Marie.
~
I woke up just as the sun began to set. I managed to sleep quite a lot from the looks.
I was alone ..
Or at least I thought I was.
Ayshe was on the couch taking a nap as well.
I slowly stood up and reached for my phone .. it was missing. I looked at my drooling sister on the couch and knew who the culprit was.
Bless her heart, she does everything in her power to keep me from making a mistake .. as I rummaged through her pockets, her eyelids started to quiver.
" Marie? " she asked a little comatose.
" Hush .. go back to sleep. I just need my phone. "
She shook her head and sat up, taking my phone out her side pocket and handing it over to me.
" You feeling better? " she asked, rubbing her eyes.
I had to stop my own eyes from rolling.
" I'm fine .. Asin must've called ..
I shut up when I saw no missed calls or even texts.
Was Ayshe right this morning? Was he acting differently? I just didn't notice since all my own problems were?
I shook my head out of useless thoughts and tapped his name among the contacts.
" .. "
" Babe? Where are you? " I asked, pushing the worry out of my voice.
" I'm pulling up the house now .. how was work? "
" Umm .. I stayed home with Ayshe because..
" Wait .. I'm up in a few seconds. Tell me then. "
As he hung up, Ayshe let out a sigh of relief. I had a feeling why.
" We haven't prepared a reason yet why we missed work, huh? "
She stood upright and stretched a little.
" I had lunch with Oliver and already told him you felt a little sick.. so try and stay on that reason in case they chat later tonight. "
" Why, what's ton.. Oh! .. " I remembered their meeting with the guys. " Right.. I need to pay more attention. "
Ayshe walked over, giving me an encouraging squeeze. " You couldn't help it .. but yeah. We need to tiptoe around the both of them a little better. "
The sad eyes she had made me worried.
" On that lunch.. something happened? "
She couldn't say because the door opened and Asin walked in .. with the same smile and demeanour he always had.
He took two steps and picked me up, which covered me in a tight hug. " The cosmetic shop called .. told me you were sick ..
He put me down and leaned back, examining my face.
" .. wanna go to the hospital? Or we can just get them all here if you are more comfortable..
" .. No, I'm fine. " I laughed at his absurd way of solving things. " Just felt a little.. I'm fine now. "
He hugged me again and for a second I forgot all my own problems.. until my eyes met Ayshe's, and all the day's happenings came rushing back.
" How was your day? " I asked, releasing him.
His smile got wide, answering. " Spent some time with Baban and the fam .. you know, sweet pasta salad? "
He led me outside the southern balcony, and we sat down the table with Ayshe soon joining us.
" No .. you had some? "
" Hmm .. it wasn't bad. " he nodded. " Ayshe! .. why the sour face? "
We looked at her, seeing said sour expression she wore. I was certain something must've happened with Oliver.
" I .. probably caught something from Marie. I'm going to be okay. " she smiled, standing Asin's gaze.
" I see .. " he stood up after seeing a text that arrived. " Oliver's here.. let us dine with the family. Feels like it's been a while. "
~
During dinner, both Ayshe and I managed to keep up a good look despite what had happened.
Oliver acted casual, and I started to think that whatever made Ayshe a little mopey had nothing to do with him.
Until they gone for their meeting and we were left alone.
Henny and Lilly were both away on a date, so we had some time to talk.
" So tell me .. something happened with you today other than.. what had happened before? " I asked clumsily.
She sat down the bed and grabbed my larger pillow, hugging it from the side. " Oliver .. I could've come clean to him, but ..
She stayed silent for 5 full seconds, pushing me to continue for her.
" But? " I asked.
" .. I couldn't. I was too afraid of what might happen. How would he react to it all. So .. I just couldn't trust him. " she finished with a miserable expression.
I sat beside her and offered myself in place of my pillow. " I'm sorry .. about ..
" Oh, stop it! " She leaned back. " I told you already.. None of this is your fault. Even medical professionals agreed, remember? "
As much as I wanted to forget..
" Yeah .. I remember. But I would ask something from you. "
I waited until she agreed.
