One More Chance by Jaycelle Rodriguez

Chapter 31: déjà vu

~~Never thought that loving you would hurt me this way, but I'm the one to blame 'cause I'm always saying 'it's okay, it's alright, I put the pain away and let it slide. I forgive and forget it. And then you promised me I won't regret it, but I do. It's not right because I turn around and let it slide. And I'm crazy for thinking that someday, you'll change things when you keep on crossin' the line...~~~

-Nikki Flores-

Present time...

"So, how would you plan to surprise your daughter?" Jack asked me while we were unpacking our things from our bags.

In the meantime, we have decided to stay in her old apartment as I don't want to spoil my surprise for my daughter.

"I'll just tell you later, but for now, I think you should go take a shower and I'll follow when you're done."

"Huh?" She immediately got up, wrinkling her forehead. "No, you're the one who should take a bath first while I'm preparing our dress for the party."

"Jackeline! You take an hour in the shower, so you must go first and I need to call mom to inform her that we're now here in San Francisco."

"Haist, fine!" She huffed, taking her towel and stomping her feet like a child as she goes to the bathroom.

I just ignored her and took my phone from the front pocket of my blouse. I have to call mom and ask her if the huge box that I will need later to surprise my daughter is ready.

My daughter asked me a month ago if I can fly to San Francisco to celebrate her birthday and I just told her I'll try. So she didn't know I was coming. It's only mom who knows that I'm going to surprise her.

I'm planning to hide in a huge box and ask Jack to come to the party alone and tell Cali that I couldn't come because of work and to make up for my absence, Jack will get the huge box and will tell her that it's my surprise gift for her.

***

At the party...

My heart was pounding faster as I was getting near in the middle. I was inside the huge box and the waiters that Jack hired were pushing me. There was a small hole on the side of the box which was enough for me to see the person we were passing by.

I can hear my daughter's screams when she saw the box. She's so pretty with her natural brown and wavy hair which she got from me.

"Wow, Untie Jack, this box is so big! I wonder what's inside of it, I'm so excited!" She even claps her hands in excitement.

has a knowing smile on her

come, so she asked me to bring this especially gift to you." I saw how Jack bit her lip, maybe she was

could be here, I missed her

you later to greet you happy birthday, but for now, just enjoy

can I open this gift

on

if you will put this together with your other gifts for

to open it now, untie

just kidding! Of course, you can open

your head the moment I get out of this box! You don't know how hot in here!' I mumbled under

want me

"Yes, please, untie."

gift wrapper while I opened my music inbox to find

some music from the inside! Maybe it's a huge doll

her gift. But then her eyes widened and so everyone watching and waiting what's inside of the huge box. "Surprise!" I screamed that made her

"Mommy?"

my princess!" and I opened my arms excitedly to welcome her with a tight hug. "Ahh... I missed you so much,

you too, mommy. I really love your surprise!" she said, hugging my

missed her, it's been two months since Mom asked me if she

"I love you, mommy."

started to form around my eyes and when she noticed it, she repeatedly kissed my eyes as she did every time she sees me

my baby." I closed my

little girl. I copied her actions and kissed her all over her face and tickled her tummy... that I had forgotten that we were in the middle. All eyes were on us--- or I should say--- most were on me. And because I was too busy making my daughter laugh, I also became oblivious with the certain person I didn't know who still can make my heart pound faster the same way he does four years

"Hi"

Cali parted from my embrace

with the smile I mastered since I was in New York, I greeted

acted normally as if he

question... I mean, I gulped by the kind of look he's giving me

think I looked more beautiful now than I did four years ago, didn't I?" I smiled, but deep inside I couldn't help laughing

look more beautiful

really Mr. Williams?

'hey, how are you?'--- I'm sure they would also ask that