I'm sorry... I wasn't thinking clearly"
"It's okay, I appreciate your concern"

As Rachel drove out the parking lot, Serkan tried one more time.
"What if... You go home and get some things then we go to the hotel. Just for tonight. I won't get any sleep knowing you alone..." he gave her puppy dog eyes to try and persuade her.
"I actually don't think that's a bad idea Iz... I'll also feel better knowing that you are not completely alone"
"Rach, not you too?!... Ugh! Fine.. I'll get some things from home then we can head to a hotel"
"Harika!"
Serkan sat back in his seat, feeling chuffed with himself.

They arrived at Izzy's home and loaded off the luggage. Rachel had to leave to pick up her kids, so Serkan and Izzy were at her place alone. She gave him a quick tour of the living room, guest bathroom and kitchen.
"If you need anything, feel free. I'll be finished soon. Help yourself, while I go upstairs"
"Don't worry about me, take your time. I'll look up possible hotels"
She agreed then headed upstairs to her room. Serkan went to the kitchen and put on the coffee machine. As he was scrolling on his iPad, he heard a buzzing sound. Looking around, he tried to track down the sound. Sounding closer he entered the living room and saw Izzy's bag on the couch. The buzzing stopped as he came closer, but started a few seconds after. He yelled to Izzy to say her phone is ringing, but she did not hear him and he pulled out her phone from the front pouch. Serkan's eyes light up with glee when he saw Burak's name on the caller id. Thinking of whether he should answer it or not, he pressed answer.
"Izzy! I finally get hold of you.. Where have you been? Is everything okay? I've been calling since the time you were supposed to have landed in Cape Town, but no answer"
Serkan knew that one word and Burak's blood pressure will be through the roof.
"Pardon.. This is not Izzy Hanim"
Burak's breathing got heavier as he tried to calm himself down.
"Who am I speaking to then?" he said through gritted teeth trying to be calm.
"We met at the airport. I'm Serkan"
"I see... So what the hell are you doing with my girlfriend's phone?!"
Burak was failing to control his temper and before Serkan could toy with him some more, Izzy grabbed the phone out of his hand. She gave Serkan a stern look, then explained to Burak what was going on.
" What the hell?! You not going to a hotel with that scum! He clearly has bad intentions.."
Burak yelled and scolded at Izzy for a full five minutes, without giving her an opportunity to justify herself. She was getting irritated herself by the whole situation too, as she had no energy left to argue.
" Stop!! Burak, do you trust me? If you do then you should know I wouldn't do anything to stupid. It's just because I almost passed out that Serkan and Rachel suggested I don't stay alone at the house tonight, that's all! There's nothing else going on"
"I do trust you, I just don't trust him!"
"I understand, but we will be in separate rooms and it's a hotel, so I wouldn't be alone with him in any case"
Burak was silent and sounded like he was calming down. They came to an agreement and Burak said he would call once she's settled in. Hanging up the phone, she turned to Serkan and folded her arms waiting for an explanation.
"Sorry, your phone was ringing non stop and I thought it might be important given the situation"
Izzy sighed then went to get some water to calm down too.
"Look, I understand where you coming from in a way, but you also need to understand that this is not the best time to get chummy with the people in my life. I think you are a good guy and I hope you have pure intentions, but I think now, it's best that you leave for the hotel alone. I have no energy for extra drama"
Serkan tried to plead his case, but looking at the dark rings under Izzy's eyes, he decided to leave.
"I'm sorry..."
"It's cool.. I hope you enjoy your stay in Cape Town. I have booked you a cab to come fetch you, should be here any moment"
"Can we meet up at least for dinner or lunch once before I head back?"
"Yeah, if I have time.."
He left the hotel's number, his international number on a post it on the counter top. Before they could talk some move they heard the cab arrive outside.