Ayshe.
-
I became a little unbalanced.
It was mostly because of that Desiree.
Seeing her over and over, that mocking smile of hers.. the way she fitted in that life of theirs. I don't know ..
Made me .. unbalanced.
If not for the craziness of Asin's birthday, I had a feeling more people would've questioned her sudden presence. Or my attitude towards it, but as the day approached, the crazy I never saw before took over the household.
After all the wait, we were there, and the day had already started with crazy.
" .. how do I look? "
Me and the girls shared a quick look before we showered Marie with compliments.
We were all invited to a small fashion show straight after breakfast.
Over the days, she managed to buy some pretty .. revealing.. good looking .. but revealing lingerie that should make Asin a very happy man.
" .. I can't believe you .. " Henny stood up, walking around her. " You about give your flower to a..
" Please don't call it a flower .. " Marie put her hands up. " My stomach playing tricks on me as the time approaching. "
We had a solid 7 hours till the party planned by his family begins.. but I understood her nervous behaviour.
My first time was special as it lacked .. brains. I just let myself get swept up in the moment.
Asin didn't join breakfast, saddening his parents who were eager to greet their now 19th year old.
" .. Are you okay with this? " I turned to Marie.
" He told me about it last night .. he and Oliver are away on some silly tradition they have. We won't see them until tonight. " she nodded.
I tilted my head unconsciously since Oliver never mentioned anything about traditions and such.
Since the main character was missing breakfast, it got cut short, so we headed off to work.
On my way, I tried to call Oliver, but as expected, his phone was turned off.. must've been for Asin .. evidence that Marie didn't even try to call.
What could they be doing?
———
Oliver.
~
" .. Are you ready? "
I looked at the loaded gun in front of me and winced.
" .. maybe we can flip again. "
( BAM )
" Respect the rules! "
I took an annoyed look at Desiree with her theatrics and took the gun.
It was Russian Roulette.
.. not with real bullets, of course.
Something much worse..
I took a deep breath and put the muzzle into my mouth .. even with me seeing Asin spin the chamber, I was sure he somehow rigged the game.
" .. One shot is what is all about .. "
Hearing Asin Deer Hunter monologue started gave me the motivation and pulled the trigger..
.. it was empty.
I put down the gun, making a loud thud as the crew around us exploded, cheering my name.
Asin, Kol, and Metin had various reactions as I laid back on my chair. My confidence skyrocketed and theorised I could even eat one of the absinthe filled bullets.
The gun had bullets filled with 80% pure alcohol that had the potential to turn a boy into a man after two shots.
Asin took the gun without much hesitation and took the burden of choice off the others.
As I saw his face resemble someone's who took a bite out of a lemon, I knew he was hit ..
The crew loved the spectacle as he tried to regain his senses as hard alcohol exploded into his mouth..
" .. I remember the first time you guys played this. "
Desiree used the moment of distraction to whispered in my ear.
Her annoying new tendency was getting on my nerves.. she had a lot of fun when we were left alone. Using our shared past to poke holes in my psyche with increased success.
As I kept a smiling face, Kol managed to avoid the newly loaded bullet as the crew started taking bets on Metin .. I remembered the first time we started this stupid game.
4 years ago, one of Anna's brothers called Jacob, who had military experience, helped us by introducing us to a game he and his army buddies used to pass the time.
.. we immediately ordered the necessary materials, and our choice of alcohol had to be equally stupid..so we went with 80% absinthe.
At 15, it was quite an experience, and almost deadly in a way. Asin loved the movie Deer Hunter, so it made perfect sense to play Russian Roulette.
Yes .. the first time we played this, it was with the girls.
It was stupid.
Yet it was something we had done .. like how sometimes we head out to the dessert, defacing some rocks .. because we can.
I was itching to turn my phone on but couldn't in front of the birthday boy.
He wanted to spend some time with the guys from G.O.D. before tonight since, technically, today was his actual birthday.
I had a bit of a lucky streak as the sounds of the trigger delivered nothing but metallic air in my mouth.. However, Asin tapped out after the second straight shot landed in his stomach. To his credit, he handled the after effects better.
Soon enough, my luck ran out, and since Kol threw the towel in, the inevitable winner was Metin.
Asin was uncharacteristically happy as we said our goodbyes heading towards the cars.
" .. you okay, boss? " Desiree took his arm, steadying him. " That second shot was just unlucky. "
" .. I'm here. " He nodded, unsure.
Couldn't help but smile as my stomach was still burning along with my throat, which suffered permanent damage.
We should stop doing this .. although we probably won't.
My good cheer disappeared as Desiree helped Asin inside and turned to me.
