Two Faces One Story

After descending three flights of stairs from the stage, Helena hugged her, "You got this! That's so cool my little sister."

"Aye aye thanks my sister."

"Straight home?"

"Come on, Aunt Lea's cooking will get cold."

Helena chuckled, her arms went up to embrace Melva. Then they laughed together.

In the car, Melva took off her graduation cap, placing it with a bouquet of flowers Helena had given her in the back seat.

Melva replied to her friends' messages inviting them to dinner, apologizing that she couldn't make it because she had other commitments. Putting away her phone, she searched for micellar water and cotton in the blue pouch on her lap.

Helena's hand stopped Melva from removing her makeup.

"Well, we haven't taken a photo together yet. Don't erase it yet."

"Ugh, okay."

Melva sighed, her back resting comfortably. Her costume was quite sultry, after the car left the parking lot, Melva opened the window. The wind immediately came in to refresh her.

Today was her graduation celebration. Like the previous high school graduation celebrations, only Helena was always present. They were friends in arms. No, they were family since they were both in the orphanage.

Helena is two years older than Melva. She was adopted by a couple who drove an Audi to the orphanage. Helena's adoptive parents are a child's dream. They were super kind and caring. They took Melva on several sleepovers and vacations.

Melva herself left the orphanage when she reached the age of eligibility. She rejected Helena's parents to be adopted together. Melva thought they could still be like family.

Receiving a full scholarship for her education up to university was the best thing she received. Even though the person refused to give her name. Melva is very grateful to the donor of the scholarship. Without having to work hard, Melva only has to work part-time to eat everyday.

"I have a new bag and you should see it later!"

Melva looked at Helena, "Where is it from this time?"

"It's a local brand, but it's really nice."

Frowning, Melva asked, "You're not usually interested in local brands. How much is it?"

"I'm not sure about the price. It's a gift," Helena replied softly.

"Hmm? As far as I know, your taste with your Mom is different, you rarely compliment the bags chosen by her. So, who did you give this to?"

Helena grimaced in confirmation, "There's someone I know, a guy I'm getting close to. Just pray for it."

"Yes? Oh you don't think of it like we haven't known for almost ten years. Of course I'll wish you the best. You guys have known each other for so long? How did he know about your hobby as a bag collector?"

"I told him myself, you know when I talk about hobbies, I tell him about my bags."

Melva nodded her head in agreement. Helena really liked collecting various bags. From sling bags, shoulder bags, to mini backpacks and canvas bags. Helena has a special glass cabinet for her bags. Sometimes she makes bag giveaways on social media if her closet can't hold them anymore.

"I know you prefer foreign products but he bought you a local brand? Cheapskate huh?" Melva jokingly asked.

Helena laughed, "No, he said I should love local products more."

"I see, and you immediately obeyed. All this time I've been saying the same thing and all you've done is look away while still shopping for bags of foreign products."

"Of course I have to obey my future boyfriend's words."

"You've even taken it that far."

"I have to. Don't linger. And when did you get a boyfriend?"

"Easy, I can point to anyone."

"Oh go ahead and point at anyone. Just as long as if it's the wrong person, don't whine and cry pitifully to me!"

The car entered the housing estate. Melva closed the window. The digital clock on the dashboard displayed 6.14.

The orange sky began to darken. The car turned into a house with a brown russet fence. Helena pressed the horn twice, and a security guard opened the gate for her.

The house Helena's family lived in was art deco in style. It had sharp geometric lines and symmetry, decorative details such as bas-reliefs or metal ornaments. The interior would have sparkled with metallic colors, and bold decorative accents like fancy chandeliers.

Helena led Melva straight to the dining room. As if offering something, her hand was extended at Melva's side.

"Here comes our main star for tonight."

Melva rolled her eyes at that.

Aunt Lea, who was arranging the food on the table, came over and hugged Melva and kissed her on both cheeks.

"How beautiful. Happy graduation, dear."

"Thank you Auntie."

"Let's sit down, let's eat."

