Asin.
~
There was an old saying in the Adans Baban told me once ..
It goes .. ' People tend to be the nicest just after betraying you '
Something to do with guilt.
I'm don't even know why this thought came to me.
Maybe I should get a drink..
" Hey.. have a minute? "
I turned to face a tired looking Oliver.
" Always.. but what's wrong with you? You seem washed. " I turned his head examining.
" I'm fine .. " he pushed my hand away. " .. it's just .. next time, we leave the kids home. Chasing them around is not exactly relaxing. "
I felt a bit guilty, especially since Marie just pointed it out that I tend to take myself out of the majority of the work.
" That's a promise. " I tapped his shoulder, offering another cocktail. " Tell you what.. I didn't want to, but let's have a few.. "
After a couple of swifts, which went down really smooth.. the alcohol did its job, and the entire event looked even better.
Brighter.
" .. I feel a little weird. " I rubbed my eyes.
" Fatigue, huh? "
I felt Oliver's hand help me towards the seat and soon chugged an entire bottle of water.
" Yeah .. Fatigue. " I looked at his worried expression. " ..it is Fatigue!.. I just need to slow down a bit. "
He signalled, and soon I got another bottle and a pair of white pills without marks on them.
" For the nausea.." Oliver nudged.
It was enough for me, so I downed the pills.. After carefully chewing them.
Marie and Ayshe were still missing.. also, I haven't seen Desiree for a while.
It wouldn't be that weird, but her escort Cesur was still currently here talking to Kol and Lilly.
Suddenly, I started to feel much better.. my stomach calmed down, and my mood lifted as the pain subsided.
I shoot a grateful look towards Oli and walked into night .. to empty the tanks.
I passed a few couples making out .. some jumping apart when seeing me.
For what reason!? I'm not their mother ..
I chuckled at my own thoughts as I reached our capsule.
Took me exactly 3 minutes to realise I didn't have the magnet card to open the damn thing.
I rested my forehead on the cool steel and found the situation very amusing.
What's going on with me?
" .. are you okay? "
I turned around facing .. a bird?
" Hey .. "
Yeah .. she was a red bird.
——
Ayshe
~
" .. do you understand what I just told you? "
I had to ask .. Marie was silent for 2 minutes straight now.
" His old .. his first girlfriend is here? " she asked, mumbling. " .. on this island? "
" Is that all you understood!? For heaven sake, Marie, I will ..
" Calm .. " she lifted her hand. Her eyes were more focused. " I understood enough. We have a chance to reveal her .. and have Asin anger take care of the rest .. but it's .. where does she get the nerve!?? "
She punched the nearby wall of the capsule ..it was a bad idea.
After her howling subsided and I cheked for broken bones, we headed back towards the main tent brainstorming on the way.
" .. Are there any actual ideas? " she asked, still nursing her hand.
" I was thinking .. and I got nothing. " I shook my head.
Unfortunately, I wasn't adapt making up complicated plans .. on a dime.
The best I got is just.. bribe someone else to reveal her?
But that would be too easy for Asin or Oliver to trace back to us .. besides, there was no guarantee that hypothetical someone would even accept our request.
All these people were fiercely loyal to them .. they might smell the deceit on us and go straight to Asin.
All my ideas were like that .. or worse.
Oliver would know ..
But I quickly wiped that notion away. Marie came up with something.
" Maybe we can .. bribe someone..
" That won't work.. " I cut her off a little amused. We had a similar train of thought. " We need a way to reveal her .. in a way that won't involve us directly.. or even indirectly. "
" Hmm .. " Marie went back to silent thinking.
So our problem remains.
We reached the bar where only Oliver and Henny were present.
" The others? " I asked Henny.
Oliver was busy scanning Marie and, to a lesser extent, me .. he seemed to be drunk.
" Lilly and Kol are dancing.. so is Desi and ..
" Asin! .. Turddle.. where is my husband? " Marie used her old nickname to annoy her a little.
" He went to the little boys' room .. and you promised to never call me that again! "
With that, she turned around, huffing and ignoring us.
" Marie.. " I gave her a look.
