One More Chance by Jaycelle Rodriguez

Chapter 23: Let it hurt

~~ Let it hurt, let it bleed, let it take you right down to your knees. Let it burn to the worst degree. May not be what you want' but it's what you need. Sometimes the only way around it is to let love do its work and let it hurt, yeah, let it hurt...~~~

-Rascal Flatts-

When our graduation came, I was in five months of pregnancy and my belly was already showing in my gown. But despite the different stares I received from the people who attended the ceremony, I still held my chin up, received my award and diploma and proudly gave my salutatorian speech.

Many of my classmates, especially my best friend Jack were sad that I didn't get the highest award. I have to admit that I couldn't focus on my studies in the last few months as stupidity came over me... and I got pregnant. But while receiving my award, I felt no regrets because I know there's a greater achievement that would come in the way and that is my baby.

Mom wanted to throw a party but I refused and I said that we can simply have lunch together, all of us including my in-laws and of course my best friend who also got an honor. She agreed so we ended up having lunch in an exclusive restaurant. We also had an extended celebration at home (my parents' home) where Luke and all the boys were in charge of cooking the barbecues while we girls stayed in the kitchen to prepare the side dishes.

Jack and I received our graduation gifts but I didn't expect to receive one from my husband. I asked Rory and Elaine to put them in the car as I decided to open them in 'our' home. (If you're wondering why our maids were there, well, it's because they were also part of our celebration).

After having dinner, we gathered in the living room and shared the wine that my father-in-law brought from Italy, but since I was pregnant, I have just sipped the grape juice that Rory has prepared for me.

"Why don't you open the gifts, girls?" My mom asked and Jack and I shared glances.

"Uhm, Untie we've already put them in the car. We decided to just open them at home." Jack was the first to answer.

"Tss!" Dale smirked, he stood up and went over to the side table. Seconds later, he has a small box in his hand and without any warning, he threw it into the air towards Jack's direction. "Catch it, weirdo."

"What the---" Jack didn't finish her sentence as she immediately got up to catch the small box.

"Hey, Dale Sebastian, that's rude! Why didn't you just hand it over to her?" My mom scolded my brother but he just smiled while scratching the back of his neck.

okay, untie. Honestly, I'm used to his rude behavior and I know it will never change." Jack rolled her eyes (which was her

my laugh disappeared

aren't you sitting on

the air between us thickened and I don't know where to move...to the left or right to give him space. I intensely gulped the remaining juice from the glass when his arm accidentally brushed the

take a group picture." His dad added. I just bit

said suddenly became the pictorial of me and Luke, and it's so awkward that they made us pose like a sweet and loving couple to

driver Paul was the one who drove my car while I took a ride with Luke. On our way home, a thick silence wrapped around us since none of us uttered even a single word. No one tried to speak. He kept driving while I was counting the tress in my head and watching people on

get out of the car.

shaking my head but then I remembered what he said... 'you're not my mother'.

later, Paul finally arrived with Elaine and Rory in the back seat. I decided to wait for them so we could

main road," Paul said and I just gave him a faint smile. "Did he just leave you without

as my former driver resigned when his wife had an accident at work and was badly injured, so

Paul." I smiled

was I lying to--- Paul or was it just myself? Who said I'm used of him treating me like nothing? Yeah, we've been married for four months but I still couldn't use to what he does, especially when he has brought different women every other night. The only thing that changed was that none one of

since I always woke up early, there were times that I saw them going out of his room and I couldn't hold back my tears.

Elaine..." I called them before they could go to their room. "Can

of them were shocked by my question. They shared glances and asked me

you're going to sleep in

in their room, so all in all, there

to your room, ma'am Samantha," Rory said, awkwardness was tied in

if the bed is small. Uhm... I just don't feel like sleeping in my room tonight, you know..." I shrugged. I know they knew it even if I don't tell them exactly the reason why I suddenly wanted to sleep with them. "Well, I'm gonna prepare the extra bed for you,

"Thank you, Elaine."

last time he brought a fuck buddy, and I wanted to sleep without hearing their fucking moans and groans. And I was right. I was woken at 1:00 in the morning when I heard a woman's voice giggling