" Give my best to the wife and her family. "
Her smile .. those deep eyes.
Yeah, the alcohol was definitely affecting me.
I nodded, feeling the blood rushing in my head, and climbed inside the car with little to no difficulty.
Her words barely registered as our car sped away.
~
We stopped at the Balton for a little pick me up.
" .. It's unwise to show up anywhere like this. " Asin nodded, getting out.
I barely held back a laugh hearing him trying to sound legible.
" Right.. We can't have Aunt Krista see us, or Maya .. or your wife .. or ..
" Yeah, I believe I covered that, Oli .. "
After a shower and some coffee, we were more or less back to factory settings. Around noon, we were getting ready to leave for the 9th.
" Are you sure the phones should stay off? " I asked.
Asin wanted some peace before the annoying part started. In his defence, those parties thrown by his family were dreadful.
A constant, never-ending barrage of niceties and small talk with some of the most influential, richest people in our world .. unfortunately, they were all boring as hell.
Instead of answering my question, he smirked and asked one of his own.
" How you doing.. you know, with Desiree being close? "
It wasn't the first time he asked me in the days passed but I must be doing something wrong since he kept asking me.
" I told you, I'm over her .. " I played with my phone, still turned off. " .. You keep asking me like you expect to hear a different answer. "
" It's not like that. " he walked past me. " I just don't want my partner to be silently uncomfortable to protect some sort of fictionalised version of me in his head. "
I was lost for words. Sometimes, I couldn't tell whether he was making a joke .. or a genuine attempt to get inside my head.
The door of the elevator was closed behind us as we were away for the final destination.
———
Marie.
~
I was hoping for a lot of things regarding tonight.
A nice comfortable evening, marvelling at the treatment money can buy you.
A few moments of genuine happiness celebrating my husband.
A young, wealthy man, Henny can sink her teeth into.
.. but nothing was that easy.
After finalising my gift and helping the others with theirs, we were but 2 hours from the party, and our laminated cards arrived.
The maid delivering them quickly got out of my room as the others read with me.
/ ABSOLUTELY NO SINGING DURING THE NIGHT. BREAKING THE RULE WILL RESULT IN AN IMMEDIATE REMOVAL FROM THE PARTY. /
Derya Martell.
~
I had to admit to myself that it was effective.
" I guess he gets at least one gift he wants. "
I looked up, seeing Henny sour expression as depression settled in the room.
" What's wrong with your gift? .. he personally approved all my ideas. " I sat next to her. " Listen, I know this whole.. boyfriend thing.. sits heavily on your mind, but if you keep up this aura, others will notice it as well. "
" I know .. desperation is like a smell. " she agreed.
My phone started buzzing, taking all our attention.
It was the birthday boy.
" .. you decided to turn your phone back on? " I picked up.
" It was inevitable.. How's your day? "
He sounded exhausted already, which didn't bode well.
" Nothing crazy .. everyone is getting ready for the party. Where are you? "
" On route to the preparation. Oliver with me..
I looked and saw Ayshe on the phone, presumably with Oliver.
" .. we got our clothes, shoes etc. "
On the edge of my vision, I saw Henny slump down on the table and got an idea.
" Babe? .. " I walked further away. " You must have friends other than Oliver, right? "
I heard his sigh before an answer.
" What is this? ..W-what's going on? " he laughed nervously.
" Henny is lonely.. " I looked back at her.
I heard Oliver murmuring in the background, but it was hard to understand.
" I see .. her friends all paired up, and now she feels like an outsider looking in. "
I nodded without being seen hearing a pretty accurate summary of the situation.
Asin continued after a little pause.
" Honestly, I'm surprised no-one hit on her from the crew until now .. I'm not sure what you want, sweetheart. "
" It's not like I'm asking to hand-pick someone just a little .. direction? " I tried.
" I .. think about it. " he gave in after a pause. " Anything else I can do for you? "
With his sarcasm rearing it's head I took one last look at the lingerie before answering.
" After tonight .. it all about the things I can do for you. "
———
Asin.
~
.. I wasn't dense.
I knew what's her .. present .. Will be.
Decided not to get my hopes up in case of another postponement. Rather, not add this to the list of annoyances already plaguing me.
" .. How's the Pirells? " I turned to Oliver.
" Comfortable. Tucked away inside the Sanctuary. "
Good ..
The unfortunate bastard who gave the order to open fire on us escaped .. but he was hasty for whatever reason and ran away alone, leaving his wife and daughter confused.. and defenceless.
It's not like we hurt them.
They arrived a couple of days ago and now enjoyed a comfortable, if somewhat restricted lifestyle.
