Oliver.
~
Envy is a terrible word.
But the envy I felt how easy they got lost in their own world wasn't a bad feeling.
I longed for the same.
And the one I wanted to be like that was sitting so close I could reach out and touch her.
Looking at Asin, I knew they would eventually become what they meant to be.
He just .. needs time. To trust, to open up .. tell the real stuff.
We stopped at a luxury department store. They had everything on hand.
Asin bumped me with a sneaky smile and turned to Ayshe.
" We go and deal with my in-laws and you the old ones? "
Marie hit his side. " Stop calling them old ones! "
" Hush you .. hush now, my wife. "
She pouted but kept silent.
Ayshe seemed to like the idea.
" Okay, sure .. it's a stupid question probably but do we have some kind of limit on spending? "
She kept staring at the prices as most sane individuals would.
" You are right.. it was stupid. We have 30 minutes, Oliver .. keep an eye on her. "
He dragged Marie away and up the escalator.
I silently appreciated his antics.
" It wasn't that stupid. " She murmured to herself.
" Don't worry .. Asin's worldview is skewed when it comes to the price of things. " I said, taking the lead.
" I bet.. what about you? " She asked.
" I grew up normal. I mean, my mother and Aunt Seline were friends since high school, so Asin and I grew together as well. " I explained.
I suppose I lived a privileged life by association.
What can you do? We have been together since kids .. except that 3 years when he was in boarding school.
But that was a sensitive subject.
" Hmm .. destined to be friends. " She summerised it.
Very much so.
" So tell me.. you are the expert here. "
She put a hand on her chin.
" Let me think .. granny is easy. This place has some nice statues and antiques.. grandpa is different. He would love anything, really. "
" Come on .. anything? Try harder, Mrs Konore. I know you can do better. "
She rolled her eyes at me but kept up.
" Aster! Is that you? "
I turned around and saw and .. old nemesis.
" Kol .. you look well. "
He was exactly what's needed. We went to the same middle school.
" I'm sorry I didn't notice the lady with you. Kol Sanilmaz dear .. " He tried to kiss her hand, but she pulled away in cringe. " Never mind .. Asin must be close. Read it .. missed his wedding. "
" Yes .. too bad you couldn't attend .. with the court hearing and all."
He looked embarrassed.
" Dad said it was nice .. I know he is here. " He gave me a pointed look.
Impatient idiot.
I sighed and shot an apologetic look towards Ayshe.
" He is in the store with his wife .. but how did you know he is here!? "
He proudly showed his phone.
There was a picture trending about us walking inside the store.
Asin as a rich young scion and the way he got married like he was on fire drew a lot of attention.
He was the youngest son of one of the most wealthy families in the world. Of course, he had these sort of things to deal with.
But we usually don't just go and do random shopping like that.
There is plenty of planning involved in something nonsense, like going out to buy things that were usually done by Derya.
" Congratulations, Kol .. you a fan. He won't be happy seeing you now, I'm telling it. "
" Will you talk to him? Set something up already? Help me out here, Pampam! "
Idiot.. that nickname is private!
" Fine .. I talk to him just go! .. go now! "
He thanked all the way but did disappear.
" Sorry about that .. "
" Friend of yours? " She asked.
" Middle school.."
" Way back than .. how come he wanted Asim that bad? "
Damn it.
" Umm .. he wants .. some help with a new business. Asin is a Martell.. you know. So what are we buying? "
She looked suspicious, and I cursed this idiot for getting through the security just because he knew us.
" Of course, his father travelled to his wedding because he is a janitor... never mind.. let's go, we running out of time .. Pampam. "
" Oyy! .. "
I walked after her as she cackled.
Truth is .. he was a potential recruit.
It was a long story .. but he somehow found out about us not long ago .. my bad .. and now wants to meet Asin.
Except Asin doesn't know.
Have to sort that out, but we were so busy lately .. and he is so mad letting this idiot join.
God help us.
——
Asin.
~
" I'm not sure about this.. "
I rested my head on the glass cabinet, but its coolness quickly faded with the comfort it's provided.
" Asin? Pay attention! "
" Marie.. you been stuck between identical looking necklaces for 14 minutes now. "
She pulled a face but put back the pearl necklace.
" Ma'am, can you pack up both? "
She was taken back but nodded.
Marie tried to protest.
" It's too much ..
" Please.. she has a spare. By the way.. Do you like something? "
She looked surprised but happy.
" Wanna buy me something? "
" Go on .. pick something, we need to buy something to your dad as well. "
I turned and pretended to be interested in the summer's most liked pieces.
Most liked by whom?
" Hey .. come here. Take a look at this. "
I went back, and she pointed at a heart-shaped medallion that was broken into two pieces.
" I suppose there is something lovely about clichés .. " I smiled.
" Oh, shut up. Will you wear it? "
I took a look at the lady in front of us listening intently.
Romance fan.
