One More Chance by Jaycelle Rodriguez

Chapter 47: Cali's Party

~~Now, I don't wanna lose you, but I don't wanna be the one to cry. And like a fool who will never see the truth, I keep thinking something's gonna change. But there's a danger in loving somebody too much and it sad when you know it's your heart you can't trust. There's a reason why people don't stay where they are, baby, sometimes love just ain't enough~~~

-Patti Smith-

"Sam, the kids are waiting for Cali to blow out her candles. What are we waiting for?" My mom asked me, patting me on the shoulder.

"Uhm..." I stopped abruptly and thought about her question. She's right, what am I waiting for?

I looked around and saw the kids having fun playing while some were looking at the tall cake inspired by Frozen's character, Elsa. I also checked the time from my wristwatch and saw that it was already 3:00 in the afternoon.

Then I realized that my mother's question was wrong. It should be 'Who are you waiting for?' because until then, Luke is still nowhere to be seen.

"Nothing, mom." I shook my head and was about to call my daughter when she grabbed my hand.

"Is he not coming?"

I glanced at her and simply shrugged.

"I don't know, mom."

"Are you okay?"

"Of course. Why wouldn't I be okay?"

"Samantha---" but I didn't let her speak.

"I think we should gather the kids in the middle, so they could start singing happy birthday for Cali." I smiled and turned around immediately to go to my daughter.

I know my mother too well. She wouldn't stop asking me until she got the answer and I'm not ready to talk about it... not in front of everyone, especially in front of my daughter.

"Cali, do you want to blow your candles now, baby?"

"Yes, mommy, but isn't daddy coming?"

"Baby---" but I was interrupted when Luke suddenly spoke behind me and headed towards his daughter.

"Who said I'm not coming to my princess birthday party, huh?"

"Daddy!" Cali screamed in excitement the time she saw her father.

But I couldn't help raising an eyebrow and clenching my teeth as I watched him lift her with his two hands... the same hands he used to touch his mistress. He even peppered her light kisses... the same way he used to pamper his slut.

light tap on the arm and turned around to see Jack, pointing to my hands which I didn't

party and punched in the

a step forward

"Let me carry her---"

playmates are waiting." I ignored what Luke said and I still took my baby

to take my daughter. He didn't protest, but I felt the

what goes in his mind... he used to be the one carrying Cali in her every birthday while she blew her candles... but sad to say

us sing happy birthday to Cali

happily sings happy birthday to the

guests, those were just closed friends and some of our neighbours. The party is literally for kids only in which my parents and in-laws were happy to see lots

yet. The moment I saw him earlier brought back the scene... the painful

seemed to have something to say and that he wanted to talk to me, but every time

I didn't---" he started talking, but when I saw

can you help me

"Sure." She shrugged, smiling.

garden and went to the

you need evidence once you talk to him, just let

with a frown as soon as we

I took a picture of them at the hotel bar, you know when they were..." she just shrugged instead of continuing

her a weak smile but then I

no need for

case he denies it and you need proof, I'll be just a call

swear, I don't really need it. Even if he denies it, I've

and took a picture. Because the scene I witnessed was enough to torture

I still don't

the party."

"Yeah, you're right."

the garden, I saw him talking to my brother, but I pretended not to notice him. I was also avoiding my mother because I don't know how long I could be able to keep my mouth shut when she got a chance

held my breath when I noticed that Luke was walking in my direction, so because I felt startled, I almost tripped on the floor...

to

please?" She turned to me with the widest smile written

"Okay, let's go."

even

"Are you excited, baby?"

"Yes, mommy!"

succeed to avoid my husband. I drew Rory and Elaine's attention to help me bring the gifts to the center of

helped Cali open some of her gifts just to keep myself busy because Luke was just

She exclaimed upon seeing the beautiful doll which

while Untie Jack is a beautiful doll, do you think they talked about it or they were together when they bought them?" "Of