" I apologise later .. " she leaned closer, whispering the rest. " My husband is out there, somewhere.. and his ex is on the hunt. Go find him. "
" Me? " I pointed at myself.
I was bone tired! .. I haven't had a decent drink or any fun yet, and we leave tomorrow!
Lately, it's just a lot of .. spying and subterfuge.
" Of course you. Listen, I keep Oliver and the others busy. Good luck. "
She didn't wait a second more and immediately engaged Oliver and asked forgiveness from Henny, drawing both their attention from me.
I reluctantly made my way back towards the capsules.
The people were well lit at this point. Puking, howling, swimming, and rolling around in the sands were all observed as I passed the crew enjoying their getaway.
Marie is going insane.. there's no way even that sad broken girl would be that daring. I bet she just wants to see him from afar.
I didn't pay attention and bumped into a couple, almost knocking them down.
" I'm so sorry.. Leyla? "
A very red-faced Leyla did her best to hide behind an even more embarrassed Bob who just waived at me with an awkward smile. They both looked pickled and dishevelled from the clothes, at least.
" Ayshe.. we were..
" Please! " I started walking away already. " .. We never met. Goodbye you two. "
" Thank you! "
To my surprise, Bob was the one voicing his appreciation as I passed the capsules and walked down the beach.
There were a few couples making out every 100 yards or so .. where did these new couples suddenly come from?
As I passed another pair without success, I was hit with a sudden wave of sadness.
This weekend was supposed to be nothing but .. this.
Making out, drunk, in the sands while the brilliant stars above you witnessed it all!
.. and this was only the beginning of our long problematic journey ahead.
Eventually, I found myself near the capsule homes again, particularly the one Marie and Asin shared .. and saw the light on.
Before doing anything else, I texted Marie to calm her nerves. Once I put my phone away, I knocked on the door.
.. there was no answer.
I knocked again a little louder this time .. but still nothing.
( THUD )
I jumped a little as the silence was suddenly cut by a pair of feet landing on the ground .. than the sounds of running came.
I ran down the side of the capsule but couldn't catch a glimpse of the runner as the trees blocked my view.
Asin!
I ran back and, this time, used the open window the intruder jumped out of. After a few embarrassing attempts, I managed to climb inside.
Nothing seemed out of place at first..
Exept a very unconscious Asin on the bed.
———
Marie.
~
I arrived a few minutes after I got the text to the front of our temporary home.
I tried the door .. but it was locked from the inside.
" Hello? Ayshe it's..
Before I could finish, I heard footsteps and the unlocking of the door .. and the panicked face of my sister.
" What..
She grabbed my arm and pulled me inside, closing the door behind me.
" Ayshe.. what is this!? "
Instead of a proper answer, she kept looking at our bed ..
" Asin? .. "
I teleported by his side and saw that he was in a deep sleep.
" Why .. where is his shirt? " I asked my sister.
Her silence only flamed my annoyance, but just as she opened her mouth, the lights went away with all other forms of electricity, taking the breath out of our lungs.
The room got enveloped in complete darkness, making the moon the brightest source of light left on the island.
" Marie! "
" I'm good.. w-what .. what's happening? "
I grabbed my husband's hand for orientation and reached out into the darkness until I felt Ayshe's fingers locking onto mine.
Just as I was reaching inside my dress for my phone, the door of the capsule swung open, shedding some of the darkness.
" No need to panic.. There's something .. with the .. guys!?.. are you here? I saw Marie walking inside. "
" Khmm .. we're here, Oliver! " I used my phone as a flashlight.
I got blinded for a second as 2 other lights crossed the dark room simultaneously.
" Okay .. you guys are good. We should have power soon, thanks to the generators. " Oliver angled his light and walked closer. " Why are .. Asin? Why is he ..
" That's not important now! " I leaned over him and turned his face side to side. " Why is he unconscious? Ayshe say some ..
I quickly closed my mouth as I realised Oliver was inside as well. Unfortunately, he was observant.
" Why would Ayshe know? " he sighed, stepping closer. ".. Asin had a few drinks.. and a few .. pills. "
" Pills!! "
I got up, walking closer as Oliver jumped back, putting his hands up in defence.