" Please don't let your relationship fall apart for my .. thing. I mean .. as long as you love him, maybe you can trust him ..
" Like he done with me .. " she said under her breath.
" Pardon? " I asked.
" Nothing. " she shook her head quickly. " I'm fine with my decision sissy.. for now I can't tell him. The best we can do is wait until a word comes up about the Pirells.. or .. or ..
She had a strange light in her eyes, looking into mine.
" Or? " I asked.
" .. We can call that devil of a woman and .. try and shut it all down in a single swoop. "
I thought we had been over this.
" .. Like how? "
Ayshe stood up and looked out the window, watching the full moon.
" By taking away her last card to play.. "
——
Asin.
~
" .. you will have a choice. All of you. "
I hated speeches, but lately, I've been giving them more and more.
The crew all gathered, some of them were still hungover from yesterday others looked frightened as I went deeper into the reason why we called them.
Oliver stood beside me like always. He scanned the people underneath us.
" Those who will decide to stay .. they will sign up for .. more uncertainty, more fear, more danger .. significantly more. "
I started going down the stairs and walked inside the crowd to be amongst them.
" There will be no other chance to .. free yourselves, so to speak, from tomorrow night at the initiation, we take the sacred oath and through us .. will all those who decide to stay. "
Oliver was close behind me but avoided my eyes when they met.
" .. those who stay .. but carry deceit or betrayal in their hearts. Will meet the most .. cruel end our world can offer. "
I saw a little twinge on Oliver's face hearing my words. Oddly, I didn't see such a thing on anyone else's face. I sighed and finished what I had to.
" Now is the time .. my friends .. my family. But know that spending these years amongst you .. was my life's honour. "
I felt a little emotional myself as some broke out in tears, and before we headed back up to Oliver's office .. for the last time, I gave them a heartfelt look.
" We'll give you a few minutes to make a decision. "
As the office door closed behind us, I took a seat on the couch where Marie and I kissed first.
I felt really nostalgic looking around the screens.
" Getting good at making speeches.. Well said. " Oliver sat down in front of his computer wearing the same nostalgic smile I felt on my face.
" Hmm .. they were.. are a loyal bunch. Well, most of them anyway. " I smiled bitterly. " We grew together.. most of them were kids like us when it started. Made a lot of mistakes along the road. But from this point on ..
" .. from this point onwards, you don't wanna drag them into that particular darkness. " Oli finished it for me.
He knows me so well.. so why can't I shake this feeling?
That he somehow kept something big from me ..
" Indeed. Are the farewell packages ready for those who ..
" They are .. " he took his trusted tablet and showed it to me. " It's enough money to make sure they don't have to work if they don't want to. Ever. "
" Good. " I smiled, relieved.
I emptied my savings.. from what I put aside over the years. I felt it was this very reason why I had it in the first place.
" About tomorrow.. "
I looked back up at Oliver, and he continued.
" We still have to meet Maya's little friends..
I chuckled at him, calling those 22 - 23 years old 'little'.
" .. and you can do your thing. Then..
" Yes .." I nodded. " We meet the council and .. Reach. "
We smiled at each other, and I closed my eyes, waiting out the time we gave the crew to make their decisions.
A few minutes later, when I opened my them, Oliver was busy on his phone.. probably sorting the accounts and such ..
I got up and walked over to the large window overlooking the warehouse below.
The kids were deep in conversation with one another or looked ahead of themselves lost in thought.
I was glad they took this seriously.
Because all these people.. if they make their decisions..
I might never see them again.
But again.. it's probably for the best.
For where I'm heading now .. they probably would be disappointed in their .. boss.
——
Ayshe.
~
We set up a meeting with Desiree for tomorrow at 12AM.
She was reluctant at first .. but after some whispering voices in the background, she finally agreed.
I asked so .. Anna Lambert will attend as well.
I had a plan .. but that plan wasn't a smart one but desperate.
For that plan, I had to betray him.. my Oliver, his secret, and that required a long story.
Marie was silent throughout it.
At the end .. she was silent still.
