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.