" He .. he needed it! It for his nausea.."
As my anger subsided a little hearing, he didn't give some kind of drug to my husband.. my husband woke up.
He made a few tired noises, stretching a little before noticing the situation.
" W-what's going on? " he tried to sit up but grabbed his head, grimacing.
" Are you okay? " I sat beside him. " You disappeared to .. and all the electricity..
" We got EMP'd .. "
Asin looked at Oliver once he heard that .. his expression cleared up a little.
" Attacked? " he asked.
Oliver shook his head, sitting on the other side of the bed.
" No guns were heard.. or people who infiltrated. I think it's some .. military exercise near us. " he shrugged.
" I see.. why .. what am I doing here? " he asked, laying down on the bed rubbing his temples.
Before we could answer.. or ask more questions the lights inside the capsule home returned, blinding us all for a moment.
A loud voice drew all our attention to the door as Kol burst inside.
" Pampam, the lights are bac.. oh .. sorry I'm.. go.. what is this? " he kept eyeing my half-naked husband and us three surrounding him.
Asin growled a bit with his eyes still closed, making Oliver take action.
" This is a bit more complicated than it looks, Kol.. go and gather the boys and join in with the others .. Scan the island and.. the waters as well. "
Before Kol could speak again, Oliver closed the door and returned to the bed.
They started discussing possibilities and making lists of people whom to call to find out what and why this little incident happened.
Which gave us some time to talk. I took Ayshe to the other side of the capsule and lowered my tone.
" .. Go on. " I urged my sister after a moment of silence.
" Okay, listen.. I'll tell you everything but .. not here.. not now. " she made a motion towards the bed and the boys.
I really wanted an answer immediately, but .. it was too risky.
I simply nodded, adjusted my expression, and led us back towards Asin and Oliver.
" .. we need to go, just in case. You're right..
Asin nodded, getting up the bed.
" .. never should've taken those pills .. booze and pills, I'll hear about it from that cockroach..
" Who? What roach? " I asked, stepping in front of him.
I helped with his tie while scanning his face for falsehood.
After a few seconds.. which he probably spent thinking of potential outcomes.. his face relaxed and answered.
" It's no big deal .. I still go to the doctor like.. Once a month. Okay? " he took over his tie walking around me, stopping in front of the mirror. " It's an unfortunate remnant of the past. "
Both Ayshe and I looked at Oliver for confirmation.. which he gave us in the form of a short nod and a grim expression.
As I was still processing it, Ayshe had some knowledge and stepped forward.
" Has your sickness.. returned? " she asked, switching, looking at both him and Oliver.
Asin stopped for a moment.. but only for a moment.
" No.. "
" Are you sure? I mean, I read about your illness and ..
" Ayshe!.. Enough. "
It wasn't Asin who stopped her but her boyfriend.
Oliver even stepped between her and Asin, making it clear .. she's done and should stop talking.
Which she did .. reluctantly.
Her expression said it all.
Myself?
I felt fear.
An unbridled.. all consuming fear.
All my own worries.. all of them. Went away.
Whatever it was that almost took his life .. and sent him through hell.. might be back again.
——
Oliver.
~
Decided we'd gonna use the plane ride to sleep.
Our exit was a bit hectic at first, but after a quick speech improvised by Asin, the crew calmed down, and we were able to organise a quick flight out.
It was time to return home .. and face a brand new reality.
Asin was fast asleep on his wife's shoulder as my gaze continued to linger on Marie as she rested her head on his.
What Desiree told me .. couldn't be the whole truth.. can it?
My head was aching from all the sudden information I received in just a few minutes from her.
Use you're head Oliver!
She wants you to be confused!
.. expect.
The girls were clearly hiding something .. and the dates Desiree told me lined up perfectly.
So .. she missed those years for ..
" Can't sleep? "
I looked towards Ayshe beside me, still obviously up as well, wearing a tired smile.
I faked one as well and relaxed myself.
" .. I'm still on the clock. "
She smiled .. but it was different.
It was difficult to explain, but .. if she was faking it as well.
