Another Kind Of Promise

Chapter Twenty Seven

     Tarkan taking Alara home to Istanbul with him seemed to be the perfect solution. They chose the 5:30pm. flight from Paris to Istanbul, "Are  you going to call your dad and tell him?" Tarkan asked.  She shook her head, " No, I'm going to let it be a surprise. Oh Tarkan, I can't wait. I'm so glad you thought of this." She babbled, hugging him tightly.

      Tarkan laughed, " Are you sure you don't want to let your parents know you're coming, and that you have someone for them to meet." He asked jokingly, nibbling on her ear lobe. Alara squealed, " Tarkan that tickles. And no, I want to let this all be a surprise." 

      She had always been the apple of her dad's eye, getting her way with whatever she wanted. She was the only child and spoiled rotten. If she wanted Tarkan, then there was no way her father would stand in her way....that she knew that for a fact.

      The plans were made, along with the reservations. Now all he had to do was call his mom and let her know, but that would wait until tomorrow. " This trip back home could be the best anniversary weekend of all. What better way to celebrate our time together than meeting the parents." Alara mumbled as she snuggled up against his body.

      Tarkan took a deep breath. This could be a challenge of a lifetime, he thought, but if she wanted to wait until they made their commitment to each other than that's what they would do. He wanted nothing more than to make her happy.... But the sooner the better..

       The sun as shining in the window, as Tarkan squinted his eyes avoiding the those first rays of light. He glanced at Alara, still wrapped up securely in his arms. How lucky could one man be he wondered, as he studied her face. She was everything to him, so special, so accepting of him and all his little insecurities. 

       He hoped his parents felt the same way. She was the one, the one the made him whole. He recalled all the stories his dad had told him about the love that he and his mother shared. All the troubles that they had faced and conquered just to be together. That is the kind of love he felt for Alara.... A love that no one could shatter...

      Tarkan gently slid to the edge of the sofa, not wanting to disturb her as she slept. He made his way to the kitchen for a much needed cup of  coffee. He knew he had to call his mom soon to let her know his plans or she would be upset, and if she was upset then his dad was upset.

      He smiled at the thought of how protective his dad had always been of his mother. Even though his mom was the strongest, and most determined woman he knew, his dad hovered over her as if she were fragile. He always admired that in him, along with a multitude of other things, his love for her was the most important thing is his life.

      After a quick breakfast with Alara, and the discussion of their plans for the next weekend, he gave her a long and desired filled goodbye kiss. " I will call you later on, after I call my parents and let them know we are coming. I know they are going to love you." He said, holding her tight.

      She smiled, " I hope so, if not... She hesitated, " Tarkan what will we do if they don't like me. What will happen. I would just die." She shrieked, her eyes filled with tears.  

      He threw back his head, " Alara, Alara...my beautiful and crazy woman, how could they not love you. If I love you, then they will love you".. He laughed, then showered her face with kisses. 

      She watched him as he walked down the street. She waved at him as he turned to take that last look at her before he rounded the corner toward his apartment. He was perfect, she thought, but there was still a little fear in the back of her mind that she may not be accepted so easily by his family.

      As he walked those last few blocks to his apartment, he went over the upcoming conversation he would be having with his parents. Should he even mention he was bringing the woman he loved home to meet them, or should it be a surprise. "No, I think I should tell them. Mom may want to do something special if she knows I'm bringing a guest." He told himself as he took the last few steps home.

      Sanem hadn't slept very well. The thought of Tarkan forgetting his dads birthday had unsettled her much more than she had let on. She knew he had changed, he seemed more distant and preoccupied the last few months, but forgetting a family tradition just wasn't like him. 

      Her mind was a thousand miles away when Can entered the kitchen. She was standing in the doorway gazing out across the back garden. All those years of Tarkan running and playing there, so happy and content, scrolled through her mind. 

      Can poured his tea and stepped up behind his wife, kissing her on top of the head. " So, what are you thinking about. If you are still worried about Tarkan, don't be. He will be here for my birthday." He whispered in her ear.

       She smiled, " I know. I was just thinking about how fast the years go by. Soon he will be starting a job who knows where, and maybe moving away."  Her voice quivered as she tried to hold back her fears. " Why do you have children if you have to let them go before you're ready." She said as she leaned back against Can..

       Can wanted nothing more than to console her, hold her, tell her everything would be ok. But his heart was just as broken about losing his son as hers. " Tarkan will always be our son. He will always be part of us and our family. He will never turn his back on us Sanem. But he will be his own man, and that's what we wanted. We taught him to be independent and strong,...a Divit.

       Those words had barely left his mouth when her phone rang.  She looked at her phone then smiled, " It's Tarkan.....  Hello son, how are you." She said, reaching for Can.

      " I'm fine mom. Just wanted to give you my itinerary for next weekend." He said, his voice full of excitement. " Put the phone on speaker so dad can hear too. The flight is leaving Paris on Friday evening at 5:30. And that should get us there about 9:00. I know it may be a little late, so I'll take a taxi from the airport to home. The dinner is on Saturday, right?" He asked.

      " Yes, Saturday night, but just the family." She told him, but she was sure she had heard him say "us"...... " So are the guys coming back with you too. That's nice, they can visit their parents for the weekend. I'm sure they'll be happy about that."  

      Tarkan took a deep breath,...." No mom, the guys are coming with me." He stated, feeling a little nervous as he spoke. 

      " Oh really....then why did you say us." She asked, but she knew the answer even before she asked......

      The was a long silence before Tarkan finally spoke, " Mom, Dad....I'm bringing my girlfriend home with me. I know the dinner is for family only, and she will be visiting her family as well. I want you to meet her.... She's so.. so....perfect. I hope you understand..." He muttered.

      " So, is this the girl you have been seeing for a while?" She asked, trying to stay calm. " Yes mom, and you will see, she's wonderful. She's beautiful, smart and...and... very special to me." 

      Can joined in the conversation, " I'm sure she is son. We will be happy to meet her. I can pick you up at the airport, if you want." He said. Tarkan answered quickly, " No dad we can take a taxi, I insist. But it is ok for her to come, right? He asked, sounding like the scared little boy he had once been..

      " Yes son, it's fine. We are looking forward to meeting her. And we want to hear all about her." Sanem interrupted. 

      Tarkan breathed a sigh of relief, " Thanks mom. I knew you and dad would understand and welcome her with open arms. So, we will see you Friday...and, I love you both." He said, before hanging up..

       Sanem looked at Can...." Well I think our son is no longer our little boy" ....She said, a tear rolling down her cheek..