Early Bird (Erkenci Kus)(Part 3)

85. The stolen slogan

"Alright," Can starts, sitting back in his chair once everyone was seated around the table and listening, "I need slogan ideas for Redmod's perfume. What do you have?" He wasn't wasting any time in mincing words. He had an hour before his meeting with McKinnon so he needed good ideas and fast. JJ's hand shoots up and Can nods at him. "Yes JJ? I'm listening, I can't wait to hear the long story you have prepared."

JJ jumps up and hurries to the white board while Can turns his chair to face him. "Right," JJ clears his throat. "Er, hi everyone... So, we have a young man, and he's been living in the same house for the last 6 years. But one day, out of the blue, this young man's landlord comes and gives him an eviction notice...Only this landlord has no idea that he won't be able to find a better tenant because this tenant always pays on time and he always follows the rules. So this tenant gets upset with getting kicked out, and he uhm, he sets off to clear his head, wandering the shops until he walks into one of Redmod's stores...And then, all puzzled and confused, he peruses the products one by one - "

"JJ, is this going somewhere?" Can asks.

"Yes Mr Can."

"Okay."

"Anyway, he suddenly sees the perfume bottle, and his attention is drawn to the design...He thinks it's something else but then he looks closer...He picks up the bottle and sprays some on his wrist...He sniffs, it smells beautiful. He goes over to the cashier and asks, "Can I buy this?" and the cashier, of course, tells him that he can - "

"How interesting!" Guliz pipes up holding back her laughter. "I dread the moment it has to end."

"Shut up Guliz!" JJ hisses, glaring at her and a couple of people snicker. "And this is where we add a little comedy to the story because too much drama is boring. The cashier is allergic to the perfume the tenant sprayed and so is unable to help him to pay for it, because she keeps sneezing - "

"JJ, what does this have to do with what comes to mind when you think about Redmod's perfume?" Deren asks.

"Will you all just listen?!" he snaps. "I'm trying to make a point! He goes to another cashier, and the camera pans to him holding the bottle of perfume - "

"Okay calm down."

"He turns with the perfume! Shows the label to the viewer at home so they know what's going on instead of being in the dark...Mr Can, I'm getting there."

"I didn't say a word JJ, I'm listening. Take it easy."

JJ nods and then takes a deep breath. "Good. Okay. The tenant returns home. The doorbell rings and it's the landlord again. This time with two notices. He needs me out of the house."

"Oh my God, JJ, are you being kicked out?" Sanem asks and JJ breaks finally down, his hand over his mouth as he nods.

"What?" Deren gasps, looking from him to Sanem and back. "Why?"

"I'm..." JJ chokes and then starts sobbing, turning his back to the room. All the laughter over his story was now replaced by looks of sympathy.

"JJ? What happened?" Guliz asks, frowning.

"JJ?"

"I'm...I'm sorry Mr Can," he chokes, his breath hitching, "I'm having a crisis...I'm being kicked out...I have nowhere to go if I leave..."

Sanem jumps up and goes over to hug him then pulls him to his chair so he could sit down. "It's okay. Sit down, calm down. Don't worry." She raises her voice. "The tenant is now home!" she says when he sits down.

"I am?"

"Yes JJ."

"Right," Can turns back and sighs. "Thank you JJ. Do you want to go on or - ?"