HOW TO SAVE A LIFE

Melisa Senkan ✗ 32 ✗ Photographer

[melisasenkcn]

character name: Melisa Senkan age & birthday: 32, May 20th, 1990 gender & pronouns: Cis woman, She/Her place of birth & time in East Haven: Born in East Haven and raised, has been gone for the past 6.5 years and only just returned district: Downtown occupation: Freelance photographer faceclaim: Demet Özdemir family: Murat Senkan (deceased), Beyza Senkan, Hazal Senkan, TBD Senkan

CHARACTER BIOGRAPHY TWs: car accident, death

PAST

Melisa was the first born and she felt a responsibility and pressure her younger sisters never felt. Though she was only first by a few minutes it was a fact she used often in any argument with her twin brother, Murat. She was the one who helped with babysitting when she could. Clothes were passed down, hands were held, and she was expected to be the big sister for the others to look up to and try to follow. Her parents weren’t exactly strict, they loved all of their children and wanted them to do what made them happy, but Melisa always felt the pressure her parents put on her to be perfect, more than simply the best she could be. Her and Murat were the oldest and therefore they had expectations placed on them that their younger siblings escaped.

They had never explicitly said for Melisa to go into medicine, but they dropped hints for most of her life growing up. Her parents steered her towards the sciences and math, while always praising the health field. When it came time to go to college, Melisa had worked harder than ever in her life to get into the pre-med program at Northeastern. It was all to get their approval, to do what they wanted from her but it would become something she loathed more than anything. Murat had never been told to take over the family business one day, but hints had been dropped his whole life as well. Melisa was to be a doctor and Murat was to continue the family jewelry business. So when Melisa left in the fall, Murat joined her as well but studying in the business program.

After finishing up her undergrad, Melisa passed the MCAT with flying colors and got accepted into medical school. She faced what she had thought would be the hardest challenge of her life. Murat had finished his degree and with no need for a Master’s he had returned home to East Haven. For the first time in her life, Melisa had to live totally separate from Murat. She’d been depressed at first, the twins had been irrespirable, living in the same dorm halls and even sharing a house with friends later. Murat knew she was struggling, and they tried to see each other most weekends, usually Murat making the drive up to her. They talked every day and eventually she started to accept it. After she got her doctorate, she could finally return home. Maybe even find a fellowship at a hospital closer to East Haven. But it all changed and the worst happened 7 years ago. 

Murat and her mother had come down for a weekend to visit Melisa. Murat still often came, but this time, their mother had wanted to see Boston and her eldest daughter. They had a great time, and the trio were heading back to Melisa’s apartment from dinner when disaster struck. A drunk driver struck them head on. The accident killed her mother instantly, Murat barely was responsible as Melisa came to. She tried to move, but her body was trapped, crushed by the car and she couldn’t do anything but watch as her twin brother died before her eyes. Soon darkness came over her and she was sure she’d be joining her brother and mother in death. When she came to, she woke up in the hospital and had learned that she was the only survivor. Her position in the back seat had saved her life while the two in the front hadn’t been so lucky. Lucky. Melisa felt anything but. Her mother and brother were dead. She had lost the other half of her soul in her twin brother. She was not lucky.

Everything moved in a fog. They had the funeral and Melisa was moved from the hospital to a rehab center in East Haven for six months. She may have lived, but she had suffered broken bones and damage to her body that learning to walk again was just one of the many things she had to learn how to do again. When she finally was released, Melisa returned to medical school a whole semester behind. However, it only pissed her off how wrong it was. Life was short and she was pursuing this career only to make her parents proud and to get their approval. Life was short and she was doing what she hated. Life was short and she had failed for her brother so she was sure to fail her future patients. Only a few weeks later Melisa dropped out of school and turned her back on her family. She called her dad before she left, telling him that she was alive but she needed to get away. Hanging up, she knew she’d probably never speak to them again. She ignored their calls and texts and ran away from the pain and mess she felt responsible for.

Melisa had always loved photography and moved to Los Angeles to finally pursue that. She took up work as a freelance photographer and even showed her more artistic work in small shows, though nothing came from that more artistic path. Still, it had been fun and for once she was doing what she truly wanted. But the bitter taste still remained, it was only her running away from her past and her own insecurities. She was a coward and had turned her back on her family while she had tried to deal with her grief. It was time she finally returned.

