On Divit Island… Love Over Forgiveness

by grannydew, posted in The Forgiveness Series

Introduction

Can and Sanem Divit had conquered the full element of love. Forgiveness has to be the corner piece of having it all. 

      Sanem and Polen were the polar opposites, both loving the same man. But the most important piece of this puzzle was…..that man. Can Divit loved only one person in his life, had fought for only one woman to spend the rest of his life with, and that was Sanem….

      Polen, in the end had to deal with that, the fact that all those years she had spent with Can Divit, all those times she had begged him to stay with her, all those times she had dropped everything and ran to be with him through some crisis, they had all been for not. They hadn’t meant the same thing to him as they had to her….

      So there Polen was, once again on the outside looking in, watching Can and Sanem live this perfect life of family and love…..while she struggled with how she had gone wrong….

      Forgiveness…….that may be good for some. Those like Sanem that always seemed to land on their feet. Those that were so pure and good that opportunities never stopped coming…….

      But Forgiveness may not come so easy to a woman like Polen. She had invested way too much time and energy into their relationship to simply walk away now……..so what if she found herself in a mental hospital, so what if she had promised her father that she would work on getting over Can Divit………That didn’t mean she would…

      Sanem Divit had it all, she had the man of her dreams, a beautiful and one-of-a-kind home on their very own Island in the gorgeous waters of the Greek Islands. They had started their family nestled together on what everyone had come to know as ” Divit Island”……

      Can was happy and in love with the only woman in the world as far as he was concerned. He had found his soulmate, the purpose of his life, his destiny……..His Sanem. To believe anything different would be impossible for him…. she was his whole life.

      Both Can and Sanem trusted that the bad times of their lives were behind them and they only had happiness and love to follow. Forgiveness had set them free……..free to live without fear…      

Chapter 1

The years of living on their island had been the best time of their lives. At first Sanem was afraid she would be bored or uncomfortable there with no one else around but Can. She was so used to having a whole host of people surrounding her that it simply just felt strange.

      Although they hadn’t left Istanbul solely because of Polen and her interference in their relationship, it was always in the back of Sanems mind. She had forgiven her for what she had tried to do to them in the years past, but Polen’s acceptance of what she had done seemed lacking as far as Sanem was concerned.

      Over the last few years there had been only a couple of indirect messages from Polen to the Divit family.  It was as if she was trying to catch up on all their news about their life. She sent a note congratulating them on the birth of their daughter Tana, and then another one came when Can received an award in Greece for his photography work on the history of Greece.

      All very innocent in nature, but still it was enough to make Sanem feel as if she was still watching their every move. That’s something that made her very uncomfortable.

      Can assured her that Polen had recovered from her mental breakdown, and she had nothing to worry about, …….. And Sanem was eager to believe just that. So, she was ready to live their lives, happy and content, on their own little piece of paradise.

      Of course, Luca and Thea visited them on the island as often as they could and Can and Sanem made the trip to Chania whenever they could. But still it was an adjustment for Sanem. She had come from a neighborhood full of people that were basically her family in every sense of the word. So, to be placed on an island off the coast of Antikythrea in the Aegean Sea was quite the change.

      But over time she had come to love this island, their home away from everything. It was beautiful, lush, private and the people she loved the most were there. 

      Can made sure she had everything she wanted and more. The island itself was about 7 acres, but the house sat on 1 acre of cleared land full of flowers and fruit trees. It was like heaven on earth…And she loved it. 

         After that first year there was no turning back for the Divit family, this was their home, and this was where they would stay. 

TEN YEARS LATER….

      Sanem gazed out across the water, searching for the first glimpse of their boat. He had been gone longer than she expected him to be and she was getting worried. 

      ” Mom, he will be home soon, don’t worry.” The voice behind her said. That voice of wisdom beyond his years, the person that always tried to make her feel better, her son, Deniz. She smiled as she turned to him, ” I know, but you know me, I’m going to worry until I see the light from the stern of the boat.” Sanem said, wrapping her arms around her son that was turning into a man much faster than she wanted him to.

      Deniz Divit, the second man of the house. He was so much like his father that I scared her sometimes. He was just as confident and sure of himself as Can, and just as caring and doting of her and his little sister as his father. At only 10 years old it was amazing how grown-up he was.

      Sanem stationed herself on the pier, not willing to leave until she was sure she could see the boat coming across the water. ” Where is Tana, don’t let her wander away.” she asked as she strained her eyes to see as the sun was slowly slipping down into the aqua blue water. 

      Deniz quickly turned to spot his little sister playing with her dolls on the blanket. ” She’s fine mom, she is playing with her dolls.” He answered, not wanting to leave his mother’s side. He knew she was worried, she always worried when his dad was late coming home. 

      ” Mom, look, over there, I see the light from the boat. See he’s coming, I told you he would be here soon.”  Deniz said, wrapping his arms around his mom. 

      Sanem took a much-needed breath of relief as she watched the light come closer and closer to the dock. ” Hey there my family, I’m home.” Can called out from the boat. Sanem smiled, ” It’s about time you got home, I was beginning to worry about you” She yelled out to him, her voice not hiding the fear she had inside.

      ” Dad, throw me the rope.” Deniz called out to him. He quickly wrapped the rope around the post on the dock and reached for the other rope at the bow of the boat. Sanem never got tired of the sight of this man as she watched him gather the supplies and sat them out on the dock.

      ” What took you so long, I was really beginning to worry.” She spoke quietly as he stepped out of the boat and pulled her closely up against his body. ” Well, town was a little busy and I ran into Mr. Argo from the school.” He replied, giving Sanema a peck on the forehead before releasing his hold on her.

      They walked up the dock toward the house. Tana had been so involved with her family of dolls and their house that she hadn’t noticed her father until he plopped down on the blanket next to her. ” Daddy you’re home.” She squealed, throwing her arms around his neck and crawling into his lap. 

      Can laughed and returned the hug tightly. ” Hows my baby girl. I brought you a surprise from town. It’s in one of those bags.” Can teased, kissing her on top of her head. In a second, she jumped up and ran toward the house, following her brother who was carrying the bags.

      Sanem shook her head, ” You shouldn’t bring them back something everytime you go to town. That’s how they get spoiled you know.” She spoke in her reprimanding voice. She knew her words were wasted when it came to that subject. He couldn’t help himself when it came to his two children, he had always spoiled them rotten, and loved every minute of it.

      Can jumped up grasping Sanems hand in his as they started on toward the house, ” They are only babies once and they are my babies, so I will get them what they want.” He said smiling that devilish smile that was the Divit trademark.

      She melted, as she did everytime, when it came to Can. She could feel that desire start to stir with nothing more than his smile and the touch of his hand in hers. She wasn’t sure if she could stand it if something happened to him, if one day something happened, and he didn’t come home to them.

      In an instant her heart was in her throat, and she felt the tears sting in her eyes. She shuddered at the thought, but that was impossible, that just couldn’t happen.  

      She shook her head slightly, dispelling all of her bad thoughts before they reached the door of their home.

      This was her home, her family, her man and her love. Nothing, nothing could happen to them….

      In her heart, they were invincible……..and unstoppable.

Chapter 2

 Deniz was thrilled with the new sketch book and pencils that his dad had brought him from town, and Tana squealed at the sight of yet another doll to add to her collection of fashionistas. 

      Can always knew what to bring them. He knew his children better than anyone. But Sanem, he always let her pick out her own surprise. She never expected anything, as long as he came home each time, he went across that channel of water to Antikythera Island, that was all she needed.

      Their town was small and quaint, but always bustling with excitement and tourists. So, when Can said the town had been busy she knew that the ferry must have just brought a ferry boat full of new tourists to the town. They did this at least a couple of times a week if it came from Chania, but the ferry came in four times a week from Kythira. 

      Antikythera Island was small and not largely populated, which is what had attracted Can to their move here anyway. With only a couple hundred permanent residents the town relied solely on the ferry and the transporting of tourist from the larger islands. Can and Sanem loved the uniqueness of the island and they had become quite the celebrities there. 

      They both tried to contribute to the well-being of the island as much as they could. They wanted it to grow but not lose that feeling of being unique. But the need of a more substantial school for the island was something that Can and Sanem was working for. 

      ” Babe, you said you ran into Mr. Argos while you were there. What did he say about the school.” Sanem asked as they unpacked the bags. Can nodded, ” Yes, I did. They want to bring over a few students from Chania a couple of days a week to study. But it’s not an everyday thing. So, our kids would only have classes a couple of day a week. I mean it’s better than nothing right now. 

      Sanem had been homeschooling Deniz for several years now, but they wanted a more normal life for their children. Can had suggested they bring over a few kids from the larger island to study there. He had even offered up their time to teach if they needed to. That was something that he hadn’t talked over with Sanem yet, but he was sure she would love the idea.

      Can reached for Sanem after the last bag of groceries has been put away, pulling her close to him. He breathed in her scent, that smell that had been a part of him for so many years now. “You smell delicious you know.” He whispered, letting his hands glide down her arms. 

      She smiled, letting that feeling of desire fill her body. ” Are you saying you’re hungry? I can hurry with dinner if you are.” She spoke in her teasingly voice. Can expelled his breath heavily, “Ahhh Sanem, you do like to tease me don’t you. You know exactly what I want, and it has nothing to do with food.” He said, his voice growling with desire.

      Sanem leaned in kissing his chest, ” Well that kind of hunger will have to be satisfied later my dear. We have dinner to fix and children to take care of.” She replied, lingering there against his bare skin for a second, feeling the heat intensify and radiate from us body.

      She moved back quickly as she felt the goosebumps erupt spontaneously on her skin, ” Can, the kids are in the next room, please behave yourself.” She said sharply, giving him a wink. He threw his head back in frustration, ” Ok, but you are mine later, just remember that.” He answered, returning the wink. 

     With that churning desire for each other put on the back burner for a while, Sanem and Can worked getting dinner on the table. It was their nightly routine of dinner together outside in the garden if the weather permitted, and this night was a beautiful night. The stars seemed to be strung above their garden just for them, close enough to almost touch. 

      After dinner was always the same, Can would tell Deniz and Tana stories about his journeys around the world and all the photographs he had taken. They never got tired of it. Can had just finished his story and was tucking the children in bed as Sanem settled down in her lounger outside with the mail.

      Sanem was anxious to look through the stack of mail that Can had picked up while he was on the island. She shuffled through the envelopes hoping for a letter from her mom or sister. She had been worried about her mom lately. Since her dad had passed away a couple of years earlier her mom seemed to be going downhill. She called and wrote to her as often as possible and Leila had cut back on her work to take more time with her, but it was obvious that that wasn’t what she needed. 

      As she looked through, she noticed a small envelope from Erme, addressed to Can. She laid it aside and went on through the mail. She was disappointed that there was nothing from her mom or Leila and was curious about the note from Emre. ” Can, come outside. You have a letter from Emre.” She called out to Can. ” Can I open it?” She asked, not expecting him to have problem with it.

      ” Sure, go ahead. I’ll be out there in a minute. Do you want tea?” He asked. She had already opened the note and started to read it by the time he asked the question. As she scanned over the few lines of the note, she got a strange feeling. One that she hadn’t had in a long time. She almost couldn’t believe what she was reading.

      Can stuck his head out the sliding glass door, ” Babe did you want tea or not. Hey, Sanem.” He said, walking out toward her. She looked around at him, ” Oh sorry, sure I’ll take some tea.” She replied, her voice almost weak as she held the note in her hand. ” What was it, what did Emre say.” Can asked, knowing that look of doubt on his wife’s face.

      ” Here, read it yourself Can. What is going on.” She said, with a quivering tone. Can took the note from her hand a began to read, ” Abi, I hope this letter finds you and your family well. Things are busy here at the agency, and everyone here misses you and Sanem more than ever.  I just wanted to let you know that Polen is back here in Istanbul. I know what you are thinking right now but don’t get alarmed just yet. She did come by to visit, and she did ask about you and Sanem. I don’t think it’s anything to get worried about, I just wanted you to know…But she did know you moved to your island.  Maybe you shouldn’t let Sanem know right now.  We will talk soon… Love you all. Emre.” 

      Can stood with the note in his hand for a minute, just rethinking the past. Reliving the fear, he went through when Polen was threatening Sanem. 

      ” Can what does that mean. How can she know where we are.” She spoke in a whisper, as if she thought Polen maybe listening. 

      ” I don’t know my love. But she would never come here.” Can told her, as he stroked her hair.

But was he so sure of that? He was sure he would never let her find them…….

Chapter 3

The note had been tossed aside with the other mail as Can slide in the lounge chair next to Sanem. ” Now don’t let yourself get all worried about that note babe. I’m sure it’s nothing. I’ll call Emre tomorrow and find out what’s going on, if that will make you feel better.” He replied, watching his wife’s face take on that look of concern. He knew what she was thinking and feeling right at that moment, so he would take care of easing her fears.

      He pulled her as close to him as he could. She welcomed his arms as they comforted her. Sanem knew that Can would never let Polen come there to their home, but there was just something about the way Emre said it in his note that made her wonder….had Polen already found their island hideaway.

      ” Hey, I haven’t told you the best part about my visit with Mr. Argos. I think you’re going to like it.” Can said eager to change the subject from Polen to something more pleasant. Sanem wiggled around on her side and snuggled in closer to his body, ” Well tell me then, what did you talk about.” She asked as she let herself melt against her husband’s strong and muscled body. This was the spot she loved the most…this place that made her want him, need him, desire him. 

      He smiled, knowing that she was intrigued. ” Well Mr. Argos suggested that we help at the school those two days a week. We could teach the basics and then offer the children the use of our knowledge in photography and writing courses as well. What do you think?” Can asked. 

      Sanem stiffened, excited at the thought of it. ” You mean we would teach the kids as well. Oh, Can I don’t know, what about Iris, I thought she was the teacher.” She replied, her heart jumping with anticipation at the thought of taking on a group of children. Her mind was already gathering ideas about what she would like to teach the children, what she would love to show them and invite them to learn. She sat up quickly, looking at Can with excitement, ” Can is this something you think we could do; I mean…would you want to?” She said, her voice full of emotion.

      Can loved seeing this side of his wife. The excitement, the possibility of something new to occupy their time. Sanem let the thought seep in, ” I think we could do it, don’t you.” She gushed, sitting up to look him in the eyes. This was all she ever wanted…. just a normal life, she thought. A life of not fearing what was going to happen next, who would be the next person trying to destroy them and their love. But here she was, still fearing the sound of Polens name. When would their lives just be theirs.

      Can smiled, ” I most definitely think we can do it. So do you want to go to talk with Argos next week and get things rolling.” He asked, praying that this would take her mind off Polen, at least until he could find out what was going on. 

      Sanem nodded, ” Yes, I would love to go talk with him. Oh Can, Deniz will be so excited about this. He loved going to Chania for that week and taking his testing for our homeschooling. It’s going to be a good thing.” She replied, as she leaned down stroking his face.

      ” But don’t think that this will make me forget all about a that note from Emre, or the thought of Polen knowing where we live. Just wanted you to know that.” She whispered, as she leaned in closer, letting her lips slightly graze over his.

      Can drew in his breath sharply, that feeling of excitement charging through his body like electricity. She could make him come alive with the slightest touch of her lips to his. In an instant he was ready for more.

      But just as quickly was moved away and stood, looking at him, ” I want you to find out how she found out where we were, and I don’t want you keeping anything from me, …understood?” She spoke, showing him the side of his wife he didn’t want to mess with.

      He nodded, ” I understand completely, I wouldn’t dream of keeping anything from you, my love.” He answered, feeling the heat from her eyes. She smiled, ” Good, now I’m going to take a shower, would you like to join me?” She asked, her eyes teasing him as she extended her hand to him.

      He couldn’t grab on it to her hand quick enough, as he answered, ” Yes,…yes I would love to.” This wife of his never seized to amaze him, even after all these years. But he wouldn’t have it any other way. He stood quickly pulling her closely against his body, ” Babe I promise I will find out what’s going on, please don’t worry.” He let his hands glide gently over her body, his lips finding hers. She was his life and he would do anything to protect her.

      She giggled, almost in a whisper, ” I know,….let’s check on the kids first, let’s make sure they are asleep. Then we can take our ” shower”. She said, as she felt the heat start to rise and the goosebumps spread like wildfire through her body. 

     Cans mouth had gone dry as he tried to answer, he cleared his throat and nodded, ” Ok.” He managed to get out, as he felt his erection start to grow. He knew he would have to calm down a bit or this special shower may be over before it even got started. He took a couple of deeps breaths as he walked through the dark house to check on the kids. 

      He opened the door to Deniz’s room first to make sure he was alseep. Then he crossed the hallway to Tana’s room, doing the same. Both of his beautiful children were sound asleep. He smiled as he looked at each of them. His life had changed so much over the past 12 years, and he often wondered what would have happened to him if he hadn’t stayed in Istanbul for his dad. How would his life been different. He knew for a fact he would still be single and roaming the world in search of that perfect shot, and he knew for a fact…. that he wouldn’t be this happy.

      He pulled the door shut quietly to his daughter’s room and walked quickly down the hallway to their bedroom. The room was lit only by candles, but there were at least a dozen of them illuminating the room. The flames danced gently in the air forming the most erotic display of shadows he had ever seen on the walls of their room.

      He felt his body start to tingle and his breath quicken as he started toward the bathroom. He could bear the water running in the shower, so he knew she was already undressed and waiting for him.

      As he opened the door and entered, the steam from the hot water had already filled the room with a fog, but he could see her there in the shower. He stripped off his clothes quickly and tossed them in the corner, his heart beginning to feel like he had run a marathon.

      He opened the glass door to the shower and stepped in….. Each time of seeing this woman in her natural state, each time of letting his eyes scan over this person if such perfection, was an exciting surprise to him. How had he ever lived his life without her, one wondered?

      ” There you are, I was beginning to think you were going to stand me up.” She whispered, as she pulled him up against her.

      ” Never, Can Divit is not a fool.” He replied, sliding his hands down her wet silky skin….

Chapter 4

It was early when Can opened his eyes. The dawn had just begun as the light filtered in through the half open window. He could hear the birds as they flew from tree to tree welcoming in the beginning of a new day. He loved this time of day, so quiet and still, so fresh. 

      He reached over to pull the cover up over his wife. The image of her there, her skin so tan and silky smooth, was already beginning to have an effect on him. They had both fell asleep exhausted after their very vigorous love making encounter. Neither had taken time to put on any night clothes, so his view of this beautiful naked woman was making him doubt his usual rising early to exercise ritual.

      He slipped out of bed and forced himself to get dressed and head out for his morning workout. The air was warm blowing in from across the sea. He had a special spot he liked to do his calisthenics. He had a bar set up on the small beach area not far from the house, for his pull-ups and there was plenty of room for the other forms of exercise he liked to do. Then he followed it up with a swim off the beach a ways. The water around the island was always so refreshing and calming.

      All of this usually took about an hour. As he toweled off from his swim the thought of Emre’s note popped into his head. He wondered what Polen was up to. He always thought he knew Polen until she had followed Sanem to Athens and tried to put an end to their relationship. He remembered how scared he had been as he tried to get there to help Sanem. He shook his head to clear it from all those bad memories. He would make that call to his brother this morning, as soon as he got some coffee, he thought.

      He had decided to let Sanem sleep in a little longer as he took a quick shower and dressed. Still fighting that urge to return to bed and hug up against her warm body, he quietly closed the bedroom door and headed to the kitchen. He brewed that very important first cup of coffee and reached for a sweet roll and his phone. 

      It was still early in Istanbul but he wanted to get this conversation over with before Sanem woke up. He stretched out on his lounge chair in the front garden and made the call.

      ” Abi, how are you.” He asked as he heard his brothers voice on the other end of the phone. Can could tell he had woke him up as Emre cleared his throat before he replied, ” Abi, is everything ok, is awfully early for a call.” He said, trying to get his sense about him.

      ” Yes, I know, I’m sorry. I wanted to get this call in before Sanem woke up. That note you sent about Polen, what the hell did she want?” Can asked, delving right into the topic. Just having this conversation with his brother and just mentioning her name, was unnerving to him, but it was something he knew he had to do. 

      ” You know, Sanem was the one that opened the note and read it. So you know how upset she was about it.” Can explained. ” So, tell me everything she said. And don’t sugar coat it either.” He ordered. Emre knew that tone of voice from his brother, so he quickly got up and headed to the living room so they could talk without Leila over hearing.

      “Well at first I didn’t think much about it, when she showed up at the agency. She seemed genuinely happy to see everyone. She even made a special effort to go into Leila’s office and say hello.” Emre said, his voice sounding more concerned as he went along. 

      ” But,.He started. ” What, but what, Emre. What did she say after that.” Can interrupted. Emre knew better than to hesitate on his reply, ” But I got suspicious went she mentioned the island and the fact she knew about your award and the news about Sanem writing her 4th book. Abi, I knew then that she had been following your family.” He blurted out.

