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.

her lips as I told her not

asked me to bring this especially gift to you." I saw how Jack bit

missed her so much." Cali immediately changed

you later to greet you happy

untie, but can I open this gift now?

that automatically painted on

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

But why? I want to open it now, untie Jack." Cali protested as her face turned

just kidding! Of course, you can

get out of

you want me to help

"Yes, please, untie."

the gift wrapper while I opened my

from the inside! Maybe it's a huge doll or

her eyes widened and so everyone watching and waiting what's inside of

"Mommy?"

to welcome her

mommy. I really love your surprise!" she

since Mom asked me if she could bring Cali with her to San

"I love you, mommy."

to form around my eyes and when she noticed it, she repeatedly

you more, my baby." I closed my eyes and hugged

she would remain a child forever... 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

"Hi"

parted from my embrace and took that person's

slowly looked up at his face and with the smile I mastered since

as if he were just one of my old friends in

I mean, I gulped by the kind

I 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 with his

You look more beautiful

really Mr. Williams? Yeah, look at

were asked the same question--- 'hey, how are you?'--- I'm sure they would also ask that question