A Trilogy: "Against the Odds" Book One

Home Sweet Home

Can had fallen sound to sleep laying on the rocks. Sanem's thoughts where in a total whirlwind that she just need to get out of there. She went over to Phoenix giving her a few apples whispered quietly to her "You be a good girl and be nice to Can. I will see you later" then kisses her on her head. She then gives Albatross a couple of apples and says "I need you to get me home, please be gentle and most of all be my protector my mighty bird" then slowly climbs up on a him and rode off. It took at awhile but they final arrived back to the barn. She filled up the feed tubs with grains, made sure there was hay and fresh water in both stalls. She gave Albatross a pat and said "Be good for me my boy I will see you tomorrow" She called for a taxi and packed a small overnight bag. When the cab pulled up to her Parents home, Leyla was getting ready to unlock the door. They greeted each other with a big hug "Mom and Dad are going to be so surprised. This was a great idea Leyla. I needed a night away" When they walked out to the garden area where their parents were eating a light snack oh, the excitement was unbelievable. Tears were shed with many hugs and kiss exchanged. "Sanem and I are here for the night." ........"That's great my babies, your rooms have been untouched. We are so happy to have you both under our roof at the same time. It's been way to long" The two of them sat down to join in on the snacks. Mevkibe went in the kitchen to start preparing a nice dinner, leaving the girls to spend time with their father. After a while Nihat went in to help Mevkibe with the meal. He was in his glory because Mevkibe had him on a special diet and was looking forward to finally eating a decent meal. Leyla and Sanem went up to their rooms. Mihriban had called Sanem as she was looking around her room about inviting her to dinner tonight. She told her that she would have to take a rain check because she was spending time with her parents tonight and would be home tomorrow after her Doctor's appointment. Mihriban told her she would tell Bulut to feed the horses in the morning and put them out in the pasture because Can had to work. Sanem layed down on her bed staring at the poster of the two Albatross Birds in flight. She couldn't help but think about what Can had said to her about shaking her up inside. She spoke to them "What is the message you are trying to tell me?"

Leyla walked in her room and layed along side of Sanem as they both stared at the poster. "Leyla, do you think we will ever find our Albatross?" ...... "Sanem, can I tell you a little secret? I think I have found mine"...... "Really, who is he?" ........ "Emre Divit, he told me yesterday that he Loves me"...... "What, isn't he your boss? His dad is Aziz Bey and brother is Can Bey am I right?" ...... "Yep, your right." ...... All Sanem could say was say WOW! ...... "Do you Love him too Leyla" ...... "Yes, I do. He wants to come ask Dad if he could court me. Because I told him about our traditions here. It doesn't bother him or that we are from to different worlds" ........ "That's wonderful Leyla. I'm happy for you" ........... "Leyla, can I ask you what do you think of Can Bey?" ........"He may appear a bad ass on the outside but, on the inside he is the most kind and gentle man beside Emre that I have ever known besides of course Baba. He's pretty cool too! Everyone loves him at the office. Its ashame his travels alot. We wish sometimes he would stay around permanently. It seems the accounts plummet when he is there. He's definitely good at what he does. His ideas and presentations are out of this world. Deren is also great, its like when they put their heads together with an account it goes boom! They really need a copywriter assistant to help. Aziz Bey is looking for one, and hasn't found the right person" ........"Hey, after dinner why don't we grab Ayhan and Osman and head over to the waterfront park to have some tea and catch up. I really miss our time with them." ........"So do I, Osman won't be to happy about it when I tell him about Emre and I"........."It might break his heart. But, my opinion is this! You don't want to ruin a friendship like what we both have if it didn't work out between us both, I don't want to loose him as a friend. So it was better to remain that way" ........ "Very true. Let go down and see if Mom and Dad need help" 

After dinner and everything was cleaned up, Sanem went to Ayhan and they walked to the park together. She gave Sanem the scoop on her and Ceycey's relationship. Sanem was so surprised that Osman excepted it and really liked him. It was the first time in a long time that Sanem had laughed and got silly. Ayhan always had a way of bringing out the goofy side of Sanem. Sanem extended an invitation to her to come visit and stay at her house sometime.

The night was coming to an end quickly. Leyla told Osman about her and Emre's relationship. He took it very well and even made a comment about not wanting to ruin their friendship either. He was more like a big brother that these two girls never had. He told Leyla that he would kick Emre's ass of he hurt her. Big Brother mode was definitely there. They all said goodbye and called it a night. Sanem sat at her desk looking inside the small drawer and found a notebook that had not been written in. She thought more about the Albatross Bird as she looked at the poster. She than started to write her thoughts and feelings about what her and Can had talked about today. She even began to feel guilty of leaving him the way she did. Something was beginning to change on the inside that she just couldn't explain. Was she beginning to feel alive again? Was the numbness slowly disappearing? And most of all was the wall that she had built around her and a heart that had become hard as stone beginning to slowly chip away piece by piece. Only time will tell as she closed her eyes with a picture coming from her photographic mind of the Albatross tattoo on Can's muscular chest.