Marie.
~
By 11 pm, Asin woke up groaning and massaging his nose.
He took one look at us and immediately headed towards the shower.
" Asin takes this hard, you know. " Sister Zerile said, watching the door close behind him.
" What do you mean? " I asked.
She had quite a few glasses at this point and loved gesticulating as she spoke. Every now and then, some splashed around, staining everything.
" Oliver, as you know, is like a brother .. he became more so after his illness. They are inseparable and feel his pain. "
I knew of his time spent in the hospital, collapsed at his boarding school, and then spent the next 5 months inside a hospital, cut him open again and again..
Didn't ask him. Felt like it's the last period of time in his life he would ever wanna talk about.
When he is there .. he tells me, and I will listen to every word.
" .. He is a good husband to my sister. There is no denying that. But he has poor taste in friends..cowards. "
Ayshe was holding the bottle and cried twice now. Her hair and eyes were a mess, but more so, the venom in her words was alien to me.
She was hurt and scared.
I didn't step in and tried to talk to her because I felt like she needed this time to reflect and to think things through.
She can use this time.. and make sense about everything she sees and wants from this world.
The ladies knew they needed to leave before he came out, so he stepped out with a noticeable sigh of relief.
I watched him changing into a new shirt and shorts. He used to do that in the shower.. now I can see everything.
I looked at the wine bottle left on the table, Jesus.. we each drunk at least a bottle and a half.
Tried to get up, but the room started spinning. Had too close my eyes, and it slowly stopped.
I heard his footsteps, then felt his weight on the couch. He even guided my head on his shoulder.
" Open your mouth and drink. "
I wanted to say I don't wanna drink anymore, but done as he told me and felt the cool refreshing water that I didn't know I needed to refresh my upset stomach.
" Hmm .. thank you. "
I let my head fall back to his comfortable shoulder.
" Wanna just.. stay here and sleep? " He whispered.
I nodded, he lifted, and placed me on it flat. Thankfully, he didn't leave but snuggled close enough to feel the heat from his skin.
Under my inebriated state, his fingers felt like they were burning my back, then gently cooling it off.
He smelled nice, each time I took a breath.
I thought he would ask questions or try something different to keep me around, but he just matched his breathing to mine and let me fall deeper and deeper.
There were many things I wanted to say, one in particular for a while.
He started humming a pleasant tune that finally lulled me into a comfortable place, where it was just him and I.
~
When you wake up to birds singing, it is supposed to signify the start of a good day.
But I had a headache, my throat felt itchy, and my husband was missing from the couch.
I managed a groan before turning around and trying to fall back .. but the damn birds just kept chirping.
Two minutes into my shower, I heard my sisters voice.
" Marie, I brought breakfast and news from your husband! "
" Coming! "
The semi cool water did miracles to my broken state and actually walked out feeling fairly normal again.
" Morning Marie, I bought..
" Where is Asin? " I cut her off.
She put down a mug and made a sour face at me.
" I see you learned nothing from my recent..
" Ayshe! .. I haven't spoken to my husband for a while because of you and Oliver .. it's doing something to my psyche, now tell me! "
She was still sour but relented with this new pseudo hate for man.
" He left this .. and the breakfast,I ran into him .. I would've came empty handed. " She admitted.
After handing me a note, she shamelessly attacked my favourites on the plates.
* Ayshe is still in a mood. I have done my best with her and your food, dear .. be back in the afternoon. A. *
He even signed the notes I smiled to myself.
At least he thought of me. With my mind somewhat cleared, I took some pastry she didn't get around to yet.
" So .. sister. What's the plan for today? "
She thought about it while chewing, boy, she really didn't care anymore, huh?
" .. What are they doing now? "
I almost face planted hearing her thinking out loud but decided to use this time to explain reality.
" Sister, listen .. maybe you should just stop getting involved for a while. With G.O.D and all.. you know? "
As I talked, her expression turned darker until it reached critical stages and ..
" What is that supposed to mean? As in you, his wife can't be interested in his daily dealings? Or I your sister can't bother with your well-being? Is that what you basically told me? "
I was 100% sure it wasn't but got a little scared thinking about how she might react if I corrected her.
" No! .. yes, of course not. Don't be silly. "
I used a variety of different safe phrases, and it looked like it calmed her.
As she contemplated, I checked the news. It did become a quick habit to read about them whatever they wrote or posted.
I wasn't some fan girl, but the Masked Driver's Wife .. also great title for an autobiography.
" Anything new? "
" Nope.. fluff pieces and more speculation. The current fake driver is some crime lord that supposedly died years ago. Silly, silly people .. "
She lifted an eyebrow but didn't comment.
Put the phone down and made my stand.
" Let's visit our parents. "
~
As she couldn't come up with anything else, we gone by default.
There wasn't a need to be honest. For one, they spent most of their time in my husband's house, and for two .. the fact they lived about 1 mile from us.
I called ahead, and both granny and mother waited with some of the help standing nearby.
" My beautiful daughters. You missed your mother? "
Emine Konore was fully back to her old self, a lot better now. As in, she looked 10 years younger since we arrived.
