**Episode 8**
**Deal with Tolga**
Those who see life as a game, search for tricks in every situation they encounter. But those who play with life, they just smile and have fun with what they face.
Every game has a role, of course... This time, Ayça had spun the fox wheel to select a new identity for herself. She walked into one of the local real estate offices, her seriousness accentuated by a blazer, looking official with a pencil skirt.
While posing with a certain demeanor towards the man, she acted as if she didn't have high expectations. She behaved like someone who was fed up with work and decided to bail.
"I’d be fine with a one-bedroom apartment, sir. I'm here to relax."
A customer so eager and in a rush to rent was like ready money for the realtor. He really wanted to rent her a house. However, he didn’t have the type of property she wanted. In the town, family houses were commonly rented out. Studio apartments were scarce and usually snapped up as soon as school started.
After pondering deeply, the realtor checked his notebook where he’d taken notes.
"Actually, there’s a place exactly like you want. They’ll be moving out in, say, fifteen or twenty days."
Ayça momentarily forgot her act and looked at him in surprise. Gathering herself and continuing with her role, she was annoyed that the man she intended to rent from immediately asked for a fifteen to twenty-day wait.
"Fifteen to twenty days?" She wrinkled her nose, considering visiting another realtor.
Not wanting to lose a customer, the realtor tried to persuade her about the house.
"The price suits your budget, and it’s in one of the nicest parts of town. Let’s go check it out. Believe me, you’d regret missing this opportunity."
Half-heartedly, Ayça said, "Fine, let’s see..." and stood up leisurely.
The realtor quickly got up, eager to please his client. Remembering the envelope on the table, he called out to his assistant.
"Son, take this share to Principal Akif."
Hearing the name, Ayça perked up, "Principal Akif? The one from the high school next to the mosque?"
It was clear from the man’s hesitant behavior that it was the same person. The realtor assessed her, trying to gauge if she was trustworthy. She was young, an outsider; he would have recognized her if she were local.
"How do you know him? Are you one of his students?" He guessed her age, trying to figure out her connection. But Ayça, sensing this, wrapped herself more tightly in her role.
"No, he’s a friend of my dad's, practically an uncle to me. Why the interrogation, I don’t get it."
Relieved, the realtor grabbed a keychain filled with keys and opened the door, letting Ayça pass first.
"Oh, no worries. Just didn’t want any misunderstandings."
As Ayça walked out, she gave the man a look as if to say, 'what’s there to misunderstand?' She seemed indifferent, merely asking to make conversation.
"Why are you sending him a share?"
Hoping to win her over by sharing the truth, perhaps then she'd rent the place, the realtor revealed,
"He directs students to me. I give him a commission, kind of like a middleman."
Learning about the benevolent principal’s dealings made Ayça grin. If even the esteemed principal was seizing opportunities for profit, who knows what other opportunities he was exploring for money.
___
Arriving at school, Ayça and Mustafa, who were often found making fun and critiquing situations at their usual spot, entered the classroom a bit late. The game they started was slowly gaining traction. Mustafa had never anticipated it would grow this much, but the social media account had gained 5,000 followers in a week. It wasn’t just a beauty contest between schools anymore; sharing funny videos and tweets had made it popular among students.
As Ayça boasted about knowing social media well, she surprised even herself. When she sat down, Murat, who had arrived before her, showed her his phone’s screen.
"Ayça, did you see? You’re in the final four in the beauty contest on this page."
Pretending to be surprised, Ayça looked at the phone and started bragging, showing off herself.
"I’m not surprised. Even though beauty is subjective... the masterpiece created by God is evident."
Rabiya, solving her test, chimed in, looking down on Ayça’s boasting.
"I made it to the quarterfinals too... So what if you win, it’s a silly contest."
Turning to her, Ayça smiled. It was her usual smile that loved to belittle others and found joy in chaos.
"If I win, I beat you. It’d be clear to everyone that I’m prettier than you. To everyone..." She emphasized her last words, hinting at something.
Rabiya wasn’t naive enough to miss whom she was implying. Tolga, her ex-boyfriend, was clearly the target. Trying to get a clear response from Ayça, she asked with narrowed eyes,
"Who are you talking about?"
Ayça knew the dynamics of such tension, the pre-fight stance of cats, all too well. If two girls didn’t like each other and used fake smiles and loving words, it was the calm before the storm, what Ayça called a 'cat fight.' She wasn’t about to break this delicate balance herself.
Pretending to be considerate, she said, "Focus on your test, honey, I don’t want to distract you," ending the conversation but then immediately turned to Mustafa, loud enough for Rabiya to hear, "Where’s Tolga these days?"
Mustafa laughed at his friend’s cunning. "He’s taking private lessons."
Hearing this, Ayça couldn’t hold back. "Look at his determination. What's he going to do, outdo himself?"
When Murat stated with a tone as solid as concrete, "He’s going for the national top spot," Ayça scrunched her face.
Turning back to her front, she pondered over Tolga and the idea of becoming the national top. Quickly dismissing the thought...
