Enchanting You

Bab 46

5 hari sebelum

Pejabat Professor Linz Hester, UoM

Ardelia mengemaskan segala dokumen yang bertebaran di atas meja penyelianya. Segala kertas kertas yang penuh dengan hasil contengan Professor Hester disimpan ke dalam fail miliknya.

"So, when are you going home?" tanya Professor Hester sambil menggeliat kecil. Hampir tiga jam mereka berdua berdiskusi secara ilmiah tanpa bangun dari kerusi menyebabkan tubuh masing masing lenguh lenguh.

Ardelia tersenyum.

"This Thursday, Prof."

"Wow, you look so happy! I don't think I've ever seen you this happy since we met five months ago. Did you get your ticket?" soal Professor Hester.

Ardelia tergelak kecil

"I bought mine a month ago, Prof. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited. I miss my daughter, and there's something important I need to take care of back home."

Professor Hester mengangguk.

"Anyway, whatever you need to take care of, please don't let it distract you from our research project. Make sure to update me on your progress at least twice a week."

"Of course, Prof. I'm fully committed to this research. It's my passion. But I also need to be with my daughter. I'll prove to you that having her by my side will make me work even better." kata Ardelia dengan senyuman yang masih tidak lekang di bibir.

Professor Hester mengangguk sekali lagi sambil tersenyum. Dia tidak meragui pelajarnya itu kerana sepanjang lima bulan berkerjasama dengan Ardelia, dia jadi saksi betapa Ardelia komited dengan segala kerja yang diberikan.

"So, I guess this is goodbye for now?" tanya Professor Hester.

"Prof, I'll be back for the final presentation and graduation day. We'll definitely see each other again, and it's not like we won't stay in touch." ujar Ardelia sambil tergelak kecil.

Professor Hester turut tergelak.

"Yeah, you right, I forgot about that."

Ardelia mengumpulkan segala barangannya sebelum dia bangun dari duduk.

"Thank you so much for all the guidance you've given me, Prof. I truly appreciate everything. This connection will continue, and I will seek your advice even when I'm back in Malaysia."

"Great. I wish you smooth sailing as you continue researching the second part of our project." ujar Professor Hester.

"Will do my best, so you can put your trust on me, Prof." ujar Ardelia yakin.

"Alright, safe flight going home, Ardelia."

Ardelia tersenyum senang hati. Dia lega dapat menyelesaikan segalanya yang dia perlu lakukan sebelum dia pulang ke Malaysia.

.......................

Tulip Residential, Parkville

Arabell menjengulkan wajah di muka pintu.

"Dah siap packing?" soalnya pada Ardelia yang sedang duduk bersila di atas lantai sambil dikelilingi barang barang dan bagasi.

Ardelia mengangkat wajah.

Dia tersenyum ke arah Arabell.

"Sikit lagi."

"Tu apa yang dalam recycle bag tu?" soal Arabell sambil memicingkan mata pada longgokan barang di dalam beg kitar semula yang bersaiz besar.

Ardelia menoleh.

"Oh, tu barang barang yang Ardel nak recycle."

Arabell mengerutkan dahi.