I Never Thought I Needed You

Chapter 15

My stomach was a war zone. It wasn't butterflies roaming around more like rabid wasps. I wonder what my funeral song would be because my parents are going to murder me! 

We arrived at the mahalle and my heart is beating a mile a minute as we stand at the front door. I take a deep breath and press the buzzer. I hear my mother yell at my father to open the door and in a few short minutes the door opens. "My beautiful daughter" my father greets me and then hugs Can. I missed them so much. I should make more of an effort to see them. They only live two hours away from Istanbul.

I go inside and as I look around the decor remains unchanged, my moms baroque style has outlive all interior trends. The jacquard printed curtains and couches are grandiose and opulent, it's like I am transported back in time to the 1700s. We walk up the stairs to the kitchen where my mom is finishing setting up the table. She hugs me tightly and turns to meet Can "Ah, so that must be Mr. Divit. I was expecting you to be much taller." The man is 6'2 how tall was she expecting him to be? I bite my lip and let her comment slide. I'm trying to start this dinner on the right foot. 

We take our seats around the dinner table. The dinner was awkward, mom kept looking at Can like if she is trying to cut him dry and Can, bless his heart, was attempting to keep the conversation flowing. "So, Mr. and Mrs. Aydin, Sanem tells me you're both avid gardeners. What are you growing this season?"

My mother's smile was thin, a barely-there curve of her lips. "We cultivate a variety of roses. We find gardening to be quite rewarding because it teaches patience." She directed a pointed look in my direction. "And it also teaches us that not every plant or flower could grow together." 

My father grunts, pushing his plate away. "Roses require a great deal of commitment...Something not everyone is willing to do."

I take a deep breath and try to change the conversation "Can is not only what you see on tv. He is a smart business man, very dedicated and super creative. He works incredibly hard." I offered Can a small, encouraging smile.

"Yes, um...currently I'm running my dad's company and I'm really enjoying it." He went on to describe his responsibilities, but I could see the glaze forming over my parents' eyes. The fact that he is an actor is a "non-traditional" role, that they are not comfortable with.

My Mother gave Can a scrutinizing gaze. "And your plans for the future?"

"Well... I plan to take on a role in the company and I plan to be here for Sanem. If there is an acting gig I plan to talk it with Sanem and only consider it if it's near." I smile at him. 

"Acting gigs?" My father cuts in, his voice laced with disapproval. "Isn't this going to take time away from Sanem?" 

"I'm sure he's got it all under control, Dad," I interjected.

My mother's eyes narrowed. "I've seen your Instagram posts and those magazine covers. For a man who seems interested in my child, I expect a certain level of decorum. But instead, you're flaunting your... your... physique for the world to see."

"Yes, a picture with my chest out could be seen as tasteless to some... but it was all done for art or for promotion." Can said, trying to maintain his composure. "Mrs. Aydin. I didn't mean to cause any offense."

"I'm sure you didn't," my mother spat. "But a woman like Sanem should be treated with more respect."

I could feel my blood rising at my mother's condescending tone, but Can intervened. "Mrs. Aydin, please understand that Sanem means everything to me. If she's uncomfortable with it, I'll stop immediatel-." The rest of his words faded into the background as my mother interrupted him to launched into a tirade about the mahalle's gossip on Can and his so-called 'inappropriate' online posts. She insisted that I should never associate with someone who lacks morals. How dare she say that about Can?! I couldn't let her continue tearing him apart, so I cut in with the first thing I could think of.