LOOSING HOPE

THE COOK OUT

It was the evening of the cook-out at Can and Sanem's. Defne and Kamen had already arrived. Kamen immediately went off to play with Ates. Soon, everyone started to arrive. Akif, Metin and Akif's wife came together. Akif and Metin went to help Can man the grill. Soon, Mevkibe, Nihat, Leyla, Emre, Aziz and Mihriban arrived. Defne was staying close to Sanem, since she didn't know anybody. Sanem liked her immediately. She was very soft spoken and kind. Sanem felt bad for her, raising her son alone. She explained she was divorced from Kamen's dad and had no contact with him. He never even contacts Kamen. Defne explained to Sanem that her ex-husband had met somebody else and his new woman did not want to deal with another woman's child. Sanem was so sad to hear this information. Poor Kamen. Defne told Sanem that Kamen stopped asking about his father months ago when Defne had run out of excuses to tell him. Sanem looked over at Kamen who was laughing and having a great time with Ates. Sanem told Defne to come on...they were going to go see how long before the meat was done. It was actually an excuse that Sanem was using to introduce Defne to Metin.

Sanem headed over to her husband who was manning the grill. She gave Can a quick kiss and asked how long until the meat was done. Can told her about another 15 minutes. Sanem introduced Defne to Akif and Metin. Defne shook both of their hands. Metin held her hand a little longer than needed. Metin told her it was nice to meet her. Defne said you too, with a smile. Sanem looked at Can and smiled. Sanem and Defne went inside to start bringing out the rest of the food to put on the table. Leyla, Mihriban and Mevkibe also helped. Soon the table had all the food on it, except for the meat. Within a few minutes, Can, Akif and Metin arrived to the table with hamburgers and sausages. Defne called her son, Kamen over so she could fix him a plate. Metin squatted down and introduced himself to Kamen. Kamen shook Metin's hand and told him it was nice to meet him. Defne got Kamen's plate ready and then walked Kamen over to the little table that the kids were using. Defne was so happy that her son was enjoying himself.

Defne went back to fix her plate. She started to head back to the kids table, but Sanem hollered for her. She invite Defne to sit with her. Defne smiled and nodded. Soon, Can and Metin joined them. Metin kept stealing glances at Defne. He thought she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Defne would steal a glance at him from time to time. She thought he was very handsome. She was not looking for a relationship. Her ex-husband hurt her bad and she was scared to jump back into the frying pan. She also had to protect her son from getting attached to any man she became interested in. She could not handle it if her son suffered another broken heart. Metin struck up a conversation with Defne. He asked what she did for a living. She told him she worked at the agency with Can and Sanem. She asked what he did. Metin told her he was an attorney. Defne smiled and told him that was a good profession. Metin laughed and told her it could be at times. He asked her if she had lived in Istanbul all her life. Defne told him she was born and raised here. Metin told her he was too. They continued making small talk.

Sanem reached over and grabbed her husband's hand. He turned and smiled at her. He asked her what was on her mind. Sanem said nothing and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. She whispered she loved him very much. He whispered back he loved her very much. Sanem looked around at her family and friends. She felt her heart warm with all the happy, smiling faces she saw. She was truly blessed to have such wonderful people in her life. She looked over at her children. Deniz, Yildiz and Ates were eating and joking with each other. Kamen was joining in with them. They were all getting along so well.

After the cook-out, everyone helped clean up and slowly one by one they headed home. Soon, it was just Sanem, Can, Defne, Metin and the kids left. Metin was taking his time leaving and he was usually the first one out of the door. He offered to drive Defne and Kamen home. Defne told him she did not want to inconvenience him. Metin smiled and said no inconvenience at all. Defne accepted the ride with a smile and a thank you. After they left, Sanem got her kids in the house and started their nightly routines. Bath, dressed and then tucked into bed for the night. After all that was done, Sanem and Can sat outside on the balcony. They enjoyed watching the stars together. Can had his arm around his wife and she had her head on his chest. Can kissed her temple and asked if she had a good time tonight. Sanem said she had a wonderful time. She always enjoys being with her family and friends.

Can asked her what she thought of Defne and Metin getting along so well. Sanem smiled and said they made such a cute couple. Can warned her not to push too fast. He reminded her that Defne has been hurt and was very vulnerable right now. Sanem told him she knew this. She told Can that Metin was just so perfect for her. Can agreed but told her they would have to let them decide on whether they wanted to get to know each other better. Sanem said she knew this too. Sanem got a text message from Defne. Defne told her Metin had asked her out. He also wanted Kamen to come along with them. Sanem texted and asked her what she told him. Defne sent a smiley face and told Sanem she said yes. Sanem told her she was so happy for her. Defne admitted to being scared. Sanem told her it would be fine. Just go slow and get to know Metin. She told Defne that Metin was an awesome guy. Defne thanked Sanem for inviting her and Kamen to the cook-out. Sanem told her it was her pleasure.

Sanem told Can that Metin asked Defne out. Can smiled and told her that was good news. Metin had been single for way to long now. He needed a good woman and Kamen was just the added bonus. Sanem kissed her husband and asked if he was ready for bed. Can told her yes, but he still wanted dessert. Sanem looked at him and asked if he ate dessert at the cookout. Can said yes, but he wanted more dessert. Sanem got the picture and laughed. She took her husband by the hand and led him to their bedroom.