I expected and prepared for everything but this.
" Marie .. d-don't lose ..
" So tomorrow.. what time do we meet them? " she asked calmly.
" I .. I .. midday at Plaza Monroe. A place called Bottega Veneti.. But .. but are you..
" Calm yourself, Ayshe. " she leaned over, squeezing my hand. " I understood what you told me.. and I'm sorry that you had to tell. It must've been hard .. I hope Oliver will understand. "
I hoped as well.. but that hope was paper-thin.
For now, we can't wait around any longer. My family can't risk everything they had, and myself I can't risk my sister and her wellbeing.
" So .. are you sure you're okay? " I asked once more.
Marie got up and sat down in front of her make-up mirror and started cleaning herself while she spoke.
" I'm fine. In fact, I'm better now. It explains a lot of you as well. All those times you and Oliver huddled together.. it wasn't all intimate. " she smiled back at me. " Besides.. that girl broke Asin into a thousand pieces, if I know my husband at all. He will burn her alive before kissing her ever again. "
It was a little disturbing seeing that smile she had now .. but at least she didn't have a fit or breakdown.
Her aura improved if that makes any sense.
" Don't look at me like that. " she got up with a clean face now. " Ayshe.. I'm actually fine. "
There's that smile again.
" .. you done what you felt like you had, too. Choose our family.. and me. "
I accepted her hug and used her words as balm to the wounds my betrayal caused on my soul.
" But all the same.. I'm fine. " she leaned back, caressing my hair. " Tomorrow we meet them and .. find out about what they actually want. You took away their biggest ace .. and now their lives are in mine .. and my husband's hands alone. "
Now I understand the smile. She had a plan of her own.
~
I was restless.
We were waiting for the boys who promised to come home in a few minutes and with news of their own.
Marie been humming happily while watching Asin's pictures she's been collecting since they have been together.
Earlier, she searched and searched until we found an old high-school picture of Anna Lambert so she could put a face on her.
" I feel like I saw that girl before .. "
That was the only thing she said before closing the page and started the humming.
Asin texted her that they had arrived, and a minute or so later, they both entered the room.
" All our children are fine. " Oliver announced it to both of us.
Asin smiled behind him before accepting Marie, who jumped into his open arms.
" Missed me? " he asked.
" Hmm .. you're okay. " she smiled happily.
As they started to get hot and busy, Oliver motioned towards the balcony, and I felt my stomach drop.
Seeing him .. After betraying him. It broke my own heart and one day .. one day I have to tell him myself what I did .. and why.
I closed the door, and for whatever reason.. somehow, I expected he already knew about what I had done.
Guilty conscious, I suppose.
Instead of harsh words or a disappointed smile .. he kissed me.
Being in his arms, tasting his lips .. It was like flying.
He let me down after a minute or ten. I couldn't tell time in his arms.
" No one. " he smiled ear to ear. " Not one of our kids left us. I mean .. I knew they were loyal but never knew they were that loyal. "
His words hurt my soul. Talk about loyalty..
Get it together, Ayshe! At least for a while.
" .. tomorrow night, we both swear on the book and be ..
" Book? " I asked a little confused.
" Oh right .. when people become made men, they sign their names inside a book they call Omerta .. the book of silence. We swear an oath never to betray the family even if all else goes to hell. "
Sounds .. romantic. In my own, now well twisted way.
" I'm happy for you. " I smiled. " .. and what happens after that? "
He leaned next to the balcony rail, and I joined him, looking over the city.
" We .. choose a lane, so to speak. " he continued after seeing my questioning gaze. " Guns, trade, drugs whatever else they had have a hand in. Asin and I will talk to the crew after we move, of course.."
" Move where? " I asked.
" We are leaving that old dusty warehouse and becoming a legitimate empire of our own.. far from the capital. " he looked back down. " Asin's family have connections everywhere, but if we are clever, we can keep it a secret a little longer. "
( KNOCK )
We looked behind us, seeing Marie pointing at a bottle of champagne while Asin raised four empty glasses.
