One More Chance by Jaycelle Rodriguez

Chapter 187: No secrets, No lies

"Congratulations, Mom," I greeted my mother as soon as I reached my parents' table while holding Cali's hand.

"Thanks, sweetie," Mom replied as she kissed me back on the cheek.

"Daddy, congratulations, and thank you for always taking care of Mom," I said hugging my father.

"Because it's my job as her husband and as a man," he replied, smiling and pulling me into his arms. "So, I hope this time you find someone who will truly love you --- oh wait, you've found him already! I'm sorry, I forgot." he chuckled. "I hope you can finally experience the love you have been waiting for so long and this time it's forever." He then kissed me on the forehead.

"Huh?" All I could do was frown as I stared at him in confusion. "What are you talking about, Dad? What do you mean by those words? Because if I'm not mistaken, this is your wedding anniversary and not mine or my wedding so, what are those words for?" "Nah, I'm just sharing what's on my mind," he replied which made my frown even deeper. "I mean, I hope you can finally settle down too. You know, you're not getting any younger,"

"Daddy?"

"Haist! Don't mind your Dad, sweetie, he's getting older day by day," I turned to my mother when she broke in and laughed when she winked.

But Dad just kissed me on the forehead again in response to what Mom said. Cali and I settled at the same table as my brother and Jack and waited for the party to begin.

Twenty minutes later, we heard the celebrants being called by the host to get on the stage to share their sweet messages for each other. A loud cheering echoed throughout the whole garden as soon as they stood up and walked hand and hand towards the stage. My father was the first to speak.

"Good evening everyone, I hope you are enjoying the party because we still have a long night to go, and thank you for coming to celebrate with us tonight," he said through the microphone. "Before giving my message to my beloved wife, I just want to share a short story of how my journey to forever with my wife began. Well, I first met my wife when we were in college. I fell in love with her at our first meeting and since then, I started following her. I started making efforts so that she could notice and talk to me."

"And back then, as I started pursuing her, I asked God that if this woman is really meant to be my destiny, then give me signs and clues. I told him if this woman ever looked me in the eye and smiled at the same time, I would never let her go. That was so simple and cliche, right? But I knew that sign was God's answer to what I was asking of Him."

A round of applause was heard from the guests when he looked at her and held her hand.

"I even asked Him to lead me on the right path so I could present myself well in front of her and that's what He did. I started to court her and the time I felt she had the same feelings for me, I told myself to never let her go. I will take care of her, love her, and respect her. A few months later, she finally agreed to be my girlfriend. And after a few years of being in a relationship, we finally got married after graduation. We were blessed with two children, a boy and a girl, and..." He paused for a while. "... A lot of problems, complicated problems, trials, issues, complicated situations, and whatever is in your mind--- it's up to you to name it!"

All the guests even my brother and his wife laughed at what Dad had said at the end of his speech, well, except me because I knew I was the one who contributed to that 'complicated situation' they were once in.

"But look at us now, look at where we are right now. We are in front of you, standing still and holding each other's hands after all those complicated situations we once faced in our relationship."

as if he was searching for something or should I say

I'm

confused in my seat. Because of all the people, why was he only looking at me as if

of the time, you will be hurt, you will hurt each other, you will be tired and the word 'giving up' will

at me like that, so I couldn't help but wonder if he meant me or am I the

of all the possible solutions that can solve

thought about, that is why we are still here, standing strong in front of you and celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary. I'm not saying we are a perfect couple or a perfect

more

mind... being

should

and dating nor it is a competition

not an

bond between two

where they accept

in achieving success but someone who will make you happy and better as a person. Someone who will be next to you to accept your weirdness and everything about you. Someone who will be your number-one fan and supporter. Someone who will support

whatever

don't hide anything from your partner. Tell her or him everything. It's one of the important secrets to having a long-lasting marriage... no secrets and no lies." And after that long speech, he finally proceeded to give his message to my mother which I barely heard and understood because what

as I took a

meant for me,

thought... maybe it

I

they are now married and it has been a couple of

But then...

child and only

hitched my breath when Mom called my attention right after they finished

many,

your life. You have already experienced a roller coaster your journey. And as your father said earlier, I also hope that this time you finally find happiness in the new path

but ask and furrow my eyebrows as I looked at my brother and Jack behind my seat. "Why

question. Dale just shrugged his shoulders