      A cold chill ran down Cans’ back, enough to make him shiver. He closed his eyes, ” What else did she say. Does she know where our island is? You didn’t tell her did you?”….Can asked as he gritted his teeth.

      Emre jumped up, ” No Abi, I didn’t tell her anything. But she did know where the island is. She knew a lot more than just anyone would, so I think she is stalking you. Please be careful, I don’t think she is completely well yet.” Emre spoke almost in a whisper. He knew if Leila overheard what he was saying she would be on the first plane to Greece and would drag her sister off that island, kicking and screaming, if she had too.

      Can rubbed his face with his hand, as he listened to his brother. How did this happen? How did she find out these things? 

      Over the years she had only reached out to them a couple of times, and both seemed quite harmless at the time. She had sent a congratulatory note to him and a brief message on his phone the time he won the award for his photography, and then another message when Sanem gave birth to their daughter Tana 5 years ago. Both times were brief messages and neither of them thought anything about it.  But now he was beginning to think they were wrong.

      The sound of his brothers’ voice brought him out of his thoughts, ” Abi, you know her dad passed away about 4 years ago. I don’t know if that’s has something to do with her reappearance here or not. He was the one that seemed to keep her calm and in line.” Emre told him. 

     ” Look, I will be there with Leila and the boys in a couple of weeks. We will be staying for a few days; we will figure it all out then. Just be careful, but don’t upset Sanem. This is the last thing that she needs, or you for that matter. Oh, she did say she was seeing someone, and they were pretty serious.” Emre added, hoping that his suspicions were nothing to worry about. 

      Can leaned back in his lounger and closed his eyes…remembering. It seemed like a lifetime ago that he had told Polen that they were through. Why had he waited so long to break things off with her? She had never been a woman he loved; she was just someone that he had grown accustomed to. But he blamed himself for everything they had gone through..all that Polen had put Sanem through…..

Now he was going to have to deal with her again…

      “Ok Abi, we will be waiting for you and your family to get here. I know that Sanem is more than excited to see her sister. But maybe you could find out a little bit about Polen, like where she’s staying or working, before you come.” Can asked, his mind flooding with thoughts.

      ” Sure, I’ll do what I can….Abi, I’m sure it’s nothing, but try not to leave Sanem alone on the island for very long at a time.  Give them all a kiss from us and we will see you very soon.” Emre replied, then hung up.

      His brethren’s words rang in his head, ” Dont leave Sanem alone on the island.”  He took a sip of his coffee to try and help the churning sick feeling that had taken over his stomach.

He would never let anything happen to her or the kids….ever.

Not as long as he drew a breath….

Chapter 5

The smell coming from the kitchen made Sanem open her eyes. ” He’s cooking.” She whispered quietly under her breath. She rolled over, stretching her body to relief all the kinks. The night before had been quite the roll in the sack, she remembered, a smile easing across her face. 

      She climbed out of bed and headed to the bathroom. She had to chuckle as she looked at the shower, ” If that shower could talk” she thought as she washed her face eager to start her day. She quickly dressed and followed that tantalizing smell of food.

      ” Good morning my love.” Sanem said as she entered the kitchen. The table was already covered with an array of delicious looking for. ” Good morning babe. Did you sleep well?” Can asked, as he turned and pulled her close to his body. He kissed her cheek, ” I slept like a baby, just so you know. So, I think maybe last night’s medicine should be our nightly prescription, don’t you agree?” He spoke as he kissed her neck. 

      Sanem felt a shiver of delight as her husband made his way along her neck to her ear. She giggled, as the goosebumps erupted throughout her body, ” Can, calm down. Let’s not get it started this morning. The kids will be up soon.” She replied, but she didn’t move away from him.

      He held on to her tightly, breathing in the smell that was so distinctively hers. ” Babe, I think that breakfast can wait for a bit, don’t you” He whispered into her ear as he felt that ache of desire for her begin to make him grow. 

      Sanem was just about to agree with him when Tana came running into the kitchen, ” Daddy, did you make pancakes? They smell so good.” She exclaimed, wrapping her little arms around his legs. 

      Sanem quickly jumped back, nervously pulling at her shirt. ” Good morning baby, yes I did make pancakes.” Can said, ushering his youngest child to her chair at the table. He looked at his wife with a look of amusement and gave her a wink.

      Within minutes their lives had changed from two people full of desire and heat for each other, to sitting around the table with their children enjoying their breakfast. But a few undetected glances at one another across the table was all they needed to know that their time would come later. 

      Deniz could barely wait long enough to eat his breakfast until he was up and running out the door with his new sketch pad and pencils. He had a favorite spot where he loved to sit a draw. It was down a path from their house toward the beach. He had found this place a couple of years ago, it was just tucked away in a private little spot on the island. It was almost like a cave craved back into the lush foliage, yet he had a perfect view of the beach and the sea.

      He could let his Imagination run wild there, as he sketched the landscape and view out into the sea. Sanem was amazed at how talented he was, without any formal training he was hands above any other 10-year-old she had ever seen.

      Their day quickly turned into the same as the day before. Sanem had her notebook and was perched in her lounge chair on the patio. Tana had setup her whole family of dolls in their huge dollhouse and was off on her fantasy life. Can always started his day off with reading. He had a few of his special books that he liked to read before beginning his day. Nothing was more relaxing than this time of day for them both.

      Sanem was trying to finish the next chapter of her book but the thoughts of Leila and Emre and their sons coming soon kept getting in the way. ” Can you know we really need to make a trip to Chania very soon to pick up some groceries and things before Leila and Emre get here.” She told him, eager for them to visit.

      ” Yes, and maybe we could spend some time with Luca and Thea too. We could go on Friday’s ferry and come back on Monday. I know Deniz would love spending time with Marcus.” Can answered. Can had only had a couple of friends in his life, Metin and Akif, from boarding school. They had all seemed to drift apart over the years, with each of them busy with their own families. But Luca was a friend they both had found when they needed a friend the most. He had bonded quickly with Luca after the problems in Athens with Polen. Can felt like Luca had been the one to save Sanems life, and for that he would be forever grateful and forever a friend.

      Sanem sat up quickly on the edge of her chair, ” You mean go for the weekend. Where would we stay.” She asked, her face already glowing at the possibility. ” Could we stay at the resort that’s just down the beach from Luca and Theas place?” She said, with excitement.

      Can smiled at her childlike enthusiasm, he loved to see that side of her. ” Sure why not. It could be our last trip of the summer, before we start tour teaching jobs.” He answered, feeling the excitement of the possibility. Sanem squealed with delight, ” Do you mean it. Ok, let me go make our reservations.” She said, jumping up to go get her phone. 

      Can grabbed her hand before she hurried off, pulling her down next to him in his chair. ” Hey, don’t I get a little something for coming up with the idea.” He growled at her, his lips tempting hers as he pulled her closer to him. His beard tickled her, ” Can, stop.” She giggled, completely enamored with his advances. ” Tana is right here Can, please be careful.” She whispered, giving him a quick peck of the lips before standing.

      Can wrinkled up his nose, ” Ok, but be sure I will expect much more than that later on.” He called out to her as she hurried off to the bedroom for her phone. 

      First, she made a call to Luca, ” My dear how are you.” Sanem asked, when Luca answered. “Guess what….we are coming to visit for a couple of days.” She announced with excitement. “Oh really.” He shouted, ” When are you coming?” Luca and his family always loved the visits with Can and Sanem, and their children were as close as siblings.

      ” We will come on Fridays ferry. We are going to stay at the resort on the beach. The one that’s close to your house.” She explained, feeling the excitement grow as she told him the details. “Let Thea know, will you. I want to spend a lot of time with her. We have a lot to catch up on.” Sanem replied.

      Next Sanem made the call to the resort to book their cottage. They loved to stay there, and of course they had their favorite little cottage that she insisted on each time. It was close to the water, with the white sand of the beach stretched on for a mile. She had very fond memories of this place. She smiled as she thought back to a very special weekend they had spent there about 6 years earlier. She was positive that was the place that had been the beginning of their daughters life. 

      The thoughts of that weekend were as vivid in her mind as anything. That feeling of love that they experienced on that weekend was quite magical, and nine months later they held the results of that magic in their arms…. Tana.

      A shiver of delight ran through her body…..Could that happen again. What would be the odds…

      She smiled as she booked that oh so special cottage….

Chapter 6

Emre and Leila were both looking forward to their trip to the island. The getaway to the island was always something quite special. Their two boys, Kaan who was 11 years old, and Amir who was 9, loved going there and spending time with their cousins. The three boys were as close as brothers. 

      The thought of Polen and her visit to the agency still bothered Emre. He hoped that his brother hadn’t dismissed it as nothing. Polen had made their life hell before they got married and Emre wasn’t fully convinced she was 100% in her right mind.  

      Emre hadn’t told Leila about Polens visit yet, but he knew he would have to or there would be  consequences to face. So he would find the right time to tell his wife before they made the trip. Leila had been very protective of her younger sister since the horrible incidence with Polen in Athens. Even the thought of her and Can moving away to a small private island had made her nervous. 

      Sanem was floating on a cloud as the thought of the weekend trip was getting nearer. Can and Sanem had begun to consider Greece as their home now. The town of Chania was as much their home as Istanbul had been. They hadn’t been back to Istanbul for quite some time, not since her father, Nihat had passed away. That place that had once been the very center of her life, now held as many bad mementoes as it did good ones. 

      Deniz had been busy all morning gathering up some of his special items to take with him. Marcus and Deniz were separated only by a couple of months in age, with Marcus being the older. They both shared the same enthusiasm for art, and drawing, so Deniz made sure he packed all of his pencils and sketch pads. They would spend most of their time together playing in the water and finding whatever possible to sketch. Can and Sanem were happy the two boys had so much in common, but of course they thought Deniz was much more talented than Marcus at drawing, but they would never let that be known.

      Finally it was Friday morning and Can was packing their bags into the boat for the short trip across the channel to the pier. ” Can, don’t forget your camera.”  Sanem called out to him from the garden. Can waved, ” I’m coming, is that the last of it” He asked as he trotted by the dock to the garden patio. Sanem hesitated, looking around for any last-minute thing she might have missed. ” Hmmm, I think it is” She answered.

      Can shook his head, ” It better be, if you load anything else the boat just may sink before we make it to town.” He joked, pulling her close to him and kissing her forehead. Sanem slapped him teasingly on the arm, ” It will not, I didn’t bring that much.” She stated, standing on her tiptoes to give him a kiss on the lips. ” Hmm, I’ll take some more of that if you don’t mind.” He muttered, holding her tightly up against him.

      ” Daddy, Daddy, I have to take this.” Tana yelled as she ran from the house, her long dark brown hair flying in the air as she ran. She was carrying her sand bucket filled with her shovel and sandcastle molds. ” I have to have it, please.” She whined, tugging on Cans shirt tail. He scooped her up in his arms, ” If you must have them, then we have to take them along. But that’s it, nothing more can fit in the boat.” He ordered, wrinkling up his forehead in a frown.

      With everything loaded, and the family ready, Can fired up the boat for the 20 minute boat ride to the main island. The ferry always ran on schedule, arriving by 8:00 am on every Friday and departing by 11:00 am for the return trip back to Chania. They would have to hurry to get to the dock on time to catch the 11:00 ferry. 

      Can and the kids love the boat ride to the main island of Antikythera, but Sanem was always nervous about it. The sea was so volatile, and even with a short ride across the water, anything could happen. But this morning the water was calm, smooth as glass, as they say. But sometimes the channel water had a mind of its own. Sanem was never at ease until the boat was secured tightly to the pier.

      The boat cut through the water with ease. Within a few minutes the pier and the lights from the small town became visible. Can idled back on the motor as he steered the boat into their slip on the pier. Deniz was the one to help with docking the boat and had been for a couple of years now. As soon as the boat got close enough Deniz jumped over onto the pier and grabbed the rope, tying it firmly to the post.

      Can smiled, ” Well done son. You make an excellent first mate.” He spoke proudly, as he stepped up on the wooden dock. Now came the chore of hauling the bags to the dock where the ferry was docked. One bag for him and Sanem and a small bag for each of the kids. Plus, a bag for all the play items. With everything in hand, they headed off to the ferry.

       There’s one thing to say about this small almost deserted village, everyone knew everyone there and everything they were doing. ” Can, Sanem, are you on your way to Chania.” A voice bellowed out from across the street. Can turned to see Mr. Argos, ” Yes, for the weekend.” Can answered, giving him a wave. ” Ok, see you Monday.” Mr. Argos replied. 

      Can ushered his family on board the large ferry boat and got them settled for the final leg of the trip. The trip across to the large island of Crete would take about 2 hours, then they would be in Chania for the weekend. This had become a way of life for Can and Sanem now, since they moved to their tiny island, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. 

      He smiled, taking Sanem’s hand as the ferry slowly pulled away from the dock. Soon they would be sitting on the beach, visiting with their friends. His life had changed so much since he met and fell in love with Sanem. This life was about as far away from what his life use to be as you can get, but he couldn’t imagine anything different. 

      On Friday and Mondays, the ferry always brought over tourist or visitors to the small town. One ferry coming up north to Antikythera from Chania and another ferry coming south from Kythira. This was the main source of income for the village, so everyone welcomed them with open arms.  But some people just stood out in the crowd, not like everyone else. So, to see a tall, almost model like woman with very long hair appear in town from Kythira, seemed to make everyone took notice.

      The woman seemed like any other tourist, as she walked around taking pictures that Friday afternoon.  Besides her looks, the fact that she was a woman alone had brought attention from the locals. You didn’t see many women traveling alone like that, especially visiting a place like this. 

      She drew even more attention as she began to ask around about the Divit family. 

” Yes Miss, the Divits live here.” Ms. Iris answered. Hesitate at first to divulge any information.

      ” Oh great, I’m an old friend from Turkey and I wanted to say hello while I was here.” The woman replied.

      ” Well, you just missed them ma’am. They have gone to Chania for the weekend.” Iris told her.

” Oh just my luck. Can you show me where they live. Maybe I could leave a note on their door.” She said, clearly disappointed she had missed them.

       Iris nodded, ” No, you need a boat to get there. It’s that way.” She pointed. ” About 20 minutes southeast of here.” 

      The woman smiled, ” You’ve been more than helpful. Thank you.” 

Now, to find a boat……Polen thought as she wound her way to the far side of town and the pier.

Chapter 7

  The ferry ride seemed to get longer and longer each time they traveled to Chania. The kids always loved the trip, and so did Can. A boat ride of any kind was just what they needed. But Sanem was and never had been a fan of a boat or of the ride across the sea to Crete.

      The dock was a welcome sight for her as the ferry nestled up against the large pier. Can took control as always, grabbing up the bags and leading the way to the ramp. Sanem took Deniz and Tana by hand and followed, more excited than ever to see her friend.

      A fifteen-minute taxi ride that took them to their resort on the west side of the island was the final leg of their trip. From there they could get around to all the places they wanted to go on foot. Luca and Thea’s house was only a few blocks up the winding street from there cottage on the beach. Sanem loved this place almost as much as she did Istanbul.

      Can got them checked in while Sanem, Deniz and Tana headed on out to the beach. ” Have you ever seen anything so beautiful.” Sanem stated, as she stood gazing out across the pure white sand of the beach and the crystal sparkling blue water that moved in and out on the sand. This was by far one of the most specials places for her in Chania.

      ” Hey you three, the door is open.” Can yelled out from the deck of their cottage. Sanem waved, ” We’re coming babe. Come on babies, let’s get settled in and then we will take a swim.” She said, hurrying them along on the beach toward the cottage. 

      ” Can it’s so beautiful here, don’t you think.” She smiled as she leaned out over the railing of the deck. Can moved up behind her, ” Yes, it is, but you my wife make it even more beautiful.” He spoke softly as he wrapped his arms around her waist. She could feel the warmth from a blush cover her face, “Can you are the best at saying the right thing at the right time. But I’m sure I have nothing to do with the beauty of this place.” Sanem said as she leaned back against his broad muscular chest. 

      The ringing of the phone broke the spell that they both were under. ” Mom, it’s your phone. It’s Auntie Thea.” Deniz called out from inside. Sanem patted Can on the arm and hurried in to answer the phone. ” Thea, how are you. Yes, we are here.” She said, giving a wink of consolation to Can as he looked on, clearly sorry that the phone had rang. 

      ” Yes, bring Marcus and come to the cottage. Deniz is waiting on him to go to the beach. Ok, see you in a bit.” Sanem gushed, more excited than even Deniz to see her friend. Can smiled, “So       where is Luca, is he coming too.” He asked, knowing that what he had in mind would have to wait until later. Sanem snuggled up close to Can, wrapping her arms around him, ” Sorry my love, but we will need to be patient. Our time will come later tonight.” She whispered, feeling the heat begin to rise from them both. Can gave her a kiss on the forehead, conceding this round of affection. ” I will definitely hold you to that my love. Until tonight.” 

      The arrival of Marcus was the highlight of the day for Deniz. They grabbed beach toys and headed out. Can and Tana followed closely. Their dad was never one to loosen the reins to far on his children when it came to being near the sea. Can positioned himself on the blanket with Tana and her family of dolls as Sanem and Thea took this time to catch up.

      Sanem and Thea did what they loved most, the strolled arm and arm along the beach. Just close enough to to the water for the waves to wash up over their feet and they talked.

      Thea had known Sanem for several years now, and she had become accustomed to her moods. She knew there was something bothering her, but it was getting her to talk about it, that would be the hard part. 

      They had walked almost in silence for a way down the white sandy beach before Sanem finally spoke. ” Thea, Can received a note from his brother in Istanbul a few days ago. You remember Emre don’t you? she asked, as she pulled her large, brimmed hat down a bit further to avoid the wind from blowing it away. Thea nodded, ” Yes I do, has something happened?” Her friend asked.

      Sanem laughed slightly, ” No, well not really. Not unless you consider a message about Polen a problem.” She spoke, feeling agitated at just the mention of her name. Thea turned stopped in her tracks, turning quickly to look in Sanem’s face, ” What are you saying, you mean the crazy woman sent you and Can another message,..or was it just meant for Can” Thea blurted out, already angered at the possibility.

      Thea knew about all the things that had happened over the years between Polen and Can, and also between Polen and Sanem. The mean and spiteful things that this woman had done to her. She could have really cared less if she was mental sick or not, what she did to keep them apart was just plain evil. 

      Sanem clung to her friend arms a little tighter as she explained the note and, ” It seems that she has visited Emre at the agency. And according to Emre, she knew a lot about us and even that we lived on an island off the coast of Antikythera.” Sanem spoke, her voice quivering with uneasiness. 

      Thea shook her head, ” And….what does Can say about this?” She asked, feeling a bit of hostility begin to flare. Thea had never been discreet about the fact she thought that Can was much too naive about Polen. Old friend or not, Thea thought that Polen was as vindictive as they came.  On more than one occasion, she had even told Can that he wasn’t taking Polen serious enough, especially after she sent a note of congratulations to them after Tana’s birth.

      Sanem shrugged her shoulders, ” he says she’s harmless. That over the years and the fact that she even had been in a serious relationship a few years ago proved that she had recovered from her mental health problems. But he did call Emre the next day to find out more about it.” She explained. 

      ” And what did Emre say.?” Thea questioned, not at all convinced of Polens well-being. Sanem stopped and looked out across the brilliant blue water of the Sea of Crete, remembering that day in Athens when Polen busted into her room accusing her of all those terrible things. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, letting the smell and feel of the sea air calm her nerves. ” he told Can she seemed ok, but he was still concerned that she knew so much about us. He told Can to be cautious.” Sanem replied, as she turned to look at her friend. ” Now why would he say that to him if he hadn’t seemed a cause for a red flag.” 

      Polen had made her way down to the small pier. She gazed around at the few boats that were docked there, trying to see which one that might be Cans boat. 

      She looked at the largest boat, the nicest one, thinking that this had to be their boat. Can’s taste in boats indeed, she thought, as she inspected the vessel. Then she saw it….the inscription stitched in the leather on the inside hull of the boat……” The Albatross” 

      She smiled……” And there you are, I have found you.”       

Chapter 8

  ” Ma’am is there something I can do to help you.” A man’s voice asked. Polen jumped at the intrusion, she looked around quickly. ” Oh no, I was just looking at this boat. It’s very nice. Is this the boat that belongs to the Divit’s?” She said, nervously running her fingers through her hair. 

      The gentleman smiled, ” Why yes, it is. But how would you know that.” He replied, beginning to get that uneasy feeling. Polen knew when to turn on the charm, so she laughed and flipped her long silky hair over to one shoulder, giving the man a once overlook. ” Mrs. Divit is an old friend. I have been meaning to come and visit for a long time now, but things kept getting in the way. That is until now.” Polen told him, as she moved closer to the man. 

