Marie.
~
No, I wasn't particularly interested in a watery grave.
But also understood how it's nearly impossible to die such a death.
" See? This club has been open for almost a year, and it's on the Atlantic, built a lot deeper too..
" Okay .. enough. I understand. It's the safest way to party. " I pushed the phone away.
I already told them how dozens of movies support my fear .. they pointed out they weren't documentaries, but I held my opinion.
Lilly and Henny were ready. Ayshe's whereabouts were obvious.
Asin disappeared to check on tonight's security and such.
" I'm just saying this opening is huge. As in most elite, I can only dream of this. " Henny shared her thoughts.
" The Cove the first underwater nightclub in the country. If we can't find a rich husband tonight, we probably never will. "
Lilly was opportunistic, but Henny wholeheartedly agreed. If this place is so exclusive, it means the richest people in the country.
But none of that concerned me. Tonight is the night.. I stay stone cold sober, and maybe we can .. start our marriage properly.
" This guy who's coming. How rich is he? " asked Lilly.
" Kol .. something. He is pretty rich. Asin's middle school friend, little eccentric. "
Although my husband and Oliver probably had him beat even if they never admit it.
I saw from the mirror how the competition had already begun. Oliver was now taken after all.
Asin texted a yawning emoji.
" Girls, let's go. I call Ayshe. "
" Marie, I'm here .. getting some fresh air. "
She stumbled in from the west balcony.
" Yeah, I remember that .. tell Oliver to stop hiding .. you all adults. " I shook my head.
Oliver sheepishly walked in and immediately went to join Asin.
" Sorry .. I'm getting some water then ..
" Just go! "
She scurried away, and I did some final checks.
Yes .. God willing, tonight is our night.
~
The number of reporters and bystanders hoping for a peak at their favourite celebrities was absurd.
Everything was covered in black velvet with the club name embroidered on it.
The car stopped, and a literally red carpet waited for us.
Asin went ahead and helped me down.
The flashes were absolutely blinding.
He leaned in. " You be okay .. I'm here. "
His confidence and that smile are enough to make the lights dim in comparison.
Asin was a pro and stopped only in the middle and after the appropriate amount of begging from the reporters.
" 10, 9 ,8 ..
I heard him counting through his smile.
When our time was up, he thanked the people and led us further down the beach.
A line of security stood unmoving, showing the way.
" Marie .. this was intense. I'm sweating. "
Lilly kept fanning herself. Henny didn't fair better.
" Pace yourself, ladies .. we going down. "
Asin stopped at some sort of elevator attached to a line that disappeared into the deep water.
" Kol is late .. " Oliver came behind us. " .. join us later. "
I gave an encouraging nod to the girls.
" Alright, here we go. "
I was dragged a little but ended up inside the elevator with our people and no one else.
I pulled Asin close and waited for the rough ride.
" Embrace yourself! "
Hearing my idiotic husband shout the girls covered down in fear, and even I dug my finger in his back.
After much anticipation, the elevator started moving as smoothly as any above water.
Oliver was the only one who shared his humour.
Ayshe looked as terrible as the girls.
" Sorry .. I thought it'll be terrible. Everyone okay? "
The girls and Ayshe were ready to push him out of the water elevator, but before I could wonder further, we slowed to a crawl.
The ocean was supposed to be pitch black, but there was enough light coming out of a giant dome ahead that illuminated everything around us.
I felt Asin's hand around my waist.
" Like it? "
It was like those documentaries but with an actual Atlantis down here, not some ancient rocks.
" It's incredible. "
The girls were mesmerised, and so were Oliver and Ayshe.
The marine life was often scary. Everything that can be thought of was here slowly swimming around the solid box and us.
We heard the first loud enough noise to catch our attention.
The elevator was slowly pulled the locked in place. The sealing process made a signature sound of hissing.
Then the door opened.
I half expected to get washed out of the elevator like in the movies, but only the pleasant sounds of music faintly reached us.
There was a supermodel looking girl waiting with 2 guards keeping the place secured.
