Birthday Gift

Derya was stunned by surprise and fear.

Derya was stunned by surprise and fear. She couldn't leave where she was when we were leaving.

We took a taxi and went home. The room I stayed in was for two people. When I asked who my roommate was, I got the answer that she has not arrived yet. They just said that she had transferred from another school. Arslan helped me pack my things. I deposited the first month's money from my savings. My father's signature was required to complete my registration at the dormitory. I had to settle this matter as soon as he returned. He handed me his phone when we left the dorm.

- You should call your father.

- What if I do this later?

- Deniz...

- Please. I am not ready.

- Okay. But call him anyway. Tell him what happened on your phone. He can't reach you, he's worried.

I nodded and picked up the phone.

A worried voice was heard from the other side.

- Deniz? I can't reach you. What's going on?

- I'm fine, Dad. My phone is broken.

- Is everything okay?

- Yeah.

- I've been calling Derya since last night, but she doesn't pick up.

- I do not know.

He didn't hesitate.

- Deniz, is everything all right? Tell the truth.

- Dad, everything is fine. Please don't worry.

He was going to say something, but I cut him off before he started.

- Dad, I have to hang up.

-Alright. See you, my angel.

- See you.

- You should have told him.

- Please, can we close this issue for now?

- Alright. What shall we do now?

- I do not know?

- We're invited to a party tonight.

- We?

- Yeah. A classmate celebrates his birthday. Maybe you know, Toprak.

- That boy with the brown, long hair?

- Yeah.

- Would you like to go?

- Yeah.

- Alright. The evening is ok. What should we do now? Let's go to dinner?

- It would be good.

- OK. Then I'll take you somewhere. But first, we have to stop by my house.

- It's okay.

When we got home, he bought a big black bag. He didn't tell me what was in it even though I asked.

We went to a big park. We arrived after a fifteen-minute walk. There was a big track and many people were skateboarding. There were also skaters. And at least as many people were sitting on the side lawns.

Opening the bag, Arslan took out two skateboards. He handed me the gray one. He took the black.

- I do not know how I can do that?

- Let it be. You learn.

He took my hand. He took me on a flat course. I've tried. It was easy, yes. But it was bad for me to switch to other tracks. While descending from the top, I lost my balance and fell to the ground.

- Clumsy!

He said and came to me. He looked at my fried knee.

-You have nothing.

He took my hand and lifted it.

I fell a few more times after that. But I did not wait for Arslan in any of them. I got up myself.

It reminded me of tackling challenges. Yes. I had to fight all this alone. And I believed that I could achieve it.

I had so much fun there! I never wanted those hours to end. Arslan was very different. He was laughing and laughing. He was falling, he was having fun. He had become a completely different person, in those two days.

After that, we went to eat. We left the cafe. It occurred to me while walking.

- I need a job.

- What?

- You know, I have to deposit money in the dormitory every month. I need a job for that.

- But your father...

- No. I don't want to take money from him. I have to stand on my own feet.

- So what kind of job?

- I do not know.

- Then work where I work.

-Do you work?

- Of course. I have to look after my sister and nephew.

- I understand. So where do you work?

I'm a waiter in a cafe.

-Do you earn enough?

- Ahh. We handle.

- OK fine.

-I work in the evenings, only. Because I'm a student. So do you.

- Sounds good.

- Then let's go and talk.

When we entered the cafe, the owner came to us right away.

- Welcome, Arslan. I didn't expect to see you today?

- Yeah. I am here for my friend.

After a short chat, the man agreed to hire me as a waitress.

We got out of there.

We left to get ready for Toprak's party. More precisely, he left me at the dormitory and returned home. I did not go directly to the dormitory. I went to a store five minutes away and bought a gift. Then I came back.

I went to my room. This place was as beautiful as I expected. The walls were light pink. The cupboard was cream. It was very nice to have the bathroom in the room. After a quick shower, I immediately put on my clothes. I had a plain black dress, I chose it. After curling my hair, I put on light make-up. I put on the red lipstick that Yaprak gave as a gift but never used it. I wore the black high-heeled shoes that Yaprak bought under the dress.

I sprayed perfume and went outside. He was waiting next to the car.

- Where did this car come from?

- I borrowed.

I approached him. His eyes were on me.

- You look so beautiful.

I was surprised. Arslan started to surprise me a lot.

- Thank you.

He laughed.

We got in the car. He was about to start the car when I grabbed his arm.

- Wait a minute.

-What happened?

He looked worried.

I took the black one from the two packages in the bag and extended it.

-For your birthday. I didn't get a chance to buy anything.

- Why did you do that?

He took it hesitantly.

- I just wanted to.

- Thank you.

He opened. He looked at the black boots inside.

- I was going to get brown, but I bought this because you always wear black.

- Thank you very much.

He carefully placed the box on the back seat.