      ” Do you know how to get to their island?” She asked leaning in a little closer to him as if she was going to tell him a secret. ” I would really like to surprise them with a visit.” The man stepped back from her, narrowing his eyes to look at her, ” I do, but I believe they are away for the weekend. Maybe you should wait until Monday, that’s when the ferry will return from Chania.” He replied cautiously. 

      Polen folded her arms, giving him a look of disgust, ” Well what if I want to leave something for them. Would you be willing to take me there. I will pay you for your services of course.” She spoke harshly, her voice sounding quite agitated.

       ” Look, Sanem and I… Mrs Divit… are old friends. I just want to leave a note for her. I’m so sorry that I missed them. But I will be returning to the mainland on the ferry to Kythira in the morning.  This may be my only chance to see their beautiful island that she has told me so much about.” Polen placed her hand on the man’s shoulder and gently let it slide down his arm.

      Luca came jogging down the beach toward Can and the kids, ” Can, good to see my friend.” He called out as he got closer. Can stuck out his hand to welcome his friend, ” Luca, you finally made it.” He said shaking his hand vigorously before giving him a big bear hug. ” It’s been a while my friend, glad you had time to visit.” Luca replied. 

      The two men sat down on the big blanket that covered the white sand. ” I see the women are already engrossed in their own little world down there.” He said, looking down the beach a way at his friend and his wife. Can laughed, ” Yes, we will probably be bachelors this weekend. They always have a lot to talk about.”  Both men watched the women as they strolled arm and arm down the beach, knowing how lucky they both were.

      Luca clapped his hands together, ” So what’s new with you. Anything exciting going on that island of yours. He asked, always in awe of this man. Can nodded, ” Yes, well in fact there is something new, for Sanem and myself. It seems the small school in Antikythera want Sanem and I to teach a class or two this year. They are planning on bringing over a few students from Kythira to study on the island. I would teach some photography and Sanem would offer some writing classes.” He explained.

      Luca slapped Can on the back, ” Congratulations, they couldn’t have gotten anyone more qualified than you for that job. And Sanem would be great at teaching. Does that mean She is finally going to let your babies go to school?” He asked jokingly.

      ” There’s nothing wrong with homeschooling my dear friend.” Sanem said teasingly, as she kicked a bit of sand in the direction of Luca. Luca stood quickly, ” Hello there my dear. We didn’t see you all come up.” He explained, reaching to give Sanem a hug. She welcomed his hug and returned it with enthusiasm. This was perhaps the only man other than CeyCey that she loved like a brother. He had been there for her when she was at her most vulnerable.

      ” And yes, I will allow my babies to go to school now, but only because we will be there too.” She replied, leaning over to give her husband a kiss. ” This is all so exciting. Those children will be learning from the best.” Thea said, clapping her hands together. 

      ” Now, it’s dinner at our house this evening. Luca is going to grill some fish and we can make a salad.” Thea said, not wanting to hear an argument. Sanem and Can both agreed, ” Sounds great, can we bring anything?” Can asked. ” No, just make sure you come hungry.” Luca replied, waving at them as he took Thea and Marcus and headed up the beach to their house.

      Can pulled Sanem down next to him on the blanket. ” I think we may have time for something special, if you know what I mean.” He spoke, his voice sounding deep and mysterious. Sanem smiled, ” Oh that would be nice, but what about our children. They are less than 10 feet away from us building a sandcastle.” She whispered, feeling a shiver of delight run helplessly through her body.

      Can sighed then said quietly, ” You’re right my love, but tonight you are all mine. You do remember what happened the last time we were here?” He asked, as he softly brushed his lips across hers.

      Sanem giggled, her memory fully engulfed with what happened some 6 years earlier in the same cottage. ” Yes, my husband, I remember all too well.” She replied. ” Are you sure you want to recreate that same scenario.”  She spoke in a whisper. 

      The man reached out his hand to Polen as she stepped over into his boat. ” Thank you, you are so kind.” She said, batting her eyes at him. He fired up the boat and eased out away from the pier. Her excitement had reached its peak as they glided across the water toward Divit Island. 

       It took a while before the island came into view. The man pointed out across the water, “There it is ma’am, Divit Island. They have made a beautiful place out here in the middle of this small cove.” He yelled out to her. She smiled and shook her head, as she took her first look at the island. The place they thought they could disappear to, the place they thought no one would find them. 

      The closer they came to the island the harder her heartbeat. He pulled back on the throttle and drifted up to the dock. ” Ok ma’am, here you go. Like I said they aren’t at home, but you can leave your note and we can be on our way.” 

      Polen looked around in amazement, quite impressed at what she saw. That simple little naive girl from the poor side of town did have good taste in decorating, she would say that. Unless this had all been Cans doing. She took a deep breath, pulling in all the smells of the island. 

      She quickly turned to the man, ” You know I think I’ll stay here for a while. Would it be possible for you to come back later this afternoon and pick me up?” She asked, giving him that innocent smile. He didn’t feel comfortable at first of leaving her there all alone, but she insisted. 

      She waved at him as he started off across the channel back toward Antikythera, so pleased at her ability to persuade men to see things her way. 

      ” Now, let’s see how Can and his silly little wife are living.”…….she said with a hint of evil to her voice as she headed toward the house…      

Chapter 9

 The grounds were beautiful, she thought, as she strolled around through the garden. The flowers were so fragrant that she was sure she would never forget the smell. This place was definitely Can Divit’s home, it just shouted out his name. 

      Should she try the door, she wondered, as she peered in through the sliding glass doors. She touched the handle, hoping that by some chance it was unlocked. The door moved easily as she slide the door open. Her heart pounded hard as she stepped inside. Her eyes moved from place to place, ” Yes Can, I have found you.” She smiled, as she walked slowly through their home.

       She explored each room taking her time. Sanem really had made a beautiful home for them, she thought. ” It’s too bad she won’t be able to enjoy this place much longer.” She spoke out loud as she picked up the family photo of the four of them. ” We will have to do something about this though.” She uttered, glaring at the picture…

      She walked down the hallway to the large bedroom at the end. As she opened the door, she knew that this was “their” bedroom. The smell of Sanem’s perfume hung in the air, making her wrinkle up her nose. 

      Polen made her way to the side of the bed that she knew was Can’s. The bedside table had a collection of his favorite books stacked on it. Then she saw the multi-colored bandana that she recognized immediately as Sanem’s, tied symbolically to the tall bedside lamp. She smirked as she recalled how Can had always clung to the scarf as if it was his lifeline. 

      She untied the scarf and held it in her hand. Over the years it had faded and frayed, but it evidently still had a deep meaning to Can. She scrunched the scarf up in the hand, wishing she was able to crush the memory of Sanem just a easily as she had her scarf, then she flung the piece of material on the floor next to the table. 

      Polen closed her eyes, took a deep breath then exhaled with force……” One step at a time Polen….one step at a time” She mumbled under her breath….

In Chania….

      The dinner was fantastic and to spend time like this with their friends was even better. Sanem and Thea had taken up were they left off earlier in the day. They were huddled up together on the sofa chatting away, almost completely unaware of what the men and children were doing.

      Can gazed across the large patio at her, wishing that the night was already over and they were the ones snuggled up together in their bed. The thoughts were filling his mind as Sanem looked his way, he gave her a subtle wink and nod, signaling his desire to call it a night. She smiled slightly, raising her eyebrows to let him know she understood.

      Can stood rather abruptly, ” Well my friends, it has been a beautiful evening and the food was delicious, but I think it’s time to get these babies of ours in bed.” He declared, as he walked across the patio and reached his hand out to Sanem. The gesture amused her, but she immediately took his hand.

      ” Oh, dad do we have to go. We just got to the best part of the game.” Deniz whined. Can threw his head back, ” It would never be the right time to leave if it was left up to you, so I’m sorry but you will have to pick up where you left off tomorrow. 

      ” Let him stay here tonight, the boys rarely get to spend enough time together anyway.” Thea spoke up. Both the boys shouted out their enthusiasm, ” Oh yes uncle Can, please can he stay, please.” Marcus begged, hanging desperately on Cans arms. Sanem laughed, ” I suppose he could stay; I don’t see the harm.” She said giving her approval. Can agreed and both the boys hurried off to Marcus’s bedroom, whooping and hollering…

      Can scooped up a very disappointed but very tired Tana in his arms and with a wave they headed down the narrow street toward the beach. It only took a few minutes to reach their cottage, but by the time they arrived Tana was already fast asleep in her father’s arms.

      Can lovingly tucked his baby daughter into her bed while Sanem slipped away into the bathroom to get ready for bed. She knew it was a waste of time to pull that short nightie over her head, but she had never been the kind to take these things for granted, besides it was much more romantic to have Can take it off.

      Can softly closed the door to the childrens bedroom and switched off the light in the small kitchenette that adjoined the living room. The door to their bedroom was closed but he could tell that Sanem had lit a candle or two by the soft glow of light that seeped out around the door. He slowly opened the door, anxious to catch a glimpse of his beautiful wife. 

      The light of only one candle flickered faintly in the room, teasing him with the subtle silhouette of that beautiful woman that waited for him in their bed. ” There you are, I thought maybe you were going to sit up for a while.” She spoke, her voice half teasing and half seductive. 

      Can moved toward the bed, captivated by this shadowy figure that had positioned herself on the bed. ” No way, I’ve been waiting on you all afternoon.” He answered, as he hurriedly ripped his t-shirt off over his head and dropped his shorts to the floor, kicking them off to the side. 

      Sanem had been married to this man for over 11 years, and she had witnessed the full view of his naked body more times than she could count, but with each time it became more and more astonishing. She smiled slightly, and with the glimmer of only a candle she was sure that he hadn’t seen the look of pure delight on her face.

      As Can slide into the bed, the touch of his hand as he reached out for her, had already lit that fire of eagerness and want inside her. ” Babe, why did you put this nightie on. That is totally a waste of time.” He spoke, almost in a whisper, as he ran his fingers underneath the thin strands of silk. He slide them off of her shoulders and slowly worked the straps down her arms, revealing the remarkable body of his wife.

      Taking it slow and easy was something that he had always strived for, but sometimes it just wasn’t possible. She had always set off a wave of desire inside him that was hard to control, but nevertheless he tried. 

      It seemed his touch to her skin was much like a volcano when it erupts, the onset of fire and heat as they explored each other’s all too familiar bodies. She pulled him over to her quickly, taking him by surprise, ” I’ve been waiting for you too.” She mumbled as she pressed her body firmly against his. ” You’re not the only one that has daydreams about what you want. I remember what happened here 6 years ago, so maybe we should try again.” Sanem whispered as she slides her leg up his thigh.

      Cans heart was pounding, never expecting his wife to be so forward and willing, ” I think that could be arranged my love. But it’s not up to me if we will have the same outcome as we had before. But I would love it if it happened, I’m just saying.” Can spoke softly, as he let his hands wander over her body.

      Sanem knew this place was special, and she was ready to take on the possibility of another baby. Not wanting to wait another minute, she slide her leg up and over Can, pinning him to the bed, ” Maybe I should be the one to get this going.” she demanded, as she kissed his chest, than moving seductively to his neck.

      Can seemed frozen in place, his body welcoming this attack from his wife. As Sanem reached his ear, nibbling playfully on his ear lobe, she whispered…” Would you like to join in my dear, or do I have to do all the work.”  She asked, her breath spreading a strange warmth over him.

      It was sometime later when the vision of the island and their home woke Can from his sleep. The light was just beginning to peek in around the curtains as he sat upright in the bed,….a feeling of uneasiness flowed over him.

      It was a feeling of wanting to be home…..like he needed to be home. He ran his fingers through his hair, trying to dismiss the feeling, but he could feel something wasn’t right…

Chapter 10

  Polen had rented a small room for the night in the villa. The only place that offered any accommodations on the almost deserted island of Antikythera. It was just for one night so she was sure she could endure anything for that long.

      The trip to Divit Island had been invigorating, but also, it had made her even more determined to take back what was hers. Her next move would have to be calculated precisely, and discreetly. What is that saying…” You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar”…. She smirked.

      She pulled Can’s necklaces from her bag, admiring it as if it was a strand of highly cut diamonds.  She remembered this necklace, so when she saw it lying on the dresser in their bedroom, well… she just had to have it. Can had found this stone on one of his trips to the mountains. He had it strung on this braided leather rope when he returned to London after that trip. 

       She remembered it as if it were yesterday. She was relieved that time as she did each and every time that he visited her in London. She remembered them all, they were the thoughts that kept her going. 

      Polen held up the necklace letting it dangle in front of her. ” I will keep this one my love. For old times’ sake.” She whispered…as she closed her eyes as if she were making a wish. 

      Now that she knew where they lived and what she had to do to get there, her next visit would be a lot easier.  She was already making her plans to return, but the next visit she would make sure they were home when she arrived.

      She snuggled down in bed, completely content with how the day had gone. Just holding Can’s necklace in her hands would be enough for now, but she wasn’t going to stop until she was holding him once again. 

      The ferry would leave Antikythera early the next morning for the trip to Kythera, and from there she would catch a flight to Athens. She would need to get to sleep early, the trip back to Istanbul would be a long one, she thought as she drifted off to sleep, caressing his necklace against her chest.

      The water was cold at first as he walked out into the sea, but it warmed quickly as he ventured out further into the water. The sun was just edging it’s way up above the horizon of the water, spreading out those streaks of amber light across the aquamarine colored water. Can walked out about waist-deep before he dived in. This was his most favorite time of the day, the time that rejuvenated him.

      He had swum out a ways before turning and heading back toward the shore. His mind was still thinking about home, and why he had such a desire to get back there. He stopped about 50 yards out, flipped over on his back and just floated there, wishing that he was in the water that surrounded his Island. He closed his eyes, ” You’re being stupid, what could be wrong at home….nothing.” Can said out loud, talking to himself. He flipped over quickly and swam back in the direction of the beach.

      When Sanem turned over to hug up to her husband and he wasn’t there, she knew actually where he was. She wrapped her robe around her naked body, tying it securely with the belt, grabbed a towel and headed out to the beach.

      She watched him as he glided his way thought the water like a fish, so strong and agile. She always worried about him swimming out that far all alone, but at just that moment he turned and started back toward the shore. Then for some reason he stopped and turned, beginning to float. Was there something wrong, she wondered, as she strained her eyes to see him in the distance. Her heart was starting to race and a wave of panic traveled down her body as she watched him. Then he turned again and swam on toward the beach.

      She breathed deeply, a sigh of relief, watching him as he got closer to the beach. ” Good morning my love. How was your swim.” Sanem called out to him as he rose up out of the water, smoothing back his long hair as he walked toward her. 

       “Good morning babe. It was great, do you want to take a dip?” He asked, leaning in to give her a kiss. She giggled, ” Not now, but maybe later.” Sanem answered, letting her robe fall open just slightly to reveal her nude body underneath.

      Can hadn’t missed the subtle sign from his wife. He reached for her, pulling her close against his wet body. ” Did you have skinny dipping in mind my love, because if you did, I would be more than glad to join you.” He grumbled under his breath, boldly sliding his hand in the opening of her robe.

      Sanem felt her heart jump and she sucked in her breath as he ran his hand around her body, down her back and over the fullness of her hips, pulling her forcefully against his wet body. His breath was short and labored as he leaned in to kiss that special spot on her neck.

      ” Babe, let’s take up where we left off last night.” Can whispered in her ear as he massaged her bottom, pulling her tighter to his body. Sanem wanted nothing more, as she felt his erection growing through his wet swim trunks, nudging gently against her bare skin.

      If only we were home, she thought. Home on their private island where there wasn’t that fear of someone watching them. She leaned back, ” Can there are other people here, let’s not get carried away.” She said, shifting her eyes from side to side, scoping out the beach for the other guests. Can smiled, ” There’s no one else here my love. The beach is deserted. So relax.” He mumbled, continuing the assault on his wife.

      Sanem sighed, feeling her body begin to give in, as he laid her down easily on the sand.  Her body had begun to react with his, as he moved his hand miraculously over those defined areas of her body that made her want him even more. Her mind had blocked out everything else but him, the thought of someone else coming along, the thought of the Tana coming out and finding them in this most precarious situation, all of those things disappeared from her thoughts. All she wanted was him, her husband.

      In what seemed like only seconds, Can had brought her whole body to a fit of frenzy. Quite unlike her to throw such caution to the wind, especially in an open area like this, but there were times that she had no will to resist. 

      This was one of those times where things started, then escalated into the hightest form of ecstasy before they even knew it. With both of them reaching that point of jubilant release at the same time, this savage encounter was over in mere minutes, leaving them both breathless and thoughtless.

      Can rested there on top of her for a second just catching his breath, before he slid gently over to her side. Sanem was breathing heavily, trying to catch her breath as well. Can reached over, pulling her robe together protectively covering her body. ” My love, that was beautiful. I am sorry that it was over so quickly.” Can whispered as he leaned over giving her a full open mouth kiss, accompanied by his tongue.

      The whole event was over and done in minutes, but never had she felt so much like a woman.  Her husband always had that effect in her, but just the fact that she could still bring him so much satisfaction so quickly and so fully made her feel special.

      She wrapped her arms around his neck, not willing to let him go. ” I love you my husband, more and more each day. May we never lose these feelings for each other.” She recited breathlessly, as if she were repeating their vows.

      That spell of their undying love was broken as the voice of their daughter rang out across the beach, ” Mommie, daddy, I’m ready for breakfast. What are you doing.

      Can smiled at his wife, ” Never my love, you will never get rid of me….I am yours, heart, body and soul.” He recited. Then he jumped up, reaching down to give Sanem a hand up, ” We are coming Tana.” He called out to his daughter, jogging through the sand to their cottage.

      Sanem watched him with such adoration as he scooped up their daughter in his arms…..He was so much more than just her lover,…he was the person that had given her this wonderful life…    

Chapter 11

After a nice uneventful breakfast with Tana, they were ready to start their day. The heat from their early morning escapades seemed to still be simmering as Can helped Sanem clear the breakfast table. As soon as Tana left the room to go get dressed, Can wrapped his arms around Sanem’s waist. ” I can’t seem to get that beach rendezvous out of my mind. Do you think we could have an encore of that scene.” He muttered, as he nibbled shamelessly on her earlobe. 

      She felt that shiver of delight travel down her body all the way to her toes, ” That was probably a one-time thing my love. So, let’s not get your hopes up.” She answered, trying to sound convincing.

      Can laughed, ” I got it babe, only in the privacy of out bedroom from now on.” He spoke, his voice dripping with disappointment. He hugged her tightly before going off to the bedroom to dress.

       Their morning was busy as they hurried about, store to store, completing their shopping list. The list was always long when they made the trip to Chania. But they needed to make sure they had everything for the arrival of Emre and Leila in a couple of weeks.

      That sudden thought of home and the feeling that something was wrong there still rumbled around in Cans head. Can wasn’t normally the one that had those kinds of feelings, but that uneasy feeling was hanging on. 

      It couldn’t be a storm, he thought, the weather had been great. There were times that the quickly changing weather had caused some damage to the island, but not this time. No…this was just a feeling like he needed to protect his home. 

      ” Can, what do you think…Can?” Sanem asked. ” Hey are you ok?” She said, stepping around in front of Can to look at his face. Can blinked, trying to clear his head, ” I’m sorry babe, what did you say?” He asked, covering that look of concern with a smile. 

      She tilted her head to one side and closed one eye, ” Can Divit, I know you much better than that. What are you thinking about?” The tone of her voice demanding an answer.  Can took his index finger and gently pushed a strand if hair from her face, ” There’s nothing wrong, trust me. I was just thinking about this morning.” He replied, giving her a pinch on the cheek.

      Sanem knew better, but she also knew better than to push him on the matter. ” Ok if you say so, but if I find out you are dreaming about some other woman you will have hell to pay.” She muttered, tapping his chest with her finger. 

      Can threw back his head, belting out a laugh that echo through the small store. ” Oh for god’s sake Sanem, why would I be thinking about another woman. You are the only thing on my mind.” He acclaimed, giving her a reassuring kiss on the lips.

      Polen had to hurry to catch the 10:00 am ferry back to Kytheria. She she only had a small bag and her purse, and Can’s necklace tucked securely in the pocket of her slacks. The 3-hour ferry ride would give her plenty of time to think about her next move. The plane from Kythera to Athens would be flying out at 3:50 pm, so she would need to she would go directly from the ferry pier to the airport. A one-night stay in Athens, then the final flight home to Istanbul the next morning.

      She leaned back in the deck chair, closing her eyes and breathing in the sea air. She recalled the phone call from Can some 13 years ago, telling her he needed to talk to her and that he would be coming to London as soon as possible. She remembered it as if it were yesterday. The feeling of dread that sank down into her stomach that day. 