" Us meeting them .. we can push it until next week. " Oliver offered.
I smiled and shook my head. " No bother. We go and see them in the morning. Make sure to keep this from..
" Don't worry. " He cut me off. " The girls will be kept away from this. I can't see a world where Ayshe would agree with our methods. "
Yeah .. I turned away, looking outside .. kidnapping an innocent family for information and possible leverage is .. scummy.
Even my Marie .. who handled everything until now with incredible tenacity and grace .. would hand me a new asshole for this.
Rather, keep this little situation on the down low .. and not just for moral reasoning.
" .. Do you think they know them? Personally? "
I didn't answer Oliver's question because I was pretty sure of the answer.
As the namesake of the damn town, not to mention being an active member of the community .. the girls most likely knew the Pirell family.
Oliver understood my silence as we pulled up to an exquisite looking temple.
The Great Hall of Josea.
.. meh ..
I wasn't a fan.
Didn't have a say it in, but I found the place a little much.
For one ..
We weren't a religious family.
For two ..
These places.. temples .. held meaning to people. Followers of the faith.
They might not look favourably at the people using their ancient place of worship for a .. birthday bash.
We got out of the car, and Oli stepped beside me.
" You ready for this? " he looked up at the temple.
" May Josea favour our stay tonight. "
He smiled at my .. joke? .. but really, I was hoping the Saint it was named after hearing it and won't be offended by a mostly boring party.
~
We got our own little room for changing clothes.
It was pretty well equipped considering the location. It had an old full body mirror, a few comfortable chairs, a large couch, and even a table filled with sodas and snacks.
It was all incredibly.. arranged.
Proof? Look at the damn dried up leaves on the stone floor! The screen on the wall. It was all so extra .. and pointless.
We settled in and listened to some music while a few more familiar faces arrived.
Kol, Kerim, Metin, Leyla, and a bunch of others made an appearance. Unfortunately, the rest of the crew couldn't be invited for obvious reasons.
" How does it feel? "
" How does what feel? " I turned to Kol.
" Wearing that ring? " he pointed with his glass.
I took a look at the ring of leadership. Baban handed to me that it was on a chain around my neck. I was supposed to keep it on myself until the ceremony tomorrow.
" Oh .. heavy brother. It feels heavy. " I examined it.
" You'll be the youngest one in that council. " Leyla spoke up. " Are you sure about this, Boss? "
" Sure about what? " I shook my head.
She took a few seconds, walking closer.
" Well .. Once you join.. things will change. We will reach a point of .. no return. "
Her words resonated with the room.
Going from a happy go lucky, mostly racing crew to a .. an outright criminal gang.
" Alright, people. Let's give him some air. " Oliver cut through the silence. " Go and enjoy the party, mingle children, mingle! "
I waived at my friends as Oliver pushed them out.
" Thanks for that. " I got up taking my jacket.
" Leyla can be a little .. you know. " he shrugged.
He gone and took two glasses of champagne and handed one to me.
" This is not the time to get bogged down in such .. sobering reality checks .. it's time to face the music. "
We clicked the glasses and emptied it in one gulp. My stomach was still a little unruly since this morning shenanigans, but I powered through.
" Wanna call your wife before we go down? " Oliver asked, putting his glass down.
I took out my phone and dialled instead of an answer.
".. you sure want an entrance. "
I smiled hearing the irritation in her voice.
———
Ayshe.
~
The party was a surreal event from the very beginning.
By the time we arrived, the place and its surroundings were filled to capacity. Outside was swarmed with a large mix of reporters, photographers, and the security trying to hold them in place.
The people arriving were all dressed fancy and gave us small nods from afar as we crossed the red carpet and in-between the dozens of torches leading us inside the Great Hall of Josea.
I had never seen a lot of pictures before, but like everyone, I studied its significance in school.
Wars were started and ended inside these walls. The victories and defeats changed the world we live in.
Marie was politely greeting all those greeting us along the way until we reached a long and large table covered with a crisp white cloth, on top of a ginormous white and pink cake.
There was something written on top with icing.
/ Happy Birthday, Asin. /
There was live music in the form of an entire orchestra. Playing various classical pieces I heard growing up, curtesy of my sister.
Groups of few people were quickly formed. We spotted the main family sitting in the middle with 4 chairs left open in the middle.
" This is impressive. " Henny leaned over.
" Well, they clearly spent a lot of money. " I took a glass from an oncoming waiter. " Very ..
" He will hate this. " Lilly injected.
We all agreed with her assessment.
After a solid five minutes of silently ogling the crowd, we spotted a familiar face.