"He’s not that smart. He shouldn’t bother. It's a waste of effort."
Striving for a goal, no matter how slim the chance, was normal. Murat understood this well and mocked her with a, "You wouldn’t understand..."
Ayça gave Murat a half-lidded, indifferent glance.
"What, am I stupid?"
Recoiling and leaning back, Murat examined her while smiling.
"Beauty and brains would make you a dangerous masterpiece."
Uncertain if he was complimenting or mocking her, Ayça didn’t take the bait. "Darling, I’m smarter than everyone. But I choose to apply my intellect in the arts of mischief. In being devilish..."
As Murat reached out to flick her hair back over her shoulder, knowing that Ayça always tossed her hair back whenever it fell in front of her chest, she corrected it while laughing off Murat’s jest. "Don’t be silly, of course not." She was honest. Ayça knew she wouldn’t make a successful student, no point in lying.
Murat squinted, amused by her honesty. "Then why the act
?"
Stuck in her playful smirk, Ayça leaned forward, curious if Murat had something new to say about her.
"Is your girlfriend in this school?" Opening up this topic made Murat stiffen immediately, his body language screaming tension. "Why steer the conversation here?" he questioned.
Ayça, unashamed of implying interest and flirting, smiled.
"Just letting you know, your girlfriend seems to be gravitating towards me a bit."
As Murat pulled books from under the desk, he retorted, "I doubt that."
When Tolga entered and called out, "Apocalypse Pony!" Ayça turned, about to complain as if the principal was summoning her, but noticing Rabiya’s gaze, she postponed her grumbles. With a loving tone, she waved, "Oh, Tolga."
His affectionate act made Tolga grimace. "Come outside," he demanded, leaving the classroom.
Ayça continued to tease Rabiya. "Just wanted to ask who you voted for, sweetheart." She smirked triumphantly as she walked out.
But once outside and next to Tolga, her sugary demeanor vanished, replaced by a fierce glare.
"What do you want, huh?"
Tolga, taken aback by the drastic change in attitude, exclaimed, "Huh?"
Unwilling to hide her annoyance, Ayça revealed why she was mad at him.
"I’m ticked off at you. Lately, they keep holding you up as an example at home. Makes me feel crappy."
Tolga rolled his eyes, used to this since becoming top of his class had even estranged his cousins. Familiar with the scenario, he moved on to the main topic.
"Forget about that, you’ll get used to it. How did you end up in this class?"
Ayça, pretending not to understand the true intent of his question, joked, "With these beautiful, column-like legs and delicate feet of mine."
Tolga didn’t laugh at her joke; instead, he frowned. "Not that, silly. Who is Göktuğ Kayalar?"
Hearing a familiar name brought Ayça back to reality. She wondered how he knew her uncle. "Where’d you hear that name?"
"Teachers were talking. Never mind that. Do you know him?"
Ayça dwelled on why teachers would discuss her uncle, weighing her options before asking Tolga, "What were the teachers saying?"
Tolga, pursuing his own answer, insisted, "Do you know him or not?"
"Your turn first?" Ayça never revealed her cards first, always keeping half-truths and twists at hand.
Excited, Tolga pressed for information, hoping for a positive outlook.
"He’s the one who got you into this class. Does he have that kind of power?"
Ayça considered; if her uncle had arranged this school, he must have played a big part in her acceptance since her previous principal had said no school would take her. But known nepotism wasn't liked, especially by Tolga, who always made it a point of contention. So, she downplayed it.
"Just a simple Ministry of Education inspector. He checks schools and stuff."
"If you’re here because of him, he’s not that simple."
Ayça looked away, Tolga's point hitting home, and his suspicion seemed not to fade.
"He dabbles in politics too... But what’s it to you, Mr. Sharp Wit?"
Trying to end the conversation angrily, Ayça’s irritation was clear, which made Tolga soften. He had a request and didn’t want to antagonize her now.
"I want you to introduce me to him."
Surprised, Ayça stared at him. She couldn’t understand why but mocked him, extending her palm.
"I’ll want 10,000 for that."
When Tolga exclaimed, "Wow!" Ayça realized he was serious. She scrutinized his behavior, curious, "Why do you want to meet him?"
Honesty could simplify things, but Tolga hesitated, Ayça didn’t seem trustworthy. Yet, he had no other choice and confided,
"I want to leave this school."
Ayça, smirking, mockingly pushed him away as if he was a rag. "Get lost, Tolga. Who cares?"
Though Ayça found humor in the situation, Tolga was serious. He rolled his eyes, giving a hint about the urgency of his request.
"To the central science high school?"
The idea of diving into a real issue, something she hadn't encountered since arriving, excited Ayça. She grasped what Tolga wanted but playfully declined, still smirking,
"He’s an inspector, not a wizard."
"We won’t know his capabilities unless we ask. Besides, whatever you give, I’ll double it."
Her smirk slightly faded. Ayça raised an eyebrow, focusing on Tolga. He’d said he’d double whatever she gave, but Ayça hadn’t given anything, though Tolga didn’t know that.