      Never in her wildest dreams had she thought that Can Divit would walk away from her. Leave her and all that had meant to each other, for a much younger and uneducated Sanem Aydin. She had truly underestimated that sneaky little bitch, but she wouldn’t let that happen again.

      She pulled the necklace from her pocket, holding it tightly in her hand. ” No, …I won’t be that stupid again. Sanem will be more than glad to leave that island…and Can, when I am through.” She smirked, rubbing the stone of the necklace slowly against her cheek.      

      ” Sanem my love, I think we have enough food. How are we going to get all these bags back to Antikythera on the ferry. We will have to make do with what we have.” Can expressed, as he hung another bag on his arm. 

      Sanem stopped, biting her bottom lip as she looked at all the bags that lined Cans arms. ” I think you are right. I’m sorry, I didn’t realize how much we had.” She said wrinkling up her forehead. ” But I think we need all of this. Can you make to work?” She asked, in her most coquettish way, even adding in a little flutter of her eyes.

      Can rolled his eyes, ” Really babe, you think a little flirtation can win me over……ok, you are right. I’ll make it work, don’t worry. Maybe I can condense some of the bags.” He answered, fighting the urge to kiss her pouting lips. 

     She clapped her hands together, ” Great, thank you.” She spoke. ” There just might be a little reward in it for you if you can pull it off.” She whispered in his ear as she stretched up to kiss his cheek. Tana giggled as she watched her parents, ” Mommie, doesn’t daddy’s beard tickle your nose when you do that, it does mine.” She told her, rubbing her nose forcefully with her hand.

      Sanem smiled at her daughter, ” It used to, but not anymore. You get used to it.” She explained, as she gave Can a wink. The thought of not having his beard to run her fingers through or not feeling that soft tickle against her face was something she didn’t want to think about. She had always loved his beard.

      They made that short walk back to the cottage. Luca, Thea, Marcus and Deniz were sitting there waiting for them on the beach. ” HEY, have you been waiting long?” Can yelled out to them. Luca waved back at him, ” No, only a matter of minutes. Do you need help?” He asked as he watched Can struggle with the bags. ” No, I’ve got it. We will join you in a minute.”

      They dropped all the bags in the table and headed back out to the beach. Can stopped to answer his phone, waving Sanem on, ” I better take this, you go on, I’ll be there shortly.” He told her.  The call was from Ares, the man that looked after the small pier. ” Hello Ares, what can I do for you.” Can asked, a little confused at why he would be calling him.

      The old man clears his throat, ” Umm, well, I have a bit of trouble to report to you. I don’t know how it happened, or when, but someone has ripped up one side of your boat.” He stammered, hating to be the one to tell him.

      Can gasped, ” What? On the outside?” He asked, as the feeling from earlier resurfaced and surged through his body. ” Oh, it was on the inside sir. They ripped through the inscription on the side panel of the boat, where it says, ” My Albatross”. He replied.

      Can closed his eyes and took a deep breath. ” Any idea who it could have been?” Can asked, his stomach twisting in knots. ” Not a clue Mr. Divit. I’m sorry about it, but at least it won’t hinder the running of the boat. I just wanted to let you know before you got back tomorrow. It was probably one of the tourists, you know, they don’t have any respect for our property.” Ares answered.

      Can thanked the gentleman for calling to let him know, but he had a feeling it was more than just a rowdy tourist…

      Could this have been the reason he felt like something was wrong at home. After all these years of feeling safe there on their Island…..now he would have to put up his guard again….

Chapter 12

 Polen was checking into the hotel closest to the airport in Athens. It was late in the day and her flight to Istanbul didn’t leave until the next morning. All she wanted was a good meal, a shower and a bed. She huffed as she waited for the desk clerk to check her in, ” Look, I am very tired. If you could please hurry, I would like to get in a room. And where can I get some decent food delivered?” She inquired, condescendingly leaning over the counter.

      The clerk smirked, ” Ma’am we have many delicious restaurants nearby that would love to deliver your dinner. The list is in the room.” He replied, returning her identification. She took her id and the key and stormed off down the hall to her room. She tossed her small bag on the bed and kicked off her heels. 

      This trip had really tried her patience, she thought. But she had accomplished what she went to do, and that was to see how Can and Sanem lived. She pulled his necklace from her pocket, “Oh my Can, you can run but you can’t hide, not from me. Who knows, maybe on my next trip I will take more than just your necklace and that silly name from your boat.” She spoke.

      Every possible scenario was running through Cans’ head by the time to made to the beach to join the others. There was no hiding the concern that filled his head, ” Can what’s wrong, was there a problem. Who was it that called.” Sanem quizzed him, not about to let him deny that there was something wrong.  

      ” Just calm down my love, I’m going to explain. It seems there was a bit of a problem at the pier. Our boat was vandalized, but nothing serious.” He said, waving his hands. Sanem jumped up, ” What did they do to it? She asked, demanding to know the details. ” Can don’t sugar coat this, tell me what they did.” Her voice sharp and precise.

      Can took a deep and exhaled sharply, ” That was Ares, and it seems they went on board the boat the ripped up the leather panel that you had made for the boat. The one that read ” My Albatross” He explained, bracing for her reply.

       ” What, is that all. Just the name of the boat.” She asked, confused. Luca immediately had reservations, ” They didn’t take anything from the boat?” He asked knowing some of the things that Can had in the boat. Some of the things were quite expensive and could bring a lot of cash for someone if they needed it.

      Can shook his head, ” No just the inscription on the boat.” He assured them. Sanem folded her arms across the body, ” Well we will replace that, no harm done. But it does creep me out that someone had the nerve to go aboard the boat. Ares didn’t see anyone?” She asked.

      ” No, I told you he just noticed it this morning and wanted to let us know.” His voice sounding agitated. He turned and headed back to the cottage, and Luca followed. ” Hey, I know you’re upset, but do you really believe it was just a random act of vandalism. From what you told me about your ex Polen and the fact that she has been, more or less, stalking you and Sanem, I wouldn’t put it past her.” Luca blurted out.

      Can spun around glaring at him, ” Luca not so loud, I don’t want Sanem to hear you.” He spewed. Can ran his hands through his hair, his nervous habit. ” I’m not sure Luca. I have been having a bad feeling all weekend about home. Like something was going on there that I needed to be there to protect it. It’s a strange feeling.” Can answered him, keeping his voice low.

      Thea draped her arm around Sanem, ” At least it was just the name and not the boat itself. Trying to get another boat would have been a hassle.” Sanem nodded in agreement, as she gazed out across the quiet calm sea water. Why did she feel like this was just the beginning, the start of an old fear. 

      The clouds had moved in, bringing with them the wind. The combination of the two had sent them all running for the cottage. Even the weather was feeling like something wasn’t right, Sanem thought as she hurried the children inside. Can and Luca were in the middle of condensing the mass of shopping bags that they had collected on their shopping trip.       

      ” I think I got carried away with shopping this time. But Leila and Emre are coming for a stay, and I wanted to have everything.” Sanem explained, her voice losing it’s enthusiasm for their visit. Luca and Can had done a great job in lessening the number of bags, ” Now….see, we only have four bags instead of eight.” Can replied, trying to lighten the mood. 

      He reached over to pull Sanem close to him. He knew she had already worked herself up into a frenzy as he felt her body trembling. ” Babe, don’t worry, we will have another one made. Problem solved” He whispered confidently in her ear. He felt her arms tighten around his body; he knew she was already thinking the worst.

      Luca, Thea and Marcus started the walk back to their home shortly before dark. Luca still had the vandalism of their boat on his mind. He hoped it was caused by that crazy woman that he had encountered in Athens that weekend. That was so many years ago, surely she wasn’t still out to destroy Sanem, he thought. But that didn’t make him still wonder about it.

      Can got both of the kids in bed and looked in on Sanem. She had gone to bed early claiming she had a headache, but he knew she was just worrying about the incident in the boat, and so was he. She had gone to sleep with a book lying across her chest and the lamp still on, so he gently removed the book, folding it and placing it on the table. He smoothed back a strand of hair that cascaded across her face, trying not to wake her.  She was so beautiful, he thought, so innocent and trusting of everyone. Never would she think that someone might truly being wanting to harm them.

      Can poured the last of the whiskey that Luca had brought into a small glass and stepped out into the night air. The wind was still brisk and cool, but it felt good to him. The smell of the sea had always cleared his head. He wished he was home. That little piece of earth surrounded by water meant so much to him. And until right this moment, it had been the place that he knew was safe for Sanem and their babies.

      The ferry would leave early the next morning so he would need to get some sleep. He downed the last bit of the whiskey and headed for the bedroom. He wished she wasn’t asleep, he wanted to be close to her, hold her in his arms. But he wouldn’t wake her, he thought as he undressed and slide quietly into the bed next to her. 

      He watched her for a minute as she slept. Those old feelings of shielding her from harm had begun to explode inside him again. Since they had moved to their island 11 years ago those feelings had all but disappeared. Now they were coming back….

      Can entertwined his fingers with hers, holding her hand gently in his. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath and exhaled……

      Please, …don’t let it be Polen….he thought as he finally drifted off to sleep….

Chapter 13

  The two-and-a-half-hour ferry ride the next morning seemed to drag on. Cans anticipation to get home had reached its peak. 

      The tiny island of Antikythera was getting near, but they still had a while before they would reach their own island home. The kids were always excited to see the island come into view on their trips home from Chania. ” Look daddy, there is our island.” Tana said as she peered through bars of the railing on the ferry boat. Can smiled, ” Well that’s not our island, but we have to go there to get to our island.” He explained to her almost everytime they made the trip.

      Sanem took a deep breath and closed her eyes, feeling a huge sense of relief to be getting home. Can’t reached for her hand, ” Hey, you ok? You’re not getting sick, are you?” He asked, giving her hand a little kiss.

      ” No, I’m just glad to be home, well almost home.” She replied, snuggling in closer to him. She loved to visit Chania and even their trips to Kythera on the mainland, but getting home to Divit Island was always the best part for her. The thought of the boat ran through her mind, she just hoped that there was nothing more than just the destruction of the leather name plaque. 

      They had quite the load as they made their way from the ferry. Each one of them had to carry a load. The rolling suitcases were let to her and Deniz and Can carried the multiple bags of supplies and groceries. 

      They drudged their way through the small town toward the pier. Can seemed to be holding his breath as they got closer to the pier and their boat. As the boat came into view Can felt that weight being lifted from his shoulders. The boat was intact….

      Ares came out from the little shack that sat near the pier, ” Welcome back Divit. See just the padded plaque with the name on it was all that was damaged.” He stated, as he helped Can load the bags onto the boat. Sanem looked around the boat, inspecting every inch, surprised that nothing was missing.

      Can patted the elderly gentleman on the back, ” Thanks Ares, I’m glad that nothing else was harmed. Are you sure you didn’t see anyone messing around here.” Can asked, eager to get some answers. Ares shook his head, ” No I didn’t, but you might ask around. There weren’t many tourists on Friday so maybe someone might remember something.” He explained.

      They finished loading the bags onto the boat and he helped the children and Sanem aboard. His mind was becoming more at ease, and he could feel his body start to relax as he fired up the boat. 

      Can eased the boat away from the pier and headed out into the channel. He waved at Ares and gave him a thumbs up, signaling that the boat was running fine. With everyone settled in their seats he pushed down on the throttle and maneuvered the boat toward home, Divit Island.

      The water was a little choppy, as it could be at times, but he cut through the white capped waves with ease. Their boat was larger than the normal boat. It was more the size of a cabin cruiser. So, it was able to withstand the unexpected shift in the weather. 

      The wind, the clouds and the sudden rain were just part of living on this island. Most of the time these happenings were brief and only lasted for a few minutes. By the time Can spotted their island in the distance the wind had already died down and the waves were nothing more than ripples on the sea.

      ” There it is dad, there’s the island.” Deniz yelled out above the noise of the motor and sound of the wind. Can smiled, giving his son a nod. He motioned for his son to join him at the wheel. It seemed to be the routine, when the island came into view, Deniz would take his place behind the wheel with his dad. Deniz was eager to learn the operating of the boat, so Can would let him take over for the last of the boat ride home.

      He was quickly becoming quite the captain. Deniz eased back on the throttle as they drifted into the dock. The boat gently kissed the side of the dock as Can jumped over the side of the boat, grabbing the rope and tying it securely to the post at the stern of the boat, the doing the same at the bow.

      He smiled, giving Deniz a high five, ” Well done son. It won’t be long before I can lean back and relax on the way home.” He said praising his son for a job well done. Sanem loved the relationship that the two most important men in her life had. Deniz idolized his father in every way, wanting to be just like him.

        With the last of the bags in the house and the boat taken care of, Sanem took time to sit and relax. She flipped the button on the kettle to heat the water. All she wanted was a nice cup of tea and to put her feet up. 

     ” Can would you like a cup of tea; I’m brewing some right now.” She called out to Can in the bedroom. ” Sounds great babe. I’ll right there.” He answered as he stared at her scarf that laid crumpled on the floor next to his side of the bed. He knew for a fact that the scarf had been tied to the lamp on his side table. That’s where it always was, he always kept it there. So how did it get on the floor? His mind was grasping at all possibilities, but none seemed to make sense.

     He quickly picked it up from the floor and returned it back to its place on the lamp. Sanem’s voice brought him from his thoughts, ” Tea is ready my love.” She said, slipping her arms around his body from behind. He stiffened slightly, ” Sorry hon, I didn’t hear you come in.” He answered.

      Sanem moved around to the front looking him in the face, ” What’s wrong, do you not feel well. You are a little pale.” She said with concern. ” What were you doing with the scarf? ” She asked.  He shook his head, ” Nothing, I guess it had come untied and it was on the floor so I was just putting it back where it belonged.” He replied, smoothing down her hair and kissing her on the forehead.

     ” Let’s go have that tea.” Can said, giving her a long hug. She knew there was more to his actions, but she also knew this wasn’t the time to ask about it. Her husband was made up of many layers, so she would wait until he was ready to talk. 

      The tea had hit the spot. Her tea was the best he had ever tasted, even from the beginning, when they first met, it was the best. 

       The tea had relaxed him some, but he really needed to take a swim before dark. The damage to the boat, the scarf on the floor and the unsettling feeling that something had been wrong all weekend had taken a toll on him.

      ” My love, I think I will take a swim before dinner. Do you mind?” He asked, pulling her over against him. She knew he was on edge about something, but he wasn’t ready to talk about it yet. ” Not at all, but please be careful, don’t go out to far. And dinner will be ready soon, so don’t stay out too long.” She answered, kissing his chest.

      He pulled his t-shirt off over his head and reached for the sliding glass door to open it. But it was partially open already. The door was ajar, an opening of about 2 inches….” Sanem have you been out the back door?” Can said, trying to keep the panic from his voice.

      ” No, I haven’t, why… is it open.” She asked.

Can turned to her, ” Did you lock the door before we left?” He asked. She thought for a second…

” No, I thought you did.” She answered…. But the look on his face told her that he hadn’t…..

Chapter 14

 Can swam out toward the rocks that formed a naturally made fence line on the north side of their island. His mind was still flooded with all the thoughts of what had happened. He knew the scarf didn’t just simply fall from the lamp, and he also knew that the wind couldn’t have blown the sliding door open, even though that was the explanation he had given Sanem.

      Their boat being vandalized by a tourist had seemed possible at first, but now, with all the other strange happenings, he wasn’t so sure. He hadn’t intended to swim at as far as the rocks, but before her knew it was there. 

      He climbed up to one of the flat rocks, sat down and gazed out at the sea. This was supposed to be their sanctuary, their safe place, the place that would keep her from harm, Can thought, as he ran his hands through his wet hair, smoothing it back away from his face. That’s all he ever wanted was to make sure that Sanem was safe…Yes, safe from Polen. There, he had finally let himself realize it, he was still protecting her from Polen.

      He looked around quickly, realizing that it was nearly dark. He knew Sanem would be worried so he slid off of the rock emerging himself back into the water. The water had turned a bit colder making him speed up his strokes a bit, as he headed back toward the beach.

      Sanem was standing on the beach waiting for him. Her eyes squinted as she tried to see him in the water. She didn’t like it when he stayed out in the water this long, or after the sun had set. He had made it to the beach and saw that Sanem was there waiting, ” Babe, were you looking for me.” He called out to her as he stood and splashed his way through the shallow water and then onto the sand.

      She handed him a towel, ” Yes I was. I don’t like for you to go out so far, and it’s almost dark.” She said, completely annoyed with him. He smiled slightly, ” Sanem, I’m sorry. I swam to the rocks and then rested a minute before heading back. I didn’t mean to worry you.” He replied, smoothing back her hair from her face. He cupped her face in his hands and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

      Just the thought of something happening to him out there in the water made her shudder. She dismissed it from her mind as quickly as it had entered it. ” Come on, dinner is ready, and the children are already eating.” She told him, hanging on to his arm as they walked up the beach toward the house. 

      It was late in the night, long after the kids and Can had gone to sleep, but Sanem was lying there awake. All the events of the last couple of days had just come alive for her. She got up and wrapped her robe around her, trying not to wake Can. She reached for her laptop as she started out the back door to the patio. There was just enough light from the string of lights that circled the patio, for her to write.

      She wasn’t thinking about her book at that moment, she wanted to write down all the things that had happened over the past couple of days, and the way they made her feel. She wasn’t sure why, but she knew these things were not just random things that were happening. 

      She wrote for a while, until her eyes got so heavy, she couldn’t keep them open. She leaned her head back, stretching her body out in the lounger, and before she knew it she was asleep. 

      Can woke with a jerk, as if someone had shaken him. He propped himself up on one elbow, looking around the dark room. It was still early, 4:30 am, it said as he looked at his clock. He turned over, ready to snuggle up to Sanem and finish out the night with his arms wrapped around her. But her side of the bed was empty.

      He jumped up, looking around the room for her. He headed down the hall to the kitchen but the whole house was dark. The only light that he could see was the string of lights from the back patio. He hurried over to the glass doors and pulled them open. There she was, asleep with her laptop still open on her lap. He took a deep breath of relief.

      ” Sanem,…Sanem sweetheart. Wake up, what are you doing out here.” He asked as she opened her eyes. ” Oh Can, I couldn’t sleep, so I thought I would write for a while.” She replied, stretching her arms up over her head. ” Come inside, come on.” Can said, looking around the grounds nervously as he helped her up from the lounger. 

       That funny feeling of something being wrong tingled through his body. He had a feeling that someone had been there in their home while they were gone, so now this place didn’t have the same feel as before. ” What’s wrong Can, you’re nervous about something. You might as well tell me what it is because I’m not going to quit until you do.” She demanded.

      Can ushered her inside and closed the door. ” I don’t know what it is Sanem, it’s just a weird feeling.” He told her, still looking out through the glass doors as if he was looking for someone.

      ” Ok Can, now you are freaking me out. What’s going on. What kind of feelings?” She pulled him around to look into his eyes. ” You better tell me….Do you think someone was here on our island while we were gone?” Her voice was barely a whisper.

      The look on his face had already told her the answer. Her eyes grew big, ” Can, are you sure. You think someone was here.” She replied in a panic. ” Can what makes you think that. I know the door was partially open, but we have gone off before and never locked our doors, so what else.” 

      ” The scarf Sanem…it was lying in a crumbled heap on the floor beside the bed. It couldn’t have just fell from the lamp.” He told her, as she saw the uneasiness in his eyes.

      Sanem covered her face with both hands, ” But why, why would someone come out here to our island. No one ever comes out here unless it’s someone we know.” Then she began to feel the fear creep into her.

      She turned to Can quickly, just realizing something. ” You don’t think the boat incident was just vandalism, do you? She said, studying his face. Can looked away to keep her from seeing what he was really thinking….

      ” I don’t know babe, but I think we might need to be a bit more cautious from now on. Well at least for a while. It’s all probably just a coincidence.” He explained as he pulled her close to him and stroked her hair. 

      They came here for the tranquility, the safety, and now someone was trying to take that away from them again. 

      She wasn’t going to let that happen again……She didn’t know who they were but she wasn’t about to let them take this place from them…..      

Chapter 15

   Sanem had finally fell asleep again. He had held her in his arms trying to reassure her that things were fine until she drifted off to sleep.

      He slipped out of the bedroom and made his way to the kitchen, craving a cup of strong coffee. He knew he had to hold it together, if only for Sanems sake, but the thoughts of an intruder were more than just a hunch. There were too many signs, and the feeling that he had all weekend in Chania, well they were just much to ignore.

      The thoughts of a swim to clear his head had been dismissed as he walked down the path to the beach. The wind was strong, forcing the surge of water up on the beach. The water around their island was usually calm and inviting, but this morning it seemed as disturbed as he was. 

      Although the weather wasn’t ideal, he sat down on the beach, watching as the sea rolled and crashed about. It was then that he let what had been in the very back of his mind come forward. Could these things have been caused by Polen…..