PRESENT

Melisa only just returned to East Haven. She wanted to reconnect with her family again. It has been 6.5 years and she feels terrible for how she treated them. She had been scared and angry, haunted by her brother and mother and left them all behind. For many years she blamed herself. If they hadn’t been visiting her, if she had been able to exist more without Murat, if they hadn’t gone to the restaurant she had picked. If she had been able to move and save Murat from bleeding out before the medics came. Melisa still carries the guilt, but she knew running from her family was one guilt she could try to fix. She wants to make amends to all those she left behind and hurt. Right now she picked up being a freelance photographer again in town and has no idea how long she’ll stay. It all depends on her ability to mend the bridges she had burned all those years ago.

[mayapatil]

Maya nodded at the question, annoyed that she couldn't give much more information. She had never been particularly good at navigating, she relied far too much on technology to help her find her way around. "Yeah, that could be it," she stated, "I think it was like a light blue colour?" she suggested. "I should get like a tracker or some shit for my car, unfortunately this is not the first time that this has happened." Maya wasn't the type to learn from her mistakes, in fact she tended to make them over and over again.

[melisasenkcn]

Melisa wished she could have helped more, but the truth was she hadn't been here in over six years. A lot of the town had changed. And when she said that the bakery had been a light blue color, Melisa started searching her memory to try and remember which ones were blue and if they would still be blue. "I feel like I'm letting you down." She chuckled slightly. So much for knowing the town she was born and raised in. "I wouldn't mind walking with you to help you find it."

[thesimonhawthorne]

Simon was simply coming to see his brother. Nothing really important. He thought he might have great news from his job to share. Or at least the beginning of great news. So he started the day in a pretty good mood. Which changed as he knocked on the boat to see a figure that clearly wasn't Julian, unless something major happened to him overnight. At the sight of Melissa, he froze in surprise for a second. He could have accused her of having broken into the boat but that would have been denying the reality of what was standing in front of him. "Melissa," he said in a sigh. "Making yourself at home I see." Oh he wasn't happy. Any ounce of good mood had left him. Not only was she back, which was enough of a bad news, but Julian hadn't told him anything about that, which made him a little resentful. "Where's Julian?"

[melisasenkcn]

Instantly Melisa regretted opening the door. She should had hid. Of course she knew she was spotted before, but she never should opened the door. It would have been better to just hide and wait for him to go away. Instead, she stood before the youngest Heywood and she couldn't hide the frown that settled upon her lips. "Last I checked it wasn't your home." Melisa sighed, shifting her weight to one foot as she felt her gaze harden, already feeling the brunt of Simon's disappointment at seeing her again. Melisa knew that even before she left Julian, Simon had never liked her. Leaving him after the accident hadn't been what brought the brother's disapproval of her. "He went out to get us breakfast."

[melisasenkcn]

Melisa's expression was pinging from one emotion to another. Confusion, annoyance, and a sheer disbelief that some girl she didn't even know was trying to chase her away. "Look, Dana -" Melisa started, pulling the present back towards her. "I don't know who you are, or who you are to Julian. But last I checked this is his boat. His party. Oh and his invitation that brought me here." She didn't know if this girl was someone Julian was seeing, but Melisa didn't like the way the idea of Julian sleeping with this girl turned her stomach. Yes, they had broken up when she left and she knew she had no claim to him, but the thought made her stomach turn. "Julian invited me himself, so I'd say my presence would be appreciated."

[danaxallenlopez]

Dana was not all surprised that Melisa was defending herself. "I'm pretty sure the entire town was invited," she shrugged her shoulders, still not finding Melisa to be all that important in the grand scheme of things. She knew that Melisa was, to Julian, but she wasn't going to let the other know that. "I'm sure your presence will be greatly appreciated." Dana clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth, though she didn't believe it. "Try to stay away from the edge of the boat, I'd hate to have the party ruined because your presence here ruined the party." She looked over the woman once more, "There's no lifeguards on deck either." There was, Dana wasn't stupid, but she wasn't going to let Melisa now. "Enjoy the party." She offered one last comment before turning on her heel and heading back through the crowd of people.

END.