" Well, I done all I can this weekend.. " She yawned, adjusting her seat to level. " We still have a few hours.. and since they're out as those light were, let's sleep. "
I wasn't against it. This weekend did exhaust me.
I levelled my seat with her, which almost allowed us to cuddle, and I began to play with her hair.
" So back home .. " I lowered my voice, talking to the top of her head. " .. how long before you start at Hollyoks? "
" I'm impressed. Do you know the hospital Dr Hardy works at? "
" I looked it up. " I lied.
" Well.. the residency starts later this year, I'm not sure when and will last for a couple of months. Make me ready for next year and medical school. "
" I see.. so that will give us time. " I smiled to myself.
Knowing nothing fully changes for a few more weeks at least gave me some comfort and, more importantly .. time.
It's time to address everything I heard and make sure it did happen the way I heard it.
Because if it did ..
I might've made a huge mistake and need to let my brother know as well.
~
Sleeping on the plane was both comfortable as hell and somewhat uncomfortable at the same time.
We woke up just as the plane landed, so we all walked down pretty wobbled the boarding stairs.
As expected, the ladies from the Martell family were all waiting for Asin's return, and even his father came out.
" .. How was Greece? Although .. you look pasty as ever, Oliver. "
" Haha.. I spent most of my time working on our next case at the firm. How's things Uncle Yanam? "
As I exchanged some small talk and Asin was still covered by his mother's hugg while the girls stood around awkwardly sharing some looks with Zerile and Derya.
We eventually left the airport when it started raining.
Uncle Yanam was immediately covered by a large umbrella .. that didn't include me. It was bad since we walked almost side by side to their armada of black minibuses.
" .. so once we understood we invested heavily, but your mother would tell you more in detail. "
" I can't wait. " I nodded, already soaking wet.
Asin was dry as summer leaves as he arrived covered by not one but two large black umbrellas.
I sighed at the scene and nodded towards him.
He smiled and got inside the car, followed by the rest of the family.
Marie stopped and looked at me for a second before getting in.
I thought she was going to say something, but after a few seconds of awkward silence, she followed her husband.
" You will call? "
Ayshe arrived in front of me, looking hopeful.
" You bet. " I smiled.
As the cars pulled away, I got inside my own parked car by whoever Leyla asked to do so.
It was nice to have an assistant!
Times like these, for instance.
It took a few rings before she picked up her phone.
" Mr. Aster.. hello! "
I pulled the phone away, closing my eyes in frustration.
" Are you drunk? " I got straight to the point.
" .. Nah, huh. "
Yeah, okay .. It looks like I got to do most of the work this time.
" Leyla .. forget I called .. which you will probably do anyway, and I hope you're with someone who looks after you. "
After a few giggles, a familiar sound came through my mic.
" Yes, sir .. Mr Aster, sir .. "
" Good to hear from you, Henny. " I smiled at her delivery, pulling into traffic.
..
After a few calls made to friends among the council, I finally got the paperwork providing the necessary proof of what Desiree was spoken on the island.
The official reason for Marie's missing those years in high school was a ' health crisis' within their family. '
Ayshe, who also missed school, did not stop her studies. She finished both her years from home. The Konore family used to be very well off and paid the way.
That was in the file I sent to Asin all those months ago. Strange? A little but nothing alarming.
The documents sent contained an eyewitness account of the accident that was taken just an hour after it happened.
It came from a lovely girl with short brown hair and a nice smile, who happened to have a rather cruel and calculating heart.
Cecile Pirell.
——
Asin.
~
I was full of anger after it happened.
I was just a child, after all.
I had friends and a happy childhood that just started to get good..
.. yet my family got rid of me so easily that it broke my heart.
Ripped me away from everything I knew. They sent me to a country I didn't even speak the language of, to a school full of student who were just as angry and heartbroken that I was.
My one and only companion?
My trustee driver and confidant Ovuz.
We rarely visited home. In fact, I remember my first Christmas there, was actually spent alone with an over enthusiastic Ovuz doing his best to make me forget the fact .. my own family forgotten about me.
But they did ..
I got a call two days later from my mother. She was lovely.. told me about a useless ball she and rest attended thrown by some of their friends.
It was right then when I understood.