" Let's go and celebrate in earnest. " Oliver smiled at the couple.
I pushed all my guilt down .. I can do that for a few hours.
But for how long?
——
Oliver.
~
Ayshe was missing from the bed by the time I woke up. I didn't look for her, just cheked my phone.
10:45 AM.
I knew she was away probably gathering Marie and meeting with Desiree soon.
How did I know?
Desiree called yesterday and informed me.
Keeping up my cheerful attitude in front of the others yesterday was hard enough while inside I constantly asked myself..
Why?
Why would she want to meet with her without telling me?
Why would she take Marie with her?
Why did all of our efforts come to this?
Why couldn't she trust me when I offered her a chance to come clean?
Why did I have a feeling that the thin ice I was standing on since Desiree appeared is about to break?
Asin was strage as well since we came back from the island.
Maybe it was my own crazy that made me feel and see things that weren't there.. but I don't know.
Desi promised to keep me in the loop by phone.
I headed upstairs to see Asin and used the time to try and come up with some believable excuses for my absence with Maya's friends and until tonight.
As usual.. I arrived at my own mother as a reason.
I felt bad enough about everyone and everything lately without dragging my mother into another ridiculous lie.. but desperate times.
The problem was that Asin was missing as well.
I checked the phone and saw it had an unread message coming from him not more than 10 minutes earlier.
* Doc appointment today. I will meet with those insufferable girls alone. See you later at the selection. *
That was convenient.. but also worried me.
At the selection, we meet with some of the captains and his blood brothers to select those who will arrive with us tonight.
The city of Arla was under the supervision of the Council, and our initiation will take place there tonight as the moon peaks.
11 : 59 PM, we will leave our old world and step into the new one as a new day breaks.
Those old men were really into symbolism.
Although it did feel right to the both of us.
Either way .. I was able to leave for my apartment without guilt or lies. I checked the time on my dashboard as I stopped the engine.
It was 10 minutes till their meeting.
I honestly couldn't imagine myself being more nervous as I stood in front of the most powerful man in this country tonight than at this moment.
I prayed .. begged to God, to not let my greatest fears come to pass.
But what if ..
I had to stop myself the thousandth time from imagining unrealistic, almost insane scenarios involving the girl I once loved.. and the one I was in love right now.
I sat down on my couch and waited nervously, counting the minutes and seconds until I saw Desiree's ID appearing on my screen.
I almost laughed seeing it ..
A ghost of my past is once again calling me.. but this time, I wanted that call, even if I was terrified what waited for me on the other side of it.
——
Marie.
~
" Are you nervous? "
I looked up from a picture I snapped this morning of Asin sleeping with his mouth open and turned to my nervous wreck of sister.
" I'm fine .. but are you? " I nodded towards her hands.
She didn't even notice them shaking like a leaf and decided to hide them under the table.
" .. Maybe I'm projecting. " she smiled sadly.
I felt really bad about her current state.
Ayshe divulged a secret Oliver trusted her with .. months ago.
I was shocked initially, angry even.
How could she keep such important information away when it directly involved me and the one I loved the most?
But once she got to the part, what that disgusting harpy did to Asin .. my anger gained a brand new target.
Anna Lambert.
To be honest, I wasn't mad at the architects of that entire situation.. his parents and their instrument, Oliver.
But..
Secretly, I was grateful to them.
Without their interference, there was a good chance my husband would be married to another.
It did give me a new outlook on my extended family. I understood that no matter the way they acted around me, no matter how much they said, they accepted and loved me..
If it came to their son .. their ruthlessness knew no boundaries. They were willing to do anything for him.
Just like my parents were willing to do anything for me..
I suppose there was some poetry hidden in there, but I couldn't bother to find it.
It was 5 minutes before our meeting, and I kept my eyes peeled at the entrance of the dinner Desiree and Anna chose for our meeting.
Bottega Veneti.
Plaza Monroe was outside of the capital in a town called Arla, and it took us almost an hour to get here.
They sure took their time..
" Are you sure they will come? " I asked without taking my eyes off the door.
