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.

turned around to see Jack,

party and punched in the face... the one that will

a step forward

"Let me carry her---"

ignored what Luke said and I still took my baby from

manifested in his eyes, but I continued to take my daughter. He didn't protest, but I felt the stares

he used to be the one carrying Cali in her every birthday while she blew her

kids, let us sing happy birthday to Cali

happily sings happy

the kids. We didn't invite many guests, those were just closed friends and some

brought back the

he seemed to have something to say and that he wanted to talk to me, but every time he tries, it's either I walked away or I will talk

he started talking, but when I

me bring food from the

"Sure." She shrugged, smiling.

left the garden and went to the

evidence once you talk to him, just let me

asked Jack with a frown as soon as we entered the

you know when they were..." she just shrugged instead of

her a weak smile but then I shook my

no need for

denies it and you

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

from getting my phone and took a picture. Because the scene I witnessed was enough to torture me even in my sleep

I still

party." She patted me on

"Yeah, you're right."

pretended not to notice him. I was also avoiding my mother

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

do you want to

turned to me with the

"Okay, let's go."

She even clapped her

"Are you excited, baby?"

"Yes, mommy!"

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

to keep myself busy because Luke

upon seeing the beautiful doll which was Jack's gift to

beautiful doll, do you think they talked about it or they were together