Can Yaman International Presents: Part 1-Erkenci Kus, The Continuing Story

Chapter 5: "The Light Side of My Moon", Part 1

At the end of Chapter 4:  Sanem speaks softly to him. "Can, Aşkım, you have had a nightmare but you are all right now. We are on our way to the Galapagos. Just the two of us, together." She searches his face as she keeps giving him kisses. "Sanem," he whispers again, searching her face. "Kalbim... my heart." He lays his head against Sanem's chest, his ear resting against her heart as his arms close more tightly around her to hold her next to him. 

 (Author's Note:  Please read to the end of the chapter. Your comments and your vote are requested and appreciated. Thank you!)

**********

New York City was a whirlwind of activity for a girl like Sanem who was from a small mahalle  (neighborhood) in Istanbul. As soon as she and Can got off the airplane, they hit the ground running. Can had arranged for a Lincoln Town Car to pick them up from the airport. The driver was his friend Haluk. Whenever Can was in town and Haluk's schedule was free, he drove exclusively for Can. When Can introduced Sanem as his love, his aşkım, Haluk's face reflected his surprise and delight. When he heard those words, he quickly embraced Sanem in a friendly hug. Like Can and Sanem, Haluk was from Istanbul. As they drove through the city, Can and Haluk enjoyed catching up with each other. Both took turns pointing out some of the sights to Sanem as they headed for Can's favorite part of town, SoHo.

Can enjoyed telling Sanem a bit about SoHo. It had been abandoned at one point, becoming known as "Hell's Hundred Acres". But it was cheap to live there and thousands of so-called "starving artists" started moving in. Over time, the area morphed into a trendy, artistic, and chic neighborhood filled with designer boutiques, fancy chain stores, and high-end galleries. Mixed in with charming old-world designs of cast-iron facades, cobblestone streets, and factories renovated for new and creative uses.

"Enough history," Can proclaimed. "We are here. The first thing on the agenda is food." Turning to Sanem, he asked, "Are you hungry, meleğim?" She replied, "Ufff, Can, I am so hungry, my belly growls." Can said to Haluk, "Please take us to Jack's Wife Freda. Sanem, you will love this place. It is a charming little cafe' where I have enjoyed many delicious meals." Can took the cell phone out of his jacket pocket and called the restaurant. "Dean, it's Can. I just got into New York. I am on my way right now coming to you for brunch. Please tell your lovely wife Maya that I am keeping my promise. I am bringing my love to meet her." Can could hear a lot of excited voices and commotion in the background after he said those words to Dean. He ended the call with, "See you in about 10 minutes then. Ok, bye-bye."

When Haluk pulled up in front of "Jack's Wife Freda", they saw the owners, Dean and Maya Jankelowitz, waiting for them in front of the restaurant. Obviously excited to see them, Can and Sanem were immediately greeted with hugs and traditional Turkish kisses to each cheek. Dean and Maya escorted them inside to a table close to the front windows and sat down with them for some conversation and Turkish tea. When they stepped away to attend other guests, Can and Sanem's tabletop was soon filled with an assortment of the brunch specialties of the restaurant. As they enjoyed their kahlvati (breakfast), Can explained that Dean and Maya had named the restaurant in honor of Dean's grandmother Freda. When Can began to eat there frequently, he soon became good friends with Dean and Maya.

Maya came to refill their tea and said to Sanem, "Make sure you see Can's beautiful picture on the wall over there," pointing to a picture across the aisle from their table. "It is our treasure and a special gift from your generous man." Can waved his arm at Maya as he always did when playfully suggesting, "Pour all of your compliments over me". Sanem looked across the room and saw a beautiful watercolor. Maya told her it was a picture of Dean's grandmother Freda as she tended her herb garden. Freda's home-grown herbs were one of the secret ingredients in the recipes her restaurant customers loved. 

"Can?" Sanem said in amazement. "I did not know you painted. It is truly beautiful." Can stood behind Sanem with his hands on her shoulders then leaned down to kiss the top of her head. "Ahhh, my love, there is still so much to learn." As they got up to leave the restaurant, they walked across to the painting so Sanem could see it up close. Leaning her head back against his solid chest, Sanem sighed in contentment as she gazed at the painting for several minutes. Can wrapped his arms around her, buried his nose in her neck, inhaled deeply and crooned into her ear, "Mmm, meleğim, you smell so good." "Can!" she quickly said to him, flustered by his public display of affection.

Taking her by the hand, Can whisked her out to the sidewalk, spun her around and caught her up against him and held her tight. Easing his free hand into her hair, he cupped her face, tipped her head back, and looked deeply into her eyes. "Aşkım, we are not in Turkey anymore." He lowered his head within inches of hers and watched the rosy color of a blush appear on her cheeks. He licked his lips as he looked at her lips then taking his gaze back to her eyes, said in almost a whisper, "The rules have changed."

********** 

This is a work of Fan Fiction inspired by the characters of "Erkenci Kus". All photos, videos and characters belong to their rightful owners.

Written for Can Yaman International by Deb Scott; @DebScott3 on Wattpad.

Edited by Mary Bloyd, Resident Editor for Can Yaman International.