The Best Is Yet To Come

I Can't Make You Love Me

Vasilis watched her from inside his office. She looked absolutely beautiful, ethereal even. She sat on the grass with her back against the tree right outside his window. What makes her even more beautiful is that she has absolutely no idea the power her beauty possesses. It's one of the many reasons why he fell in love with her. His mind transported him back to the first time he ever laid eyes on her.

Athena always had a soft spot for single mothers. After all, she raised him all by herself after his father abandoned them both. So when he got the phone call asking him for help regarding her newly hired waitress, Artemis, he didn't think twice about extending a hand. Of all the scenarios he imagined, he never expected the pregnant angel with the sad eyes.

His mother was rightfully worried. While the girl wasn't overly huge yet, he knew the coming months will be extremely difficult for her. He frequented his mother's restaurant more and more, in order to see Artemis. The more time he spent with her, the more he wanted to make her smile.

Vasilis realized the extent of her troubles when he offered to drive her home after her shift one night. When he realized that she was staying at the local hostel, he immediately jumped into crisis mode. Athena was horrified to know that she was alone in the world and together, they came up with a plan.

Vasilis owned the little house next to his mother's at their compound. He loved his condo too much to let it go but he was a prudent man. That little house would serve its purpose one day. From what little he knew about her, Artemis didn't seem the type of person to accept charity. But how can he help her without offending her pride.

Athena came up with the brilliant plan. Between his law office and his tenure at the university, he'd been having trouble keeping up with the demands of being a lawyer. Vasilis definitely needed a personal assistant. It would keep Artemis from doing hard labor. The physical demands of being a waitress was not good for her pregnancy.

Athena also needed a companion during the evening hours. While his mother is still in her prime, he knew it wouldn't be the case one day. In exchange for being his mother's companion, he was willing to forgo the rent. It was settled. He needed an assistant and she needed a stable environment for her children.

The plan was solid. Artemis did her job and she surpassed his expectations. It was around that time that he noticed Artemis had an extraordinary gift. His paralegal was sick one particular day and he had the unfortunate job of conducting legal research for a case and grading thesis papers for one of his classes. He was way over his head and Artemis offered to read previous case laws to lighten the load.

To say he was impressed with her ability was an understatement. A mind like hers was never meant to be an assistant or a waitress. She deserved to lead the pack. He pulled some strings at the university and managed to secure her a scholarship. Vasilis knew she would do well and he was definitely right on that account. Artemis was a force to be reckoned with. Even when she was heavily pregnant, she soldiered on like a champ. He was extremely proud of her. Little by little, the dull look in her eyes lessened.

Vasilis remembered the day the twins finally came into his life. He was teaching a class when his mother called to inform him that Artemis was in labor. He remembered running through the hospital maternity ward looking for her. The admitting nurse told him his "wife" was already in active labor and his mother was with her.

For a split second, he believed it. He pictured being her husband and the father of the children she was giving birth to until she screamed a name that wasn't his. Not once did Artemis ever mentioned the father of her children and it was a stab to his heart. In her hour of pain, she still called out for the one person she wanted the most in that room and it wasn't him. He remembered the look in her eyes when she saw him through the window: a quick look of hope that was quickly extinguished. She saw him, the love of her life. The one person he couldn't help but be jealous of.

When it was finished, he remembered walking into the delivery room and watched the new family. The little newborns were lying side by side on her chest. Even exhausted, she was still beautiful. Artemis asked him to take a picture of the newborns so she can remember this moment. He snapped a picture of them on his cell phone and like lightning it finally hit him, he realized he was in love with her. He loved all of them. He knew he wasn't their father but he loved them because he loved their mother. And in that moment, he pledged to be everything she needed him to be, in hopes that she will one day see him.

He guided her through every single obstacle. Between him and Athena, they made sure she flourished and soared beyond what was expected of her. Artemis didn't disappoint in that sense. She sped through her education due to her photographic memory. Vasilis remembered her graduation vividly. She walked across the stage and received her degree with honors. He and his mother watched her with pride while holding the twins. From then on, it was just the five of them. He vowed to always be present when it came to the twins. He never missed a birthday and he was always available to them. 

Vasilis relived the day all of their lives changed. Artemis went with him to a meeting at the local orphanage. A few times a month, he worked a few cases pro bono. Artemis herself had volunteered at a few orphanages during her early pregnancy. She said it helped her come to terms with the life she chose, whatever that meant. He recalled the fire in her eyes when she realized the children needed more help than what was being provided. She made it a mission to change the way the administration conducted their business. He had no choice but to stand behind her conviction and help her. In a way, accepting the legal position at the orphanage led to his current predicament.

He can't help but regret his decision.  Inadvertently, he led Artemis back to the love of her life. He always assumed her husband was deceased. Never in a million years did he think she was married to Can Divit. He really should've known. Divit isn't that common of a last name. After their heartfelt conversation about why she left Istanbul, Vasilis couldn't help but look into who she really is: Sanem Aydin Divit. He wished he didn't. Anyone with eyes could see the love between them. It was practically jumping off the screen. Still, it's not worse than seeing the real thing, which leads him to the present.

Vasilis watched them from his window. Sanem was taking pictures of the little soiree from the sidelines. Can heard it was Eros' birthday and arranged for the little celebration currently happening outside. He watched the twins frolicking happily with their father. Violet is on his back with her arms stretched out like a bird while is Orion happily trailing behind the father and daughter duo. It breaks his heart to see them happy. While he had a hand in raising them, they're not his. He watched Sanem take pictures of them with a smile on her face. He can't recall if he's ever seen her smile that way. 

Vasilis couldn't stop looking at Sanem. He watched her every move as if she was going to disappear. She discarded the camera and went back to reading. He didn't want to admit it. Ever since the famous photographer came back into the picture, her eyes seem brighter. Gone is the lost and sad look in her eyes. Her smiles are more radiant and her entire demeanor more lively. He can't help but hate it. Even more, he can't help but hate the man currently walking towards her with a sleepy girl in his arms. 

Can sat down gingerly next to Sanem and laid his head on her lap. It all looks natural, like second nature. He laid the sleeping princess on his chest while checking the pictures the angel above him took. Orion joined their little cuddle fest by laying his head on his father's leg. Vasilis watched the object of affection stroke his rival's hair. She probably doesn't even realize she's doing it since she's lost in reading. He watched Can take the hand caressing his hair instinctively and kiss the palm lovingly. Sanem's lip twitched as she started stroking his beard. They look like the picture perfect family. With a heavy heart, Vasilis turned away from the window. It's time for him to face the music: he never stood a chance.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Can is content. His heart is bursting with happiness. He has everything he needs right at that moment. His wife is running her fingertips along his beard and his children are using him as a pillow. He has no idea the phone call he would end up answering will shatter their little slice of heaven.