Closing Time: 11 PM

17. Knocked Down in Love

We're having such a good time together

And it's only just begun

My heart's never smiled so hard

Baby, lovin' you is fun

-Lovin' You is Fun, Easton Corbin

#

Thursday morning.

She was wide awake while Chad was driving their way. He told her that they're going to the airport but didn't tell her any other details. He has the tickets and her ID so she did not know where they were heading to.

"Care to share some thoughts?" Chad asked her when he noticed she wasn't saying anything.

She straightened on her seat. "Wala naman. May iniisip lang ako."

"Like?"

She was thinking as to what she would answer. She does not know if she would tell him the truth or if she would lie to him. Adam's return had been bugging her all the time and since that night, he was constantly calling her and was checking on her. The night before, he dropped by and gave her some chocolates. He was indeed courting her.

"Like... Where we are going, what we are about to do, and what awaits me," she rather answered. She couldn't find the tongue to tell him what has been bothering her. She felt like she has been cheating on him even if she isn't.

Chad smiled. "Well whatever awaits you is something that I know you'll love."

"I don't doubt that. You never failed to give me simple surprises," she told him.

"It's not about the simplicity or not. It's about the thought that goes along with it," he smiled.

"I know," she answered. "Chad..."

"What?" he looked at her shortly.

"When are you leaving?"

He paused and took a deep breath. He doesn't know. He's still torn about leaving and has not booked a flight yet. He felt as if something is stopping him from doing it. "Soon, maybe. Why did you ask?"

"Nothing. I just thought of asking so I'll know until when I will have you around," she said. "Para naman makapag-prepare ako pag aalis ka na."

"I'll let you know. I wouldn't leave without telling you anything," he said. "Stop asking me about me leaving. This is supposed to be fun."

"I know. Naisip ko lang naman pag umalis ka. Will I be able to feel the same security and comfort? Will I feel the same thing about myself? Pag wala ka na kasi, wala na akong makakasama na kumain ng madami," she smiled.

"That was our main goal, right? For you to redeem yourself. If you are able to do it, I know that if I would have to leave for the US, you'll be fine," he answered.

They continued talking and got to the airport. They were at the domestic airport and after he checked in, they waited for their plane to arrive in two hours. They were seated beside each other when she felt her phone vibrate. When she looked at the screen, she saw the name Brenda. She excused herself to take it.

"Adam?"

Kara has changed his name into Brenda when he went to her house a few days ago. Why she did it was because she was afraid of having Chad see it. Adam called to say some sweet nothings and to ask how she is. He wasn't aware where she is and does not have any plan of telling him. They talked and after a few minutes, she went back to her seat.

"Who was that?" he asked.

Kara swallowed. "Uhm... W-wala yun. Kasamahan ko sa school. Bagong teacher."