We gave them a quick hug while the security dispersed around their house.
" You look radiant, sweetheart. What happened to your sister? " asked granny.
Mother has been trying to poke around her issues, but she skilfully avoided all her attempts.
Before I could answer someone used my favourite name.
" Mrs Martell? "
I turned to see out chauffeur holding a phone.
" Who? " I asked.
" Your husband.. "
I ignored my mother's OOs and AAs and quickly walked away from them.
" .. for what reason you have a phone if I have to call the driver to talk to my wife? "
He was irritated.
" But my phone is with me .. " I checked my phone and saw his missed calls. " .. why is it muted? "
" My love, are you asking me? "
I looked at my sister and could tell by that smile she was the culprit.
Decided to hurt her later, for turning into a child at random moments. Mrs lady doctor no less.. Lord, save us.
" You called 4 times.. everything okay? "
" .. Oliver is getting on my nerves. " He voice came through as a whisper.
I smiled, thinking we were both getting beaten down by their relationship slip-up.
" What are you guys doing? "
" What haven't we done? .. I think he only stops when we create plans and back up plans for every single scenario that might ever happen to us .. that includes apocalypse scenarios. "
I was walking over a bridge and seeing my family closely following, hoping to catch something.
" What? Someone has to do it. " I teased him.
" I don't know why I called for compassion and didn't just talk to a stranger on the streets .. I really don't know. "
" Pouting is unbecoming of you, my love. But I understand. Ayshe is trying to be involved without being involved. "
" .. I understand less and less each day. But seriously, Hans told me about you visiting your mother's house. They're okay? "
I looked behind me and received a few thumbs ups, and my sister pretended to throw up.
She is getting on my nerves, too.
" Your worries are unwarranted, dear. We came to visit because it was .. safe. "
I heard his breathing over the phone and the faint sounds of music.
" What's this!? Are you guys at some party ..
" Don't start... he is working on his music. Party, she says, on a Tuesday morning .. "
I could technically see him shaking his head.
" Fine .. what time I can see you? "
" Miss me? " His smile came through the phone.
" As much as you miss me .. 4 missed calls and such. You became obsessed. Admit it.. "
" I have no shame about it. "
I wanted to punch the air like in the cartoons. He admitted it so easy. Hmm .. well done.
" Dear? Do you want something? "
Granny asked as their maid appeared with trays.
I made sure they understood I'm okay but then I heard Oliver's voice on the background of his phone.
" .. let's go. We are busy, and you are trying your best to annoy me with these romantic antics further? "
" W-what .. no .. Maire, I'm going, call you later .. or just keep the chauffeurs' phone. "
Before I could think of a witty comeback, he ended the call. He has is rough. We both did.
This needs to end.
——
Oliver.
~
My mood was better.
Maybe not better .. but okay.
At least until the work lasted, then I figured we could use some plan B's just in case.
Asin was watching me like a hawk and refused to leave twice now.
We ended up taking a ride to see the 9th ward after the attack.
Three days passed, and some houses were still smoking. Ruins left everywhere, and the people had already started rebuilding what they could.
Asin looked depressed seeing it.
" Don't forget our aid will arrive tomorrow. They'll be fine. " I reminded him.
We set up multiple foundations that provide food, drinkable water, financial aid, and everything else they might need.
No one knew about them, but we made sure they were run by people who cared.
There were already hundreds like our organisations supporting the 9th, but their donations are rare and missing crucial, often lifesaving items and medicines.
" I know. I'm thinking about Old Ivan saying he wants to move back here. Why wouldn't he just retire properly and enjoy his remaining years? "
He was worried, is the answer.
As much as he trusted us and decided to throw his weight behind everything we had done, he wasn't just a business partner but family.
Family cares and won't leave you.
" It's home brother, his own father was one of the first who moved to the outskirts of the city. They have history here, traditions unique to them. It's their life. "
Our worldview from theirs was fundamentally different.
Asin was loved and accepted as the heir to the 9th, and as much as he tried, being one of the richest people on this planet, his view of certain situations was more skewed than any of ours
" Hmm .. let us go. Dede wants to meet at the company. "
" So you're about to start in earnest? Becoming one of us? " I asked, starting the car.
" One of us? Brother, you work 2 days a week, and your mother does everything, but Spoon feeds you when you're in there .. "
I laughed out loud for the first time since Mardin. Felt better immediately after.
I appreciated his kid gloves since we left, doing everything in his power to accommodate my crazy but what I yearned for was this.
Us being .. us.
~
The Martell group headquarters was a mega cooperation. The building was so big that it would take days to properly see every corner of it.
I kept reading silly articles about how they work on android helpers, personalised A.I. 's building secret bases on the moon .. there were a lot of intriguing and often complex theories.
Pure nonsense but entertaining.
" .. Go on. "
I nudged him forward since we were stuck outside looking up the skyscraper.
We rarely came, but the staff always bent backwards to make Asin happy while here, which pissed him off to no end.