" If I will .. you promise never to spend more than 5 minutes examining something never ever again? "
She actually had to think about it but did accept it as some sort of great compromise.
The sales lady gave us the medals on simple gold chains.
She put the one she held around my neck ..
" There .. "
She looked extremely pleased. My cheesy wife.
I put the one around her neck. Felt nice in a couple sort of way.
" Alright.. It looks nice. "
" You two look adorable. "
We turned to the lady, and I noticed the clock behind her.
" Lord .. Marie, we have 5 minutes left. "
" Hmm .. well, my promise will be kept in the future. "
Happy wife .. Happy life.
~
" .. Thank you for this, dear children. "
My mother in law was over the moon from the gift she received. Cheking herself in her phones camera.
She wore them both. I guess with women and pearls, the more, the better.
The whole family loved their gifts.
Oliver and Ayshe nailed their choices as well with some old antiques and cigars ..
I looked at my father in law still awe from the 107 year old wine bottle.
We were out of time and asked for the oldest bottle.
107 years .. that's grape juice that is kept .. for 107 years.
Damn those monks.
" We all glad you came dear mother. Marie is talking my ear off how she was already missing you all. "
She looked at with narrowed eyes.
" Yes .. of course. I'm glad you arrived safe. "
" Thank you, children. I'm not going to lie, son. I didn't like the idea of you first. "
Marie's grandmother spoke up.
" But seeing how happy the two of you .. I does give my soul some peace. I thank you for that. "
" You're welcome, granny Narian. "
I felt a little ashamed hearing those sincere words. I bet Marie felt the same, times a 100.
" Dad, you seem like you might never speak again. "
Ayshe quickly took over the conversation.
I checked on Marie.
She looked a little dejected. I grabbed her hand.
I did draw a weak smile on her face. I leaned over.
" Chin up, little solider. "
She tilted her head to the side. She is cute when confused.
I went back, looking at the speeding streets as we pulled up to the house.
Her hands comfortably squirming in mine.
——
Ayshe.
~
What kind of nickname is Pampam?
And what's its origin?
Also, Oliver promised me not to say anything about that guy called Kol.
Does he have anything to do with GOD .. or is it something completely unrelated?
I had to talk to Marie in case it was something she heard.
But she was floating next to her husband.
They both got red as a tomato when we noticed their matching necklaces.
How romantically cheesy.
But also.. I don't have a lovers necklace, so what the hell do I know?
We were greeted by most of the family except Asin's father and brother who were at the company.
As my parents were treated to some food and conversation so I took my sister away and out to the garden.
" What's wrong.. you seem jittery. " She smiled.
" Listen to what happened. .
...
" What kind of name is Pampam? " She asked.
" Is that what's important from the story? "
" I'm just saying.. okay, so this .. Kol might have something to do with their secret, huh? "
" That's what my intuition tells me. "
I felt it Oliver tense up when I asked about him. Somehow, I feel like it's connected.
" Well, either way, we are no further .. but today was fun. "
She kept touching her necklace.
It was hard to uncover secrets if someone was that distracted.
But we need to go nuclear.
Follow them the first chance we got.
~
Turns out following someone wasn't as easy as I thought. Especially without a driver's license.
2 days have passed without any luck or even another morsel of information.
Looks like they ran a very organised ship or we were wrong, and the text was about them playing a racing game.
We were out with our mother and granny as they wanted to sample the city.
In the meantime, Asin offered something to my sister.
" He wants you to make music with Oliver? "
She shook her head.
" He wants me busy and not around his business. That's the only thing he wants. "
Even if she was right, the fact Oliver was making music was a surprise in itself.
We been chatting a lot when he came over with Asin but never mentioned anything like that.
" I think you somewhat overreacting. You longed to make music. Why not give it a try? "
" I already said yes to him .. okay? "
She didn't seem enthusiastic about it.
Mother was buying everything in sight .. as shameless as she was, the speed was still impressive, especially when her own mother tried to slow her down.
" Where is your husband now? "
I knew it for a fact Oliver is at her mother's firm on, Tuesday's and Thursdays. Turned out the only days he actually worked there.
" He is .. away. "
She meant he didn't say.
I knew it how the uncertainty bothered her when she didn't know where he went.
My phone was buzzing.
I closed my eyes before cheking .. Jenk was still unrelenting.
Can a guy take a hint these days?
But it was from an unknown number.
* Ayshe, it's me, Oliver .. I got your number from Asin. I sent you a location to bring your sister. *
Oh .. I forget what it feels like to read messages you want to get.
" Marie? ..let's go somewhere. "
" Sure .. but where? "
Give me a minute.. I didn't know.
I felt my smile spreading.
——
Oliver.
~
* On our way.. I saved your number ;) *
" See? Easy, right? It's almost as if just writing a text .. now take care of them. "
We were at my place, and Asin was trying to convince me that Ayshe simply won't care how I got her number.
I reread her message a few more times before I caught on.
" Right.. say hello to them. Ask them to pray for us this weekend. "
" Hmm .. don't forget the thing. " He pointed at the package.
