Azize (Unfinished)

Kuzey Benim Olum

Living in the Alpan mansion began to feel unbearable as days went by. Everyone is deceiving each other; spreading lies while no one knows the exact truth. Those that were called family were complete strangers. Blood did not define the relativity and closeness with one other. Seems as though it only drove the Alpan's further away from their relatives. This ofcourse, beginning with the true identity of Kuzey's biological parents.

Kuzey has lived over eighteen years of his life believing that Yildiz & Balkan were his parents, including having Celine as a little sister. However, this was about to be challenged; without knowing it, his entire world was about to change.
...
Kuzey is about to go downstairs to join everyone for breakfast. The Alpan's aren't happy being around each other, however, Zeynep has made it mandatory for the family to meet consistently during meal times. Since Zeynep had arrived, Balkan kept certain information about his underground businesses. Knowing that she wanted Kartal to take his place, Balkan didn't want to expose that he's going against her wishes. Balkan wanted to appear as the angelic son, just as Kartal appeared merciful to all. Although, no one in the family is known for that. It is miraculous that an individual such as Kartal existed in the family; without him, it would be utter chaos.

Kuzey reaches the bottom of the staircase & enters the dining room. The smell of Turkish coffee floods the room; so intensely that with one inhale you are awoken from slumber. Everyone was gathered at the table, as Aynur & Gul were rushing to prepare cups of coffee for the table. Zeynep had her coffee black with a small dash of sugar, barely sweetened. The cup remain untouched, practically cooling as Zeynep waited for her grandson to arrive. Kuzey greets Celine & Yildiz, then finally gives his grandmother a kiss on the hand. He takes a seat next to Celine, with Yildiz on the other side of him.

Zeynep finally takes a sip of her nearly cold coffee as she felt it was an appropriate time. As she places the cup onto the table, she looks up at Kuzey.

Zeynep: "Kuzey son, did you sleep well?"

Kuzey: "Yes, thank you."

Zeynep nods her head.

Zeynep: "Are you attending school? What are your interests?"

Kuzey: "Umm, well I want to be an artist..... I love drawing. But, not everyone approves of that."

Yildiz clears her throat while staring at the ground. She was afraid that Kuzey would bring up the fact that Barbaros wanted Kuzey to join in on their illegal ventures.

Zeynep: "What do you mean, son? If you are happy, that is what really matters."

Kuzey: "Thank you, really. But I have a feeling that it will be temporary for me."

Zeynep begins to feel curious, wanting to know what Kuzey truly meant by that. What would stop him from pursuing his dream? If not a what, then who? ..... The answer to that was closer than they believe.

Zeynep: "Just follow your dreams. Anyway, enjoy your meal."

Everyone sits in silence as they pick up their utensils & indulge. The opportunity for further conversation was closed as the others felt uncomfortable.

****

After everyone finished their meal, the table was left empty rather quickly. Tuna had went upstairs to her corridor, as thoughts of Adnan & Kuzey came to mind. She is unable to get over the fact that Kuzey calls her aunt instead of mother. A young man lived his entire life with a fabricated truth. It was days such as Iskender's funeral, & Adnan finding out the truth that only pushed Tuna more. She felt tortured internally, because she wanted to reunite with her son. It meant more than anything in the world to her now; nothing & no one else seemed to matter. Tuna sits on her bed, tears begin to fall on her face, feeling absolutely defeated. If only Yildiz's life was not at risk, surely Kuzey would know the truth by now. But due to the length of time that has passed, it would bring more harm than good. To reveal her secret would be an act to please the self. But how can one not be selfish, if the reason is for family?
...
Kuzey knocks on Tuna's door to check up on her. The last time they had spoken was just before the dinner before Azize & Kartal had left.

Kuzey: "Auntie, are you free?"

Tuna is silent for a moment as her voice was weakened from crying. She takes a deep breath & waits a moment to respond.

Tuna: "Just a moment Kuzey."

She quickly wipes the mascara that smeared down her face. Then she stands up and invites Kuzey in.

Tuna: "Come in."

Kuzey walks in & closes the door behind him. He goes up to Tuna greeting her with a hug.

Kuzey: "Something wrong auntie?"

Tuna quickly shakes her head in response.

Tuna: "No son, thank you for asking."

She pinches Kuzey on the cheek, then pulls him in for a hug. Tuna was eager to tell Kuzey everything in that moment. It seemed like the perfect time to inform Kuzey.

Kuzey pulls out of the hug, & Tuna is trying to process her words.

Tuna: "......Anything new with you Kuzey?"

Kuzey: "Um no auntie, everything is fine. And you?"

Tuna takes a slight pause.

Tuna: "...Well, Kuzey.... I actually have to tell you something. It may be very hard to hear."

Kuzey: "You are worrying me, what is it?"

Tuna: "Kuzey.......When you were born, you thought that Yildiz was your mother, & Balkan is your father."

Tuna is beginning to choke on her tears, barely able to speak.

Tuna: "The truth is, they are not your parents..... I am your mother, & Adnan is your real father."

Kuzey's facial expression changes to a look of utter confusion. He mind is bombarded with this unexpected information, & Tuna is eager to know what he is thinking. However, it is clear that the information was not received lightly.

....

Kuzey: "Wait, what?! That's impossible. You're my aunt! You have always been my aunt! What do you mean?!?!"

Tuna: "I know it sounds impossible but you have to believe me!"

Kuzey: "How can this be?! I have Celine, she is my sister!! She believes I am her brother!! Have I been lied to my whole life!?.... Out of all people auntie I expected you to be honest with me."

Tuna: "Please son, forgive me!! I was forced to keep quiet by Yildiz. It is a long story but if you listen, maybe you will understand."

Kuzey's face turns red as his eyes fill with tears.

Tuna picks up a photo hidden in her drawer, which shows Yildiz & her holding Kuzey on their lap.

She reveals the photo, and Kuzey focuses in on it. He is shocked to see what was on it.

Kuzey: "How? HOW!!? I don't understand this. You let me grow up believing this lie?!"

Tuna: "It was to protect Yildiz!! Balkan was harming her & she needed to protect herself against him...... and this was how she could keep a distance from him. If Balkan finds out the truth, he will kill her Kuzey."

Kuzey's mind was flooded with confusion as well as disbelief that something this crucial, was kept from him.

Kuzey: "I don't know what to do.... What am I suppose to tell Celine? That she can't call me brother anymore?! How can I do that??"

Tuna: "You will not say anything. I have been wanting to tell you all these years. Now here you are, a grown man. I wanted you to know the truth, but Yildiz wanted me to hide from you."

Kuzey: "You are telling me the woman I believed to be my mother, who now is not my mother, forced you to lie to me?"

Tuna: "For protection! Please don't tell Yildiz that I told you; I need you to understand! I have been living with this pain since you were born!"

Kuzey: "I'm sorry, I can't...."

Tuna: "Kuzey please!!"

Kuzey rushes out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Within a matter of minutes, his whole world collapsed under him. The life he Kuzey lived was not reality; but a fabricated version of his youth. The woman he once called mom, was now a stranger. Regardless of the reasoning behind it all, Kuzey is unable to get over the fact that his entire life was a lie.