Another Kind Of Promise

      The split between Can and Metin had been hard on Akif. He had tried to hold everything together for a long while after Can fired Metin from the agency, but he seemed to be butting his head against a brick wall. And not long after that he and his family moved to Duzce to help his wife's ailing mother. 

      Metin had stayed close to Akif and kept him informed about his life in Istanbul. He even gave him reports on Sanem at the time of her accident when Can ran away from her and their problems. But Akif knew from the way that Metin spoke about Sanem that his concern was more than that of a friend.

      Metin was more than happy to give Akif all the details of his failed reunion with Can when Can returned to Istanbul and Sanem. But of course his account of the story was quite different than what actually happened, and Akif knew that.

      So Akif was happy to be able to speak with Can again, it had been many years since they had been able to sit down and have a conversation. He had never wanted to pass judgement on his friend, but he also knew that Can had always had a tough set of rules that he lived his life by. The truth...always, and no exceptions, had been his motto since Akif and Metin had known him. 

      But anyone can change; and that's exactly what Can Divit  had done. He had softened over the years, became more understanding, more open. That was all because of Sanem. Akif realized it when Metin told him about Can coming back to Istanbul. The Can he knew from all those years ago would have never came back to convince anyone how wrong he had been and how much he loved them.

      " So Akif, how long are you going to be here? I hope you will come for dinner before you return to Duzce. I know that Sanem would love it." Can spoke, bringing Akif out of his thoughts. He nodded, " I would love that. But maybe you should check with Sanem before you say anything." He replied with a laugh.

      Can shook his head, " No, If I didn't ask you to dinner Sanem would have my head on a platter, believe me. So, how about tonight?" Can asked, as he sipped on his tea. Akif lowered his eyes, " Not tonight. They are having a small bachelor party for Metin and I am expected to attend." He answered, embarrassed to tell him.

      " Oh I see. And the wedding is tomorrow, right, then after that. We will fix a nice dinner and get all caught up on our lives." Can told him with a big smile. 

       " Can, why don't you come with me to the bachelor party tonight. It might be just the thing to help you two come back together. What do you say?" Akif urged, wanting nothing more than to fix what was wrong with his two friends.

      Can laughed and shook his head, " Oh Akif, believe me, I am the last person that Metin wants at his party. Thanks for the thought, but if I were to show up, well..... let's just say, the party would be over." 

      Akif wasn't sure what had brought on this latest tiff between his two brothers, and to be honest he wasn't sure he wanted to know. It seemed that Can and Metin had come to terms with the fact that they just didn't belong together anymore. 

      " Ok abi, I suppose you know better than I if your relationship with Metin is worth fixing." Akif stated, letting his annoyances show. " But, I see how you have changed. I can tell that your life is so different now than it was before, because of Sanem, am I right? He asked, studying his friends face as he waited for an answer. 

       Can stood, walking around the room to the sofa, " Yes I suppose you are right about that, but there are some things that just can't be overlooked. Akif I don't know what, or how much Metin has told you about what happened, but for me, I don't feel as if I need or want to forgive Metin." Can replied, as that feeling of betrayal began to rise to the top.

     Akif nodded slightly, knowing it was better not to push his friend into talking about it. " Ok, so what time is dinner tomorrow night." He asked, ready to change the subject for now. 

      Can smiled, " Let's say 6:00. Is that ok, will that give you enough time for the wedding?" He answered, thankful that Akif was willing to give up on fixing his relationship with Metin..

      " Yes, the wedding is in the afternoon, and there is a small reception afterwards, but they are leaving immediately for their wedding trip to the Maldives. So, I think that 6:00 would be perfect." He answered. 

      Can smiled, " Great. I can't wait to tell Sanem, she will be so excited." He added. But, in fact, it was Can that was the most excited to have his dearest friend spend some time with him at his home.

      " You say you made your home out of your old cabin in the woods. Can't wait to see that." He said, smiling. " You will have to give me directions, since none of us have ever been allowed there." He remarked, with a hint of humorous sarcasm. 

      Can laughed, " Sure. I will text you the address. I think you will love it there, it's the most perfect place on earth." He told him, his face glowing with happiness. 

      Akif stood and stuck out his hand, " I'm sure it is Can, if you and Sanem built it together than it has to be." He stated, as he grasped Can's hand, giving it a firm shake. " You're happy aren't you. I mean really happy? He spoke, almost in awe of his friend.

      A sense of calm rushed over Can, " Well, yes....yes, I am happy." He answered, thinking about what that meant. " I have everything I always wanted, you know. I always wanted a home, I wanted to be loved and I wanted to love someone more than myself." He replied, feeling his eyes burn hot as the tears began to form.

      " I'm so glad. I wanted that for you, even before you found Sanem. She is your lifeline Can, and I'm so glad you have her." He spoke almost in a a whisper. 

      Can smiled and nodded, not saying word, but he knew that was true. " Ok, 6:00 tomorrow evening, at the cabin. And if you can find the right moment.....give Metin my best." He said on a lighter note.

       They hugged, and Akif slapped Can on the back, " Don't forget to send me the address to your mansion in the woods. I can't wait to see it."  He told him as he started down the hallway toward the front door.

      " Will do. See you tomorrow night." He called after him. As he sat down at his desk his mind went back to his days a young boy in boarding school. The three of them, Akif, Metin and himself had latched on to each other immediately. It was as if they had known each other from birth. They depended on one another, in every sense of the word,.....they were family.

      He had thought that feeling would never go away. That bond he had with them would forever be.....but things do indeed change. 

      He recalled the promise they had made to each other. It seemed like a lifetime ago when they pledged to always be there for each other.....no matter what...

      He truly meant that promise when he said it..... Had he really turned his back on that promise......