The door closed behind him, and I got working on cleaning the house.
I had my own little studio inside the house and a multitude of instruments, mixing tables and other toys.
Asin himself went down to the 9th to spend time with Old Ivan and, as always, ask for his blessing.
I don't think he would rave without it. It even gave me some comfort.
The girls arrived 20 minutes later.
Marie was surprised and disappointed.
" I told I said yes .. you had to trick me to get to do it? " She asked her sister.
" I thought you might try and make up some excuses and doge. " She shrugged.
She sat down on the same spot Asin said earlier.
" .. What is this? Was my husband here? "
She smelled the air and detected his perfume.
He has been using the same one for years instead of trying out new ones.
" He was .. and left you something. "
Ayshe and I watched as she unwrapped her new violin.
She was speechless.
" This is .. it's beautiful. " She got emotional.
" She had to sell her own .. before. "
Ayshe leaned over and whispered.
The violin itself was priceless, a museum piece. Asin actually asked help from the council to get it for her.
They did it for free .. even left a card.
A late wedding present.
Ayshe walked over to her. " Motivated now? "
" .. I have no choice. " She stood up.
Oh brother .. she was lost until before but now ..
~
I was meant to be a creator.
Could never sing .. or even play many instruments well, don't have a god-given talent like Marie with the violin.
But I understood music. I could create it.
To be fair, I never even released them. Mostly played for Asin and my mother.
Wasn't quite ready to let the cynical world judge my creativity.
After 3 hours of brainstorming, arguments, and creative differences, we finally found a sound.
I never tried to cooperation violin into my tunes before, but now I felt a new wave of creativity, hearing how smoothly it mixed with everything.
" Let's take a break. " I said cheking the time.
Asin didn't come back or called.
I wasn't worried since Leyla was giving me information in a form of hourly texts.
I obviously didn't let him go alone.
" I'm very much surprised how much I enjoyed making music. " Marie sat down the same spot as before.
" I'm calmest doing it. " I talked over my shoulder making coffee. " .. Asin is useless when it comes to understanding notes. "
" Don't mock those who can't read them. I'm one and have no shame .. since they have no use for me. "
Ayshe defended her brother in law.
I got another text.
* Boss finished. The team is clearing out. *
I bet Leyla is one of those who actually say
' Over and out' on the walkie-talkie.
" Asim is on his way. " I said, putting the drinks down.
" He text you .. have you ever thought about getting married to him, Oliver? "
" Oh Marie .. we are two good-looking guys, wealthy and smell good, who spend most of their time together, I heard all the homophobic quips you can think of. "
Yes .. it was a curse these times we lived in.
As if two bros can't be just bros .. they have to be either a couple or confused.
His marriage put an end to a lot of those.
Asin came in when we were about to go and finish. He said hello to everyone, but Marie was pouting silently.
" .. You got my gift? "
He walked over and sat beside her.
" .. Thanks. "
" What was that!!? I'm sorry!? " He leaned on her.
She couldn't hold back a smile and pushed him away.
" Thank you .. it was nice of you to remember my every word I say in passing. "
" Pfft .. in passing, she says, You brought up your violin an awful lot dear. "
She didn't deny it.
" Come .. let them be for little. "
Ayshe was offered her hand and led me inside the studio.
She sat down the couch I had inside and tapped the place beside her.
" I like you music .. it has a signature to it. "
" Thanks .. " I sat down. " I been doing it since I was in middle school. "
" So how come you went to become a lawyer? " She asked.
" .. my mother wanted something stable for me but she is supportive, I just .. not ready for everyone to hear my stuff. "
She was about to say something when her phone buzzed.
I took a passing glance as she took it out.
Jenk.
I had to search my memories but did find a match.
The supposed boyfriend.
She moved cities, man .. back to the bread shop with you .. you fucking monkey.
I don't know why, I got so angry seeing him still run after her. It was just something that hit me like a truck.
" Sorry about that. " She put it away immediately.
" Who was it? Parents? "
" Umm no .. friend from Konore. " She played it down.
A Friend.
" I see.. "
Is that a friend as in .. the creepy kid who probably talks more about yeast than anyone needs to hear ..
Or a friend as in the guy I first kissed .. or ..
" Oliver? "
I looked up, didn't hear a word she said.
" Yeah sorry. I think I'm done for today. Let go eat since Asin came back. "
I got up and helped her as well.
" Oh .. yes okay. "
Suddenly I had a violent urge to drive down and make sure this 'friend' never talks or even think of her ..
Why hasn't she just blocked the guy?
Stop annoy yourself with some simpleton.. besides, if I don't actually be decisive and ask her out .. I have no right to be this upset.
Yet I was.
I can't wait until the race is finished.
I can turn tonight into a date.
Outside Marie was resting her head on Asin shoulders. His hand clutching hers. They looked at peace with the world.
I need his help ..
Would love to feel that peace again after all these years.