" Good evening, Mr Martell, Mrs Martell. Please enjoy yourself. " She bowed towards us.
" Thank you .. "
We walked past them and into glass corridor about 30 feet long, as we closed the distance the music became more prominent and the full scale of this place was seen.
"" Welcome to The Cove. ""
Two more lovely ladies made way to show an absolute marvel.
No wonder they were so excited. The feeling and look was nothing I could have imagined.
Surreal..breathtaking.
My sister walked beside me.
" Where are we, Marie? "
" Not in Konore anymore. "
Asin kept amusing himself with the fish .. with the same enthusiasm one had for needlepoint. Oliver was politely waived to someone in the distance.
" Have you been in a place like this? "
I remembered them saying there were others like this and much more wild.
" No .. first time underwater nightclub. " He shrugged.
I sighed .. needed to remind myself who is under the rich kid facade.
I cluched my hand around his neck.
" I bet you prefer to race right now. "
" There are very few things I would pick over racing my one and only. " He held my waist.
" You being one of the few .. "
I looked up and allowed myself a quick prayer to God a prayer of gratitude.
Then I stole his breath and kept it for a while as the people I only saw on TV were the only ones who witnessed it.. and some fish, but they had to forgive us.
It was our night.
——
Oliver.
~
" .. It's unbelievable, isn't it? "
Ayshe and I were walking along the edges of re-enforced acrylic windows that allowed us to have a party under water.
" Kol father initiated the project, and in a year, he had to turn investors away. I see this place will be immensely popular. "
Even someone like myself who, thanks to Asin insane in need of testing his limit and ended up in places and done things others will only ever see on some shorts they scroll away from.
This place was magical.
Maybe it was the lady in front of me.
" Is .. is that a shark? "
I followed the directions she pointed out.
" Maybe.. I know nothing about sea animals. " I stood next to her.
Her squinting and trying to get a better view of the fish was more entertaining to me than the club itself.
She gave up and was trying to clean the glas in embarrassment.
I took her hand and went to the bar.
" Give us your very best creation. "
The bartender was happy to oblige and started a dance of shakers and bottles.
" Tell me about your plans.. anything exciting for your event? " She asked.
" .. we ran into issues. Believe it or not, there is a waiting list even for something like this.. our event won't happen until next year, unfortunately. "
She reached out and placed her hand on my cheeks. " We come up with something amazing by then. "
We ..
" Yes .. we will. "
I leaned in for a quick kiss that somehow always got prolonged. We had to be reminded of the surroundings when the bartender cleared his throat.
" Khmm .. sorry, Sir. Please enjoy the clubs own flavour. The Cove is in a glass. Enjoy. "
He pushed two colourful glass, started almost black from the bottom, and it changed lighter as it went further up, ending in light blue.
" Pampam! "
Ayshe laughed as I closed my eyes, hearing that shameful name and the only one still calling me that..
" Evening Kol, thanks for having us."
He came over and gave us both a quick hug.
" Sister Ayshe, you look lovely. Don't be silly. I was glad when Asin called. Pampam..who are those ladies with sister Marie? "
He looked hopefully towards our group, the girls being Lilly and Henny.
" Those, my young one .. are friends of her from Konore. The blonde is Lilly, and the other is called Henny. Interested in romance now? "
" You all paired up. " He took a bottle from the bartender. " .. Time to follow destiny Pampam.. How's the hair? "
Ayshe helped him a little with the hair. I took care of the small stuff people forgot. Like stuck food in your teeth, that can kill any charm.
" Go like this .. Tchtch.. you good. "
We watched his best attempt at walking cool. Its funny that when people try to look cooler, they usually end up being worse off and often silly like Sanilmaz did now.
" I thought you didn't like the guy? "
" I don't.. but he is part of G.O.D now. I take care of him .. come what may .. " I shrugged.
Ayshe gave an unexpected kiss.
" It shows. "
We made our way back to the group now joined by Kol, who were entertaining the girls as Asin and Marie watched waited for the inevitable hilarity to ensue.
" How do you enjoy the Cove? " I asked Asin.