      He didn’t even want to think it, but he couldn’t help it. She shows up at the agency out of nowhere, knowing more about him and Sanem and their life, that what she should. Why wouldn’t he think it could have something to do with her.

      After sitting there for a while, fighting with his thoughts, the unrelenting winds brought in the clouds, that in turn brought in the rain, sending him dashing for the house. He grabbed a hoodie from the hall closet and slide it on over his head. The downpour had pretty much drenched him on his way back to the shelter of his home.   

      The house was still quiet so he knew that Deniz and Tana we’re still sleeping. He wanted to make a phone call to Emre before everyone woke up and the day got crazy. He took his phone and went to the office, closing the door quietly behind him. 

      Can and Erme had always had their problems over the years, but his little brother was still the person he turned to when he needed to hear that voice of reason. When something bothered Can or he felt threatened, he had that tendency to overreact, especially when it concerned Sanem. 

      ” Hello Abi, is there something wrong. It awfully early for a social call.” Erme teased as he answered the call. ” I’m sorry Erme were you still sleeping? I didn’t even think about the time.” Can replied, glancing over at the clock that read 7:52, making it 6:52 in Istanbul.

      Emre laughed, ” It’s fine Abi, I was up getting ready to go to the office. What’s up?” He asked with curiosity. Can began to explain the events of the weekend, ” And to top it all off, I think that someone was in the house while we were gone.” He took a deep breath, feeling as if a weight had been lifted his body.

      Erme sat there in silence for a second, stunned at what he had heard. ” Someone damaged your boat. No one saw anyone, that’s strange. The village is so small and deserted, you would think that something like that would stand out in someone mind.” Erme said, trying to make sense of his brother’s statement. ” And why do you think that someone was in the house? Erme asked, his mind already forming an opinion. 

      Can lowered his voice, almost to a whisper as he answered, ” I just had this feeling all weekend that something was wrong, something wasn’t right at home. I can’t even explain it, but I felt like I needed to be here to protect the island. Does that make sense to you?” Can asked. “Then after we got home, I found Sanems scarf crumbled up and lying on the floor in the bedroom. And the sliding back door was open about 2 inches.” He told him, feeling more uneasy than ever as he listened to his own words.

      ” Can, what are you thinking. You know someone would have to take a boat to the island, so most likely they had to hire someone to take them.” Erme rationalized. ” Did you ask around to see if anyone had taken someone there. Damn Can, what do you think they wanted?” 

       The same thoughts were racing around in his head as well, ” I don’t have a clue Erme, but you’re right I need to go to the village and ask around. So you’re coming next week, right…I’ll be glad to see you. I have to shake this off before Sanem and the kids get up.” Can replied, looking around to make sure he was still alone.

      Although it was short, the early morning flight to Istanbul from Athens had given Polen more time to think. The necklace of Cans didn’t match at all with her outfit of a dark green tight-fitting top and her black spandex skirt, but she had proudly draped the leather strap around her neck as she dressed that morning, hiding the necklace underneath her top. She enjoyed the feel of it against her skin, especially the large smooth stone as it nestled down between her breasts.

      She closed her eyes and imagined Can wearing the necklace. A smiled creeped across her face ever so slightly, as she envisioned him with it on. This had touched Cans skin, and now it was touching hers. The thought gave her goosebumps, and a shiver ran down her back. Polen slowly opened her eyes and looked at herself in the mirror, ” Just like this necklace Can, you will once again be mine.” She mumbled the words quietly and calmly as she pressed the stone firmly against body.

      Can and Erme finished their conversation with Can promising his brother that he would make a trip into the village to ask around if anyone had given a stranger a ride to the island. Can would have to make up an excuse to tell Sanem, he was sure he didn’t want to tell her the real reason he needed go into Antikythera. 

      Tana and Deniz were up before Sanem, begging for their dad to make them his famous crepes. Can could never refuse them anything, so before long the table was set with an array of delicious food. 

      The smell had drifted down the hall to where Sanem was sleeping, stimulating her senses and making her stomach growl. She opened her eyes and smiled, Can has made his crepes, she thought, as she climbed out of bed and hurried to the bathroom. She splashed the cool water on her face to freshen up before heading to the kitchen.

      Can was just turning the corner to start down the hallway to their bedroom to wake Sanem when he bumped into her, ” Oh sweetie, I’m sorry.” He blurted out, wrapping his arms around her. ” I was coming to wake you for breakfast.” He remarked, pulling her closer to him. She laughed, snuggling up against his muscled chest, ” The smell woke me. And I’m starving.” She said kissing him on the chest.

      The outdoor table was full of delicious food. Sanem clapped her hands together as they stepped outside to the patio, ” Doesn’t this look wonderful. My babies, good morning.” She exclaimed, leaning over to give them a kiss on the head. 

      They had just finished eating when Can said, ” I need to make a trip into the village this morning is there anything you need.” He asked nonchalantly. 

      ” Why are you going to the village, I thought we got everything we needed over the weekend.” Sanem asked. 

      This is where Can would have to lie…. Tell Sanem something that wasn’t true…again.

Chapter 16

Can stepped over into the boat, ” I won’t be gone long. and don’t worry.” He said to Sanem. She frowned at him, ” You know better than to say that, because I’m going to worry until you get back.” 

      He nodded at Deniz, ” Watch after your mom and sister for me, ok. I won’t be gone long.” The young boy smiled, ” Of course dad, I always do.” He answered, standing up a little taller and sticking out his chest. 

      ” I don’t know why you have to see Mr. Agros today. The school won’t start for a few weeks yet. We have plenty of time.” Sanem argued as she helped untie the ropes from the dock. 

      ” Because I don’t want to wait till the last minute. We need to know what they expect from us once the school starts.” He answered, as he when over the routine check of the boat before he fired it up. ” Two hours tops, then I’ll be back. Don’t worry.” Can yelled back to his family on the dock as he eased the boat out into the main body of water. 

      Sanem watched until he was out of sight, like she always did. She never felt at ease when he was gone. ” Mom come on, he will be back before you know it.” Deniz said, motioning for his mother to come to the garden. She smiled and shook her head, in awe of how grownup her oldest son had become, as she walked up the dock to the garden.

      Can docked the boat in it’s usual spot. The 20-minute boat ride had given him some time to think. What if he found the person that had given someone a ride out to their island, then what? He wondered. How was he going to protect his family then? 

      Ares was the first to show up on the pier, ” Mr Divit, you’re back.” He said as Can tossed the large rope out for him to secure to the post. ” Is everything all right on the island?” He asked, as Can hopped over the side of the boat to then pier.

      ” Well I hope it will be.” Can replied. ” I’m going to ask around to see if anyone has taken someone out to the island. Things just don’t seem right about all of this.” Can said, waving his arm around toward the boat. 

      Can headed toward the school first. He knew he would have to do what he told Sanem he was going to do, just to cover his story. ” Mr. Argos, how are you?” Can asked, extending his hand for a handshake. 

      After a short visit with the principal and gathering some more information about the classes, Can started back toward the pier. The small little outdoor cafe was busy so Can decided to start his inquiry there. Most of the village men gathered there for coffee each morning and sometimes lingered there for lunch as well. 

      All the men welcomed him, “ Can, hello. Come sit down. What brings you into the village this morning.” Mr. Spanos asked, giving Can a firm handshake. Can sat down, giving everyone a friendly nod. “Oh, I had some business at the school.” He said, not wanting to get right into the main reason he was in town. 

     Can looked around the table of men, recognizing all of them but one younger man sitting at the far end of the table. Can nodded at the man, ” Hello, I don’t believe I have met you.” Can said, standing and leaning over the table to shake his hand. 

      ” Oh this is my nephew, he is here from Sparta. He came here a few weeks ago, I think I introduced you at the time.” Mr. Spanos answered. ” His name is Jonas, if you remember.” 

      Can had vaguely recalled meeting the man some time before, ” Yes now I remember, of course.” The young man shifted in his seat, seeming uncomfortable at Cans presence. The news of the boat being vandalized had already reached the whole village, so Mr. Spanos was the first to ask, ” Have you found out anything about who could have damaged your boat. It’s so out of character for things like that to happen here.” The older man said.

      ” No, not yet, but trust me I will. That’s one reason I came to town today. I thought that maybe one of you men might have seen anyone suspicious in town this last weekend.” Can asked looking around the table at all the men.

      One of the elders was quick to answer, ” I do recall the tourist count was small last weekend. The ferry from Kythira had only a dozen or so people. But I didn’t notice anyone that looked different.” He said, glancing around at the other men.

      Can hesitated for a moment before continuing, ” I think that someone was on the island also. I am going to ask you all, did anyone of you take a person out to the island?” Can asked, glancing around at all the men. 

      He could tell the question had bothered some of the men, ” Sorry, I’m not meaning to imply to accuse anyone of you, I just want to know if you saw anything.” He said, rephrasing the question.

      The younger man stood up abruptly, ” Uncle, I will go take care of those things now. I will see you later at home.” Mr. Spanos nodded, ” Ok Jonas, but there no rush. Sit and enjoy your coffee.”  He spoke. Jonas smiled and nodded at all the other men as he hurried to leave, but he barely glanced at Can. 

      Can knew the young man was running from something, or hiding something with just his actions, but he didn’t want to say anything just yet. ” So none of you saw anyone suspicious, or anyone that stood out.” He asked before getting up to leave.

      One of the other men spoke up, ” Well I did see a woman get off the ferry on Friday that looked different.” He spoke, with a laugh. ” She was like no one else I had seen around her in a long time, and she was traveling alone.” He remarked, with a smirk and a raise of the eyebrows.

      He had Cans attention, ” What made her different Tobias?” He asked. The older man smiled, “Well she was as long legged as one of those Paris models we see on the magazines, and a skinny as a stick. She wasn’t dressed like a regular tourist, she had on a skimpy little outfit that fit her real tight, and she had on those shoes with the little, tiny sticks for heels.” He explained, shaking his head. ” She got my attention right away. And her hair was down to here.” He said measuring down passed his waist.

      Can listened, not believe what he was hearing from the old man. He was in fact, describing Polen almost to a tee. 

      ” Oh really, did she talk to anyone, or did you see where she went?” Can asked, leaning over toward the older man. Tobias tapped his finger on his chin, ” Hmm, I didn’t see her talk to anyone, and I didn’t follow her around, because she might have thought I was stalking her.” He replied, giving Can the eye…” But I did see her head toward the pier.” 

      Can felt a cold chill sweep over his body…. Polen had been there. It was the only logical explanation…. But why? 

      Can thanked the men for their help and quickly headed to the boat…. All the information swirling in his head like the wind from a storm. 

      Would they ever be free of this woman…he wondered, dreading the day that he had meant her…..What was she thinking, coming here and invading their privacy…..

Chapter 17

Can climbed over the side of the boat and settled down in the captain’s chair.  His mind still a flurry from everything he had just heard. He closed his eyes trying to calm himself. He went through each scenario in his head…

       It all was beginning to make sense. The boat being damaged, specifically the name of the boat. “My Albatross” was definitely a term that referred only to Sanem. That and the smell of her perfume had been the anchor of their love and what had held them together all these years. So for that to be the only thing damaged on the boat was a clear sign for him.

      He idled the boat out into the channel of water between the Antikythera and Divit Island. He glanced at his watch, he had been gone for over 3 hours and he knew that Sanem was probably worried beyond belief, so he pushed down on the throttle and headed to the island.

      This information would have to stay with him for a while. He didn’t see a reason to alarm Sanem, at least not right now. 

      Sanem had positioned herself in the front garden to be closer to the dock. She had her notebook in hand and was trying to focus on writing, but the fact that Can had been gone longer than expected, had her ill-at-ease. 

      Her eyes strained to look out across the channel of dark blue water, just to catch a glimpse of the the boat coming her way. She shook her head, ” I don’t know why he had to go to town today,” She mumbled out loud, frustrated at herself for being such a worry wart. 

      She focused back on her notebook, pen in hand and ready to write. The phone call from Ahmet earlier, urging her to finish up the next series of her book, had been a nice distraction but her thoughts were still on Can. She knew he had been acting funny since they got the news in Chania that someone had vandalized their boat, and even more so after they got home. She knew her husband well and she knew he would do anything to keep from upsetting her.

      Can was still deep in thought when he saw the island come into view. He knew she would be waiting for him on the dock so he would have to wipe that look of concern off his face before he got there.

      He rounded the island, pulling back on the throttle and letting the boat drift into the cove. Sure enough, there she was, standing on the dock with her arms crossed. 

      ” Finally, what took you so long.” She blurted out. Can smiled, ” You say that every time I go to the village. I’m sorry, I got into a conversation with Mr. Spanos and some of the other men at the cafe.” He told her, hoping she wouldn’t ask what the conversation was about.

      Sanem tied the anchor ropes to the posts and waited for Can to step out of the boat. ” Well did you talk to Mr. Argos, when does he want us to start. I hope he doesn’t want us to begin before Emre and Leila come for their visit.” Sanem asked, sliding her arm around his body as they walked toward the garden.

      ” No, it’s going to be about a month. They are still working on the classroom there in the old church building.” Can explained. Many years ago, the residents of Antikythera and some of the people from Chania had erected a new church closer to the beach on the other side of the island, leaving the old stone church building vacant.

       Although not perfect, the building would have room for at least three individual classrooms and was also open to the outdoors as well. Can was anxious to get started with his photography classes, he needed something to take his mind off of their problems. Sanem was excited as well to be teaching the fundamentals of writing, but for her the gift came to her through her love for Can.

      ” Oh Ahmet phoned while you were gone. They want the book, and I’m nowhere near having it done. But he wants it by the first of November.” Sanem grumbled, wishing she hadn’t promised another installment to the series so soon.

      ” Can… Can, are you listening to me?” She said, speaking a little louder. Can had let his mind wander back to the conversation with the men earlier, still trying to piece it all together. But a nudge from Sanem brought him around, ” Hey, where were you, I was talking to you. Are you ok?” She asked, peering into his face.

       Emre had been so busy all morning he barely had time to look up, so when he heard the tap on his door, he didn’t even look to see who it was, ” Yes, come in.” Emre said, still focusing on his laptop.

      ” Hello, I hope I haven’t come at a bad time” The ladies voice said. Emre looked up quickly, “Polen, uhh, no, uhh, no not at all.” Emre stammered, standing to shake her extended hand. Polen smiled, ” Good, I just thought I would drop by. I’ve been out of town for a few days taking care of some business of my dad’s.” She spoke as she sat down across the desk from him.

      Emre tried not to act shocked, but that’s exactly what he was…shocked. ” Oh really, and where was that?” He asked, as he positioned himself across from her. Polen wrinkled up her nose, ” No place exciting, just a small town in Greece. You know my father had some dealings with an old friend there, so I had to tie up the loose ends so to speak.” She answered, making it sound less than important.

      Emre raised his eyebrows, ” Oh really, Greece, hmm. Well, I think that sounds pretty exciting myself. Did you get to enjoy the beaches while you were there?” He asked studying her reaction.

      ” Yes, in fact I did, one of the small little beaches there. It was quite beautiful.” She replied with a hint of sarcasm in her tone. ” Very quaint little beach, practically deserted, but I did find some treasures there.” She said with a laugh….

      Emre winched, not believing his ears. She was all be telling him that it was her that was on Can’s island. He watched her intently as she talked, he had never known her to be so superficial before, almost condescending in her manner. Had he completely misjudged her all those years that she was together with Can. Or had she become a totally different person.

      Emre was emerged in his thoughts as Polen rambled on about this and that, when his office door opened abruptly, ” Emre my love, have you finished that contract yet. The finance department is waiting on it.” Leila snipped, her eyes darting toward Polen. 

      Polen stood, ” Sorry, I have kept you from your work.” She quipped, reaching her hand across the desk to shake his. She shot a quick look to Leila as she turned to leave, “ Leila,… nice to see you.” She smirked as she sauntered out the door.

      Leila felt the slow burn of anger rise to the top as she watched her walk away. ” Ok my dear, what was she doing here. And please don’t insult be by some lame excuse.” 

      Emre was beginning to feel the heat from his wife’s stare…….But he knew he couldn’t let her know about Can’s suspicions……

Chapter 18

 Sanem knew for a fact that Can was keeping something from her.  And she knew it was something about the damage to the boat, but why would he not tell her. 

      ” So, did you have a nice visit with the elders? I know how you love to swap stories with them.” Sanem questioned, as she snuggled up closer to him in the lounger. He took a deep breath, letting his mind conjure up a lie…” I did. They are just full of stories you know.” He answered, wanting desperately to avoid the conversation about it.

      The ringing of his phone had saved him from any further questions. He sat up quickly when he saw the call was from Emre. ” Abi, what’s up. I hope you’re not calling with bad news.” Can replied, as he stood and walked toward the dock. He blew a kiss to Sanem as he headed down to pathway. She smiled and waved, but she knew he wanted the conversation to be in private.

      ” Men, …always so secretive.” She huffed as she slumped back in the lounge chair…. She should write a book about the differences between men and women….she thought, as she turned her focus back to her laptop.

       ” Abi, you will never guess who just left my office. And Leila came in and caught her here.” Emre said, sounding in a panic. Can hesitated for a second before he answered, ” Emre I not in the mood to play games, just tell me.” Can blurted back at him, already annoyed at his brother’s dramatic flair.

      ” None other than Polen herself my dear brother. She waltzed right in like nothing was wrong.” He told him. ” And do you know what she told me? She told me she had been out of town for a few days…she had been handling from business of her dad’s,…and do you know where?” Emre paused, letting the information sink into his brother’s head.

      Can listened intently, getting that feeling of dread. ” Ok Emre, come out with it, where did she tell you she had been?” Can asked through gritted teeth. 

      Emre took another second before answering, listening to the heavy breathing of his brother on the other end the line. ” She said she was in Greece. She told me to my face that she had gone to Greece.” Emre emphasized, his voice in a high-pitched whisper.

      Can knew his suspicions had been right. He knew she was the one that damaged the boat and somehow, she made it out to their island as well. His stomach was churning as he came to terms with what he had learned.

      ” Abi, Abi, are you still there?” Emre asked frantically. ” Yes Emre I’m here.” Can replied. “Tell me everything she said, every single word.” Can replied to his brother. Emre did just that, going over the entire conversation that they had. 

      ” Abi, she sounded a little creepy. She’s not the same Polen we use to know.” Emre told him. Can closed his eyes, wishing that it would all go away. ” I know Abi. I was hoping that over the years her treatments had helped her, but it looks like they haven’t. But I have to be sure that it was her, I can’t just go on assumption.” He replied.

      He knew that meant another trip back to the village, and more questions to be asked. But he would find the man that brought her out here to their island. He would keep this all to himself for a while longer, until he was sure, then he would tell Sanem.

      ” Ok Can, but we will try and come a couple of days early. Maybe I can help you.” Emre said.     ” See you in a few days. I will let you know when we are on our way.” He said as he ended the call.

      Can stood there for a minute, looking out across the sea. This was supposed to be their hideaway, their safe haven, the place where he could keep this family happy. But here she was again…..the woman that wanted to destroy his wife. 

      He took a deep breath before heading back to the garden and Sanem. ” Hey, good news my dear. Emre and Leila are coming early. They will be here in a few days.” Can called out to her as he got closer. 

      ” What, they’re coming early? She squealed, jumping up and throwing her arms around his neck. ” When are they coming. What did he say. Are they coming by the weekend, or will they be here before?” She bombarded him with questions.

      It always made him feel good when he could make her this happy. He smiled, ” By the weekend I think, he said he would let me know when they were on their way.” Can explained. Sanem squealed again, covering his face with kisses.

      Emre went to find Leila and give her the good news. He peeked his head around the door of her office, ” Hey, you still upset with me?” he asks, turning on that famous Divit charm. Leila glanced up, then went back to her work. ” Yes, I am, but that’s nothing new. I just don’t know why   you still need to be friends with that woman.” Leila grumbled in a huff.

      Emre walked around and sat down on the edge of her desk.  ” I’m sorry babe, but she just walked in, what was I supposed to do kick her out?” He asked as he smoothed back a piece of her hair that had fell across her face. ” Look, I know that she has hurt Sanem,…and Can too. But sometimes it’s better to keep those kinds of people closer to you.” He muttered. ” What is that saying, “Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer” Emre replied, as he kissed her hand.

      Leila rolled her eyes, ” That’s just a saying Emre, I don’t think it’s actually a motto we should live by. And she didn’t just hurt Sanem, she tried to destroy her, there’s a difference.” Leila recited, jerking her hand away from Emre’s. 

      ” I know, I know. You are right. I won’t let her in the office again…ok? He pleaded, reaching for her hand again. She took a deep breath and exhaled forcefully, ” Ok, I will hold you to that. Now go away, I have a lot to finish up here.” She snipped, as she gave him a little smile and a wink.

