That afternoon, Elina sat on the porch while scrolling through her phone. She tried looking for another job that might pay much more than working as a server at a roadside eatery.
"Sis, I made you some hot tea. It's really cold out. The rain hasn't let up at all." Erin set a cup of hot tea on the table.
"Thanks, kiddo."
Erin pulled up a chair and sat beside Elina. "What are you looking for?"
"Oh, I'm looking through job postings. Maybe I can find something better. At the very least, something that pays a little more," Elina replied.
Erin nodded.
Elina scrolled down until her eyes landed on a job posting from a property company.
"PT. ANGKASA PRADIPTA," Elina murmured.
"What is it, Sis?"
"Hmm? Nothing. There's an opening for a secretary at PT. ANGKASA PRADIPTA," Elina said, showing Erin the job posting printed in the newspaper.
"A secretary? Are you sure? They must require a college degree, especially for an office job. You only have a three-year diploma," Erin said.
Elina let out a long sigh. Erin had a point. A large company would certainly look for someone with a higher degree or comparable achievements and experience in the field. Still, this was the only job opening she thought was worth trying for.
"God willing. I'll try applying there first. Whatever happens, happens. The important thing is that I try. Even if they don't accept me, it just means the opportunity wasn't meant for me yet," Elina said confidently.
Erin could only gaze sadly at her sister. She felt sorry seeing Elina struggle alone to support the three of them. Ever since high school, Elina had worked odd jobs just to pay her own tuition and her younger sister's as well.
Erin reached for Elina's hand and squeezed it tightly. "I hope you get the job there. I'll always pray for the best for the best big sister I could ever have."
The corners of Erin's eyes grew dull. She tried to hold back her tears because she didn't want her sister to feel sad if she saw her crying.
Elina rose from her seat. "I'm going to prepare my application letter and diploma first. Take care of Mom at home, okay?"
"Okay, Sis. Be careful on the way."
Elina quickly grabbed the motorcycle keys. She went to an internet café to prepare her application, then made photocopies of her diploma.
Meanwhile, in a luxurious house supported by sturdy pillars, two handsome young men entered the living room. Several servants bowed their heads and smiled at them.
"To the study. Hurry!" Sam whispered to Kevin.
The two of them hurried across the living room, pretending not to notice the influential man sitting on the sofa reading the company's financial reports.
"Now that you're grown, have you lost all sense of respect for your elders?"
That deep, stern voice brought them both to an immediate halt.
Sam and Kevin turned around. Their eyes met Edison's meaningful stare.
"Oh, my kind and beloved Grandpa." Kevin immediately put on a wide smile. He approached the man and hugged him.
Sam followed behind Kevin. He took Edison's hand and kissed it. "Sorry, Grandpa. We didn't see you here."
Of course, Sam's words were nothing but a lie. He then sat beside Kevin and acted as calm as possible.
Edison turned his attention back to the company's financial documents. Kevin and Sam nudged each other, as if they already knew what was about to happen a few seconds later.
"When are you going to bring her home and introduce her to Grandpa?"
Edison immediately put Sam on the spot, even though Sam had been trying to find a comfortable position to sit in.
"DAMN IT!" Sam screamed inwardly.