" Meh .. "
As usual, he was hard to truly impress.
Kol shoulder slumped, proving whose opinion he actually cared about and that he can listen to two clingy girls as well as us behind him.
" What are you talking about? Have you seen this place? "
Ayshe couldn't believe and looked at him as if he had no eyeballs.
Asin smiled politely.
" What exactly I'm supposed to jizz my pants for? The fish or the seaweed? Oh look .. a chair. Oh oh oh .. wait another one! And why all this space .. its more like one of my mothers fundraiser than an actual under water nightclub. I hate these people as well. "
I actually took a better look and saw the place was big enough to entertain hundreds and yet with our group being the biggest .. we didn't even crack 40 people.
Most of them just stood alone having considerable distance with one another or some awkward couple making eyes at the fish or the decor.
These people were all famous or wealthy every single one, the kind we been avoiding since we were kids.
Not one person danced.
Marie enjoyed seeing us coming to the same realisation.
Ayshe stopped defending the place and I swear I heard Kol sniffing hearing his harsh but completely true criticism.
" Asin .. stop. Look what you done to them. "
Marie saw how everyone started feeling bored as soon as the superficial image was broken.
He rolled his eyes and walked to bar.
I tapped Kol who stopped talking with the girls .. the only ones who still found the novelty of the place fun.
" Don't feel bad .. it's not like your baby. "
" Right.. I know. This place is idiotic. The investors wanted it to be exclusive but inviting these people was a mistake. "
He looked with disgust at those who previously shook his hand and asked about his father. As I said .. these people were insanely rich or talented as athletes.. some could called geniuses.
But not party material.
I shared a smile with Ayshe and Marie.
He would turn against the Pope if Asin hated him.
But yeah .. I couldn't stop noticing how no one seemed to have fun and how far removed this was from one of our celebrations.
" What's that right there? "
Marie was looking at Asin being talked to by two ladies.
" Oh oh .. "
Ayshe pulled me aside in anticipation but I stopped it before it escalated.
" Marie.. just let him be. " I smiled
She huffed a little but stood still her girlfriends stood behind her watching how the situation unfolds.
I already saw that scene ..
They were clearly knew him or someone in his family and tried their best to make an impression.
When he smiled back at them and started talking looking interested and sociable Marie had to be restrained a little.
But ..
He politely tapped one their should and walked back towards the group.
He was halfway through when both of the girls broke down crying and by the time he arrived back they were running away like set on fire.
I looked into Ayshe's shocked eyes and shrugged.
I know the man!
" What did you say to them? " Marie asked taking the glass he offered.
" We talked about this awesome awesome place and .. yeah.. the fucking fish! Go watch them, Froggatt! "
He mainly said that to those watching him from the close by table a famous actor and his girlfriend. Who quickly departed.
" They didn't like the comparison. " He kissed his wife.
Marie showed her appreciation.. and we didn't talk to them for the next 20 minutes.
" Pampam this a bust .. we should've made a party just the us and crew. " Kol turned to me.
" Pardon.. what party? Which crew? " Lilly caught his words.
Asin quickly took over.
" Marie why don't you take you friends on a FINAL walk around before we leave and never ever return? "
" Absolutely.. come on guys. You have 10 minutes for the dream to happen. Hurry gogogo.. "
Marie took them by the hand and Ayshe followed.
" Kol .. "
" I'm sorry Pampam.. I forget about them. "
Asin stepped in before I unloaded on him.
" Alright, alright.. nothing happened. Oyy K .. gather yourself. "
" Sorry boss. "
He took us by shoulder and turned to the ocean.
" This moment right here boys.. always remember. "
Kol just nodded comfortably. I sighed..
" Remember what brother? "
He nodded towards the fish.
" That not every idea transfer well into the real world.. we might as well gone to sea world tonight and feed the penguins. That at least would've been fun .."
We both nodded this time.
——
Marie.
~
While still inside we managed to change the subject of Kol's little slip of the tongue to how this club is truly a bore.
We were here well over an hour and with us 6 in attendance the full number stopped around 50.
