LOOSING HOPE

FAMILY TRIP TO THE BEACH

It was the weekend and Sanem was finishing up her next novel. It was a continuation of her first novel. Since her first novel ended in a dream of her and Can being married with 3 children, this next novel would be based on reality. It would begin when Can returned after being away for a year on his yacht. Her book would cover finding their way back to each other after being separated for that year, their plans for their 2 year world tour, Can's memory loss from the vehicle accident, their marriage and lastly their 3 children. Her publisher, Crystal in New York really liked the draft she sent. Can had read it and he loved it. Once the book was complete, Sanem would have to travel to New York to finalize it. Can already told Sanem he would be going with her to New York. He remembers her last publisher after Yigit. Two crazy male publisher was enough for Can. Thank God her publisher was a female this time. Can was afraid he would kill the next male psycho publisher.

Sanem was working in her office that Can had fixed up for her. He was keeping the triplets occupied outside. All three kids were now walking somewhat. Can had built them a play area outside. It had a slide, swings, teeter totter and a mini merry go round. The kids absolutely loved it and Can loved playing with the kids on it. Sanem took a break from her writing to start lunch for Can and the kids. She thought of making something quick and easy. She made soup and sandwiches. Of course, Sanem had to remove the crust from all of the kid's sandwiches and cut them into small pieces. Sanem also cut up some fresh fruit for everyone. Once everything was ready, she brought it outside. It was to beautiful outside to eat indoors. She set the food down on the table outside and went back in to get the lemonade and glasses. She called for everyone, once the table was completely set.

Can rounded up the kids and brought them to the table for lunch. He asked Sanem if she got much writing done. Sanem told him yes. She was just about done. She kissed him and thanked him for keeping the kids occupied. He told her it was his pleasure. He asked her what her plans were for today. Sanem told him she didn't know. She was done writing for the day. She asked him what he wanted to do. Can smiled and said let's take the kids to the beach for a little while. Sanem smiled and said that was a wonderful idea. Sanem suggested packing a picnic for their dinner.

After lunch, they all went into the house. Can rounded up beach shoes, towels, plastic shovels, pails and bathing suits for the kids. Sanem worked on packing the picnic basket. She packed cutlets, fruit, chips, and lemonade. Can wanted her to bring her notebook. He liked putting his head on her lap while she read to him. So, she put her notebook in the picnic basket. Can loaded up the kids and the picnic basket then they headed to the beach. They arrived at the beach and there were very few people there. Sanem got the kids in their bathing suits with their beach shoes. Can set up a place on the beach for their towels and picnic basket. Can and Sanem got in the water with the kids. Her kids were like fish; they loved the water. After an hour of playing in the water, the kids wanted to try and build a sandcastle. While they were playing in the sand, Sanem sat down on a towel. Can came over and laid his head on her lap. He asked her to read to him. Sanem got out her notebook and started to read. She started making up a story. She told Can the albatross hurt his head and lost his memories. The albatross now thought he was a kangaroo. Can said very funny, Sanem and started tickling her. She was laughing and screaming for him to stop. The kids came toddling over and climbed on Can's back. They were saying no mama, no mama. So, Can started tickling them. The kids took off toddling away with Can and Sanem chasing them.

Can caught two of his kids and Sanem caught the other one. They all laid down in a huddle on the sand. Can laid there and stared at his beautiful wife, as she was staring at her handsome husband. They moved closer together and kissed. Sanem asked if everyone was ready to eat. Everyone agreed. Sanem starting serving plates to Can and their kids. She told Yildiz that she had to eat her fruit. Yildiz said O-tay (OK). Can told Sanem not to make her eat stuff she didn't want. Sanem told Can she needed fruits and vegetables. Her pediatrician said so. Can said OK. Sanem told him their kids had him wrapped around their little fingers. He gave her a quick kiss and said she was wrapped around his heart. Sanem smiled and kissed him back.

After their picnic dinner, Can and Sanem went and helped the kids build their sandcastle. It was not the best job, but it was done together as a family. Soon it was time to pack up and head home. It would be dark soon. So, everything was packed into the truck and they headed home. Once home, the kids needed bathed from all of sand on their little bodies. Sanem bathes the girls first, got them dressed for bed and tucked them in. She the went and got her son. She got him bathed, dressed in his pajamas and tucked in. Can was ready a story to the girls, so Sanem read a story to her son. Once they were all asleep for the night, Can and Sanem sat outside on the balcony. Can was laying on Sanem's lap, looking up at her. He told her it was a great day. Sanem said with a smile that it definitely was. She was running her fingers through Can's hair and down through his beard. Can started teasing her about shaving it off. Sanem glared at him and told him he wouldn't dare. He pretended to scratch it and said it gets itchy sometimes. Sanem told him she liked it when it tickled her body. Can smiled and oh really. Sanem said yes. And she loved running her fingers through it. Can said OK, he would just have to keep it. Sanem said if he ever did shave it, then she would be forced to cut her long hair. Can glared at her and never. He said he liked her hair touching his body and he loved running his fingers through it. Sanem told him they would just have to keep his beard and her hair. Can laughed and told her she drove a hard bargain.

After chatting and laughing for an hour, they headed into bed. Sanem asked him why he never sleeps outdoors anymore. When they first met, he always slept outdoors. Can said he use to sleep outdoors because he was lonely, and the sounds of the night soothed him. When he met her, he was no longer lonely. He told her he would rather cuddle with her than the hard ground. Sanem laughed. He told Sanem seriously the day he met her, even before seeing her face, he knew he would never be lonely again and he was right. He told her she took away all the loneliness he as felt since he was a small child; ever since his mother took Emre and left him. Sanem put her hand against his face and told him she would never leave him. She told him she loved and adored him too much to leave him. He was her whole world; her best friend; the father of her children; her soulmate. She told him she would be nothing without him.

Can pulled her into a passionately kiss. Can then said let's try out those spots where my beard tickles you. Sanem laughed and asked if he would ever grow tired of making love to her. Can said never and when they were old and gray, he would throw his cane to the side and still make love to her. Can made love to his wife over and over again throughout the night.