The Maybe Game

The agency was totally empty. Leyla waited for everyone to leave so she could pack her things. She didn't want any more drama, like in the goodbye party her friends threw her yesterday. She also didn't want to meet a particular person.

She was finally ready to leave all this behind and move on. But it wouldn't be easy as she thought. Her heart stopped when she left her office and found him there. Leyla considered pass him by and pretend he wasn't there. But she couldn't do it. Not today and, maybe, not ever.

— Emre bey, are you ok? – Emre turned his head and seemed surprised to see her there. - Leyla? What are you doing here? – I was packing my things and... - she stopped talking when she saw the bottle and the glass on the table. - Are you drunk? - Don't worry 'bout me, I'm fine.

— You don't seem fine at all. – How is your marriage going, Leyla? – he couldn't avoid the angry tone in his voice. – Has been... What, like, 3 moths?

— Two and half... - she answered politely, holding her breath. - And it's fine, thanks. Sanem told me you me you're dating a...

— It doesn't matter – he cutted her before she could finish the sentence. – It's over.

— I'm sorry.

— Don't be. I had no feelings towards her. It's a big mistake be with someone who you don't love. That's why I finished things before it was too late. I think you understand that.

— Now you're just being mean – she couldn't take it anymore and stood up to go.

— I'm sorry, please, Leyla... – the sound of his voice calling her name was enough to make her stop and stay. – I just wished we could go back in time and make everything different. Maybe if I didn't...

— Let's not play the maybe game. – now it was her time to interrupt him. – I believe that, in the end, everything is in it's right place. – she smiled – We loved each other, but that was not enough. Your mother, she...

— I shouldn't have let her interfere between us, I was stupid.

His phone rang when he was about to say he was still madly in love with her and Emre sunk it angrily into the glass. Leyla looked at him sadly, trying hard not to cry, and thinking of what he said about being with someone who you don't love. They both know she didn't love Osman.

— I really need to go, Emre bey – she stood up again, knowing she couldn't stay much longer without falling apart. – For both of our sakes we need to learn how to live without each other. That's why I got married, that's why I'm leaving the agency. We need to forget each other...

— Just tell me you still love me, that even in a bed with other guy you still wish it was me, tell me that you'll never love him like you loved me!

— I'll assume you're drunk and have no idea of what you're saying. – she leaned to pick up the bottle and move it away from him...

But when she was about to take his phone out of that glass, Emre tried to hold it and their fingers touched. Leyla felt a shiver all over her body 'cause she couldn't remember the last time she has touched Emre's skin and she missed it so much more than she could admit.

— I'll call you a cab, Emre bey. Please, don't drink and drive, we both know what happened last time you did it.

— You're worried about me - he smiled. - Even after everything.

— We never stop worrying 'bout the ones we love. Goodbye, Emre. – she said finally, leaving the room.

Emre let her go, listening in his head her voice saying his name without formalities. He smiled again. Her last phrase gave him hope. This was not over.

— You said 'let's not play the maybe game'. – he said out loud for an empty room. – Well, I say: let's play it. The end...?