[insporp]

©

[melisasenkcn]

@julianxheywood

[julianxhawthorne]

location: Swing Ride

"This is actually more fun than I remembered." Julian beamed at Melisa, arm wrapped around her in the dual seat as they were swung about in the swing ride. He'd actually only ever been in it once before during a school trip. Except back then he didn't have a gorgeous woman at his side. "You got some good shots in?" He asked when he noticed the ride was already slowing down. @melisasenkcn

[melisasenkcn]

Melisa was glad they had spent an extra day in Austria after his race before coming back on Tuesday. Though the accident hadn't been in his race, the news of it had still shaken Melisa and she didn't want to waste a single second with Julian. They were in Europe, away from everyone and the drama she had created in East Haven. It had been perfect just spending the day with him alone. But of course, they had to come back since both had duties at the Fourth of July festival. "Enough to satisfy my curiosity of what a shot would look like up here." Melisa told him with a smile, moving closer as she tucked the camera safely against her lap. The swing ride wasn't the most exciting ride, but she was having fun and was happy with Julian by her side. "Though I still think we should have just stayed in Europe."

[melisasenkcn]

Who: @simonheywood Where: Julian's yacht

While Julian was wanting to take things slow, Melisa had no issues respecting his wishes. She was the one who had left him, so she wanted to match his pace. Melisa was grateful he had decided to give her a second chance, her feelings for him hadn't died over the years. Even going slow, she felt happy around him. Half the town may still hate her, but when Melisa was around him, she felt like things were going to be alright. When they had woken up that morning, Melisa had enjoyed waking to his embrace as they tangled between the sheets. So when he left to go pick up some pastries and coffee, Melisa had reluctantly let him go. They still had the rest of the day free to spend time together. So when she heard a knock while lounging around and reading, Melisa knew it was a guest not for her. Still, she saw the figure catch sight of her and knew she couldn't hide. Answering the door, she tugged at Julian's shirt she was wearing to make sure it covered everything. But seeing Simon Heywood on the deck, Melisa froze before her lips became a thin line. "Simon."

[islaricci]

The sigh before her wasn’t one she had been expecting. Despite having departed the small town herself, Isla had stayed in touch as much as time had allowed it, especially with the people she considered to be her closest girl friends. When Melisa had skipped town without a word, they had all been worried. Isla included, if not especially, seeing her friend had just suffered a traumatic experience of loss. “February?” Isla repeated in slight disbelief. “You have been back since February and this is the first time I am hearing about it or even seeing you?” She shook her head in slight disappointment.

[melisasenkcn]

Melisa knew she didn't really have a leg to stand on. Though she could say it was hard being back and trying to see each person she hurt to make amends with and that each person who turned her away in anger only hurt her more. "I didn't know you were back." Melisa explained weakly, though she knew she should have asked Stevie what had happened to Isla and where in the world she had been. Isla had been one of her closest friends, one she had left without a word after the accident. "I'm sorry Isla..." Melisa swallowed, though she wasn't sure which sin she was apologizing for. For not seeing her since she got back? For leaving in the first place. "I'm sorry."

[callum-jackson]

starter for: @melisasenkcn location: a pretty park or something

"Who would have thought that the biggest drama queen on earth would be such a natural in front of the camera." He chuckled as he watched his daughter Addilyn posing for Melisa as she took her photos. The fourteen year old had graduated from eighth grade this year and was moving on to high school so Callum had wanted to commemorate the occasion with a little photoshoot for her. Since her mother wasn't part of her life, Cal did his very best to go above and beyond for her, make her feel more than just loved but absolutely adored. "Thanks again for doing this, Melisa."

[melisasenkcn]

As she snapped another photo, Melisa couldn't help but chuckle at Callum's words. "Typically, those who have a big personality are usually a natural in front of the camera." She pulled back from the camera to give him a smile. While Melisa did some jobs for the paper to cover big events, she liked her one on one sessions with her freelancing business better. "You're doing great, Addilyn." She told the girl as she picked her head up from her hands. "Let's get another one with you sitting." She instructed the girl and knelt down to get the right angle. "No problem, thank you for calling me." Her warm smile was directed back at Callum before her eyes went to her subject again. "I think it's sweet you are commemorating her graduation from middle school."

[melisasenkcn]

Though she had spoken to her father, and he seemed to welcome her back with open arms, he hadn’t warned her that Hazal would be running the shop without him. “I brought breakfast for him.” Melisa replied lamely, knowing that her offer of coffee and baked goods would not be as well received with Hazal as it would have with her father. Still, she set the breakfast items on the counter before stepping back. This encounter felt like deja vu with Beyza. Part of her wondered if her sisters had agreed to act the same way, to say the same thing. She had been prepared for Hazal to react with anger, but the words still stung. “I wasn’t thinking straight. The grief, the guilt, the pain of losing them, the pain of surviving.” Melisa whispered, trying to keep her voice steady. “All I could do in that moment was run, Hazal. I never thought I would have done that before, but you don’t know how you will react until the unimaginable happens.” She swallowed, knowing that her sister would still react with anger, but she had to get the words out. “I’m sorry, Hazal. I hurt you all so much.”