I need to stop caring about them.
It felt .. liberating.
Don't get me wrong, I loved my family and yearned for their love very much.
I just didn't receive it.
My days were slow and dull. I hated everything and everyone around me.
My first truly happy time came when I went home for the summer after my first year.
Me and Oliver talked as often as we could.. but it wasn't the same.
Best friends meant be near one another.
So when I arrived and he had two girls by his side .. I was a little lost and disappointed, to be honest.
All those feelings gone away when the pretty blonde on his right smiled at me.
I was a goner than and there.
I loved Anna Lambert with all my heart. She was beautiful, well mannered, popular and smart .. and she chose me!
Needless to say, when she quietly told me her cruel piece in that hospital room, it shattered me fully.
I knew her! .. at least I thought I did.
Everything about her. Her smell, her taste, her favourite flower, and colour preferences. Cats over dogs, cold over hot, spicy over sweet .. the smell of white peach over everything else.
White .. fucking.. peaches.
Their smell.. was distinctive.
Haven't smelled that .. for years.
Almost 5, to be exact.
And yet I woke up on that island smelling nothing but white fucking peaches all over me and the pillows.
Even after getting home and my second shower I still smelled nothing but that.
" Babe! .. are you okay!!? "
I sighed under the water and peeked out of the shower.
" I'm fine! .. stop worrying about me. "
As I heard some angry, barely understandable retort from my overly concerned wife I stopped the water and stepped out of the shower box.
As I faced myself in the mirror.. a small puzzle began to take shape.
Ayshe and Oliver sneaking around ..
The Suirless chalet torn apart ..
Desiree makes a sudden appearance after years ..
Oliver being fine with her being around us ..
Ayshe and Marie started acting strange lately ..
.. Anna .. or at least someone with her perfume preference took me inside that capsule and laid me down that bed.
Something is happening .. and all my closest friends and family are seemed to be in it.
I ignored my eyes burning with a familiar anger. The same anger I felt .. almost my entire life.
It was just a reflection.
~
I found Marie huddled together with her sister outside the north balcony.
They saw me from a mile and made sure the conversation changed, but their expression gave it away.
Ayshe couldn't meet my eyes .. and Marie couldn't take hers away.
" Are you ..
" Yeah, I'm okay .. " I sat down and decided to end this once for all. " First of all .. I'm healthy and planning to live a long life. Second.. that life, it will be even longer, if you stop the constant worries over nothing but a routine check up. "
I saw Ayshe understanding.. or at least pretending.
Marie bit her lips .. she seemed unsure wether to agree or not.
Unfortunately for her .. it wasn't a request.
I got up before Marie could speak and made sure my voice allows no further comments.
" I hear no more of this. Now I'm gone. "
I left so fast they couldn't even say a goodbye and I hoped they understood how serious I was about this issue.
I WILL NOT!! .. SEE PITY IN PEOPLE EYES WHEN THEY LOOK AT ME!!
Especially my own wife.
Ovuz already waited with the usual entourage of bodyguards all ready to go.
" Where to young Sir? " he asked opening the door.
To be honest I didn't have much to do until later tonight when we planned a talk to the crew about the future.. and their further participation in it.
I knew the girls will leave soon to make it to work .. and Oliver was busy with .. whatever he was doing.
Than a warm feeling washed over me .. I knew who to talk.
I had family I can trust.
" .. Take me .. home. To the Adans Ovuz. "
~
The people here for years .. they lived a simple yet dangerous life.
As much as Baban was loved and respected, there were always those with ambition in their eyes.
.. and a man with ambition is capable of anything.
Baban and those close to him had to fight for the respect they possessed now.
For years and years they killed and buried friends and family .. all for a small piece of a land most in the history books will forever call .. A Slum.
Yet look at them now.
Children were happy and carefree.
Adults around them looked at peace. Mothers stood around chatting and watching their own play ball games. There was music and laughter.
I saw men .. who never seemed happy before, sitting around carefree, playing cards, or watching a game on TV cheering their favourite team loud and proud.
As I walked passed them many bowed from a far others came over to greet me.
No deceit or lying.. just pure gratitude.
