Chapter 3.1

"Jirah? Where are you?" asked her mother.

"I'm with Gwen, mom," she answered.

"Okay, go home now. We have something to tell you about your dad."

She was suddenly nervous about what her mother had said. In previous times, her mother would only call when she was ordered to do something, or to buy her fruit, but in that case, she felt differently.

"O-okay, mom," she replied.

Jirah was sure that the news brought to her by the family was important, so she hurriedly said goodbye to her friend and walked home not far away.

Her heart bumped so fast as she ran from the mall to the house in just thirty minutes.

When she reached the house, her parents hugged her tightly with tears and said, "Dear," her mother sighed and then continued, "Daddy doesn't have a job anymore," with tears. Jirah was surprised at what she heard and asked, "Why papa?"

A few more seconds passed before her father answered. "Dear, I'm sorry. Our company has reduced the number of workers. Unfortunately, I was one of the ones who was fired, but I can still be a freelance writer, though the income is small. It may not fit our needs, Jirah."

Jirah was worried about the family's situation, so when she sat down on her favorite sofa, she said, "Mom, Dad, don't worry, tomorrow I will look for a job. I will try to get hired right away." Her parents just nodded at what she said.

"Where is my assistant, Mangxie? Is he coming or not?" I need my stuff for the show," Terrence said angrily to the make-up artist, Mangxie, whose hands were shaking as he dialed the actor's assistant mobile number.

The assistant's cell phone rang and the call allotted time had just ended, but still, he didn't answer. "Come on Marcos, please answer my call," while Mangxie was nervous.

Marcos still did not answer his second call.

A second later, the actor moved toward the make-up artist again and said, "What's up Mangxie? Will he be able to come here?" asked the actor, who was then restless.

The gay man just shook his head at the actor, as if he was also scared about the situation. Later, Terrence’s manager came and asked the actor.

"Terrence, get ready. You only have thirty minutes to prepare before the show starts," Mangxie and Terrence just stared at each other and the manager noticed them.

"What's the matter, Mangxie? And where is Marcos? He is supposed to be here right now," asked the manager. 

Just before he answered the manager's question, Mangxie received a cell phone message.

"Mangz, please tell Boss Terrence, I have an emergency. Just take care of the clothes he's going to wear. They're ready. I have the key to my room in the locker. Just get it. Thank you," the content of Marcos's message.

Mangxie read it in front of the two companions.The actor may be angry with the situation, but he has nothing to do but take the initiative to improve his presence in the show. Until he came up with the make-up artist as his temporary assistant in the absence of Marcos. 

Terrence immediately instructed him to follow what was said in Marcos's message. Mangxie brought Terrence's clothes to the dressing room and supported the actor in wearing them. From the beginning of the program until the end, Mangxie did not leave the actor, so he became a make-up artist/personal assistant at that time.

Jirah had already prepared her job application requirements. It will not be difficult for her to find a job because she has completed a course.

She just finished a Bachelor of Science in Office Administration at Fordwell University. An expensive school that offers quality education to rich students. She had an opportunity to study there because of her scholarship given by Pennovel, the company where her father was contracted, so she grabbed the course even though she was a little hesitant to like it.

When she found out that her father had been terminated from the company, she decided to apply for jobs elsewhere for their family needs. Her parents still assisted her all along. 

As a first-timer, Jirah kept on biting her lips while in the interview process.

"Good morning Ms. Jane, I was assigned to interview the applicants. So I am Ms. Glenda, the HR hiring officer. This time I only have questions that you will only answer in ten minutes. Your answers should be in the English language. Are they all clear?"

As her muscles trembled, she forced herself to remain calm and smiled at the speaker.

"Yes," she replied. 

And the questions were thrown at her by the interviewer. Those are: "Describe yourself", "What are your expectations for the company", and the last one was about the reason why she wanted to work for the company she was applying for.

She felt uneasy while responding to each of the questions given by the interviewer. In the first and second questions, she answered them well, but when it came to the last question, she was hesitant to answer it.

"Ahm... in fact, I was really forced to look for job offers because of my parents. My dad lost his job, so I decided to apply for work first... for our own good."

She found it difficult to answer, but she still completed her sentence. 

Her ten minutes were over and the HR officer told her to just wait for their call. So, she left that company and went to the  little waiting shed to retouch her make-up. Even though she was not used to grooming herself and putting lipstick on her face, she still tried to be pleasant, especially in front of the officers in uniform.

Of the companies she applied to, two of them rejected her application, while the other three companies told her to wait for a message. She was almost degrading herself at that time.

A day after, Gwen called her for an invitation to a college reunion.

"You're so beautiful, in my eyes, my love," Gwen's phone call ringtone. She picked it up and said, "Yes, Gwen?" Clearing her mind.

"Thank God, at last, you answered my call," Gwen said.

"What's up now?" she asked.

"Tomorrow afternoon is our college reunion. Will you come? Don't worry, you can borrow my dress if that's your problem."

She was irritated by what her friend said because she knew that she did not like to participate in gatherings, especially at college reunions. She never even showed up at the school where she was finishing her course.

"Bessy, you know that already. I'm not interested in that reunion and even if you force me, it's useless. I'm sorry," she replied.

"No, you can't resist Bessy," Gwen said.

"Why?" 

Jirah sighed and wondered what else her friend would say just to come with her.

"Because your idol will be there."

When she heard that, her spirit came alive and she clarified with her friend if it was true.

"What? Are you serious, Gwen?"

"Yeah, Terrence Johnson of JCI TV network will attend the college reunion." 

She jumped for joy as if she had won the lottery because it was impossible for her idol to go to the reunion. 

"Oh my God! I can't believe this. Okay, bessy I must sleep early tonight to prepare for tomorrow's reunion. Thanks, Gwen. Goodnight," she said. 

It's been a week since their last meeting and it's going to be exciting for her to see Terrence's face again.