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.

on the arm and turned around to see Jack, pointing

from his face before forgetting that it's my daughter's party

took a step forward to get her

"Let me carry her---"

waiting." I ignored what Luke said and I still took

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

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

let us sing happy birthday

everyone happily sings happy birthday to

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 playing around

I saw him earlier brought back the scene... the painful scene that I witnessed three days ago even those horrible things that

to talk to me, but every time he tries, it's either I walked away or I will

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

help me bring

"Sure." She shrugged, smiling.

and went to the kitchen without glancing in

you talk

mean?" I asked Jack with a

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

her a weak smile but

need for that,

why? Haist... anyway, in case he denies it and you need proof, I'll be just

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

my phone and took a picture. Because the scene I witnessed was enough to torture me even in my sleep and if ever, I'm sure I couldn't bear to look at it every time I

I still

let's just enjoy the party." She patted me on

"Yeah, you're right."

him. I was also avoiding my

felt startled, I almost tripped on the floor...

want to open your gifts

me with the widest smile

"Okay, let's go."

even clapped

"Are you excited, baby?"

"Yes, mommy!"

husband. I drew Rory and Elaine's attention to help

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

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

Dale's gift is a huge dollhouse while Untie Jack is a beautiful doll, do you think they talked about it or they