" There is that princess girl. " I nodded towards the distance. " Gold dress with a glitter purse. "
Marie took a single look and lost interest.
She was strage all day but got progressively muted as the night approached.
" Mature stuff, sis. Shake it off. " I teased her. " .. but maybe you can ask for .. advice.."
My joke wasn't appreciated, and if not for the setting, she would've done something unseemly, I'm sure.
Even if she didn't have the energy to deal with her competition, I did notice Princess Valerie's venomous glances.
Valerie Isolda Kham. 4th in line for the Bohemian throne. 21 years old and notoriously private about her love life.
The information that she had a thing with Asin was quite a news .. although our lives were so hectic, it was hard to qualify what was newsworthy and what's not.
As time passed, we were visited by my parents and grandparents, Asin's older brother Yary and wife. We walked over to the main family table once Erwing Martell made an appearance.
Seeing the Martell family patriarch surrounded by some of the most powerful people in the world and still act like he always does was quite a scene.
He commanded respect.
" .. He throws out. Mr Aster is mean. "
Leyla was still pouting.
" I'm just worried about our family and OUR future. I mean ..
She was going a little fast on the unlimited glasses that kept flying by us and getting a little tipsy.
The one called Kerem quickly shut her down.
" Alright now. " he took the half full glass from her hand. " .. Oliver will burn you alive if you cause a scene .. remember that. "
His warning was enough to sober up the PA and just in time.
Marie got a call. Asin was coming down.
From the looks, Aunt Seline got the same call because after a few seconds, she lifted her hand, and the music stopped. All eyes quickly went towards the stairs.
Asin appeared, coming down in a black suit, Oliver a few feet behind him.
We joined the clapping as the crowd all turned their full attention to them.
I caught Oliver's gaze for a second, and we shared a quick smile as Asin was surrounded by the family, wishing him happy birthday.
When it was Marie's turn, she made a point to look into the eyes of Valerie before kissing her husband.
I felt pride seeing her working hard to keep up that fake smile. Her eyes, though.. they were sparkling watching the pair. Marie didn't leave his side, and they began to greet everyone else.
Oliver came over as the guests got their turn with Asin
" .. This will take a solid 20 minutes. Wanna get a drink? "
" Sure .. "
I took his hand and let myself lead through the people until we arrived at the bar.
" Every year .. " Oliver sighed.
I leaned forward, the bar looking into his eyes.
" How's yours? "
He looked up, giving me a light smile.
" Already passed .. thank God. But mostly low-key. 2 parties. Small ones. " he took the cocktail the bartender offered. " You? "
I took a sip of mine in an iced glass. " Very normal. Just the family, really. Singing and watching a few movies together with cake. "
It might've sounded boring, but it was a small tradition we have done every year.
It made me a little sad thinking how last year's might've been the last. After all, we had a big extended family now.
I quickly shooed the sad thoughts away. I watched Lilly and Kol walking towards us hand in hand with a rather sad looking Henny in tow.
Lilly sped up and took my hand, laughing.
" Asin just called the Secretary of Defence.. a clown. "
" W-what? " I asked.
Took a look at the crowd still around them, but from the looks, I couldn't tell something had happened.
" The man shook his hand, saying .. ' Will you be the Martell who finally joins the army to show leadership for the citizens? ' he simply said .. no, you clown, but thanks...' Uncle Erwing laughed it off, but people knew it wasn't a joke. "
I chuckled with Lilly. It wasn't hard to imagine the exchange. Asin was not the kind who could be tricked into such foolish publicity stunt.
After all .. the minister asked the question in hopes of an embarrassing incident where the Martell heir either entered military service or looked like a coward trying to get out of it.
Humiliation was the man's reward.
" Where is Asin's assistant? " asked Henny, looking around. " I would think she attended her bosses birthday. "
" She probably has other plans. " I shrugged.
Inside, I smiled to myself, thinking how would Asin's parents would react seeing her appearing after all those years.
We chatted as the crowd slowly dispersed, leaving only a small group still holding them back. All young and .. colorful. Clearly foreigners.
" .. Who are they? " I nudged Oliver.
He was getting tipsy as well but still able to recognise people.
" Oh .. they're his friends from Germany. That girl with purple hair is Lismay. She is racer too. " he finished his glass.
I watched Marie tense up seeing Asin embracing the purple haired girl and some of her friends. He genuinely seemed happy seeing them.
" Were you not with him over there? "
I noticed him emphasising the word .. his friends.
He slowly shook his head, lamenting.
" Couldn't go with him .. I was in an accelerated program. Had to study.. I still have to finish law school, too! " he slammed his fist on the bar.
I kissed his red cheeks, exchanging his glass of bourbon for coffee.