[hazalxalpman]

Hazal looked down at the breakfast that Melisa set down on the counter. She ignored it, leaving her hands gripping the edge of the counter. As Melisa spoke, she understood but that didn’t mean she wasn’t hurt by it all. They had all lost people they loved that day. And while Melisa had been there, involved, Hazal still didn’t think that justified a reason for running away from the rest of the family. “You did,” she clenched her jaw as Melisa apologized to her, surprised that she realized that she hurt them at all. “I think you should go.” Hazal didn’t want to hear anymore from her in the moment. “Baba should be at the house.” Hazal pushed the goods toward Melisa on the counter before she turned on her heel and walked toward the back inventory room.

END.

[melisasenkcn]

There was no act about the pain that Melisa was feeling twist her gut as she stood before her little sister. This whole experience, standing here now facing what she had done made her feel so very small, made her feel utterly like the worst person on the planet, and though she knew she deserved it, it still hurt her immensely. “I feared you might.” Melisa admitted, her voice soft and thick with pain. “I know we used to come… everyone used to. I tried to get out of this, but I couldn’t.” The newspaper had made it clear if she didn’t take this job, they wouldn’t likely hire her for other jobs. And with her funds from California draining steadily with the move, Melisa knew she needed the job or else this whole thing would have been a complete waste. “No!” Melisa pushed the word out a bit louder at her sister, feeling a small burst of anger. “This wasn’t the plan.” She tried again, feeling close to tears both from the pain and from the frustration. “I was supposed to… I was supposed to face you all. I stood outside the shop. I’ve driven by the house over and over again. But I - I couldn’t do it.” Her voice broke and she looked away, knowing her sister would call her a coward. It was well deserved, she had been in town a few days and only had succeeded in standing outside her family’s shop and house, knowing she should go face them but unable to. The weight of the guilt, the pain of being back, the still gaping hole she felt from Murat, it had all defeated her.

[beyzaxerbay]

“You knew and you didn’t even prepare us. You just showed up anyways.” Beyza shook her head. “All of this is just bullshit, Melisa. You could’ve not come here. You could’ve seen us sooner. You could’ve styed her in the first place. You didn’t, though. You’re just being selfish and now trying to act all hurt.” She rolled her eyes and kept her arms crossed tightly while her sister tried and failed to explain the situation. “Then maybe you shouldn’t have come at all. You can’t even look talk to us after everything that’s happened. You can’t face the consequences to your actions.” She shook her head and grabbed a drink off a tray as a waiter walked by. “I hope you have a nice night. But don’t think for a second you’re going to be welcomed back so happily like you think.” She started to walk away before stopping. “Oh. Stay away from Julian. Understand?” She said and left her sister behind.

END

[danaxallenlopez]

"You should," Dana responded to the woman, looking down at the gift she clutched in her hand. "I'm Dana," she didn't need to explain that she worked for Julian, "is that for Julian?" Her brow raised with the question. "I can give that to him for you. I don't really think your presence is going to be appreciated." Dana had already seen what her gift had done to him and the last thing she wanted was to see his night ruined because of a past or current love for the woman.

[melisasenkcn]

Melisa's expression was pinging from one emotion to another. Confusion, annoyance, and a sheer disbelief that some girl she didn't even know was trying to chase her away. "Look, Dana -" Melisa started, pulling the present back towards her. "I don't know who you are, or who you are to Julian. But last I checked this is his boat. His party. Oh and his invitation that brought me here." She didn't know if this girl was someone Julian was seeing, but Melisa didn't like the way the idea of Julian sleeping with this girl turned her stomach. Yes, they had broken up when she left and she knew she had no claim to him, but the thought made her stomach turn. "Julian invited me himself, so I'd say my presence would be appreciated."