" .. I still think its beautiful, if somewhat mismanaged. " Ayshe though out loud.
I let Lilly share her thoughts on the matter and pulled Henny aside.
" I forget to ask but .. I need to talk to you about that .. secret guy from the GOD crew. "
She nodded reluctantly. " Sure .. now? "
" No .. just wanted to ask if he wrote anything new? "
" Not since last week. We don't chat daily sweetie, nothing romantic if that's what you worried. I look after myself. "
I smiled at her proclamation but glad she understood the risks of these online dating apps.
" I know you do .. Asin and I will take you for breakfast tomorrow. We talk then. "
She was even more confused now but had no reason to refuse.
After another minute of taking in the place, which lost none of its beauty, but probably would fare better as some restaurant and left.
Kol was saying goodbye he had to stay until his father joined for press reasons.
Asin was talking with Oliver in private, something good must've happened seeing his reaction to his words.
" Hmm .. Ayshe. What do you think that's about? "
She didn't look concerned.
" I just ask Oliver later. "
Yeah I wish my own husband would be as easy to get information out of like Oliver.
He came back in a brilliant mood.
" Something good happened? " I asked.
" We are leaving. "
His smile was so genuine, he always makes me question my own sanity.
~
Outside we were interviewed.
" Asin tell us about your experience!? You leaving because its a dud? "
" Friends the place opened by the Sanilmaz corporation rivals that of the Utica in America or the Matsuhide in Japan, better as far my tastes are concerned. "
Tchtch.. how can I belive a word he says when he can lie like someone wrote it for him.
" Is the reason of your early exit are something personal? "
" Personal indeed. I suddenly got a craving for some fish. " He shrugged.
The crowd laughed as one and we stayed for a few more pictures before getting inside the cars.
" You are a liar. "
Ayshe declared it to my husband.
" And your dress doesn't fit you honey. I guess we both trying to fool others tonight. "
Even Oliver couldn't hold back the laughter.
Ayshe gulped like a fish .. but after this long she should know better.
" We going home? " I asked.
He lost his smile and became nervous.
" Well.. I'd.. anyone has any ideas? "
He turned to the others but no one said anything and Ayshe didn't even looked at him.
" I think we should go .. I'm starting work after tomorrow. Wanna spend time with you. "
I ignored the perverted smiles from my girlfriends and concentrated on his reaction.
" Of course. My beautiful CEO .. " He played with my hair. " .. tomorrow your last day of freedom. "
" Don't try and make me feel nervous.. we're looking forward to it. Right? "
The girls give their confirmation minus Ayshe.
The car was moving and I pushed down my fears and steadied myself.
~
At home we said goodbye to everyone and head to our room.
At this point my stomach turned against me.
" You okay? "
" Fine .. in fact in a few minutes I plan to be better. "
I took off his jacket and started on his neck ..but he soon started laughing.
" W-what's the fun! "
" You .. I'm sorry. " He saw my irritation and pulled in a hug. " My misguided love. You getting ahead of yourself. "
I pushed him away. " No you don't understand.. I'm am ready! ASIN.. I swear if don't stop laughing..
" Alright.. I stop. Come sit."
He guided me to the couch, I was still angry seeing the amusement in his eyes.
" I love you. "
.. damn him.
How I stay angry after hearing that?
" I love you too. "
" So.. there is no rush. " He smiled.
" But ..
" Marie.. look. You are shaking. "
I took my hand away. " You just told me you loved me.. of course I'm shaking! "
He reached and took them back.
" Listen even if I believed that.. the moment's gone. "
You killed it!
" But I..I..
" Hush now.. let me guide you to our marital bed .. " His smile disappeared and turned serious. " .. Marie I want us to go at our own pace. Understand? "
I leaned back on the couch, I was ashamed of the relief his word caused.
Couldn't find the words to thank him for his patience.
" You really do love me huh? "
He smiled and helped me up.
" Never doubt it. Let's sleep..
" Asin.. " I stopped him. " .. there is something unrelated I need to tell you my love. "