Helena interrupted, "Mom, we have to take photos first. Where's Papa? Don't tell me he's not home from work yet."

"On a special day like this how could your Papa not organize his schedule? He's been home since four o'clock. But he's still in the office because the office called him earlier."

"Mom, please call Papa. I'll set up the camera." Helena grinned.

Melva stood idly watching the bustle around. She walked to the refrigerator and grabbed a cold drink. It was a relief to have cold water running down her throat. Melva's pupils moved to follow Helena who was pacing back and forth to set up the camera.

The dining room and living room have no walls. Only a glass cabinet containing glasses and jars typical of the rich. So, Melva could still see Helena who was now bending down to adjust the lens.

"Melva, you come here, I'll test the lighting. Do you think we need ring lighting?"

"It's already evening. If the lights aren't enough you can just use them to make it brighter," Melva replied as she walked to the camera.

"Okay we use it, it has to be perfect. I'll post it on social media."

"Let me help you with that."

Helena shook her head, "No need, no need. Just stand there quietly modeling for me today 'kay? That twill skirt you're wearing must be tired to walk in."

Helena brought two ring lights and placed them to the right and left of the camera.

"Nice," Helena murmured contentedly.

"Is the camera ready?" Aunt Lea had changed with Uncle Tara beside her.

Helena gave a thumbs-up to her Mom's question.

The photo session lasted almost fifteen minutes. Melva quickly removed her makeup and changed before joining the dining table.

The food was almost cold, but that didn't diminish the flavor. Melva was offered several dishes by Helena, and when Melva refused, Helena kept putting dishes on her almost full plate.

"Where do you plan to work?" Uncle Tara asked Melva.

All pairs of eyes looked at Melva waiting for an answer.

"You can join Helena in her father's office." Aunt Lea made a suggestion.

"That's right, Papa got word that the position that suits your major needs someone more."

Helena noticed Melva's anxiety.

"Mom, Pa. The best graduate in this department has also been offered with his lecturer, you know, it's also a big company that recruits," Helena said.

"Is that so? Papa's children are great. Helena also had an offer but she refused and wanted to work in her father's office. If Melva wants to be like Helena, that's fine. And if Melva wants to accept your lecturer's offer, we'll all support you."

"Right." Helena held up her spoon and went back to eating.

Melva smiled, she looked at the various dishes on the table before saying confidently, "I accept my lecturer's offer Uncle."

"That's good, anywhere as long as it's your determination. But if you change your mind, you can move in with Helena."

"Thanks Uncle."

"Don't worry Pa, Melva will feel at home at work with a handsome boss, right?"

"That's right," Melva replied in a joking tone.

The whole dining room was filled with laughter.

A week after graduation day, and right after the job application was sent to the company offered by her lecturer, Melva got the good news this morning.

An interview had been scheduled for this afternoon, not far from her apartment. Melva had been on guard since yesterday to keep an eye out for any messages on her cell phone.

Melva jumped with excitement to read the string of sentences stating she was invited for an interview, the other party confirmed her arrival by asking: Are you available?

Her fingers typed nimbly, "Yes, I do."

Her feet unable to stand still, Melva moved around while her fingers were still typing, this time in Helena's chat room.

How could this good news not reach her? Helena would throw a tantrum if Melva forgot to tell her.

After a few text messages, things got more exciting and Helena kept sending surprised stickers to show she was proud and happy about Melva's interview call. Melva cut off the messages, and sent a voice message.

"I'll get my clothes ready to wear later. Goodbye!"

Melva put her phone down on the bed, then stood in front of her wardrobe, opening it and going through everything inside.

Touching her chin, Melva considered what she would wear later in the afternoon.

Given that this was a formal event, Melva had to pay attention to her appearance as an added value. Melva was quite fond of fashion.

It was common for her to mix tops and bottoms and fashionable accessories when going out. But of course it was different in the current situation. She was going to a job interview, she had to be neat and pleasing to the eye.

"This shirt is too flashy."

Melva passed by shirts that were brightly colored and patterned.

