I'm (Not) a Cheap Woman

Proposing

Re-entry messages piled up on Annisa Nadhira's WhatsApp. Waiting to be read by the 25-year-old.

But the fingers are still reluctant to open one by one the messages that enter the gadget. Until his determination changed when a message that awaited him since yesterday greeted.

“Sorry new news. Yesterday I was busy expanding to Makassar.”

Reading a series of words from his high school friend at that time, apparently never brighten his grim face.

“In the office again need staff in the Regional Division. Quickly register if interest! The fans have a lot of questions,” added Athira. Emot spirit does not forget Athira insert at the end of his chat.

Nisa pulled both corners of her lips while typing on the board of her phone. “Thanks for the information sist.”

He also put a rectangular-shaped object that accompanies him every day afterwards. His mind now plays the episode as he struggles to study in school first.

In his mind again, Athira is nothing compared to him who always gets good grades at that time.

But who would have thought, Athira who used to only belong to the middle IQ caste in the class, actually soared to the top after graduating.

Now, Athira really has a career that is coveted by failed alumnus like Nisa.

A few minutes later, Nisa pulls away from daydreams about her school days. As much as has helped him when his economy slumped across there, apparently returned to reply chat.

“Sama-sama sist.”

Sebes later, Nisa removes the clear details that still escaped from her bruised eyes. Those eyes always adorned his face, after spilling annoyance at the circumstances.

Yesterday, the contract owner arrived. As usual, the twilight-aged woman was charging the rent. But Nisa's family can't afford it.

Inevitably the owner of the contract came home empty, also empty pockets. Let alone half the payment, even a dime of money was not given by the Nisa family to her.

It is not that they do not want to pay, but the Nisa family is indeed in the lowest point of the economy.

Kanza, Nisa's sister, is still in school. Not yet reliable to strengthen the family rupiah coffers.

Faridah, Nisa's mother, is just a washerman. The salary will not be enough to finance the needs of the family and pay the rent at the same time.

Nugroho, Nisa's father, was lying weak. Acute rheumatism that attacks, sometimes making him unable to walk. As he is experiencing right now. They cannot find wages outside the home.

As for Nisa, she has not yet got a job after being in the GHK during the pandemic. That's why he asked Athira for help. Requesting that his best friend immediately provide information if there are open job vacancies, in the office where he works.

And today, came the time that Nisa had been waiting for so much. The day where he could finally hope for his struggle during this search for work, ended with victory (accepted work).

He is too busy with his business. Start by watching how to create a good Job Application Letter on YouTube. Surely the cover letter he made was not uniform as most people make.

Continuing with editing the old Curriculum Vitae becomes more interesting. He listed some skills and competencies that are qualified so that the company wants to glance at the file.

Not to forget also he prepared Photocopy of diploma and transcip value, Photocopy of ID card, and a piece of a photo measuring 3x4 with a red background.

All the ready files he neatly arranged, put them together with paperclips. Then put it in the orange map.

***

Morning dawned, when the sun managed to burn out the sadness yesterday. All that remains is a new happiness ready to be hunted.

Yesterday, in order to get a job, Nisa sold her mother's only gold earrings since she was a toddler.

Although the price is not much, at least the results of the sale of gold that he can use during the job registration. Yup, as it is now. The money will be used to pay for public transport rent later.

Nisa went up, sat by the window. The vehicle then drove off, and stopped after a few minutes, right in front of the company where Athira was working.

Nisa rushed to give money to the kernet standing by the door. And just step into the company lobby.

Inside, Thira's smooth hand hit the number 5. Upon arriving on the 5th floor, Thira walks into a room, still with Nisa following.

“Sorry yes, you forced me to stay. There's a lot of work I have to finish. Just gather your files inside,” he said before leaving.

Nisa nodded. Then said, “Thanks a lot, Thira.”

“Most welcome.”

As fast as Thira from before him, Nisa entered the room shown. The gaze of the eagle belonging to Qanita, who was sitting in her big chair, managed to destroy half the spirit of Nisa who had just entered the room.

Especially when the thick-lipped beautiful woman began to open her mouth. “Wear hijab continue?” ask her with eyes that are so focused towards the front.

“Iya,” reply Nisa fast.

“We have never received a hijab female before.” Nita gives a pause. “But the final decision is in the hands of the director. Just pray that you get passed.”

“Iya, aamiin.” Only that word could Nisa say, before she was silent for a long time.

“You can get out now. We'll send you a message later tonight if you pass.”

Nisa smile. “Good, thank you in advance.”

“Sama-sama.” Nita's face remained flat, not at all intending to return the suitor's warm smile before her.

Nisa from there. A tall, sweet-eyed man approached Nita. Farel, a 25-year-old man, is a cousin of the company's owner. The only man capable of subduing Nita's haughty attitude.

Farel checked the incoming applicant's files. His hand stopped on one of the CVs. Interest arises when he reads the abilities and competencies listed on the paper.

“Well, this woman is our new staff.” He gave his CV to Nita.

“What? Your decision was brazen, Rel. Mr. Arka must be angry if we get rid of this hijab-wearing woman.” So speechless, Nita spontaneously massaged both eyebrows violently.

“Take it easy. If that is the case, I can talk carefully with Arka. Most importantly, we have got a new prospective staff who are competent.”

The lips of Farrel, which had been shaped horizontally, now turned into the shape of a boat. A red hue was also sprinkled on his cheeks. No matter how hard he covered, the hue remained clear.

Plus his eyes that can not be compromised. My eyes were even round when I saw the photo of Nisa. Can't turn things away for a second. Arghhh, he could not bear the turmoil of love in his heart.

“There are still many other files that you have not read. Don't wait because she is beautiful, you choose her. Basic crocodile!” Nita immediately pulled Nisa's CV from Farel's hand.

“Aish, Nita. You are a habit of disturbing people who are kasmaran. So fall in love too, let your life be more colorful. Don't get angry just keep going.” Farel chuckled later.

“I've been in love for a long time, Rel. You alone are insensitive,” monologue Nita in the heart.

“Better single keles. Than you, PDKT, dating, kept heartbroken. The ends confide in me. All girls are the same, female crocodiles. So right?”

“I'm sure, this woman is different Nit. Just look at his face, his aura, uhhh positive vibes once.”

“As far as you are Rel wants to say what. Move there! I'm hungry, want to eat.” Nita pushes Farel's body slowly which blocks his way out.

Farel. “Connect today I am happy, I treat you to eat. How's it? Want right?”

“No need, I still have money to pay for my own food.”

“Okay, it's up to you. Don't regret it!”

“Iyyuhhh, will never Farel.”