Early the next morning, Hayri woke up without the alarm clock. His body clock was already set to waking up at four in the morning. Thinking that Allie was not awakened by the sound of its alarm, he slowly got inside her room. To his surprise, he saw her with his naked eyes, sobbing while kneeling down by her bed. Though her voice was stiffled and low but it spoke of an immense magnitude of bitterness and pain. It seemed to dig deeply into his heart that he stepped back silently into the living room.
Why? Just what had she gone through? What were the burdens she herself was carrying? Why did she say that reading an inspirational book helped her a lot in those times of her life where she felt so down? While these thoughts mingled with the quivers of her cries, he felt guilty. While she was all out in helping him move out from the pit of loneliness, grief and anger, she herself was all alone in lifting herself out.
After about thirty minutes, she stood up and turned her lights on. When she walked towards the living room, she saw him sitting down on the couch. He looked straight into her eyes to silently confront her but she smiled brightly, instead. This reaction hurt him. She was so vibrant and alive in front of him. How could she lie towards him and herself? How could she afford to pretend a happy facade when those sobbing he witnessed a while ago, told him of of her inner struggles?
"Zheena, you're so unfair. "
Allie was startled by this straightforward confrontation."What do you mean? "
"Why did you keep so many things to yourself all this time that you are helping me. "
"I don't understand. " She replied as her smile slowly faded away.
"I saw you cried a while ago. "
To his surprise, Allie's grin widened.
"If not for those times I spend alone with God, telling Him all of my grief, of my struggles and of my fear, I wouldn't have been able to survive until now. "
" I've been through a lot, Hayri, though I can't say that my battles are tougher than yours. "
Hayri reached out for her hands and squeezed it. " Then tell me. "
"Heal faster so that you would be tough enough to hold someone else's burden. "
"You're not someone else to me. "
He reminded her, feeling a little hurt.
"Thanks, Hayri. I just hope you would still be able to say that in the future."
Hayri was about to argue but she placed a hand against his mouth to stop him. Hayri got the chance to hold her hand which covered his mouth. He then gently pulled it to his lips and kissed it.
"Make me a part of you, Zheena. "His voice was soft but filled with much sincerity.
Trying hard to ignore his beckering, she tapped his nose with a finger.
"Psst. It's time to read your book. "
"Didn't you say we'll read it together?"
"I have changed my mind. You need to develop a habit of spending moments alone with God by yourself. Its about you and him after all. "
"If you say that this book can change my life then I will faithfully read this."
Allie laughed softly. How could this killing mastermind be so submissive to her?
"The book, our meditation moments are just tools to help us but only God can change our hearts. "
A change of heart was indeed what he need. His heart which was blazing with anger and hatred for those people who toppled down his father's glory and people who broke down his home. How could his blood not boil up when the luxurious bed his dad had been enjoying from childhood to his later years was changed into a termite - infested planks?
___
During their breakfast later, Hayri announced that he would go home to see his dad right after the class.
"I will be back soon, Zheena. Now is the first time that I am spending my birthday without him. I don't want him to feel bad. "
" It's so thoughtful of you, Hayri. You're right. He will be very happy about it. "
"Go with me then. "
"Next time, Hayri. Promise. "
___
Hayri and Allie went to school later in separate cars since Hayri was supposed to go directly to the airport after the last subject. They went out of the university together and turned in separate direction once they were in the highway.
Allie, on the other hand, got the chance to see the marketing officer of Leanders, Inc., another shipyard in Istanbul. She already informed him ahead of her arrival right after her class. No longer as anxious as during her first presentation in Dream Builders, Inc., she walked with confidence towards his office.
"Miss Kiamco, right? " The marketing officer stood up right away the moment she stepped inside his office.
"Yes, sir. " She smiled graciously, laying down the positive points for his first impression.
"So, I am also Richard Go, the company's marketing officer for more than fifteen years. " He said while reaching out to clasp his hand with hers.
After her presentation later in the conference room, one of the department heads stood up to raise a question.
"Miss Kiamko, can you name some companies you are currently affiliated with? "
"I am just new to this company and in fact, this is still my second presentation. My first is with Dream Builders, Inc. "
"So how it is going so far? "
"Very well, sir. " She replied concisely and to her relief, he did not push deeper on the topic.
"Alright, Miss Kiamko. We will give you our feedback through Mr. Go. "
While in the office of Mr. Go later for more detailed explanation of some products as well as the terms and conditions should they decide to settle and agreement with her, Mr. Go's desk phone rang. He gestured to excuse himself for a while, as he would be answering the call. Allie saw him nodded and smiled while he fixed his eyes on her.
Few minutes after, the door opened and her eyes bulged out in surprise to see the man coming in.
"Mr. Dioko, it's such a pleasure to see you here. "