The shirt Melva finally chose was a white cotton shirt. It has a classic collar and a slim fit. The white buttons match the basic color of the shirt. For the pants, Melva chose black pants made from lightweight and comfortable cotton twill. The pants have a slim cut with a bit of stretch to provide flexibility. Melva placed the suit on her bed after ironing it.

Then she moved to the kitchen.

The fridge contained only yesterday's leftover vegetables and a few eggs. Melva took two loaves of whole wheat bread and toasted them. She set the toaster on one minute.

While waiting, she fried the eggs and beef, then washed the lettuce.

The buns finished baking, Melva arranged the fillings before covering the other bun.

Melva decided to eat rice after the interview. She was worried about overeating.

After finishing the sandwich, Melva rushed to take a shower. It only took forty minutes to get ready including make up. Melva took a breath while holding the doorknob. She confirmed her look again before confidently opening the door and exiting her apartment.

Her taxi arrived, Melva announced her destination, the taxi drove off with the other vehicles. Melva had estimated her time of arrival. She would arrive a quarter of an hour before the interview.

Her shoulders relaxed as the taxi drove smoothly without traffic. Her nerves stared out the window, looking at the large buildings lined up. Melva looked relaxed, but when the taxi stopped in front of the building with the company name prominently displayed, her heartbeat couldn't lie. Any first experience is bound to be thrilling.

Melva took another breath and flashed a smile. She paid the fare and got out of the taxi.

Melva entered the company's spacious and modern lobby. The walls were covered in elegant wood paneling. Modern artwork and company photographs depicting the company's history and achievements are scattered across the walls.

A large monitor screen was mounted on the wall to display current information and important announcements. In the corner of the room is a small lounge area with sofas and chairs, complemented by a table and houseplants. A rack of magazines and books is available next to it.

In the center of the room is a reception desk with the company logo displayed behind it. A receptionist sat behind the desk.

"Excuse me, I'm a candidate for the position of Personal Assistant who has an interview scheduled for this afternoon."

"Let me check first."

"Oh, please."

The receptionist moved quickly to read the information of the upcoming visit, her gaze stopping at the interview by the company owner. Any important guests who would be coming would be specifically scheduled and delivered to the receptionist. The CEO of this company was certainly very busy.

"With Melva Karenina Putri?"

"That's right."

"Scheduled for one o'clock in the afternoon, the office is currently on lunch break. But you can wait in the waiting chair provided in front of the interview room. You can go up to the third floor, walk straight to the right. The two rooms before the end are the interview rooms."

"Thank you."

Melva followed the instructions, and sat down after reaching the front of the interview room. She informed Helena of her current situation.

A short-haired woman approached her, said hello and then asked her name like the receptionist did.

She introduced herself as the CEO's secretary. Melva had at least looked up information about the company, as well as her future boss. A man in his thirties. Still very young to be in the CEO position.

The secretary, whose name was Rere, invited Melva to come in and wait inside. Then Melva returned alone to the interview room.

Two minutes later, the door opened and revealed a man about 180 cm tall. Dressed in a black velvet suit and matching pants, he could charm anyone even though the look on his face was very frightening for anyone who approached him. Including Melva. And she would have more interactions with him if she was accepted into this company.

Unconsciously, Melva gulped down her own saliva.

Melva stood up, bowing to him before introducing herself.

"Good afternoon sir, I'm Melva Karenina Putri who will be conducting the interview."

"I'm Zeon."

Zeon sat down and looked at Melva who had also returned to her seat.

The interview room has one table and two chairs facing each other. One houseplant in the corner. And a storage drawer on the side. This room was intentionally designed only for interviews between two people.

Melva still maintained her smile since Zeon's arrival. But Zeon just stared at her intently without blinking. Melva wondered if her makeup was too much?

Zeon seemed to be daydreaming, his focus currently going nowhere, making Melva awkward herself.

Feeling impolite to reprimand, Melva remained quietly waiting.

Zeon was still looking at her as if remembering something.

"Ah sorry, I wasn't focused enough." Zeon massaged his temples.