Ayshe had a sip of water before answering.
" I'm sure .. but once more Sissy. That Anna is ..
" Crazy .. I remember. " I smiled, looking at her nervous expression.
She told me about their first meeting.
Her disturbing behaviour regarding my husband.. her eyes filled with untold madness.
The wounds only genuine suicide attempt can cause.
I tried to put myself in her shoes.. 14 and in love but happiness cut into pieces by her own and Asin's parents manipulation and backroom dealing.
And to top it off.. it was all delivered by someone she considered a friend.
I guess we both had miserable childhoods.. different but same.
Ayshe looked at me with concern .. it was the same since last night, but .. I didn't lie.
For some reason .. Once she told me the story, I felt .. better.
It's like my own problems and secrets got .. smaller, lighter.
I felt a little bad .. but I knew that compared to my dark past.. Once Asin knows what his family and best friend have done to him.. he won't care much about my little ..
Thing.
It was bad .. and I knew it.
But .. if it needed to save our marriage and our love.
I will tell him myself.
Ayshe knew this .. she knew me. I just didn't say out loud yet what my plan was once they arrived.
Outright hostility and threats.
" Marie.. they are here. "
The one second I didn't look at the door, the two walked in.
Desiree came first .. behind her, a blonde girl with hair long enough to cover her entire backside.
She looked.. average to my eyes.
As they spotted us, they exchanged a look, and I saw Desiree giving her an encouraging smile before heading toward our table.
Desiree stopped before sitting down and motioned to her side.
" Ladies .. let me introduce my friend ..
" Anna .. but you can call me Lam. " she smiled, looking into my eyes.
Then it hit me ..
She was there on the island.
I wasn't in the best state of mind than.. being drunk and all, but I remembered.
I felt my hand squeeze under the table and saw Ayshe worried expression again, but it was unnecessary.
" Yes .. water girl. I remember now. Very fitting. Marie .. Martell. Nice to meet you. "
There it was.. the madness behind her eyes, Ayshe spoke off.
Once she heard my husband's last name that now belonged to me, it flared up like fireworks.
Desiree nudged her a little with a stern look.
" I know .. no unpleasantness. " she smiled, sitting down facing Ayshe.
Desiree smiled proudly and sat beside her.
" Well, girls .. now maybe you can tell the reason you wanted this meet and greet? "
She had a different smile.
I got used to the happy go lucky assistant that hovered around Asin like those drones they used for races. But this look of superiority ..
It gave me a bad feeling.
I felt Ayshe's sweaty hand grabbing mine, and I knew she felt the same way.
Ayshe took the reins and started talking. She looked and sounded a little nervous.
" Kmm .. we asked because..
" We don't need to mince words here .. " I took over getting out the reason I came. " You have my worst moment in hand now thanks to some gullible girl back home ..
Damn you, Cecile.. this is mostly your fault.
" .. but what I know now. Will end the both of you. All I need is to dial MY HUSBAND'S number, and it's all over. "
I took out my phone and hovered my hand above Asin's name.
I expected a little panic, maybe even an outright retreat ..
But not a synchronised laughter.
They laughed long enough to the other patrons, and even the staff started to look towards our direction a little funny.
Just as I began to get angry, Anna spoke, wiping her eyes.
" Sweet D, you were right as always.. "
Desiree smiled at her friend and took over.
" You are predictable, Marie.. like your sister. " she gave Ayshe a condescending look. " We had a feeling last night call came after she caved .. and betrayed Oliver's trust. "
Ayshe now was squeezing my hand hard enough to hurt it.. but I didn't let it go.
Desiree took our silence as a go ahead an continued while motioning to the waitress.
" .. You two .. or at least you. " she pointed at me. " .. thought that your little dirty secret wouldn't sound so bad to Asin once he hears about ours.. "
We exchanged a look, and I saw a twinge of disappointment in my sister's face. I should've told her what I planned last night, but it was too late now to wallow in it.
" Oh honey .. After all those months, you have no idea how Asin's mind works. " Anna shook her head. " You see .. my one and only ..
