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.

mom has a knowing smile on her lips as I told

to you." I saw how Jack bit her lip, maybe she was just controlling her

here, I missed her so much."

to greet you happy birthday, but for now,

open this gift now?

that automatically painted on my lips

box? Ahm... I think it's better if you will put this together with your other gifts for a while and I'll just help you open

to open it now, untie

just kidding! Of course, you can open

moment I get out of

me to help

"Yes, please, untie."

tearing up the gift wrapper while I opened my music inbox to find the song 'Happy

music from the inside! Maybe it's a

so everyone watching and waiting what's inside of the huge box. "Surprise!" I screamed that made her mouth formed a big

"Mommy?"

opened my arms excitedly to welcome her with a tight hug.

mommy. I really love your surprise!"

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

"I love you, mommy."

noticed it, she repeatedly kissed my eyes as she did every

my baby." I closed my eyes and hugged her close to my

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

"Hi"

parted from my embrace

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

his gaze and acted normally as if he

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

looked more beautiful now than I did four years ago, didn't I?" I smiled,

You look more beautiful

Mr. Williams? Yeah, look

how are you?'--- I'm sure they