His fierce demeanor disappeared in an instant, making him now look very friendly and can be joked with like an old friend. Melva was a little confused by the change, but she didn't think much of it because her heart was beating again for the interview session.

"I've reviewed your CV. You graduated last week, right?"

"Yes, sir." Melva was relieved that Zeon's gaze was not intimidating, but rather friendly.

Zeon closed Melva's application file after only turning two pages. Zeon asked questions and Melva answered smoothly. The interview session had been running for fifteen minutes. Melva hadn't had any trouble answering before until this question came from Zeon.

"You can make coffee?"

Huh? Melva blinked, then replied, "I'm not a coffee drinker sir and I've never made it, but if it's related to my job, I'll try to learn how to use a coffee machine."

"Good, because I often drink coffee in the morning. I hope you can learn quickly. You can start work the day after tomorrow. And remember one thing, you are my personal assistant. You work for me, not the company. Anything outside of the job I give you must be approved by me."

"Can you explain what that means?" asked Melva in need of an explanation.

"For example, if an employee of this company orders something to you, you are not obliged to agree. Because you work for me. Unless it's an order from me to the employee to give you a job. Is that clear?"

"Clear sir. Thank you for your time and opportunity."

"You're welcome."

Zeon led the way to his feet, Melva followed and they shook hands. Melva waited, letting Zeon exit the room first.

When the door was open, Zeon turned around.

"Ah, please change your lipstick color. It's too bright."

Melva reflexively touched her own lips.

"The total is 230,000 Rupiah. Thank you, welcome back."

Melva smiled at the cashier and left the supermarket. Before starting work tomorrow, Melva invited Helena to eat hotpot at her apartment. Helena's parents were out of town, so Melva invited Helena to stay overnight.

It only took five minutes to walk to the apartment lobby. Melva entered the elevator and pressed 3.

Helena hadn't arrived yet, she informed her that she was still on her way home from work. Melva suggested coming straight from work without going home first. Some of Helena's clothes had been stored in Melva's closet to use at times like this. And they often alternated between Melva and Helena's place.

While waiting for Helena's arrival, Melva prepared the cooking tools and ingredients. Right after washing her hands, the bell rang. Melva had given Helena the apartment password, but Helena had politely kept ringing the bell and waiting for Melva to open it. Melva repeatedly warned her to go straight in, but Helena refused. And Melva was tired of telling her.

"Hello, hello. Look what I brought!" Helena raised two hands full of groceries.

"What's that?"

Melva closed the door and accepted the tote bag from Helena in confusion. She peeked inside, lifted the contents and was very surprised to find out. It was a plain black mini skirt that when worn only reached halfway up her thigh.

"You're crazy! I'm going to work, not a club."

The skirt landed perfectly on Helena's face, and instead of getting angry, she laughed. Melva blushed just imagining herself in that little outfit.

This afternoon Melva had been shopping for some formal suits for work. She asked Helena over the phone for advice on what to buy. Since Helena was senior to her, she could certainly tell her what she should have for the office.

And so, Helena volunteered to donate an outfit for her. Melva certainly didn't mind. Helena had often given her unexpected things. But how could Helena possibly think of giving her a skirt like that.

"I was just joking about that one, take this." Still laughing, Helena said.

Melva's hand stretched out to accept Helena's other luggage. And this time it really was a set of work-worthy clothes. There was also a pair of heels in the same color.

"But if you still want to wear it, that's fine."

Melva snorted, "What's okay?"

Helena went into the bathroom giggling. Melva took Helena's gifts, including the skirt, to her room. Too bad, don't waste money. Maybe it will be used later anyway.

The thing that made her have to be extra patient was Helena's bath time. It wasn't until Melva was starving that Helena came out of the bathroom. Already dressed in her pajamas. Her hair was flicked here and there, making the floor wet.

"Clean up what you did first, don't you dare step an inch."

Helena's lips pouted, "Of course Princess."

After cleaning the floor, Helena joined Melva at the dining table. The living room to the kitchen did not have any partition. There was a bathroom in the room, but Helena chose the outside bathroom that could also reach the dining room and living room by circulating her net.