      He stood to leave, satisfied he had won her over. ” Oh, by the way, we are leaving for Chania on Thursday evening so we can catch the ferry to Antikythera on Friday morning. So, get that work finished up, we will be gone for a while.” He announced with a smile.

      ” We’re going early. Are you sure we can, did you talk to Can about it.” She shouted, jumping up from her desk. He smiled, ” I did, and everything is set. They can’t wait for us to get there…

      Emre headed back to his office, quite pleased with the way he handled his wife. Now they just needed to find out what Polen was up to……

      Sanem had taken her laptop and settled down on the back patio after dinner. Can watched her from the kitchen, praying that he would find out what Polen was up to before something bad happened.

      ” Writing again?” Can asked as he brought her some tea. ” Yes, I want to finish the book before Leila and Emre get here.” She answered not looking up from her computer. 

       “Ok, but please don’t work too long. I get lonely in the bed all alone.” He told her, tracing his finger down the length of her arm.

       The goosebumps rose to the top of her skin with just his touch. ” Can, I really need to work. But I’ll come to bed soon.” She replied as she watched him walk back in the door. She closed her eyes, ” Oh lord, give me strength.” She mumbled, as she turned back to her laptop with a smile….

Chapter 19

  Polen had rented a flat in the center of Istanbul. Nothing elaborate, but yet stylish, something very much her style. She had a perfect view of the sea and all the lights of Istanbul. 

      She poured a glass of wine and ventured out to the small terrace, letting her mind drift. She wondered how Can and Sanem felt about the damage to the boat. A smile eased across her face as she thought about it. She took more joy in ripping up that silly name of the boat than what she expected. 

      The wine tasted good as she sat there planning her next move. She would wait a few days before returning to Antikythera, sort of let things settle down a bit from her first visit.  She would find the same man to help her out again, he seemed to be ready to do anything she asked, even supplying the knife she used to slash through the leather inscription. 

      She tilted back her head, breathing in deeply, drawing in the smell of the sea. So relaxing and calming. She could see why Can had chosen to live on a remote island, in the middle of the Sea of Crete. He had simply chosen the wrong person to live there with, that’s all. 

      Yes, she would make her way back to the tiny little island very soon. This time she hoped they would be there. Or at least she hoped Sanem would be there, she had some unfinished business with that silly little girl that stole Can away from her.

      Can blinked, trying to focus his eyes as the sunlight poured in through the window. He glanced at his phone for the time, 7:10 it read. He stretched out his arms and legs, reaching over to the other side of the bed for Sanem. 

      She hadn’t even undressed from the night before. She had just curled up in a ball on top of the covers, still in her clothes. He wondered when she came to bed, it must have been late for her not to dress for bed. He reached for the throw at the foot of the bed and gently draped it over her body, careful not to disturb her.

      As bad as he wanted to touch her and feel her body next to his, he resisted. A little workout on the beach would have to do this morning, just to expel some of this sexual tension. He grabbed his workout shorts and headed to the bathroom to splash some water on his face.

      The sun was a bright and welcomed addition to the morning. It had been a few days since they had such a beautiful start to the day. He had installed a pull-up bar in the backyard, and he had a nice area designed where he could do his push-ups and other exercises, so that was where he started.  

      A good physical workout, followed by a jog down the beach and finished off with a dip in the water was the best way he knew to start off a good day. 

      He was relaxing on the patio with a cup of tea when Sanem slide open the door. ” There you are. Did you have a good workout?” She asked, leaning down to give him a kiss. He grabbed her around the waist, pulling her down to his lap, ” Oh no you don’t, not so quick.” He said, trapping her against his body. 

      She didn’t put up much of a struggle as he ran his hands down her back and along the curvature of her bottom. She giggled, ” What are you doing. Is someone in a mood this morning?” She asked as he kissed her neck.

      ” Hmmm, yes you could say that. You left me alone in the bed last night, remember.  Now you have to pay.” He grunted, as his mouth traveled down her neck to her décolletage.  He slides the thin strap of her dress off of her shoulder, exposing her breast. She sucked in her breath sharply, that hot tingly feeling erupted quickly as his hand covered her breast, kneading and massaging it gently, “ Babe, let’s go back to bed. I need to feel all of you.” Can whispered softly in her ear. 

      Can lead her through the house and down the hallway to their bedroom. He closed the door quietly, eager to restart their day with the feel of his wife’s body against his. She was the best part of any day for him….

      The rest of the day was busy for the Divit family. Deniz was moving things around in his room to make room for his two cousins. He had decided he wanted to make beds on the floor for them all to sleep on, so they had to move a few pieces of furniture. 

      Tana was pouting, as usual, because there weren’t any other girls for her to play with. ” The boys will play with you too dear.” Sanem told her, giving Deniz the eye. Deniz rolled his eyes, “But mom, she only wants to play with dolls. We don’t want to play with dolls.” The older brother said. ” If she wants to play pirates than she’s welcome to play with us.” He said with authority.

      Sanem looked at Can, wanting help with the situation. Can just shrugged his shoulders as if to agree with his son. Sanem nodded, ” Ok then, Tana you can play with Mommie and Aunt Leila. We will make daddy and uncle Emre sleep in the guest room and we can have an all-girl sleeping party.” Sanem announced, giving Can a smirky little smile. Tana clapped her hands together, “For the whole time they are here, every night, just me, you and Aunt Leila.” She shouted with a shriek. Sanem smiled, ” Maybe, we’ll just have to see.” She answered, looking at Can. He knew he might have made a big mistake by not siding with his wife on the playing subject.

      Even though they had been busy all week preparing for the family visit, Can was still thinking about Polen and what she had in mind. He had decided to go into the village early on Friday to pick up Emre and Leila. He wanted to see if he could find that young man Jonas. He had acted very strangely that day at the cafe and Can was anxious to ask him some questions. 

      ” Babe, the boat will be crowded, and they will have a few bags as well, so it’s probably best if you and the kids stay home. I’ll get there early just in case the ferry is early.” He told her, as he boarded the boat. She agreed, knowing he was probably right. 

     Sanem and the two children watched until the boat disappeared, as they always did when he made the trip to the village.  But this time she was excited for him to go, because he would be bringing back her only sister….

      She got busy in the kitchen, getting a jump start on the food for the day. She didn’t want to spend all their time in the kitchen after they got there. 

      Can made it to the village in record time. The water was smooth and calm, making the trip easy. He docked the boat and headed to the cafe where he knew the elders would be. He saw the table full of men outside of the small cafe. He looked around for the younger man but didn’t see him.  Then he spotted him down the street, walking his way.

      Can waved at him, ” Hi, Jonas isn’t it.” He asked. The young man shook his head. ” Yes, but I don’t know anything about what happened to your boat.” He blurted out and started to hurry on by.

      ” That’s funny, I hadn’t asked you anything about my boat.” Can remarked, raising his eyebrows. ” But I will now.” 

Chapter 20

 Can could see the young man’s face turn slightly red, ” I don’t know anything mister…. really. I heard you…uhh,.. talking with my uncle and the other men the other day…uhhh,..but, uhh…I didn’t have any idea who you were talking about.” Jonas stammered and stuttered around before finally getting it out. 

      Can could tell the man was lying, so he pushed him a little harder. ” Well, I think you know a lot more than what you’re saying. A woman came in on the ferry from Kythira, and someone gave her a ride in their boat to my island. Those are the facts, do you want to fill in the rest of the story for me….or do I need to go get your uncle?” Can said, prepared to carry out the threat. 

      Jonas twisted around, fidgeting with his cap, ” No, please don’t get my uncle. If he finds out what happened, he will send me back to Trikala.” He pleaded with Can. ” Look I didn’t know who she was, she just wanted a ride out to that island. My uncle had told me about you and that you came here from Turkey and bought the island.” Jonas explained, shifting his eyes away as he felt the the hot glare from Cans eyes. 

      Can put his hands on Jonas’s shoulder, looking him directly in the eyes, ” What did she do when you took her there? Don’t leave out anything, I want to know everything.” Can ordered as he gritty his teeth together. 

      ” I don’t know what she did. Truth, I don’t know. I dropped her off and came back 3 hours later and picked her up. That’s it…..I promise.” He stuttered, backing away from Can. 

      Can clenched his fists, resisting the urge to punch the young guy in the face. ” So, you left her there, why? And my boat…she did that too. Or did she get you to do it?” Can blurted out in frustration. 

      Jonas shook his head, ” No, she did it. She ask to borrow my knife, but I didn’t know what she was going to do with it. Then she climbs over in your boat and started slashing away at it.” He continued, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

       Can rubbed his face with his hands, hard, then closed his eyes trying to make sense out of what he had just heard. 

      ” Look, I want to talk to you again, but right now I’m meeting my brother and his family that are coming in on the ferry. Don’t you go anywhere, I will be back to the village in a few days.” Can said before heading off toward the dock.

      ” Ok mister, I’ll be here, just don’t tell my uncle, ok. And by the way, the lady said she was coming back, and soon. Just thought you should know.” Jonas said, in a scared timid voice as he avoided Can’s stare. 

      ” Hey Abi, there you are.” Emre yelled out, interrupting the conversation between Can and Jonas. Can turned around quickly to see his brother, Leila and the kids heading his way. 

      Jonas hurried off down the street the other way breathing a sigh of relief. Can smiled and waved, ” Emre, Leila, good to see you.” Can replied, as he wrapped his arms around his brother giving him a hug.

      Emre knew they had interrupted an important conversation, but he also knows not to ask about it in front of Leila. So, they needed on toward the pier where Cans boat was docked. 

      In no time they had the bags and the children along with Leila, loaded up in the boat ready to go. Emre and Leila’s sons, Kaan and Amir, were beyond excited to make that short trip across the channel to Divit Island. 

      Within thirty minutes they had arrived at the dock, and were greeted by Sanem, Deniz and Tana. Sanem waved excitedly as the boat came into view, ” Abla, you made it.” She yelled out from the dock.

      Leila waved with both hands above her head, ” Sanem, yes we made it.” She answered back as the boat gently bumped up against the dock.

      Leila barely let the boat come to rest against the wooden dock before climbing over the side and wrapping her arms around her sister. The boys were just as happy to get there, jumping out and running to meet their cousins.

      Can had tried to act as if everything was fine, but Emre knew better. They unloaded their bags in silence, with Can barely looking his way.  After their company and the bags were finally deposited in the house, Can headed back to the dock to take care of the boat. Emre was quick to join him, wanting to know what was going on.

      ” Abi, hey I know we walked in on something back there in the village, and don’t tell me that I’m wrong. Just tell me what’s going on.” Emre said as they secured the boat. Can couldn’t hold in his frustration any longer as he flopped down in the seat. ” Look Emre, this stays between us, and I mean it. You can’t repeat it to anyone, most of all Leila.” Can said, giving his brother that look.

      Emre held up his hands in defense, ” I promise I won’t say a word. Now tell me what was going on back there.”  The next few minutes Can proceeded to tell Emre what he had just found out himself. The whole story seemed as if it should have been written in some weird mysterious book, but in fact it was truer than either of them wanted.

      Emre sat stunned at what he had heard. ” So, this Jonas guy just brought her here and left her. How stupid can a person be.” Emre spoke, shaking his head.

      Can continued, ” Thats why there were so many signs of someone being here that weekend we were gone. She was here for hours, just roaming around through our stuff. It makes me sick just to think of it.” Can gushed, as he paced back and forth on the boat. 

      ” There was something else too, one of my favorite necklaces is gone. The one with the braided leather rope and the large, polished stone that I found on one of my trips years ago.” Can revealed, moving closer to his brother and talking in a whisper. 

      Can sat down holding his head in his hands, ” It all makes so much sense now. Sanems’ scarf all crumpled up and lying on the floor, my missing necklace and the sliding glass door left open. All was done by her, she did all of those things and maybe even more, who knows.” He replied, feeling as if he had been kicked in the stomach.

      ” Hey you two, lunch is ready. What are you all doing out there anyway.” Sanem called to them from the garden. Can whirled around quickly, startled to hear her voice, ” Ok my love, we are on our way.” He answered, giving her a wave. He turned back to Emre, ” Remember, not a word to anyone, not until I get to speak to Jonas again.” Can leaned close to Emre, pointing his finger in his face.

      Emre nodded in agreement. They both finished taking care of the boat and then made their way back to the house. Putting on a big smile, Can walked in to the kitchen clapping his hands together, ” Something smells delicious, doesn’t it Emre. Let’s eat.” He announced, pulling out the chair and motioning for Sanem to sit down. 

      Sanem didn’t know what was going on him, but she loved the gentlemanly gestures, she thought, giving him a smile as she sat down. 

      Leila was eager to let Can and Sanem know about Polen and her recent visit. She cleared her throat as she glanced around at the table at the three of them, ” So did Emre tell you who came to visit with him the other day……none other than Ms. Polen.” She blurted out, still angry at the thought of it.

      Sanem looked at Emre then to Can, feeling a twinge of fear. ” Oh really. Was this another visit since the one you wrote Can about? I hope this isn’t going to become a routine of hers.” Sanem replied, raising her eyebrows.

Chapter 21

Emre shifted nervously in his chair, ” Leila I told you it was just a harmless visit.” He replied as he patted his wife’s hand. Leila rolled her eyes, ” You guys, you never see anything. There never has been, or there never will anything “harmless ”  about Polen.” She stated, as she glared at Emre.

      Can held up his hand, ” Hey, ok let’s not get carried away. We all know that Polen has had her issues, but let’s not read anymore into it than just petty jealousy.” He said, trying to calm the situation. 

      Sanem had sat silently listening to what they had to say. ” What did she say Emre, I would really like to know.” She asked, looking him directly in the eyes. An uncomfortable feeling of dread had entered her body, she knew there was going to be more to her visit than what he would be willing to tell.

      ” I don’t want to hear anything about Polen.” Can spewed, his temper getting the best of him. ” Let’s just eat our lunch and talk about something a bit more pleasant. Like the fact they all will get to stay a little longer now.” He said, offering up a welcomed change of subject.

      ” Yes, two full weeks this time.” Emre replied, as he reached over to slap Can on the back. ” I cleared my work up for the next two weeks so we could stay with you all longer.” Leila smiled, “Thats right, but if I know you there will be plenty of phone calls from Deren that you will have to take.” She smirked. 

      Sanem was still in deep thought about why Polen had gone to see Emre again, but she would have to let it go for now. 

      The next few days brought a lot of joy to the island. They relaxed, they swam, the ate, the played games, they just took the time to catch up. Before they knew it the first week was over.

      ” I can’t believe that you will be leaving in 5 days.” Sanem whined, clunging to her sisters arms as they walked along the beach. ” I know, I could get use to this life, …i think” Leila joked. The thought of Polen had never left Sanems or Leilas mind, no matter how hard they tried. 

      ” I wonder what she wanted?” Sanem asked out of the blue as they were walking. Leila turned to her, looking a bit confused, ” Who?” she asked, stopping to look at her sister. Sanem sighed, ” I know I shouldn’t think about her, but I can’t help it. I want to know what Polen was doing at the agency.” She replied, annoyed at the fact she was letting her mind think of her.

      Can had wondered what excuse he could come up with to make another trip to the village. He had to finish that conversation with Jonas just to make sense of it. He would take Emre with him just to make sure there wouldn’t be a problem. 

      He walked out to the beach to Sanem and Leila, ” Hey, I think I’m taking Emre into the village with me to meet a few of the men there. Maybe have a drink and show him where we will be teaching.” He explained. ” We won’t be long, then I’ll cook dinner tonight, how’s that?” He asked, wrapping her up in his arms.

      Sanem and Leila agreed, begging them to be careful on the trip there and back. They both watched from the dock as the boat sped out across the water. “Do you ever get worried about him when he takes off like that? Leila asked, thinking how anything could happen between here and there. “Yes, every time. I don’t know what I would do if something happened to him,” she told her, shuddering at even the thought of it.

      It had been a little over three weeks since Polen had taken that first trip to Divit Island, and she was ready to start making her plans to return. This so-called marriage between Can and Sanem had gone on long enough. 

      Over the years she had let her delusional mind conjure up a meaningful relationship with Can. She was convinced that he was still in love with her, but he just hadn’t realized it himself. Her brother Yigit had given up trying to reason with her about Can Divit’s feelings a long time ago, leaving her all alone in her fight to become Mrs. Can Divit.

     She hadn’t seen Can since the day he brought Sanem to the hospital to announce to her that she had forgiven her for all she had done. ” That was really so big of her.” Polen smirked as she relived that day in her mind, remembering how she had smiled and accepted Sanems wishes of a speedy recovery and her hopes of her finding happiness. 

      But the only happiness that Polen wanted was to have Can back and Sanem eliminated. She knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but she was sure that Can would see it her way. After all, he had sent her that brief letter after she had offered her congratulations for his award a few years back. That was enough for her to know he still had feelings for her.

      She would go back to Antikythera very soon and visit that island once again. This time it would be Sanem that would be leaving the island along with her two children. She would be more than happy to give Can their own babies, as many as he wanted…

      It didn’t take Can long to locate Jonas once they made it to the village. ” Mr. Divit, I’ve told everything I know. She came here, paid me to get her to your island and back, that’s it. But like I said the other day, she said she would be back soon.” He told them. 

      ” And you were supposed to take her back to the island?” Can asked. Jonas nodded in agreement, ” Thats the way I took it. But look I don’t want any more problems, so she can find someone else to do her dirty work.” He said, throwing his hands up in the air.

      ” That’s right, you won’t take her anywhere. And I’ll make sure the other men understand they are not to take anyone to the island.” Can huffed, pointing his finger in Jonas’ face. The young man shook his head in agreement, ” Whatever you say Mr. Divit, like I said, I don’t want any more problems from that crazy lady.” He reassured Can.

      Can and Emre wandered around the pier, speaking with some of the other men there. Can explained the problem and requested that they didn’t bring anyone out to his island that they didn’t know. Everyone he talked to agreed, making him feel better about Polens threat to return to the island.

      Emre was worried about Can and his family. He couldn’t believe that Polen had lost her mind like that. As they shoved off from the pier and headed back to the island, Can knew that he hadn’t seen or heard the last of Polen. 

      But the next time he saw her, he would make sure that it would be the last……..

Chapter 22

 The next few days with Emre and Leila seemed to rush by, and before they knew it the time to pack up their things for the trip home to Istanbul had arrived.

      Sanem was helping Leila with the last-minute packing of the boys things, ” I can’t believe this two weeks has gone by so quickly. We need more time.” She muttered as she slumped down on the bed. Leila sat down beside her, ” I know, but we’ll come again soon, and maybe we can convince mom to come with us next time.” Her sister replied, trying to lift Sanem’s feelings.

      ” Maybe you could come for a visit next time.” Leila suggested, giving her sister a nudge. The thought of visiting the old neighborhood and her mom had crossed her mind, but she wasn’t sure how that would go. Especially now, knowing that Polen was back in Istanbul.

      ” I would love to visit, but……” She started. ” But what Sanem. You haven’t been back for so many years now.” Leila reminded her. 

      ” But…..Polen is back in Istanbul now.” She quipped, as she wrinkled up her forehead. That’s one thing she didn’t want to do is run into Polen somewhere. ” Besides we are starting at the school soon so we will be busy with that.” Sanem stated, ready to put an end to the subject.

      Leila nodded, ” I understand Abla, but you can’t run from Can’s past forever. The sooner you show Polen and everyone else that you and Can have a strong and happy marriage, the sooner they will leave you alone.”  

      Sanem knew her sister was right, their marriage was strong, but if all these strange things that had happened over the past were few weeks were caused by Polen, then it’s obvious that she hadn’t gotten over Can. She still had a hard time letting herself think that the damage to the boat and the possibility of someone being on the island was really Polen. But it was stuck in the back of her mind….

      Can and Emre were busy loading the bags in the boat the next day and enjoying their last few minutes together. The ferry left for Chania at 2:00pm so they would need to be on their way soon to get there in time. ” Look Emre, please be careful. Don’t give Polen any information, not about anything. She will use anything you say to get what she wants.” Can warned him as they loaded the boat for the trip to Antikythera. 

      Emre nodded in agreement, ” Dont worry, I won’t. But what about you. Are you going to be ok here? This place is so isolated and remote that anything could happen. Just make sure you don’t leave Sanem and the kids alone for very long at a time.” Emre told him, already feeling like something was bound to happen.

      This was her most dreaded time. The time to give her sister and nephews that final goodbye hug. ” Abla, please think about what I said yesterday. You can’t hide here from the past; it will only make you weak. You and Can are strong, so show it.” Leila whispered in her ear before stepping over into the boat.

      Sanem waved goodbye through the tears, she watched until they disappeared from sight in the midday fog. She wrapped her arms around her tightly feeling the chill from the foggy mist that was hanging heavily over the water. It made her shiver as she looked around, ” Where did the sun go. It’s usually clear and bright at this time of the day” she thought as she headed back to the house.