Quickly calculating how she could profit from this situation, Ayça eyed the fox’s den. Surely, there was a way to twist this to her advantage. This way, she wouldn’t have to worry about running out of money from her uncle.
"Double it, you say?" she repeated. Tolga, confident as if he had the money ready, spoke,
"Yes, just make it happen."
---
Taking a deep breath among the swaying branches, Ayça prepared for the call that would pinpoint her uncle’s Achilles' heel, surrounding it with foxes to persuade him. Feeling confident, she dialed,
"Uncle mine."
"Ayça, finally! Why didn’t you answer my calls?"
"I was thinking, uncle."
"Tell me you’ve changed your mind about renting."
"I have. I’ll use the money you gave me for a tutor."
"What tutor?"
"There’s this really studious guy here. Top of the class. I’m going to take lessons from him."
"Really?"
"Normally, I love to twist the truth and lie, but this time it’s the truth. I considered what you said."
"I’m so glad to hear that."
"There’s a study group here. We work together to improve ourselves."
"I can’t believe it; you’re actually adapting well. Well done."
"I should thank you, uncle. If they hadn’t placed me in that studious class, this might not have happened."
"Me?"
"I know you made it happen. Thank you."
"I thought you’d be mad hearing this."
"Not at all. But uncle, I need to ask you something."
"I’m so happy right now, I’d do anything you ask."
"The boy who’s tutoring me..."
"What about him?"
"He wants to transfer to the central science high school. Can you help with that?"
"What kind of help do you think I can offer?"
"I want you to mediate. You have many contacts, you can do it. He’s the district topper. The science high school would gladly take him. Just expedite the formalities. Find a way. Please guide us. Please!"
"My smart devil... You know, given your track record, I can’t just take your word and do as you ask. So, I have a condition."
"I accept."
"Without even hearing it? The condition is this: since this boy is tutoring you, if you score above 60% in the next test..."
"What! Me?"
"Isn’t he tutoring you?
Let him work you hard, score high in this month’s exams."
"No, uncle, maybe I should study and become an inspector myself. I’d help the kid get into the science high school. What else!"
"It’s up to you, I’m hanging up."
"Fine, fine, I accept."
Ending the call, Ayça stuffed her phone into her pocket, stomping her feet on the grass in frustration, hurting herself in the process.
Once calm, she straightened her hair, muttering, "They’re all sly. And they ask whom I take after. What am I supposed to do now?"
Collapsing under the weight of stress, she slumped against a tree, stretching her legs out. Pouting miserably, she pondered her escape from the detested task of studying. Yet, the more she tried to avoid it, the deeper she sank into it. Cursing the school’s "curse," her glare fixed on the school sign.
"Ahmet Haşim Anatolian High School"
If she wanted the money, she had to genuinely study and improve her grades. But knowing nothing about studying, it seemed impossible.
She had no idea what to say to Tolga. Having told him she’d get tutored, maybe if Tolga actually tutored her, there could be a chance. After all, he was the district’s top student, a genius. If Ayça diverted her mischief towards academics for a while, maybe, just maybe, they could make it work. Clinging to hopes and maybes, she prepared to talk to Tolga.
___
"Don’t be ridiculous! You’re a hopeless case."
Tolga wanted to pull his hair out after hearing her. But instead, he just ruffled it, pacing back and forth.
Ayça wasn’t going to be upset over nonexistent money. Plus, it was more important to Tolga, so she wasn’t going to beg.
"Have it your way? Goodbye." She turned, heading towards the study center.
Tolga stood, stomping his foot in frustration, then resigned. His future depended on this, he’d do anything to meet the conditions, even if it meant neglecting his studies as exams approached. He wouldn’t give up without trying; his future was at stake.
"Wait, stop." He yelled, turning back as if she’d been expecting it, Ayça swiftly returned to his side, surprised but pleased by his quick capitulation.
"Fine, damn it, I’ll tutor you night and day. But you have to study too."
Ayça extended her hand with a greedy smirk. "If I get paid for being a student, why not?"
"What payment?"
Already struggling to gather money for the inspector, and now Ayça too? How would he manage?
Ayça lowered her hand, "You’ll pay me for studying. 3,000 TL."
"No way! I’m out of this."
Seeing Tolga back off, Ayça wondered if she’d pushed too far, so she softened her approach.
"Oh, I forgot to mention. Mr. Göktuğ usually charges twenty thousand but asked for ten thousand since he’s tutoring me."
Tolga hadn’t expected this; he didn’t even have savings. Only knowing where to get the money, hearing about 10,000 TL plunged him into despair.
"Where would I get that kind of money?"
Unbeknownst to him, Ayça sensed his potential. He was the type to secure what he wanted. Seeing the jewelry and gold gifted to Ayça by her aunt, she knew his family could afford it. Using his ambition, she weaseled her way into his thoughts.
"For a transfer to the school you want, 13,000 TL... Think about it, Tolga."