Part 7 : A hope

My parents' faces lit up after hearing the news that one of the private universities in my city is still open for registration for the nutrition science study program. 

With burning enthusiasm, my papa took me to the test there.

"Pray before starting the exam and keep focused on doing the questions yes," said my father giving me support. 

I nodded firmly, then walked into the exam room, leaving my papa alone in the waiting room.

                                                              ***

I finished the academic test, physical test, and interview test at exactly two in the afternoon.

The worms in my stomach had been protesting because of hunger. Luckily my papa is sensitive to take me to his favorite food stall. 

We ordered meatballs and chicken noodles and two glasses of iced tea.

"You will do well here, La. Papa is very sure of that," my papa said confidently.

"Really? What if not?"

"No, La. Papa is sure you can go to college this year."

"Otherwise, I'll get married," I answered carelessly.

"Hey, who are you getting married to? You're still 19 years old and you are still childish like this. Who wants to have a wife like you?"

I chuckled at papa's scolding.

"Arga. He will be my husband," I said confidently.

"He's only 24 years old, La. You guys are very young to get married. No, papa will not bless it. Now you just need to focus on college. Do you understand?"

"Hehe, I understand, Pa," I replied .

"Now think about going to college first. You know, getting married is not as easy as you think. Getting married is how you live with someone whose character is different from yours. Getting married not only unites you and him, but also unites two big familiesmarriage is sacred and lifelong, La. Fix yourself first before you get married. Remember that papa's message, "said my papa at length which I only answered with a nod of my head. 

My papa and I returned home after finishing eating and paying for the food.

"How was the test today? Was it smooth?" asked my mother who was ready at the door when I arrived.

"Sixty percent," I replied.

"Only 60%?" asked Mom, surprised.

I nodded firmly.

PLAK!

"Awww ..." I moaned in pain when my mother's hand hit my arm.

"Hey, you are my daughter. You inherited my intelligence. How can you say your confidence to be accepted into the nutrition science program is only 60%? Don't you believe that the chances of you being accepted into the nutrition science study program are 100%?" My mom keeps scolding me. . 

"The lecturer said that the announcement will be held at four o'clock this afternoon. So be patient," I replied a little annoyed.

"Gosh, you are! Whose ignorance has passed on to you? Oh, God, why is my child like this?" My mom keeps on grumbling. 

I ignore it. I went into the room and lay down. I turned on the fan in my room because the street was so hot that it made me have to be drenched in sweat.

I opened my cellphone and I found several messages from Arga. 

Arga: Honey, fighting for the test today. I'm sure you can ❤

Honey, don't hesitate to answer the questions. I'm sure my adorable lover can do it ❤

Ella, today I'm not focused on doing my college assignments. Even I lost my appetite for food. Do you know why? Because I keep thinking about you.

Honey, are you already in the exam room?

Honey, how was your exam? Is it finished or not?

My sweet heart, I miss you. When you get home, you must reply to my message huh. If not, I will punish you. 

I laughed reading my lover's messages. My fingers started typing word for word to reply to Arga's message.

Me: I just got home. What will you give me as punishment? 😂😂

I put down my cellphone while I closed my eyes for a moment .

Tiiinggg....

My cell phone chimes, indicating there is an incoming message

Message from Arga.

Arga: I'm going to be a baby 😂😂

My eyes stared at the ceiling of the room - trying to think what Arga meant. How can he be a baby when he is already 24 years old?

Me: Hey, you're 24 years old, Arga. How could you want to be a baby? 

Tiiingg....

Arga: You don't understand, La?

I scratched my head which didn't itch. What does that mean?

Me: My dear, I was just fighting over these damn questions. And you still add to the burden on my mind? 😭 

Tiingg...

Arga: Hahaha ... You're so innocent, La. It means I'm going to suckle you. You are breastfeeding me 😂😂

My face was red like boiled crab. Somehow reading Arga's message made me fly to the seventh heaven. 

Tinngg....

I immediately grabbed my cellphone again, maybe Arga sent me another message.

But I was wrong. Incoming messages are from unknown numbers. 

+ xxxxxxxxxxx: Congratulations, you have been accepted as part of the nutrition science study program at our university. Please come to campus to make a registration payment of three million.

My heart jumped with joy at the message. 

I ran out of the house - to meet my mom and dad in the living room.

"What's with your face? It's rare that we see your face beaming like this," my mother asked in amazement. 

"Yeah, usually gloomy. What's the matter?" asked my papa.

I handed my cellphone to my parents.

Their faces, which were originally full of astonishment, have now become happy. My dad and mom hugged tightly while kissing my cheeks. 

"Congratulations, my son. Papa is very proud of you," said my papa while stroking the top of my head.

"Congratulations, darling. That's right said mama, that you can. You are my son, surely you are smart enough to achieve your goals," said my mother.

"Thank you, Mama, Papa. I'll go to the room first," I said goodbye. 

I went into my room and returned to open my cellphone.

I sent the results of the announcement to Arga.

Tiingg....

A message arrived on my cell phone after a while i waited. From someone I've been waiting for, Arga.

Arga: Congratulations, honey. I know you will pass. You really tried really hard. I'm proud of you ❤❤

My fingers agile typing on the phone screen - reply to Arga's message.

Me: Are you free this afternoon, Honey? I want to ride with you. I miss you, really 😭

Tiingg...

Arga: Honey, I'm sorry. Afternoon until tonight I am very busy with my unresolved tasks. What if the day after tomorrow? We're not cycling, honey. But I will take you for a walk. You want? 

My disappointment with the first sentence disappeared when I read the last sentence. Of course I do. Spending time with Arga is really fun.

Me: It's okay, honey. I understand what you are busy with. Okay, the day after tomorrow we will take a walk, okay?

Tingg....

Arga: Yes, dear. Now rest. You're really tired all day right? Have a good rest, my dear ❤❤

I closed my cellphone and closed my eyes. Indeed, today is very tiring. But I'm very happy.