I needed serious self-control, not to mention Ayshe's iron grip to hold myself back from slapping her across that average face of hers.
" .. he was never predictable like that. He.. perfect as he is .. still has some ..how do I say? Character flaws. "
Desiree listened intently like she was at an interesting lecture and took over from her friend.
" Hmm .. for one, he is hot-headed ..
" Vindictive when he needs..
Anna injected before letting Desiree continue.
" But worst of all ..
"" He is petty. ""
As they finished, the waitress arrived and stood silently, taking in the awkward atmosphere surrounding our table.
" W-what can I get you? " she asked timidly.
.. I could've used a better plan, but it wasn't on the menu.
——
Ayshe.
~
This was going horrible.
Not only Marie's plans came out in the most childish and obvious way possible.
These two looked and felt like they were on a victory lap.
If I didn't feel it already, now I knew ..
I made a mistake telling Marie about them. The whole thing, being my idea in the first place, made it so much worse.
But .. yesterday, I felt so helpless.
I felt I had to make a choice.. my family or my love.
And I knew how .. my love would've chosen.
Desiree and Anna ordered some tea, and we asked for the same. Once arrived, the waitress left like she was on fire.
I couldn't blame her.
The control .. if we ever had it .. just got completely lost. Marie tried her best to look confident and recover.
" Whether you're right .. or not .. it's irrelevant. The real question is. Are you willing to risk the wraith..of his family? "
I felt a little satisfaction as they stopped the coy smiles and showed actually uncertainty hearing her.
She continued with more courage, noticing the same.
" Let's say you're right.. I will lose him for sure, move back to Konore, and lament lossing the love of my life forever but at least alive .. but you two? Is there a patch of land .. or blade of grass you can hide under once he shuns his own parents and they start looking for the reason behind it? "
Desiree looked visible, scared now .. but Anna regained her disturbing smile.
" Asin will protect us .. I'm sure. "
I couldn't help myself it was so ridiculous.
" Pfft.. you are delusion if you think that. " I used my best condescending smile. " Even with the truth.. he won't lift a finger to protect you .. or you. " I motioned to the both of them.
Anna looked at Desiree, who gave a firm nod.
" Oh, I think he will .. " she reached inside her purse, pulling out a small black box.
She caressed it like it was fragile. Her smile died, doing it as her eyes filled with tears and underneath.. I saw untold rage.
" We shared so much during our brief time together.. so many firsts .. but our parents and that FAKE friend of his stole so much more from us than time ..
Desiree avoided our eyes, looking at the table .. I felt strage seeing her on the verge of tears as well.
Anna opened the box and took out ..
A picture from the looks it.
She gazed at it foundly, and with true happiness, I thought she was incapable of before continuing.
" .. and once he learns this. I doubt he will recognise family from enemy.. and he'll return to me. "
Anna's smile reached crazy levels again.
I had to push Marie's hand to the seat as she was ready for a fight.
But I wanted to know what was on that picture.
As Anna pushed it towards us .. a very bad feeling took over my entire being trying to guess.
" .. time to understand our story a little better. " she added, lifting her hand.
Marie was shaking .. but i wasn't sure if it was anger .. or fear.
I reached out and turned the picture around.
I recognised it immediately.
From shows, movies, and most recently.. my medical books.
Regarding pregnancy.
It was an ultrasound.
From 4 years ago ..
——
Oliver.
~
They hang up right after Anna's little speech.
I tried to call Desiree again, but it was pointless.
Whatever that thing was, Anna showed the girls.. I had no idea.
But something I knew.
And that particular pain pushed through everything else.
I felt my heart breaking once it was confirmed.
Ayshe told everything. She betrayed me.
I felt tears on my cheeks .. as I finally .. truly.. left alone.
Even in that pain.. a thought came to me.
It's a terrible one .. but maybe I'm done being trapped in uncertainty and helplessness.
I did have allies in this nightmare.. and powerful ones at that.
The ones who came up with this plan in the first place made me complicit.
The Martell family themselves.