Until I Found You

Part 16

Omer's family sat around the dinner table, enjoying a meal together. The warm, inviting aroma of home-cooked food filled the room in Omer's house, mingling with the sound of laughter and conversation. Esma, Omer's mother, leaned over and affectionately kissed him on the cheek.

Omer: Ahh Esma Sultan, you got lipstick on me.

Omer tried to wipe his cheeks and looked up at his brother.

Esma: What can I do, son. I'm so glad we can all be together like this. It's been too long since we had a family dinner with all of us together. You're always so busy. Make time for your mother too.

He wraps his arms around her in a warm hug, holding her tightly for a moment.

Omer: I will, Mom. I promise.

As he pulls back, he winks at Esma, catching a glimpse of Abdullah out of the corner of his eye. Abdullah is watching them, a hint of jealousy flickering in his eyes as he remembers the kiss Esma gave Omer earlier.

Omer: Look, look, Anne. Your son is looking at us with a wide eye. He's jealous.

"Yok artik. that's in your head. We all know Anne loves me more." Abdullah says playfully, but with an obvious hint of jealousy.

Esma laughed and pat Omer on the back before taking a sip of her drink, winking at him.

Pembe: Inshallah, next time we come over we will have a sister in law in the house. Right, Omer?

Omer smiled politely. "Inshallah, sister in law."

Esma: Omer, I will go get a napkin to wipe your cheeks.

Omer: tamam anne.

Pembe: Omer, is there anyone in your life? If you're ready to get married, I have a friend I think you should meet and I think you'd really like her. She's very very beautiful, educated, and a sweet covered girl. Should I let them know?

Omer gave his sister in law a tight smile and kept silent. Omer's father and Abdullah nodded in agreement, their faces lit with contentment. "Yes, son. I really think it's time for you to settle down. I'm not getting any healthier and you're not getting any younger. I would like to see more of my grandchildren before I leave this world."

Omer: God forbid, baba. Don't say such things.

Just as Pembe was about to say something more, the doorbell rang, cutting through their peaceful conversation.

Orhan: Oh, are we expecting someone else, son?

Omer: No. I'm not sure who it is. Maybe it's a package. But at this hour?

Omer looked at his wrist watch confused. "You all continue, I'll get the door."

Omer walked over to the front of the house and opened the door, his smile faltering. He was surprised to see her.

Omer: Kivilcim? Hi... What are you doing here?

When he saw that it was her, he slightly closed the door, only allowing her a small view of what was inside... Blocking her view of his family.

Kivilcim: Omer. Good Evening. I came here to talk. I-I have something to tell you--

Omer: Kivilcim, can we talk later? This isn't a good time.

Kivilcim, shaking her head, began "No, Omer. We need to talk now. I'd rather not wait. It's a very important topic."

Omer turned his head slightly to look back into the house, and Kivilcim's eyes widened as she noticed the smudge of lipstick on his cheek. She reached over to grab his cheeks, turning it to her and noticing a woman's lips imprinted right on his skin.