Elite Affairs - Book one

Chapter One

"Açelya, your smile is my favorite thing in the world"

...........

Açelya pronounce as "AH-jeh-lah" or "AH-cheh-lah"

"Léon" pronounce as "LAY-ohn" or "LEH-ohn"

"Richter" is pronounced as "REEK-ter" With a sharp "ch" sound, almost like a soft guttural "k" sound, and a emphasis on the first syllable (REEK).

"Açelya!" The call was met with silence.

"Açelya!" Again, no response. But then, a faint rustling sound broke the stillness, followed by an unsettling quiet.

A creak of the stairs and the door opened making the girl on the bed to groan from the sound.

"Okula geç kalmayacaksın, şimdi kalk!"

(You are going to be late for school, you better get up now)

Açelya groggily retorted, "Dad, I speak English." She lazily sat up, her curly hair cascading around her face. Her sleepy blue eyes looked annoyed, and her eyebrows were scrunched up.

"You're always a perfectionist, Dad. It's six am. School doesn't start until eight," she said, her voice laced with frustration.

Her dad replied, "That's enough reason to get up. By the time you shower, brush your teeth..."

Açelya interrupted, frowning, "Why do I have to shower before brushing my teeth?" Her dad looked annoyed.

"Açelya..." he started to say, but she cut him off.

"Fine, I'll get up. You're no fun," she said, rolling her eyes. She pulled the covers away, revealing her cozy sleepwear - a soft white night blouse and matching light-blue shorts.

Açelya's dad excused himself, and she made her bed before heading to her closet to choose her outfit for the day - a simple blue shirt and jeans.

She grabbed her towel and toiletries and left the room, heading to the shared bathroom. As she turned on the shower, she sighed in frustration - the water was cold.

Her dad hadn't paid the water bill again.

It was July, the end of her freshman year. She couldn't wait to start sophomore year and finish high school soon, then head off to college.

That's if...........

Açelya sighed and began to wash herself with cold water, trying to shake off the sleepiness. She thought about how much she hated taking cold showers, but her dad's financial struggles made it a regular occurrence.

As she dressed in her simple blue shirt and jeans, Açelya couldn't help but feel frustrated with her situation. She was a bright student, but her father's financial struggles made her worry about her future.

After putting on her old sneakers, she headed downstairs to the kitchen, where her dad was making breakfast. "Good morning, kızım," he mocked.

(My daughter)

Açelya rolled her eyes and replied, "Good morning, Baba." She sat down at the table and began to eat her simple breakfast of toast and scrambled eggs with a glass of milk, trying to shake off the negative thoughts.

"I thought you speak English only. Dad is fine"

She giggled and bit into her toast. After breakfast, Açelya grabbed her backpack and headed out the door with her dad. They walked to school together, enjoying the quiet morning air.

Açelya and her dad had a special morning routine. Since he didn't own a car, they would walk to school together every day. The 20-minutes walk was a great opportunity for them to spend quality time together, enjoying the fresh air and quiet streets.