I felt a kind of rare pride .. they trusted me.
To keep their life as is.
Peaceful.
I arrived at Baban's house where the twins stood outside as they always do.
"" Leader. ""
As they spoke and bowed in unison I felt my arm getting covered in goosebumps.
I don't know why.. but they creeped me out since I arrived here years ago.
" Boys .. " I walked past them after realising they won't stand up straight until I left.
They were just as traditionalists as some of the ancients were.
Inside the house a lovely sound and smell, welcomed me that immediately hit my ears and nose.
Maya and Amne were singing.. and cooking something delicious.
I found Baban in his favourite arm chair. He was sound asleep.
I got sad for a second seeing those lines on his face but instead of wallowing on it I quickly and silently covered him with his blanket and went inside the kitchen.
Where Maya and Amne back's were turned to me working hard on some cake .. cookies? I couldn't see.
" .. I put a spell on you ..
" .. Because you're mine! "
They were singing loud enough to wake anyone .. exept my Baban.
I felt a light smile on my face watching them working in tandem.
Scenes like these .. healed my soul.
" .. Oyy! .. Baban's sleeping you two. " I stood beside them kissing their cheeks.
" Olume! .. welcome home. "
I quickly got covered in a familiar scent and a comfortable hug of Amne.
Something was wrong.
Maya turned away from me and continued to work on the cookies.. cakes.
" Oh oh .. what have I done now? " I asked Amne.
She looked at her daughter and let out a frustrated sigh.
" Don't worry about her. Hormones. Your Baban will want to see you .. let me wake him. "
" Amnejim, you don't..
Before I could finish and tell her to let the man sleep, she was gone.
Which gave me time to crack a mystery.
I walked closer and rested my head on her shoulder. " Tell me? "
" Hmph! "
Dispite her attitude she didn't knocked my head away just kept working on her bowl of .. pasta?
After a few seconds of brainstorming.. I got a few guesses.
" You mad about me leaving you behind for the Island? "
" Pfft .. " she snorted.
I guess not. But maybe ..
" Okay .. than its gotta be your girlfriends arrival..
" How could you kidnapped them like that!? "
She finished whisking and turned around.. eye to eye, she tried her best, although I was significantly taller now.
" Sweet one .. are you tiptoeing? " I chuckled looking down.
She lost her momentum and deflated in front of me.. got noticeable smaller too.
" It's not fair .. when did you got taller than me!? "
I patted her head a little to calm her. " You're mad about a lot of things huh? "
She pushed my hand away and returned to her pasta dish, but this time kept talking.
" They called me last night all freaked out about my little brother bringing them by force and ..
" Wow wow! .. calm those horses.. forced they say? Let me tell you something, those friends of yours are real lying bitc..
" Asin! "
She looked over her shoulders making me swallow the rest.
After she sufficiently emasculated me .. there was more.
" .. I can't belive you. This day and age you can't respect a grown woman decision when it comes to MY child..
" Okay stop.. I .. I can't.. " I took the bowl from her and put it aside. " You can't lecture people that freely Mayajim.. May I remind you that all I asked is a name of the father? By the way.. you obviously trained your friends well. They wouldn't breath a word to my people.. they wanted to see me! "
As I ranted, while gesticulating, I saw a cheeky smile appearing on my sister's face .. so she did knew my steps before I made them.
Hell .. probably warned her friends before she left for home. When she finally spoke it was under her breath.
" .. They getting a free vacation out of it. "
" What was that!? " I leaned closer.
Instead of an answer.. she gave me a condescending look and took her bowl started working on it again while humming my tune.
" Yeah right! .. don't talk.. God! .. and what the hell is that? " I pointed at her creation.
" .. Sweet pasta salad.. Duhh.. " she said like it was obvious.
" Where is your private chef? " I asked, even looking around the small kitchen like she was hiding her.
" She got fired .. I hated her foods. " she smiled at the bowl.
I got a headache in under 5 minutes .. and she was a world renowned chef by the way.
" .. I don't care what you think! I will find about everyth .. I will .. .. what I will find out about! "
As she chuckled at my frustration Amne's words rang true in my ears.
Damn hormones ruin everything.