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.

knowing smile on her lips as I told her not to inform Dad or even Dale about my

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

she could be here, I missed her

you later to greet you happy birthday,

I open this gift

automatically painted on my lips disappeared with

it's better if you will put this together with your other

why? I want to open it now, untie Jack." Cali protested

just kidding! Of course,

going to pull your hair out of your head the moment I get out of this box!

me

"Yes, please, untie."

the gift wrapper while I opened my music inbox to find the

from the inside! Maybe

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

"Mommy?"

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

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

Mom asked me if she could bring

"I love you, mommy."

eyes and when she noticed it, she repeatedly kissed my eyes as

baby." I closed my

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

"Hi"

embrace

his face and with the smile I

I pretended not to be affected by his gaze and acted normally as if he were just

his question... I mean, I gulped by the kind of

beautiful now than I did four years

y-yeah! You look more

Williams? Yeah, look at

'hey, how are you?'--- I'm sure they would also ask that question back and say--- 'I'm fine, how