Early Bird (Erkenci Kus)(Part 3)

105. Can you believe it?!

Making his next move on the chessboard that night, Emre looks up at Can. "Take lots of pictures. Run a trail or two."

"It's a retreat Emre, it's not a hike." Can moves his next piece as well, his eyes staying on the board.

"Aren't those two things the same in your book?" Emre grins.

"Smartass," Can shakes his head. "Make your move."

The front door open and closes and Emre looks up past Can at Huma coming down the hallway.

"Hello!" she greets them with a bright smile and puts her coat on the back of the couch. "And what are my two handsome boys doing?"

"Nothing. Just playing," Emre says.

She looks at the board and hums.

"Time really flew with this game," Can says, looking away from the backdoor at Emre. "I think I'll go."

"Have you decided where you're going then?" Huma asks when he stands up.

"Yes."

"Where? Because I can give you a few tips on activities if I know. For example, my friend owns a lovely little boutique and spa in - "

"I already know what I'm doing." Can gives Emre a warning look. "You leave that alone until I get back so we can continue. I want to know I kicked your ass fair and square." Then he turns and walks down the hall.

"Ha ha! Good night!" Emre calls after him.

"Yeah your knight's in trouble by the way!" Can calls back.

Huma looks after Can a moment until he turns into the door leading to the other hallway before she turns to Emre who sighs silently.

"Do you see?" she asks. "Do you see what he does? I am trying my best to get close to him but he keeps pushing me away." She sits down next to him and frowns.

"Mom, give him time."

"How much? I praise him. I tell him what good decisions he's making lately, I even try to help him but his wall is getting thicker and thicker. I'm his mother. I'm worried."

Emre rubs her shoulder in comfort.

"I want to be near him, Emre." She looks down the hall again. "Where is he going that's so secret? At least give me something so I don't lose my mind the entire time he's away," she asks, looking at Emre again.

"Fine," he says after a moment. "But don't tell anyone."

"Of course not."

"He's going to Sapanja Lake. There's this hotel that we shot at a few years ago. I told him about it and he looked it up. It's very peaceful. Just what he needs."

"Sapanja is very peaceful," Huma nods in agreement. "It will be good for him."

Emre nods and then inhales. "So? I'm going to make coffee. Do you want some?"

"Why not?" Huma smiles and Emre winks at her, standing to go to the kitchen.

He stops just around the corner though, out of sight and waits. He had been suspicious about Polen's sudden appearance and he was sure that his mother was behind it. Now would be the test to see if he was right.

"Hello Polen?"

Emre peeks around the corner and squints at her back. Knew it.

"I found out where Can's going... Sapanja Lake...I'll get the exact details from Emre and then I'll send them to you. Make sure you reserve a room close to his. Okay? You have to be near my son during this difficult time."