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.

Jack, pointing to my hands which I

away from his face before forgetting that it's my daughter's party and punched in the face... the one that will leave

go, baby." I took a step forward to get her from

"Let me carry her---"

said and I still took my baby from his

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

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

happy birthday to Cali in one...

sings happy birthday

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 of children running and

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

but every time he tries, it's either I

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

you help me bring food from the

"Sure." She shrugged, smiling.

went to the

evidence once you

I asked Jack with a frown as

of them at the hotel bar, you know when they were..." she

smile but then I

need

and you need proof, I'll be just a call

he denies it, I've already seen the truth and that would be enough." I

the scene I witnessed was enough to torture me even in my sleep and if

still

the party." She patted me on the

"Yeah, you're right."

my brother, but I pretended not to notice him. I was also avoiding my mother because I don't know how

my breath when I noticed that Luke was walking in my direction, so because I felt startled, I almost tripped on the floor... but I pretended as if nothing had happened

do you want to open your gifts

me with the widest smile written

"Okay, let's go."

She even clapped

"Are you excited, baby?"

"Yes, mommy!"

my husband. I drew Rory and Elaine's attention

to keep myself busy because Luke was

it's so beautiful!" She exclaimed upon seeing the beautiful doll which

beautiful doll, do