" Sir, you are here.. I mean .. khmm .. Mr Martell.. hello. "
The receptionist was a lovely lady in her 20s, a nervous creature every time we came.
" I'm here under a government contract to eliminate undercover spies.. I need your help, lovely lady, now give me your hand and ..
" We came for Erwing Martell.. his grandson is here. " I tapped his shoulder.
Had to stop and put an end to it before the poor girl fainted.
She gathered herself and let us through.
" If Marie ever sees one of these ..
" See what? I'm supposed to stop having fun because I got married? "
I didn't wanna say, but that's more or less what it is.
Uncle Erwing's office was sandwiched between his son and grandson's.
They saw us walking in, and from the surprise on their faces, I could tell they didn't know we were supposed to.
Uncle Erwing was a king.
His office showed quiet elegance and style money couldn't buy you. As always, he kept his best smiles for Asin.
" You came? " He asked.
Asin rolled his eyes, sitting on the edge of his desk.
" Dede .. I might not look it but I'm a remarkable individual with many talents. One of those is understanding of words .. Why am I here, though? " He asked.
He just smiled, seeing his nervous aura. He is definitely having a good day.
My phone buzzed.
I was called out by Big Brother, Yary.
" Oliver .. why did Grandpa call my brother here? "
He looked nervous as well.
" We don't know, Uncle Erwing is playing it close to the chest .. why, do you know something? "
He invited me to sit, and he took his own.
" We about to launch something big.. and brand new. " He started. " .. maybe Grandad wants him to head it? He will need my help. "
He sat back with a mix of concern and pride in his own abilities.
" What's the new business? " I asked.
Being this close to the Martell family often landed us with great information on the stock markets and to avoid bad investments.
" It's a joint adventure with the Elgemen group. We joined them in the world of makeup and cosmetics. "
Ahh.. time to conquer that particular field? Elgemen are the best to partner with, old family as well, except they made their fortune on mainly fashion, and .. well, cosmetics.
" Sounds like a slam dunk. " I nodded.
" Well .. we hope. We already called Aunt Tilley about it, and she will most likely need your help taking care of legal. " He smiled.
Damn it.
My mother sometimes felt bad receiving all the important business from the family.
Thanks to them, her relatively small firm handled everything related to the Martell family. Making them extremely prestigious and the most important quality.. trusted.
Other companies in business with Uncle Erwing fought for their free time, begged to be represented by them. People fought for interviews whenever we hired.
But corporate law was the most boring field, if more lucrative.
I mirrored Big Brother Yary's smile and looked back at the office on my right.
Whatever happened, Uncle Erwing was laughing and Asin gesticulating wildly.
Watching them without a sound and figuring it out was easier than it looked.
Asin soon stopped making a fool of himself and walked behind his grandfather while talking with his chin up.
" Can you read lips? "
I ignored Yary's question and turned my face back.
He was massaging his shoulders, showing a little bit of his evil.
Uncle Erwing looked deep in thought and ended up nodding, it's when Asin went and kissed his hand, and then almost ran out of the office.
" I see you soon. " I got up and followed him.
" Call me.. grandpa won't tell me anything. "
I let the glass door shut behind me and caught in by the elevators.
" Wh.. What happened? "
" Umm .. new business. Dede wanted my opinion. " He played it off.
" And ..? "
He didn't continue until we were safely inside and going down.
" Nothing.. she will learn to love it. " He murmured to himself.
Brother.. what have you done now?
——
Ayshe.
~
I appreciated my sisters efforts to make me busy, but she bet on the wrong horse.
With her being a daughter in law and my silly self is just some future doctor.. mother and even granny were keeping HER busy with their probing questions.
" I was a year older .. so basically..
" Mom! "
" I was younger than you, although we lived in different times. " Granny looked nostalgic.
They were pestering her for a baby.
" Sweetheart, listen to me. " Mother turned her around. " .. a baby will inject such happiness in our lives. Plus .. it secures your place. "
I was munching on some crackers, they done some good, and even after breakfast, my stomach was still upset.
" What.. what is that mean, mother? "
" Emine .. "
Granny tried to protest, but she ignored her.
" All I'm saying is that once you gave the family a beautiful son, you are his permanent queen. Irreplaceable. "
She put her hand on her stomach.
Her words carried some truly awful implications.
Marie couldn't even find the words .. but could.
" Mother enough is enough! .. I had my reservations about them, but this is too ..
She cut me off wildly, shaking her arms.
" Oh, sit down.. what do you know? Do you think modern royalty thinks with the same morality as everyone else? "
We couldn't actually say anything, so she took our silence as a sign to unload.
" What would think happen.. God forbid.. if your sister fails to give her husband an heir? Huh? This isn't some romance novel, dear. "
" Emine, please, it's too early in their relationship for talks like this! " Granny shut her down.
Besides her attempt at patronising me, her implications were nonsense.
My sister was young and healthy. Besides, I would be the first to know if they can start aspect a grandchild.
Non the less, Marie looked lost in thoughts she shouldn't.
Oh, mother .. what joy our little visits.