      The boat trip took a little longer than usual because of the fog and mist making it harder to see. Can knew very inch of the channel from their island to Antikythera but he was still cautious when the weather was like this. ” Abi, do you get fog like this very often?” Emre asked as they slipped through the water almost silently, with nothing more than the sound humming sound of the motor. ” Not often, but it does happen from time to time. Don’t worry we are almost to the pier” Can answered, with confidence.

      A short time later, with the boat docked and the bags unloaded, Can helped them on their way to the ferry. He watched his brother load up on the ferry with a lump in his throat. He was the only family he had left, and much to his surprise, he just realized how much he was going to miss him. Emre waved from the deck of the ferry, and Can returned the wave vigorously, ” See you soon.” Can yelled out as the boat pulled away from the dock. 

      This feeling was new for him. It was strange, he felt as if he may never see his brother and his family again. He immediately shook off that thought as he turned and started back to the other side of the island to his boat. 

      As he passed the cafe Mr. Spanos called out to him, ” Divit, be careful going back across, the fog seems to be getting thicker. Never seen it this bad before, it’s supposed to last for a while too. Hey, did you hear me?” The elder man yelled out a little louder.  

      Can waved, ” I did Mr. Spanos. Thanks for the warning, but I’ll be fine.” Can called back to him. 

      As Can idled out from the pier and headed to the channel he could see that Mr. Spanos had been right. The fog was rolling in, covering the water like a thick blanket of snow on the top of the mountains. He strained to see his way through, as he moved out into the main channel of water. 

      Sanem sat on the edge of the dock waiting for the sound of the boat motor in the distance. She had turned on all the lights on the dock to help him see better as he got closer. It felt like more like late evening than midday, as the fog became the barrier between the sea and the sky. 

      The mist and the fog had brought on an eerie silence to the sea. There was usually the sound of the wind and the waves they they crashed up around the dock, and the sound of the sea gulls as they hovered around the island searching for their next meal. But she couldn’t remember a time it had been so silent.

      The navigation on the boat was telling him that he was nearing the island. He could see the dim glow of amber light in the distance, and he knew the light came from his dock. He smiled, “She turned on all the lights for me, and I can bet she is sitting right there waiting for me.”  He thought as the glow became brighter, illuminating through the fog.

      Sanem turned her head slightly as she heard a slight sound, a muffled sound of a boat motor. She was sure that’s what it was, as she stood peering out, looking for the spotlight on the front of the boat…….Then she saw it, the light from the front of the boat. 

      She took a deep breath and exhaled as the boat came into view……” He was home, he made it home……” Can, you made it.” She called out, waving her arms in the air.      

      He waved back, ” Of course I did, why would you even doubt it.” He answered, feeling a welcomed sense of relief…..

Chapter 23

  Polen had seen no reason to postpone her visit back to the island any longer, so she booked a flight for the next day from Istanbul to Athens. She packed her bag with everything she thought she may need for an extended stay on the island. She had no thoughts of returning to Istanbul as she got ready to leave that morning. 

      She smiled as she looked around the flat for the last time. She had only lived there for a short time, and she knew that this was not going to be her permanent home, but she had become attached to the place. She knew in her heart that her home was with Can…on that island. 

      Polen closed the apartment and turned the key in to the manager at the front office as she left. 

      The flight to Athens was slightly delayed due to the weather. It seemed the whole area had been covered in a thick fog, making visibility difficult around Athens and all the islands. It was late by the time she landed in Athens so she found a room for the night, hoping the fog would lift by morning. Her flight from Athens to Kythira was due to leave early the next morning.

      After yet another short delay her plane was finally on its way to the island of Kythira. She was excited to get there, and take the next leg of her trip, a two-hour ferry ride from Kythira to the small island of Antikythera and she was would be almost home, she thought. 

      The fog was beginning to lift by the time her plane touched down on Kythira making visibility better. She took a taxi from Kythira airport to the pier, ready to board the ferry and take that final two hour ride to Antikythera. 

      The fog had all but dissipated by the time the ferry docked at Antikythera, but the wind was becoming a factor as she grabbed her bags and headed toward the village. She needed to find Jonas as soon as possible so he could take her on that most important final leg of her journey. She hurried to the small outdoor cafe where all the men gather to pass the time. But Jonas wasn’t there, ” No ma’am we haven’t seen Jonas in a couple of days.” Replied one of the older men. 

      Polen took a deep breath, ” Ok, so maybe one of you gentlemen would like to take me to one of the islands.” She asked, reaching into her handbag to pull out some cash. The men looked at each other, determined to keep their promise to Can. ” Which island ma’am, there are a few around here.” One of the men asked.

      Polen nervously fidgeted with her bags as she answered, ” I need to get to Divit Island, they are friends of mine and I want to surprise them with a visit.” She spoke. One by one each man refused her request and her offer of money.

      She pleaded but they all refused to make the trip to the island. ” If the Divit’s are your friends, then just call them and Can will be more than happy to come and pick you up, I’m sure of it.” Mr. Spanos replied. 

      Polen shoved the money back into her bag, letting her anger begin to show. ” Fine, I will get there on my own. How difficult can it be to drive a boat out to their island. I’m sure that Can will be very upset to hear that no one here would help me.” She spouted as she grabbed her bag and stomped off toward the old pier.

      Can walked from their garden down to the beach. He was glad the fog had finally lifted, but that seemed to have brought in the wind, as he looked out into the main body of water. The waves were rising and falling with force as they crashed up on the beach. 

      He had decided to tell Sanem what he had found out from Jonas, but he wanted to wait until the children went to bed that night to fill her in. He knew she would be upset and scared, and he didn’t want the kids to see that. 

      Just waiting for something to happen was almost more than he could bear. He tried to reason with himself, saying that she wouldn’t be crazy enough to return, but something in his heart was saying different. He would have to be prepared for anything.

      Sanem watched him from the back garden as he paced back and forth on the beach. She knew him well and she knew he was battling with something or someone in his head. He always tried to protect her, she knew that, but sometimes she needed to hear the truth. 

      ” Babe, come on, dinner is ready.” She called out, waving to him. He waved back and started toward the house.   She waited on him on the patio, ” What were you doing down there, the wind is so bad you might get blown away.” She joked as he wrapped her up in his arms. 

      Can drew in the smell of her, letting it fill him completely, ” Just thinking, thinking about how lucky we are.” He answered. She stood on her tiptoes, stretching to reach his neck as she kissed him gently. ” Yes, we are lucky. But your babies are hungry, so let’s eat.” She said, following that with a firm kiss on the lips.

      She excited him with just a touch, as he held on to her, ” Wait not so fast. I want another one of those.” He mumbled, searching her lips for a deeper and longer kiss. She snickered, ” Can the kids are watching.” She said as she gave him another kiss. ” Just keep that thought for later, ok.” She whispered, as she gave him a quick peck.

        Polen trampled about on the pier, dragging along her large bag, as she searched for someone with a boat to take her to the island. Each person gave her the same answer, ” Ma’am the wind is much too bad to try and get to Divit Island today.”  She scoffed as she listened to the man that took care of the pier recite the same explanation to her. 

      ” Look, do you have a boat that I could rent. I am more than capable to maneuver a boat across the channel to the island.” She explained, as she slammed her money down on the table. She had that determined look in her eyes, one that told the older man she was used to getting her way. ” Look lady, the waves are high and the only boat I have is a small fishing boat. I don’t think it will make it out there.” He told her.

      But Polen insisted…..and insisted. ” Ok, if you are sure you can handle it.” He said reaching for the money. ” It’s full of gas and there is an oar and on board in case of emergency.”  He said pointing to the boat at the end of the dock.     

      Polen nodded and headed out to the boat. She hesitated at first as she looked at the small boat with nothing more than one seat and a steering wheel, but she wasn’t about to let something like this stop her now. 

      The older gentleman helped her hoist her bag over into the boat and he fired it up for her….

Polen stepped over into the boat, getting settled in the seat before she thanked him. Then she pushed the throttle down and eased the boat away from the pier.

      The man watched her as she headed out into the channel, holding onto his hat from the force of the wind…..

      “ If this is the lady that Mr. Divit was talking about….then he was right. She is crazy..”

Chapter 24

Deniz and Tana were so excited about starting their school in the village. They only had a few more hours to wait. They would only have classes three days a week to begin, but they both hoped it would turn into more.

      Deniz was a little disappointed there wouldn’t be an art class, but maybe that would come later. Tana was just excited to be able to make some new friends. There were only two other little girls that lived in Antikythera, one was a year older, and the other was three years older than Tana. 

      Sanem was as excited as her children to get started. She knew the school would be very small to start, but she hoped it would grow. There were six students they were making the trip by ferry from Chania to Antikythera to attend the school. Two of them were going to be her students, one boy and one girl. She would teach them the basics of writing and how to express themselves through words. Her excitement was growing for the whole process to begin.

      Can had four students coming for his photography class. There were three boys and one girl enrolled to take the course. This was something that Can had never thought of doing. His love of picture taking had always been a private thing, something that took him away from his thoughts and pain.  Now he would have to teach them how to open up to what they wanted to see in a photo. They were both up for the challenge. 

      ” Ok you two, since dinner is over, it’s time for a bath and ready for bed.” Sanem told as she cleared the table. Deniz wrinkled up his nose, ” But it’s still early, it’s not even dark yet.” He whined, reaching for his sketch pad. ” I was going to do some drawing before bed. I want to take some of my drawing to school with me,..if that’s ok?” 

      Sanem knew the passion her son had for sketching and how much joy it brought him. She looked over at Can, ” Well it’s up to your father, what do you think. We have an early day tomorrow.” She asked, giving their dad a wink. 

      Can was a million miles away at that moment, trying to decide how he would tell Sanem what he had suspected was in fact the truth. ” Can are you listening to me.” She spoke a little louder to him. He looked around quickly, ” Oh, sorry. What was it you said?” He smiled, ” I was thinking about tomorrow, and all the fun we are going to have at school.” He blurted out. 

      Sanem squinted up her eyes at him, ” Deniz wants to do some drawing before bed, what do you think.” She replied. After a little debating, they agreed on 30 minutes of drawing before bed, but no more than that.  But Can was really wanting this time alone with Sanem to tell her what was going on. 

      Can looked outside, watching the wind as it whipped the trees about. The weather had been so strange the past couple of days, he thought. First that awful misty fog that covered everything like a blanket and now this horrific wind. He prayed it would calm down before the morning and they had to make their trip into the village.

     He was deep in thought as Sanem came up behind him, sliding her arms around his body. “Ok, I’m all yours.” She spoke. ” Both of the kids are in bed.” He turned, putting his arms around her, ” Good, we need to talk.” He remarked. She smiled, ” Just talk, I thought you wanted to do more than just “talk” earlier.” She muttered, kissing him on the chest. 

      Can breathed in deeply, ” I did,..I mean I do,…but I need to talk to you about something else first.” He told her, closing his eyes and pulling her closer to him. 

      Sanem immediately knew this was serious, ” Ok, what’s wrong.” She asked, stepping back away from him. He pulled her over to the sofa to sit down. ” I need to tell you some things I found out.  And it’s not good.” He started, trying to find the right words. 

      ” Just come out with it Can, tell me. Is it about the boat being damaged.” She asked. He nodded, ” Yes, but even more than that.” He took her hand, ” Look, don’t get scared, but I asked around in the village earlier about the boat.” He said, hesitating for a second as he rubbed her hand gently. ” I’m certain that it was Polen.” He spoke, as he watched her face.

      Sanem stiffened, ” How do you knew for sure. Did someone see her, but they don’t know her so how….” Sanem babbled, her voice cracking with emotion. Can shook his head, ” Yes, I found the guy that helped her. He described her to a tee…And he brought her here, to the island, while we were gone to Chania.” He explained, watching her face closely.

      A strange feeling of intrusion seeped into her, Polen had been inside their home. She looked around nervously as if she could still feel her there, ” She came here…. she was here, inside our home while we weren’t here. How did she even get here or find us anyway.” Spoke quietly, her mind abuzz with every possibility.

      Can pulled her closely against his body, ” I know, I know what you’re feeling. I couldn’t believe it either, but apparently she paid one of the young men in the village to bring her and leave her here.” Can explained. 

      Sanem pushed away from him, ” What,..he left her here. She stayed here. For how long.” She yelled, waving her arms about. She stood and paced back and forth in front of him. ” So, the back door being open when we returned from our weekend wasn’t just a coincidence. Polen had come in through the door. She came in and rummaged through our home. I can just see it now, she probably touched all of our things Can….no, just all of YOUR things. She covered her face with her hands, ” I can’t take it anymore Can, I can’t face another battle with her.” Sanem mumbled as the tears begin to fall.

      Can stopped her as she started out if the room, ” You won’t have to, I promise I will take care of this. But she did tell the guy that helped her that she would be back.” Can pulled her to him, trying to calm her shivering body. ” Sanem I will not let her hurt us, not ever.” He whispered softly in her ear.

      He felt her sink into him. ” I know you won’t, but why is she doing this? I thought she had a life in London again. Then she comes back to Istanbul and ends up here. She’s trying to destroy us Can. She wants you.” She cried, clinging to him for dear life.

      This was the very thing that Can had feared would happen when he told her. All this hurt and pain and fear of having to deal with Polen again. Her pain was his pain, and her fear was his fear, but seeing her hurt this way was the one thing that he couldnt stand.

      The small fishing boat had been tossed around viciously on the water, as Polen fought the waves as they crashed against the hull of the boat and spilled over the side. It was hard for her to see as the wind blew forcefully into her face making her eyes watery, but she continued on, determined to get to the island.

     It seemed like hours had passed when she finally spotted the small dock of Divit Island…she smiled, ” There it is, I made it. My new home, my new husband, my new life.”

Chapter 25

 Sanem was holding on only by a thread and Can knew that, as he lead her down the hallway to their bedroom. ” Tell me everything Can. Everything you found out in the village and don’t leave out anything to spare my feelings.” She insisted, as she crawled up in the middle of their bed. She couldn’t stop the tears from coming as she listened.

      Can rubbed his forehead, hesitant to begin telling her what he knew, ” Well, one of the elders in the village was helping a nephew out by letting him come to Antikythera and stay for a while. I guess that Polen met him that day when she first came here on the ferry. But she came here from Kythria, not Chania.” He explained, still trying to sort it all out in his mind.

      Sanem looked at Can, puzzled. ” How did she know we were gone for the weekend. Did Emre tell her?” Sanem spewed, feeling a whole different side of her anger. Can shook his head, ” No, she didn’t find out until she got here, or so I think. She had every intention of confronting us at that time.” He told her.

      He continued as Sanem sat there in total disbelief. ” Jonas brought her here thinking she was an old friend of the family and she wanted to leave a note for us saying she had been here.” Can went on, repeating what Jonas had told him.

      Sanem listened, with each word jabbing at her heart. ” Wait, so my scarf being on the floor, that wasn’t an accident. Polen took it, crumbled it up and threw it on the floor. Is that what you think?” Sanem asked, as her throat began to tighten. ” You think she was in our bedroom, right?” 

      Can lowered his eyes, hating to see the fear and anger that covered her face. ” Yes, I know she was. Not just because of the scarf, but because one of my necklaces is gone. The one with the large stone that’s strung on the braided leather. I think she took it.”  He uttered, almost afraid to admit it. 

      Sanem slammed her hands down on the bed, as a whole new set of tears came flooding down. ” I really don’t think I can do this again Can.” She cried, but she wasn’t sure if these were tears of anger, frustration or fear. She was tired of Polen interfering in their lives, acting as if she had some sort of claim on Can. Yes, they had a past, but according to Can he never had any strong feelings for her.

      Can held Sanem in his arms as she let out all her fears. ” I’m sorry my love, I thought all of this was behind us when we came to the island. Polen was getting help in the hospital and you had forgiven her for all the things she had done. I had even heard that there was a new man in her life several years back. I don’t know what happened.” He replied, consoling her.

      A loud crashing sound from outside made Sanem jump, ” Can what was that.” She spoke up, clinging to his neck. ” The wind has gotten worse; I think it was the lounge chairs out in the garden. I better go see about them, and I should check the boat too.” He told her, kissing her on the forehead. ” I’ll be right back, why don’t you make us some tea. It will help you to relax.” 

      Polen had eased the small boat up against the dock. The direction of the wind had been in her favor as she maneuvered the boat into the cove. It still took all of her strength to fight against the force of the wind as she wound the rope around the post on the dock. She was exhausted and every muscle in her body hurt, but she had made it.

      She sat there for a minute just catching her breath before trying to climb out onto the dock. The wind had increased, making it too difficult to stand up in the boat. She took her bag and tossed it up on the dock first, then she struggled her way out of the boat until she was able to stand on the dock. 

      Just as she was able to stand upright on the dock, a huge gust of wind nearly blew her back into the boat. She grabbed the post to steady herself before trying to make her way along the dock toward the house. That same gust of wind had blown one of the outdoor chairs, that was in the garden, to the other side of the house. 

      She frowned, ” Of all times for a windstorm to come up. Just when I wanted to make my grand entrance.” She spewed. She had planned everything out in head, the way she would just appear on their dock dressed in one of Can’s favorite outfits. He would be so happy to see her that he would be able to stop himself from taking her in his arms. She smiled as she let those thoughts briefly run through her head.

      But now look at me, she thought, I’m soaked from the water crashing over the side of the boat, my hair is a complete mess and I have wiped half of my makeup off trying to keep the water out of my eyes. I’m a mess…She mumbled under her breath.

      She closed her eyes, ” Come on Polen, pull yourself together. You have made it this far; you can make it all the way.” She spoke to herself. She tried to smooth out her clothes as she took a deep breath and headed toward the house.

      Just as she made it to the end of the dock, the sliding glass door came open and Can stepped out. She stopped quickly and stepped back into the shadows, watching him as he gathered up the outdoor furniture that had blown across the garden. Such a beautiful man, the years had not diminished any of his manly features, she thought, as she marveled at the sight of him. She had only seen pictures of him over the past several years but seeing him in the flesh had sent a charge of electricity through her body.

      Can grabbed the two chairs that had blown to the other side of the garden and put them back in place, and he sat up the small table that had blown over as well. He looked around, getting an uncomfortable feeling as if someone was watching him. He had never had any feelings like that before, but he dismissed it quickly. He decided to check the boat to make sure it was still secured to the dock.

      He reached back inside the door for the flashlight before heading down to the dock. Just as he started toward the dock, he spotted a person standing in the shadows. He stopped immediately, shining his light in their direction.  

      Polen stepped out from the shadows, ” Hello Can, I have finally made home. I’m so glad to see you.” She moved toward him, wanting to put her arms around him.

      Can jumped back, ” POLEN, how…what are you…. What the hell are you doing here.” He yelled at her….

      She smiled, ” I am home, I came here to be with you. I will be here with you on our island from now on.” She told him, as she reached out her hand to him.

Chapter 26

  Sanem leaned against the counter waiting for the water in the tea kettle to boil. She closed her eyes still trying to come to terms with what Can had told her. Polen had been in their home, she had come in like a thief in the night and rummaged through their lives. She wondered how many things she had touched, how many things she had moved around. 

      All of a sudden, she remembered the picture of the whole family that was sitting on the table in the living room. It always sat in the same place, right next to the lamp, but it had been moved to the other side of the table. She had noticed it when they returned from Chania a few weekends ago. She wrapped her arms around herself, feeling as if their whole house had been violated.

      She grabbed the teacups from the cupboard and poured each of them a cup of tea. Tea was still the drink that they both preferred. It seemed to make any problem a little better, according to Can. She wondered what was taking Can so long outside, as she placed the tea cups on the small silver tray and headed toward the hallway.

      She quickly sat the tray on the table and felt a strong urge to open the door to see if Can was ok. He was going to the dock to check on the boat, maybe he needed help, she thought. 

      As she slide open the door and looked around she could see the furniture was all back in place but no Can. She stepped out on the patio, and called out to him, ” Can, are you on the dock, where are you?” She yelled so she could be heard over the sound of the wind. 

      There was movement in the shadows and she wasn’t quite sure what or who it was as she moved closer the the edge of the garden. ” Can where are you.” She yelled again. 

      ” Sanem go back in the house and lock the door. Do it now.” Can answered with a shout. Sanem immediately turned to head back to the house, her heart beginning to pound, then she stopped. ” Can is there someone out there? Are you talking to someone?” She asked. 

      ” No my dear, don’t send her away.” Polen spewed, as she looked at Can. ” Sanem, don’t go inside, come, come join us.” She called out to her as she started toward the garden.

      Can grabbed her arm, ” Oh no you don’t, you aren’t going anywhere near my house or Sanem.” Can told her, holding on tightly to her arm.

      Sanem had stopped instantly, she knew that voice better than anyone. It was Polen,…how did she get here, she thought.  ” Can, what’s going on?” Sanem asked as she ventured out closer to the shadows by the dock. 

