Truth

Simple

"We'll just get married then"- - - -

Sanem froze, taken aback by his simplistic solution. As if, 'of course we'll just get married then... problem solved.'

In one second, she was simultaneously insulted by the seemingly relayed 'un-importance' of the idea of marriage, while being filled with heartfelt love by his complete and immediate willingness to even suggest it.

Apparently, her pause was longer than she felt it was because he prompted her again... "What? - We love each other. Can't be without each other... we marry, yes?"

She placed a hand on his chest... "Can... I know marriage is not your way." She meant to continue but he cut her short- "Love is my way... with you- it is our way. Marriage is something that some give weight and meaning to, but others do not. Really, the meaning is placed on the love itself... ceremony is just a technicality. Because I feel this way about the ceremony, doesn't take the meaning away from you or your family. Let them have their ceremony. I get my Sanem either way."

She took pause again and really considered his words- knowing their truth. Finally- "I can take that... but-" "But?" he questioned. "But, before I would consider accepting this proposal- there is a condition." Can smirked a little at her resolve... she really was a very strong woman when she allowed herself to be.

"Tamam Sanem. Anything." This time she smirked for a split second, hoping to keep it light, but needing him to hear her out. "Remember you said that." She warned. "What? That I'll do anything to keep you? It should not surprise you after everything we've been through- Really."

She nodded once, with conviction. "Exactly my issue Can... Before we would enter into a formal commitment- recognized by my family, by friends & coworkers- by all..." "Yes?" he asked... this time a bit unsure- wavering a little at the pointed intention of her words.

"I must confess all."

He took a half step back, looking to the sky- "Sanem- We've been over all of this! I do not wish to re-hash any past ugliness," he pleaded with his furrowed eyebrows and a slight tilt of his head to the side as he looked at her again.

"No Can... You chose not to read my letter, remember? So you don't have the whole story."

"Do I really need all of it?" he asked, "Is it not enough for you that I agreed to a fresh start, leaving the past behind?"

"I want that too Can- more than you know." She continued- "but I know, that this truth will eventually come back. Someone will be sure to shine a harsh light on it from a twisted angle for your eyes and it will just ruin us all over again. I want you to know from me... not Emre or Aylin, or the internet- or any other source. Can you understand this?"

He sighed, looking at the ground between their feet, hands on his hips.

She continued before he could speak again, derailing her from her resolute position. "This thing! It weighs heavy on me Can... it's what gives me those nightmares- I can't allow you to suggest betrothal without you knowing the whole truth or it will haunt me until it comes out."

Her desperate plea, combined with her somewhat uncharacteristic resolve and courage in this moment to push the issue, conveyed her intense inner torture effectively. Can stepped back toward her- ever her protector- cupping the sides of her face in his huge but gentle hands.

"Please Sanem! Please don't cry... my heart breaks with yours." Another pause with a small sigh of defeat, caving to her need to release the weight of this truth. "Evet." Sanem took his hands in hers surrounding her cheeks, bending to catch his slightly downward gaze, her eyes questioning his again for confirmation. "Yes, Sanem- I will hear you."