Eventually, the couple did arrive looking mighty exhausted.
" You guys okay? " I asked as they closed in.
Asin took the closest glass and emptied it as Marie smiled, supporting his back.
" Water, please. " she asked the bartender than turned to us. " ..yeah, it's a lot of pleasantries. Politicians, idiots, FRIENDS, and such. "
The way she said the word and the look she gave to her husband, I could tell she was a little pissed off.
Asin didn't miss anything.
" Lismay is a friend.. God, please help her understand. " he looked up at the ceiling.
Before she could say something stupid, I stepped on her feet, gaining her full attention. I leaned close and whispered.
" Stay cool .. don't blame the man for having a past, okay? "
She rolled her eyes but calmed down a bit.
I had to keep her on track or face a never-ending barrage of complaining.
I felt intrusive hands on my stomach as Oliver's perfume hit my nostrils.
" Let's dance. "
I turned around, locking my arms around his neck.
" You're happy. " I observed.
" No reason not be. "
He was clearly drunk.
Our problems were too long to list .. but I guess we can table it for a night .. or more.
———
Marie.
~
I had no past ..
Not couples past anyway.
My sister was smart enough to stop what was certainly a long fight about that girl. Where did she get all this wisdom?
But seriously.. what's up with all the girls from his past!?
This German broad bothered me.
That Princess from nobody cares seemed to be no opponent of mine. After a few displays of PDA, she was almost in tears.
After a quick greeting where she couldn't meet my eyes, both she and her father disappeared into the crowd.
She was beautiful but not a fighter.
But Lismay Gant .. she was different.
Gave me a feeling of unease the way her eyes lost her shine looking at Asin.
Who acted and talked to her like a friend, but I wasn't naive.. there was no friendship between a guy and a girl.
Not true ones. One always wanted more.
"" .. I'm thinking about moving here..""
If her words weren't alarming enough, then the look she gave me certainly was.
I heard laughter behind me.
" .. Go wash his face. "
I saw Asin handing Oliver over to Kol and Metin, who supported him up the stairs.
Asin came over, taking my hand. " He got a little overzealous. "
I gave a small smile which alerted him.
" What's wrong? .. it this still about ..
" No, it's not about her.. " I turned away.
He sighed, walking closer. " You're the worst spy I ever meet. "
I let myself be turned around facing him.
" Have I complimented how beautiful you look? "
" Not yet.. "
I couldn't help the upcoming smile as he pulled me closer.
" Well .. you do. " he kissed my cheek.
I quietly made a point to be calmer in the future when it came to his past. My constant worries started to shadow my own present.
" Tonight.. maybe we can spend tonight.. not home? " I asked him.
The question seemed to surprise both of us. I didn't plan to ask in such a .. direct way.
He smiled and removed some of my curls from my face.
" We go can anywhere you want. Everywhere is home with you. "
" Ohh .. Good answer. " I smiled.
I gave him a small kiss, and I would've done more, but I felt more than I saw someone closing in on us.
To my surprise, it was Mother Seline.
She put her hands together, looking at the two of us.
" What a pair. " she covered her mouth. "I'm overjoyed looking at the two of you. "
" Please don't cry, mother. " Asin asked in anticipation.
" I won't! " she fanned her face. " I came for Marie. "
I let my hand fall off Asin's shoulder as a gut feeling enveloped me.
" For Marie? .. what f.. Ohh! " Asin clapped twice.
" Right ..
" The Diamond ceremony, yes. " His mother cut him off.
I felt the eyes of our friends on me, and as I took Mother Seline's hand, I thanked God. I had the good sense to refuse all forms of alcohol.
My nerves were all over the place as we walked ahead, but soon Asin ran ahead of us, taking my hand.
" One minute, mother .. "
He didn't allow his mother to protest, and we walked a little further from the crowd.
" Exciting stuff, huh? " he grabbed my shoulder, steadying me. " .. Be calm, accept the stone, and recite some poetry in Latin ..
" What!? What poetry!!? "
His confusion turned into an evil smile.
I was holding back my hand for a while now on the account of his injury, but this one earned him a punch.
After taking it silently like a man, he embraced me, slowly caressing my back.
" Seriously.. calm down. Don't wobble.. take the diamond and follow my mother. There's nothing to mess up here. "
I let those words and his hands calm my racing heart.
" I'll be here waiting when you done. " He stepped back facing me. " Now chin up and go get'em. "
I needed this .. I knew this was coming for a while, but with all these high-profile people here, it felt a little embarrassing.
It's time to show the fine people gathered that I'm here to stay..
Maybe a certain purple chicken will finally get the message.