      ” Polen, is that you?” Sanem said as she got closer. ” How dare you come here; how dare you invade our home. What do you want?” Sanem spoke, her body in shock…

      ” Yes, it’s me Sanem. And what am I doing here? Isn’t it obvious, I have come home.” She smirked. ” Sorry for such an unannounced arrival, but there are somethings that just don’t need to have an invitation. Such as this, me coming home to Can and to this island…and you packing up your things and leaving. It’s all very simple.” She explained, as if it would be a perfectly logical thing to do.

      Can pulled Polen back toward the dock, ” You aren’t going near the house. Polen what has gotten into you. What makes you think this is your home, or that I want anything to do with you. Now it’s time for you to go.” Can screamed, pushing her back toward the dock.

      Sanem walked out to where Can was standing, ” Can how did she get here. What is she talking about.” Sanem spoke softly to Can, holding on tightly to his arm. Was this all a nightmare, if it was, she wanted desperately to wake up. 

      Polen laughed, looking intently at Sanem, ” Well, well, still the naive stupid girl from so many years ago. I have waited to tell you what I think of you for way to long.” She spewed, as she snarled her nose. ” You are an embarrassment to Can, can’t you see that. Can’t you see that you are holding him back from what he could be.” 

     Can gave her another push heading her toward the dock, ” That is quite enough Polen, it’s time for you to leave. I won’t stand here and listen to you insult my wife. Now just leave.” He huffed, feeling his anger reach its boiling point.

      Polen stumbled and almost fell, but she quickly recovered and spun around giving Sanem a look of hatred, ” The only one leaving this island is her. She has to go.” She spouted. ” Can I know you still care for me. I know you do, you just can’t admit it here in front of her. So just get her out of here.” Polen demanded, waving her arms about in a fit of anger.

      Sanem shook her head, ” No, I’m not leaving, I’m not sure where you got that idea.” She shouted back to her. ” Polen you are sick, and you need to get help. You have your fantasy and the reality mixed up together. Come on, you don’t really think you are going to take over my place here with Can and this island, do you?” Sanem stated, taking a firm stance beside Can.

      Polen’s whole demeanor changed in an instant, ” I am not CRAZY, stop saying that.” She screamed back at Sanem. ” I am simply taking back what’s mine. The thing you stole from me. You know it’s true. You stole Can away with your innocent little act of being wholesome and pure. Such nonsense, you were nothing of the kind.” Polen was screaming at the top of her lungs. 

      Can stood protectively between Polen and Sanem, ” Polen if you don’t leave now, I am going to throw you off this island myself. You have already caused more trouble in my life than you should have.” Can exclaimed, ushering her back toward the dock. ” I really don’t want to be rude and uncaring, but you are not welcome here.” 

      Polen stopped, clinging to Can, ” But Can, you wanted me to come here, remember. You wrote it in the letter you sent me.” She whimpered, her voice quivering.

     Can looked stunned, ” I did no such thing. You don’t know what you’re talking about. What letter. I never wrote you a letter.” He replied defensively. 

      She jerked away from Can and headed back toward the garden where Sanem was standing watching in disbelief. ” No, I’m not the one leaving, you are.” She screamed, grabbing Sanem by the arm. 

      ” Stop Polen.” Can yelled., pulling her back away from Sanem.” You are out of control.” She turned looking at Can, ” Why won’t you tell her how you feel about me. Why don’t you make her leave.” She whimpered, wrapping her arms around his neck. 

     Can pulled away, ” Polen, I have NO feelings for you. I don’t know what letter you’re talking about, but you are confused. I never wrote you a letter.” He explained, trying desperately to convince her.

      Polen backed away, ” You did, it was after I sent you that note to congratulate you on your award. You wrote back and told me how much you appreciated me and how you hoped I could visit the island one day.” She shouted, flinging her arms about in a wild manner. “You said that Can, you wrote it. So here I am. I knew what you were saying without you having to come right out and say it,..you wanted me back..” 

      Polen sank down to the ground as if she had lost every ounce of strength in her body.. Sanem watched in disbelief as Polen fell apart, crying and screaming. 

Chapter 27

 ” Can is she ok? ” Sanem cried, hurrying over to help her up. Polen fought her off, ” Stay away from me, I don’t need your help. You are the reason for all my heartache anyway.” She screamed, as she got to her feet. 

      ” Can, please tell her to leave. You know your life is with me, not her.” Polen begged. Can closed his eyes, trying hard to hang on to his last piece of sanity, but feeling all his patience being to slip away.

      ” Polen, try to understand this. I do not want you or love you. Please listen to what I’m saying.” Can started, ready for this nightmare to be over. Polen flung her arms out, slapping Can on the chest, ” You’re lying, I know how you feel. You just won’t say it in front of her. That’s why she needs to leave.” She screeched, as she became frantic.

      Can could no longer hold his temper and let the words of anger fly from his mouth. ” You are wrong Polen. You have always been wrong about how I felt about you.” He yelled, getting her attention. ” Our relationship was one of convenience for me, nothing more than that. Yes, you were a friend that I could confide in. A person that would listen, but as far as love you…no, I did not love you. I hate being so blunt and rude, but you have left me no choice.” Can told her, reaching that point of no return.

      ” But…but Can the letter said you wanted me to come here. What was that if you didn’t mean you wanted me back in your life.” Polen stammered, feeling as if her life was crumbling down around her.

      ” Polen, I didn’t write that letter, Sanem did, because I refused to answer your note. Sanem thought it to be rude by not acknowledging your congratulations, so she wrote you that letter and signed my name.” Can admitted, as he let out a heavy sigh.

      Sanem stepped forward, ” I’m sorry Polen, if that letter gave you the wrong impression. I just didn’t want to seem rude, so I wrote the note and signed Can name. I did show it to him before sending it, so he was aware of what was in it.” Sanem said softly, trying to defuse the moment.

      Polen staggered backwards, wrapping her arms around her body, ” So what you are saying is I never meant anything to you. All those years of waiting for you to come to me, all the times of comforting you while you continued to grieve over the absence of your mother, all those times meant nothing to you.” She sobbed. ” What was I then Can, what was I. Just someone you could have your pleasure with and then walk away.” 

      Can was desperate for the whole ordeal to be over and to remove Polen from their lives, so he needed to be brutally honest. ” Yes, in a sense. That’s exactly what you were. Had you never wondered why I only came 3 or 4 times a year. And why I never stayed any more than a few days at a time. It was because I didn’t want to. I didn’t even think about you when I wasn’t there. I never wish I was with you when I wasn’t.” He shouted at her, holding back nothing. ” You were never in my heart; you were barely in my thoughts. And that Polen is how it really was. Not the way you have fantasized about it.” Can finished, throwing his arms up in the air.

      Polen stood there in silence, soaking in all the words that he had said. The words began to echo loudly in her head, as she covered her ears with both hands……

      ” NO, NO. That’s not the way it was Can. We loved each other, we still love each other. It’s her, it’s her that is making you say all these awful things.” She growled through gritted teeth, as she pointed at Sanem. Her eyes had turned dark and ominous as she looked at Sanem, ” You have ruined my life, you are living the life that was destined for me. And you will pay dearly for that.” She told her as she backed away toward the dock.

      Sanem moved forward, wanting to reason with her, ” Polen, I’m sorry. I had no idea that letter would upset you so much. ” She pleaded. Polen stopped and lashed out with her words. ” You… you… don’t you dare apologize to me, don’t tell me you forgive me, don’t look at me with your innocent eyes. You are anything but innocent, you knew exactly what you were doing all those years ago. You set out to ruin our life together with your stupid cream and all your fake and deceitful ways.” The words stung Sanem as she listened.

      ” I’m not through yet…that you can be sure of Mrs.Divit. I will not quit until you are gone from this island, and I am the one sharing Can’s life.” She screamed hysterically. She glanced at Can, he stood in shock, not believing the words that had been flung so hurtfully at his wife.

      ” POLEN, THATS ENOUGH.” Can shouted at her. ” I want you out of here now. Get out and don’t ever come back. I want nothing to do with you.” Can yelled, pointing his finger toward the dock. ” Go,..go, get in your boat and leave.”

      Polen rushed to the boat with tears streaming down her face, making her unable to see. The stumbled as she climbed into the boat and turned the key to start the motor. 

      ” Can, you are making a mistake, and you will see that. But I will always be here for you, and I will be waiting for you.” She told him, as the boat moved away from the dock.

      ” Sanem…I will take care of you as well. You won’t know when or where, but I will take care of you. That you can be sure of.”  She warned her, as the boat sped off from the dock.

      The wind was still raging fully, but they hadn’t even noticed it. Can went to Sanem, pulling her securely up against his body, ” Babe are you ok, I’m so sorry you had to go through that. We will lodge a complaint against her as soon as we get into the village tomorrow.” he said, stroking her head as he tried to comfort her.

      She was in shock, there was no other word for it but shock, as she listened to the vile and vindictive words in her head. ” Can she’s not going to stop…. she’s never going to stop. Not until I am gone.” she uttered, feeling a new wave of fear sweep over her.

      As if right on queue, the wind picked up. It was as if Mother Nature was showing her own display of fury at the situation. It caught them off guard with the force of it, almost knocking them down. Sanem looked out as the moon illuminated the open water and the huge white capped waves that were rising and falling with a vengeance.

      ” Can the water is so rough, look at the waves.” She shouted over the sound of the wind. ” You need to go find her, she won’t make it in the kind of wind, not in that small boat.” She said, begging him with her eyes.

      ” Can go, you will never forgive yourself if something happens to her.” She pleaded…     

Chapter 28

Sanem pushed Can toward the dock, ” Can go find her. The wind is too bad. You don’t want something bad to happen to her, now go help her.” She insisted. Can stood there frozen for a minute, thinking of what Sanem was saying. 

      In that instant, in a very small part of himself, he wondered if that was true. Would he care if something bad happened to her, it would definitely solve their problem. 

      ” Can why are you standing here, go.” Sanem urged, nudging him slightly. He shook his head, ridding his head of all those awful thoughts, ” Ok, ok. I’m going, but she made it out here in this weather, I’m sure she can make it back.” He replied, hating himself for the thoughts running through his head.

      He jogged back to the house and grabbed his jacket, still wrestling with the meanings of what Polen had said. He sprinted to the boat, untied it from the dock and fired it up. He seemed to be in a daze as he eased it away from the dock and out into the open water. He glanced back at Sanem standing on the dock, wondering what he would do if Polens threats were carried out. How would his life go on without her?

      The clouds had now rolled in hiding the moon now, making the water dark and ominous. He tackled the waves as they tossed his boat about, making his boat buck and bounce around as if it was a toy. The light on his boat had been designed for a searchlight but this was the first time he had had to use it. As he swiveled the light from side to side, straining his eyes to catch a glimpse of the small boat.

      Sanem perched herself on the dock, hoping and praying that Can would be able to find her. The words from Polen still rang out loud and clear in her head, but right then she was more worried about Can finding her safe and sound than the despicable things she had said to her. 

      It seemed like hours, and she was beyond frantic wondering what was happening when she finally saw the light from their boat in the distance. Her heart skipped a few beats as she watched the boat come closer and closer. 

      He eased the boat into the dock and shut off the motor. The look on his face was all she needed to know, ” Can, you didn’t find her?” she asked, the blood surging through her body like a tidal wave. He shook his head, ” No, it’s as if she disappeared. Just dropped off the face of the earth. I even went all the way to the village, and nothing.” Can spoke, reaching out for her. 

      ” Don’t worry, she’s probably fine. Maybe she docked on another part of Antikythera when the wind got so bad.” He explained, trying to make it sound believable. ” Come on let’s go in, it looks like a storm is coming in.”  He said, spotting a bolt of lightning off in the distance.

      Sanem slumped down on the sofa, completely exhausted with what had happened. ” Can, I had no idea that Polen hated me so much. She blames me for ruining her life.” She mumbled, still in a state of shock. Her whole body was shivering as Can grabbed the blanket from the back of the sofa a wrapped it around her, pulling her as close to him as he could. 

      ” It wasn’t your fault my love, Polen is sick. I don’t think she recovered at all.” He spoke. He recalled the last time he visited her at the hospital in Bursa. She had told him how sorry she was for everything, how the medication had been helping her get back to reality. How sincere and honest she had been that day, and now this. It all had been a lie.

      Sanem had fallen asleep in his arms, so he carried her to the bedroom and tucked her in, hoping that she would be able to stay asleep. The storm was getting stronger as the flash of the lightning and the sound of the thunder grew closer. He watched out the back door, wishing that things had been different, wishing that Polen had gotten the help she needed, wishing that Sanem hadn’t been put through the wrath of this angry and sick woman.

      He didn’t sleep that night; he felt the need to keep watch over his family and his home. Since he wasn’t sure where Polen was, he wasn’t positive that she wouldn’t try to return, and he wanted to be ready if she did. 

      He had already planned a trip into the village the next day to make a report to the local police office in Chania, and to explain to the Mr. Argos that their classes would have to wait.  He would have to do it all by phone because he wasn’t about to leave Sanem and the children alone for a day while he made the trip to the Island of Crete. 

      The storm raged on through the night, probably the worst storm they had seen in a while. It seemed as if the weather was acting out the rage that he had felt inside from this woman that he thought he knew. All those years that he had wasted on her, he thought, if only he had known.       

      In a way Can blamed himself for all of this. He was the one that had brought Polen into their lives, even if it was by accident. So many thoughts and what ifs were still spinning in his mind when the sun finally spread out its first rays of light across the water in front of him. 

      The storm had passed, and the wind had moved on out into the sea, bringing on the start of what looked like to be a beautiful day. But his nightmare wasn’t over yet, he would still need to file a complaint against her. 

      The sound of Deniz coming down the hallway brought him out of his deep thoughts, ” Dad, what time are we leaving for school. I really need to finish my drawing before we go.” he asked, excitement filling his face…Can sighed, knowing he would have to be the one to tell him there would be no school today.

      Sanem was breathing heavy as she dreamed vividly about Polen and all the things she had said. They were in the small boat out in the middle of the sea, nothing but water was all that Sanem could see. Polen was smiling at her as the boat rocked up and down with the movement of the waves.

      “Sanem I tried to warn you, but you didn’t listen.” She told her, then she threw her head back and laughed. ” You thought that Can loved you,..you are such a naive and silly girl.” She said as she stood up in the boat and walked toward Sanem. 

      Sanem felt her heart racing out of control as Polen came closer, ” Now I will be the one living your life, sleeping with Can every night and being a mother to your children.” She screamed hysterically as she pushed Sanem over the side of the boat.

      Sanem yelled out, sitting up instantly in the bed, her body shaking and and her heart pounding. She looked around confused but relieved that it had been just a dream. She buried her face in her hands trying to get control.

      Can ran into the room, ” Babe are you ok, what happened.” He stammered, holding onto her for dear life…

      ” Can,..Can Polen wants to kill me. She wants to take my place here.” She uttered, deciphering the dream in her mind. 

      Sanem pushed away from Can, looking at him with such fear…..” Polen wants you and the children…she wants my life.”

Chapter 29

 Can had taken care of the children, although they were both disappointed that they would have to wait to start school, their dad told them the weather had postponed the first day of school. Then he made a breakfast tray and took it in for Sanem.

      ” Here my love, you need to eat. And I brought some hot tea.” He told her, helping her sit up in the bed. She smiled, ” You didn’t have to do this, I’m fine.” She replied, thinking how thankful she was to have him.

      ” Sweetie, I need to go to the village. I need to file a complaint against her. And get a restraining order so she can’t come back here ever again.” He whispered quietly to her so that Deniz and Tana couldn’t hear.

      Sanem nodded, ” I know, and see if you can find her. We need to make sure she made back to the village last night.” She spoke as she stroked his face. He agreed and went to get dressed. But he knew if he found her, he would take her to Chania and turning her into the authorities. She was never going to do that to his family again, not if he could help….

      He got everyone settled, gave Sanem a kiss and headed out for the village. Sanem watched as he walked down to toward the dock, but before he got there, another boat with two men from the village, idled into the dock.

      Can waved at them, ” Welcome guys, what brings you out here?” Can asked as he grabbed the rope and secured their boat to the dock. 

      Sanem walked out into the garden trying to hear what the men were talking about. ” I wonder what brought them out here,” She thought, immediately thinking the worst.

       The men stepped out onto the dock, ” Can, we have a problem. Do you mind coming to the village, there is something we need you to see.” Dimitri asked, giving Can a pat on the back. Can nodded, ” I was just getting ready to come in anyway, but what’s going on.” he asked, getting a sinking feeling.

       Sanem listened as the men told him, ” I think it was the woman that you told us about, she came up and wanted someone to bring her here, but everyone refused. But she insisted on renting one of my small fishing boats.” Ates told him, hanging his head. ” I warned her that it was too windy and dangerous, but she wouldn’t listen.” 

      Can stepped forward, ” What are you saying Ates. Yes, that woman came out here last night, and that’s why I was coming into the village. So, what happened.” Can answered, as a bad feeling began to creep up inside him.

      Ates shifted about as he told him, ” Well we found the boat, well pieces of the boat, by the rock wall about 100 ft. from the pier.” He stopped and looked at Can, his eyes tearing up. ” But we found a body washed up a little further down the shoreline. We think it’s her…. but we need you to come see.” He blurted out.

      Sanem covered her mouth with both hands to hold in her scream. ” Oh my god, is it her, did she not make it back to the village.” Her mind was screaming. 

      Can stood in shock for a second before he spoke, ” Ok…ok I’ll…let me, oh my god Ates does it look like your boat?” Can questioned him, trying to make sense of it. The older man shook his head, ” It’s my boat Can, I’m sorry.”

      Can looked back toward the house, seeing Sanem there he knew she had heard the conversation. He waved at her letting her know he was heading to the village. He followed the men in the other boat as they moved out into the main channel of the water.

      This trip to the village seemed to take forever and was the most emotional trip he had ever made. What would he do if it was Polen, how was he going to accept it.

      He could see the pier and the small crowd of men gathered on the dock as he drifted in, then he saw the body lying close by, covered with a tarp from one of the other boats. His heart stopped….

      Can stepped out of the boat and started toward the men, dreading every step he took. They all nodded to him as he passed by. He reached the body lying there on the ground, his body and thoughts were numb as he waited for Ates to lift the tarp and expose the body.

      He quickly blinked his eyes so he could see better, as he looked at the person lying there. He was in total disbelief……It Was Polen.

     An array of emotions struck him all at once, making him feel weak, but the most prevalent one was that one of relief. As he stared at her body Ates asked, ” Can is this the woman that came to your island last night?”  Can shook his head, giving them a confirmation of the body.

      He closed his eyes and rubbed his face with his hands, soaking in the reality of what was happening. This person had once been a big part of his life, a friend, a person that he had confided in, a person that he had shared the most intimate moments with,….but all he felt now was as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his body…..Was he a terrible person for feeling that way, he wondered….He knew he should feel more, but he just didn’t…..

         Sanem once again found herself sitting on the dock straining to look out across the water. She prayed it wasn’t her, but in her heart, she knew it was. She hated that Can had to be the one to identify her. Her tears rolled down her face as she waited, her heart breaking, more for Can than for Polen.

      Can spotted Sanem in her usual spot in the dock, where she always waited for him. A new sense of relief came over him as he eased the boat up to the dock and saw her face. 

      No words were said as he secured the boat. This feeling of calmness, relief, remorse, and guilt, all of them raged through him as he took her in his arms.

      Sanem knew by the way he touched her that it was over. Polen was no longer a threat. 

And she too felt the guilt of this feeling of relief……..

      Can and Sanem both took a deep breath, letting go of that part of their lives. 

They had chosen……..”Love over Forgiveness”….

There are times when there is only one solution, one deciding factor in the happiness of your life…

Eliminating a problem is sometimes the only way. Although this problem was solved by Mother Nature, Can would carry the remnants of what had happened to Polen for the rest of his life…

But keeping the woman he loved most in this world safe from harm, was more reason than ever to make that choice of Love Over Forgiveness……

 The arrival of the third Divit child, a boy they named Adim, came some 8 months later. Another child that was conceived from love in the little cottages by the sea in Chania. This was by far the happiest time of their life… 

Peace and love had finally arrived for the Divit family. 

They lived for many more years on that island in the Sea of Crete, happy and fulfilled.

No one could ever defeat them, challenge them or come between them. Theirs was a love of destiny and fate…..The strongest love in the world….

5 thoughts on “On Divit Island… Love Over Forgiveness”

  4. I love your writing, I want to go back to the ones I started reading that had a lot of sex & telling about how they did it. I have never thought of them as being offense . Or tell me how to find them .

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  5. I still enjoy reading this story and every story Miss Virginia writes. The fact that they have beginning and endings are what I like. The other thing is that describing the love scenes, she makes them believable without getting too intimate. I have read and reread all of her stories many, many times. ♥️

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