[julianxhawthorne]

They were still a long way from what they used to be, and there were lots of things still left unspoken, but they were trying again, which was more than they had before. He felt more cheerful that day, which didn't entirely have to do with the festivities. They had arrived together and he had left her to get to work, ever keeping an eye on her. And he wouldn't be him if he didn't mess about a bit, sneaking into the background of pictures that he was certain she would find more photos with him in there than she would expect. This time however she addressed him about it, which earned a large grin to spread on his lips, stepping out of sight again and coming her way. "I like this look on you." Last time they were dating, she had been learning for something totally different, which suited her too, but this made more sense.

[melisasenkcn]

Things were going slow, but they were going. Which was something Melisa was grateful for each day. She still didn't know if she could say they were dating, but they had seen each other a couple times since his birthday, they texted more often, they still couldn't keep their hands off each other at times. But she knew both of them were taking things slow. Melisa was always watching Julian for the pace, she'd leave if he wanted, but she'd stay as long as he wanted her. Which was why she was glad he agreed to join her at the Pride festivities while she worked a job for the newspaper. "What look is that?" Melisa asked with a soft smile on her lips as he walked over. Once he was by her side, she snapped a photo of the crowd before looking up at him again.

[melisasenkcn]

Sometimes Melisa had to pinch herself to truly believe this wasn’t all a dream. Julian was giving her a second chance. It had been real since his birthday but it still felt too good to be true. Even now as she set up the frame for two highly decorated people in the crowd, she saw the familiar blonde try to sneak into the frame. Pulling back from the lens with a laugh, Melisa rolled her eyes at him. “You know you can’t try to be in every picture.” But her grin that came easy around him, showed that she wasn’t truly annoyed.

@julianxheywood

[365filmsbyauroranocte]

Fin août, début septembre (Olivier Assayas, 1998)

[hazalxalpman]

Beyza wondered if their father set Melisa and Hazal up for this moment. Not that he was doing it to be cruel to either of them but that he wanted them to talk and knew that Hazal would not willingly engage with Melisa knowing that she was back in town. “Right.” She simply stated with a thinning of her lips. Hazal didn’t bat an eye as Melisa began to apologize to her. Slowly, she shook her head as the anger continued to build up. Melisa was the eldest along with Murat. She had trusted both of them, expected them to be there for her when she needed them both. And they weren’t. “You should be sorry,” she didn’t soften at Melisa’s words, “we were all hurting,” she shook her head at the memories, “and you abandoned everyone in your life.” @melisasenkcn

[melisasenkcn]

Though she had spoken to her father, and he seemed to welcome her back with open arms, he hadn't warned her that Hazal would be running the shop without him. "I brought breakfast for him." Melisa replied lamely, knowing that her offer of coffee and baked goods would not be as well received with Hazal as it would have with her father. Still, she set the breakfast items on the counter before stepping back. This encounter felt like deja vu with Beyza. Part of her wondered if her sisters had agreed to act the same way, to say the same thing. She had been prepared for Hazal to react with anger, but the words still stung. "I wasn't thinking straight. The grief, the guilt, the pain of losing them, the pain of surviving." Melisa whispered, trying to keep her voice steady. "All I could do in that moment was run, Hazal. I never thought I would have done that before, but you don't know how you will react until the unimaginable happens." She swallowed, knowing that her sister would still react with anger, but she had to get the words out. "I'm sorry, Hazal. I hurt you all so much."

[mayapatil]

Who: @melisasenkcn Where: A street somewhere

Maya was lost, she had attempted to use google maps to solve the problem but for some reason it seemed to just have her going in circles. She decided that he needed to ask for help, something she wasn't particularly keen on doing. She glanced around, looking for someone who didn't seem to be in an obvious rush. "Hi, excuse me," she said, stopping a woman around her own age who didn't look like she was walking with too much of a purpose. "So, I parked my car somewhere and now I have no idea where I left it..." she tailed off. "It was a street with a bakery on it I think?"

[melisasenkcn]

Coming from a meeting with a client, Melisa was strolling back to her apartment. She was tempted to stop downstairs and pick up some pad kee mao before heading upstairs. Maybe turn something on tv and curl under blankets and try to forget that mostly everyone from her past had not forgiven her. The voice pulled her out of her thoughts, and she turned to see a woman she didn't recognize. Not an easy feat given she had lived most of her life in East Haven. "A bakery?" Melisa mentally ran through the bakeries she was aware of in the downtown area and figured there weren't too many new ones. "Does the name Jacobson's sound familiar?" She suggested the most popular bakery that she knew was only a few blocks away.