Is our love strong enough?

Commitment

I smiled and nodded "I do have one more thing to say."

"In order for me to develop, find my own routine and find myself...I will find my own place and move out."

"You what?" All three of them asked at the same time.

The shock on my parents face was clearly visible but I couldn't make out Can's face expression. He was very hard to read.

"Please hear me out before you all start screaming at me." I said.

"I have always been a good daughter to you, right? I mean there have been times I have disappointed you and didn't behave how you wanted but if you take everything into account, I have always done as you said. Isn't that true?"

"That is right Sanem. You never did anything that we didn't approve of and we were never disappointed in you. Never, don't think about that for a minute. But kizim, this comes as a shock for us. We are not used to these changes. It is not common for us, in our neighborhood that the daughter is moving out before she gets married. You know that right?"

"I know baba. But as I explained a few moments back, I need to start thinking about myself and not pleasing others. I was always good to everyone, I didn't put shame on our name and I am not planning to do it now. But please understand me. I am different than Leyla. I need to do my own thing. I need to take decisions on my own. I cannot go from living with you in a house and then go straight over to my future husband's house. I need to take my life into my own hands. Make decisions for me. I cannot be dependent from any of you.

I love you all and I know you think it is the best for me to stay here with you so you can protect me but I need my freedom. You know I wouldn't do any harmful things if I would be living on my own. I will stay the same Sanem but I need this change, for me. Put yourself in my shoes. You know I have always been a bit different then everyone here. I want to have your blessing for this. I will do it either way but I hope that you will take your time and try to understand me and help me in this and encourage me.

I want to include you in my decisions but I still need to be the one making them. I just want you to trust me. Nothing will change. I will only be living at my own place and taking time writing my book. You can come and stay over whenever you want of course. I only ask you to trust me... Baba you said I have not disappointed you and I will for sure not start doing it now. You understand me better than anyone. You understand I need this change, right?"

"Sanem you have always been special kizim. We always shared a special bond, you and me. Believe it or not but I understand completely what you are trying to say. As your father, I don't want you to move out before you are married. I never thought that the day would come that you or Leyla would ask to move out before that...but here we are. You are a copy of myself when I was younger Sanem. I know what you are going through and it wouldn't be right from me to stop you find yourself. I have done the same when I was your age.
True, I was a man and it was a bit different but this is how I found your mother. Now I don't need to worry about the fact that you will go out and party all night because I know that you have found your soul mate and I couldn't be happier for you. It will be hard for me to let you go my daughter but since I went through the same as you do right now, I know how important it is.
Especially to have your parents blessing. I never got mine and it ruined our relationship. I never want this to happen between us. We trust you enough to know you would not do anything you are not ready for or that could harm you." Baba said with tears in his eyes.

"I can't believe you baba, thank you so much." I went to hug him and started now crying together with him.

"Anne?" I need to have my mother's blessing as well.

"What can I say Sanem? I would lie if I say I like the idea of you living somewhere alone but I am happy that you are honest with us. I trust you completely Sanem. I don't like it and it makes my stomach turn but you have my blessing. I will however go with you to apartment and house showings. We need to agree to where you will be living. I will not accept something that isn't right for you."

Baba asked Can what he thinks about all of this because he hasn't said a word for a long time.

"Honestly. I am a bit shocked. I never knew that Sanem was thinking in this direction at all. And you both are amazing parents to support her in her decision. I couldn't be happier, really. I am not sure that I like the idea of her living alone somewhere but I also understand how important that is for her independence and I am glad she is ready to take that step."

"Tamam. Today has been very eventful and I would like to go to sleep. We can talk about more details tomorrow. Is it ok if Can stays until I fall asleep?" I ask my parents as I am still living under their roof.

Baba nodded and we headed towards my room.

------
"Sanem your parents are the best people I have come around, really. They are ready to throw away their principles and ways of doing things for you. You have no idea how lucky you are." He hugs me as I make my way to the bed.

"So what about all that with living on your own? You never mentioned this to me earlier? I was honestly thinking you would move in with me after we get married...someday."

"Are you offended aşkim? I mean look at it from the bright side. You will be able to come and see me whenever you want. If you behave well, you might even stay over during the night. We wouldn't have to separate from each other...do I need to say anything more to convince you it was a good idea?"

"You had me at be able to come and see you whenever I want. You are right, I didn't even think so far. But you will not chose it on your own, tamam? I will be there every step of the way. Now I can't wait for you to have your own place." Ohh I know this look I thought to myself.

"You want to kiss me now, don't you?"

"Evet. But with your parents next door, I am afraid they will catch..."

I didn't let him finish and kissed him. I missed his lips so much, they felt so good on mine.

"We will start looking for a new place tomorrow morning, tamam?" he said.

"Ohhh look at you. Now you can't wait for it."

"What else did you come up with while you were thinking alone? I want to know everything."

Sanem told him everything she was planning to do. The trip to Norway for some time and then shw would probably head somewhere around the coast in Turkey. She would use this as part of her inspiration for her novel. Before she knew it, she fell asleep.

Can POV

She looks so peaceful and happy sleeping in her own bed. I lean forward and give her a kiss on her head and make my way back into the living room.

"Thank you for letting me stay with her. She is asleep now...it has been quite an eventful day. I had no idea she wanted to be living on her own."

"Neither did we. But then again, this is Sanem. She is unpredictable sometimes. I would lie to say I am not afraid and that it is easy but we chose to trust her and we will continue with it." Nihat added.

"Can. This counts for you too. We trust you with Sanem."

I swallowed hard and knew that wasn't easy for them to admit.

"I would like to talk to both of you if you are not too tired?"

Mevkibe and Nihat looked at each other and nodded back to me.

"Can we maybe go down to the kitchen? I wouldn't like Sanem to hear our conversation in case she wakes up."

"Of course. Now you are making me nervous Can. Come on let's go."

Mevkibe made tea and we sat at the kitchen table and I wasn't sure how to begin so I asked straight out.

"I would like to ask for Sanem's hand in marriage, Nihat bey."