Same, same but different!

Part 19

Fatma and Can had just left, their laughter lingering faintly in the air. Mavi sat between Kıvılcım and Ömer on the couch, her small legs curled beneath her and her head resting on her Kıvılcım's arm.

After a few moments of calm, she leaned toward Kıvılcım and whispered, her voice secretive.

Mavi: Can I stay here tonight?

Kıvılcım smiled faintly and whispered back.

Kıvılcım: Of course you can but you have to ask your baba canım.

Mavi turned those big pleading eyes toward Ömer.

Ömer set down the water glass he’d been holding and gave them both a knowing look.

Ömer: You have school in the morning, little girl.

Ömer said in a tone that tried and failed to sound firm.

Mavi clasped her hands dramatically.

Mavi: Please, baba. Ayse abla can send over my things. I'm so tired and very comfortable here.

She snuggles up to Kıvılcım as Kıvılcım draws her even closer.

Kıvılcım bit back a smile, watching him melt little by little.

Ömer leaned forward, pretending to think.

Ömer: Hmm… if you stay here, I’ll have to stay too.

Kıvılcım rolls her eyes as Mavi looks at her.

Kıvılcım: Should we let him stay?

Mavi turns back to her father and giggles.

Mavi: Evet.

Ömer winks at Mavi as he takes his phone.

Ömer: Okay, I'll call Ayse abla and then order pizza for dinner, (looks at Kıvılcım) Do you want anything? Are you okay?

Kıvılcım: No and I'm good, don't worry.

After dinner, Mavi had taken a bath. When she got dressed Mavi took a book out of her bag and handed it to Kıvılcım. Kıvılcım started reading the book and after a while she could see Mavi's eyes grow heavy. She put the book down and laid down next to her. Mavi moved to lay her head on Kıvılcım's chest as Kıvılcım wrapped her arms around her.

Kıvılcım: Are you cold? Should I get you another blanket?

Mavi: I'm okay.

Kıvılcım caresses Mavi's hair.

Mavi: Kıvılcım abla?

Kıvılcım: Hmmm?

Mavi: (almost a whisper) I love you.

Kıvılcım smiled and left a kiss on her forehead.

Kıvılcım: I love you too, küçük hanım. Is it possible not to love you?

Ömer on the other hand, went and took a shower in another bedroom. After he finished, he walked over to Kıvılcım's room and when he got there Mavi was curled up in Kıvılcım's arms, both of them sleeping. Ömer smiled 32 teeth, walked over to the bed and snapped a picture of them. He covered them nicely with a blanket before laying down on the couch opposite them.

A few hours later he woke up with the sound of the rain. He blinked, adjusting to the faint glow and then noticed the space beside Mavi was empty.

Quietly he moved from the couch and made his way downstairs.

From the kitchen doorway, he watched Kıvılcım for a moment, her hair loose over her shoulders, her fingers gently stirring a teaspoon in a steaming cup. There was something achingly peaceful about her in that moment, and yet he could sense the weight in her stillness.