WHEN MY FACE CHANGED
The Tough Woman

In a cafe frequented by many students, Jessica and Sherina were laughing. Ever since Jessica started working, she has been communicating less and less with Sherina. Sherina understood that, she reduced her attitude that often invites Jessica out.

“By the way what about your work ? Oh yeah, you haven't told me where your office is.” Sherina asked to suck up her coffee.

“Alright, not yet the time you know.” Jessica said briefly.

“Dih, very arrogant no long time so unemployed. I won't come to your office just to see you.” Reply Sherina chuckled. Feeling that Jessica was still hiding it for fear of her suddenly appearing there.

“If that is what you keep asking where my office is.” Jessica said annoyed.

“Hahaha, I just want to know.”

“But in my office many people are crazy about money.” Those words came out casually from Jessica's mouth.

“You mean crazy money how ? hard workers all ?” asked Sherina again to sip her coffee.

“Yes, Hardworking. Too hard work thinking how to embezzle company money.”

“Haaa ? Oh, my God, that's awful. But the world of the company is indeed a lot that is so, too greedy.”

“But what about you ? did you also go along with mer.”.

“I'm not that naive. which is true, can they sleep peacefully after embezzling money that does not belong to them ?” Potolong Jessica loudly because she is not the type of person like that.

“Hahaha, yes you chose the right path.” Sherina thumbs up at Jessica with a smile that expands on her lips.

Silent.

“You are a great woman ya”

“All women in this world are great. It's not just me. Why did you suddenly say that?” Jessica flat.

“But you always stand on your own feet, supporting your brother with toughness.” Sherina turned her eyes the other way.

“Sa-brothers ? You mean “ Jessica panicked instantly, because as I recall she never talked about this to anyone. Including Sherina who had been close to him for a long time. Sherina looked back at Jessica.

“You're just like my brother, Erick. Lovely to his sister.”

“Haaa ? since when did you..”.

“You forgot ? maybe it was because you were drunk and unconscious.” Jessica recalled the last time she was drunk with Sherina.

“My graduation day ?” guess Jessica. Sherina nodded with a flat face.

“Why is that the only thing you cover up from me ?” Sherina asked sadly, feeling Jessica had not trusted her as a friend.

“What did I tell you back then ?” Jessica panicked.

“Many, you said you have a younger brother who is continuing his education abroad, your parents who.”.

“Enough.” Jessica didn't want to hear what came out of Sherina's mouth.

“Silence. I don't need compliments from anyone, including you.” Jessica said with great emphasis.

“Ah, ma-sorry.” Sherina lowered her head, feeling guilty.

“Forget what I said back then.”

“But you only told me about your sister and your parents. I'm here to think you're my best friend, just wondering if you're having trouble with Jessica. Did you still not think I was ?”

“Then after you know my difficulties, then how ? you want to pity me with a look of pity ?” Jessica smiled in anguish.

“Jessica, I had no such intention at all. Instead I want to help if I can..”.

“If not ? anyway why busy figuring out my predicament ?I'm close to you, but that doesn't mean you should know everything about me.” Jessica said sharply.

“I'm sorry, I just want to do good with the people closest to me.” Sherina lowered her head.

“It's almost night, I go home first.” Jessica got up from the chair while carrying her bag.

“Ohiya, tomorrow you have to go to work. Go home, be careful on the road.” Sherina looked at the woman. Slowly Jessica disappeared from her sight, Sherina put on a sad face recalling her conversation with Jessica. If only he had not discussed it, maybe they still laughed off now or even reached the mall. Shop like a crazy woman arguing for the latest product.

Do I not deserve to be a good person to those closest to me? I would love to be the person he calls when I'm in trouble, I love him as much as my own brother, but maybe I'm overdoing it. Inner Sherina was sad.

Jessica threw her body on the bed, drowning her face in both palms so that her long hair was broken apart. No tears that had been held back by him just flowed away. Like being fighting with the rain spots that are increasingly falling faster along with the tears that flow from the woman's eyes. Jessica the cold and ambient woman could cry on her own by her bed, she remembered Sherina's words earlier in the cafe. Just this time Jessica felt the affection of the people closest to her, only this time her heart hurt when there were other people she met in the campus cafeteria could make her feel loved. Sherina, the girl was able to make Jessica feel alive again after the departure of her parents. During this time he lived alone, making a living for the sibungsu who is now continuing his education abroad. Perhaps people will wonder why sibungsu was told to go abroad to continue his education ? though he was there not because of scholarship or help from others but the hard work of the brother. Has life been hard made harder ? I don't know, maybe only Jessica can answer it and if asked maybe she can only be angry because she does not like to be meddled.

You're a great woman huh, you've always stood on your own feet, propping up your brother so hard.

Jessica smiled faintly recalling the words Sherina had said in the cafe. But suddenly that thin smile slowly disappeared, her tears flowing again.

Jessica, I'd love to help you if I can.

Those words support the outbreak of Jessica's cries that are increasingly hardened along with the swift rain that falls out there.

“Ma-forgive me Sherin..forgive me.” He sobbed, regretting how to respond to Sherina's words.

Not that Jessica does not know thank you or pleasantries as people do if they are getting compliments. However, he felt that praise was inappropriate for him because he felt that it was not in accordance with what people thought, in fact he was not that great, not that strong.

"Sherina. You're a good man, a good boy, a very great woman. I've only met the first woman as patient as you in my face. Though...." Jessica turned her gaze towards the window, staring at the falling rain

"I'm not as good as you think I am." Jessica grew even more hurt considering the woman who last hurt her heart.

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Don't forget his feedback dear 😘