Closing Time: 11 PM

32. Every Minute Of The Day

And I can't believe that I am your man

And I get to kiss you baby just because I can

Whatever comes our way, we'll see it through

And you know that's what our love can do

-Everything, Michael Bublé

#

Friday.

Kara was both happy and heartsick when their ten-day convention ended. It was a good experience to learn a lot of things from experts and a preparation too for another separation with Chad, in terms of distance.

Days went by swiftly for the two and though they spent a lot of time together, it felt like it wasn't enough when the weekend came and it was almost time for her to leave.

Her flight going back home was scheduled Sunday afternoon and she has already packed her items on her luggage. Chad was helping her out in fixing her things and the small gifts he got for her family.

"Why don't you both go to his place tonight?" Barbara asked the two of them.

"We're okay," Kara answered. "I don't want him to be hassled when we have to go to the airport."

"He can send you in time for you to meet me there, right Chad?" she then turned to him.

"No need. We can spend the night here, have enough sleep, and be on time for the flight tomorrow," she told her.

"I think Barbara gave a brilliant idea," Chad disagreed with Kara. "It's just seven and I can drive going home in three hours. We'll be home in time for some late dinner and some late night show."

"Chad, I don't want you to get so tired driving back and forth when we can just stay here anyway," she stopped him.

"It would make a difference, trust me," he smiled at her. The next thing she knows, they were already checking out of the hotel and he was already driving his way home with all her luggages on his car's compartment. It was late and he passed by some drive thru where he purchased some burger and fries for the two of them. A few minutes before midnight, they were already sitting on the couch inside his living room.

He called Jaida while they were on their way and asked her to prepare dinner for two. He was reheating the food that she cooked and turned on his TV set. They were watching some late night comedy show over some pizza and pasta.

When the show ended, they retreated to his room. They were both too tired that they just fell asleep the moment they lied down. She only woke up when she felt someone licking on her feet. She slowly opened her eyes and screamed when she saw a beagle on the foot of the bed, with its tongue out.

Chad came in rushing. "What happened? Did Stewart bite you?"

"Sinong Stewart? Yung aso dinidilaan paa ko!" she yelped.

Instead of taking the dog away, Chad laughed and carried his dog to sit beside her. He gave her a kiss. "Hi baby, this is my pet Stewart. Young beagle, this is your mother Kara."

"Sya si Stewart?" she asked him. She is not that fond of dogs, not that she doesn't like them. Rather, she is scared of them.

"Yes. He's my buddy for some years now," he said, caressing the dog's ears. "Was he licking your feet?"

"Yeah, he was," she said.

"He's a nice, sweet boy," he said. "Let's get you some breakfast now."

She stood up and joined him for breakfast. He cooked for her and prepared the table. They were in the middle of eating when Jaida and Bill came. It was a weekend and so the young boy was free. The dog greeted him happily when he came in.