"My stomach is already struggling." Helena rubbed her increasingly rumbling stomach after seeing the hotpot already boiling in front of her.

Melva rolled her eyes, "You think I don't?"

"You can taste it while I take a bath."

Melva raised her chopsticks to stir the hot pot so that it would cook evenly.

"I can get carried away with eating it without leaving any for you."

"So you waited for me. Aw, the attention."

Taking another look at the food in front of her, Helena's brow furrowed, "Only this much?"

Melva stood up and walked towards the refrigerator, "Tadaa!"

"Now this is how it should be. Let's put the diet on hold."

Melva snapped her fingers, "Right, celebrate me becoming a corporate slave."

A tray of hotpot ingredients was placed next to the portable stove.

Both of them sighed in satisfaction as the hotpot soup slid down their throats. As was tradition, they would sip the soup first before eating the filling.

"How was the first day of work? Bossy attitude from your boss?" Helena started the conversation.

Swallowing her chew, Melva replied, "Not really, it's just that his first impression of me was so cold and untouchable. I barely had a chance to crack a joke with him. A typical serious perfectionist. But he warmed up quite a bit after talking in the interview."

Helena's head nodded a few times and then asked, "How old is he?"

"Early thirties I think or maybe closer to thirty. His face still looks young and fresh."

And Helena was not surprised by that.

"Ah, I guess he's the company's successor."

Melva stopped her mouthful, looking at Helena, "Why is that?"

While Helena remained focused on her food but no doubt she answered with certainty, "You have to believe it. To get the CEO position at his current age, it's one in ten thousand if you know."

"That's right. The average age of new graduates in this country is 23-25 years old, right?"

"Yep. What's his name?"

"Zeon. He didn't mention his full name during the introduction and I felt bad asking."

"From his name, he sounds like a charming person."

"Ugh, very charming and sexy indeed. His height and stature could make anyone shrink. Maybe he has some mulatto blood."

Re-imagining Zeon's face and stature made Melva lose her mind for a moment. An established and mature man like Zeon was indeed a temptation for women who wanted to live a luxurious life but only needed to occupy themselves with pedicure treatments. In short, being the wife of a wealthy boss.

"Just approach him. We can double date later."

Helena's silly ideas always came out of nowhere.

"I'm applying for a job please. That's for later..." Melva took a sip of her canned drink, "If it's a match," Melva continued softly.

"Hahahaha." The two laughed together.

Zeon's handsome face had disappeared in Melva's mind, replaced by the annoying face he had said at the end of their meeting. Melva frowned again at the memory."Ugh but he's quite annoying. Hold on, let me show you something."

Melva put down her chopsticks, stood up and disappeared behind her bedroom door. When she returned, her hand held a lipstick. She opened it and showed Helena.

"Why, for me? No need, I don't want to use second-hand," Helena said in a joking tone. It was a joke because they had often shared and borrowed makeup.

"I'm not giving it to you."

"So what?"

Melva thrust the lipstick in front of Helena's serious face, "Do you think this color is too light for me to wear?"

Helena examined the color of the lipstick, "No. It looks normal and suitable."

Melva closed the lipstick and flicked it onto the table. The hotpot soup shook a little.

"Doesn't it? I wore this color during the interview with Zeon. But Zeon said it was too bright and he asked me to change to another color. This is the first time someone has called my favorite lipstick color too bright."

"That's right, it's suitable for work. I even have a lighter shade, so far no one has commented."

"Don't compare, just try working with Zeon. I'm sure you'll be sneered at like a sissy at a red light."

"Hahaha, so Zeon has a taste for nude colors."

Melva snorted, "What the hell? He thinks it's just like finding a life companion should be a matter of taste? Ugh, and I ended up buying another color."

Helena shook her head at her best friend's somber look. A second later a witty smile appeared on her face.

"You have to be careful. That could be the start of the comments he'll make to you."

"Oh that's okay, what he doesn't like I'll use to hurt his eyes."