One More Chance

"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."

He then looked at the crowd as if he was searching for something or should I say someone and the moment his eyes met mine, he continued to speak again.

"Do you know why I'm sharing this with you?"

He asked, his gaze never leaving me which got me confused in my seat. Because of all the people, why was he only looking at me as if the question really belonged to me?

"Because I want you to know and realize that in a relationship, you will experience more than just sweetness, fun, and excitement. Sometimes--- no, most of the time, you will be hurt, you will hurt each other, you will be tired and the word 'giving up' will surely pop up in your mind. Times will come that avoiding and running away from the problems you and your partner are facing will be the only solution you will get to survive... but I'm telling you, don't!"

He even emphasized the last word as he stared at me like that, so I couldn't help but wonder if he meant me or am I the one he was talking to.

"Don't give up easily without thinking of all the possible solutions that can solve your problems and save your relationship as well.

Because that's something we've never done or even 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 husband and wife but we went through it all hand and hand."

"And one more thing that you

keep in mind... being in a

should

relationship isn't all about kissing, holding hands, and dating nor it is a competition to win or lose. It is also to pass or fail, rather, it

not an

bond between two

people where they accept ee

other's flaws. Your partner is not your competitor 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 you achieve your dreams,

visions, goals... whatever you call it."

"And if you want your relationship or your marriage to stay longer, 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 he said earlier was the only thing that was left and kept spinning in my mind.

And as I took a few deep breaths, I

couldn't help but wonder if his message was meant for me, but when I looked at my brother,

somehow, I thought... maybe it net

I

wasn't for me but for them because they are now married and it has been a couple of years since they got married.

But then...

"To my youngest child and only daughter, Samantha,"

I suddenly hitched my breath when Mom called my attention right after they finished exchanging sweet messages.

"Unbeknownst to many, you have

been through a lot in 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 you will take in life."

"What the---what is going on?" I couldn't help but ask and furrow my eyebrows as I looked at my brother and Jack behind my seat. "Why are they suddenly talking about me?"

But to my dismay, they didn't answer my question. Dale just shrugged his shoulders and Jack simply replied 'I don't know'.

I looked around me and tried to search for signs and clues as Mom continued to speak on the microphone but I didn't find anything suspicious.

"I love you my dearest Samantha, Dad and I love you so much and we are happy that what we have been praying and dreaming for so long can finally come true."

"Oh, goodness, what is going on with them? I thought this is their wedding anniversary?" I asked more of myself but then I turned around when I heard Jack reply.

"Yes, it's their anniversary," the corner of my lips twitched when I found her grinning next to my brother.

"Then why are they suddenly talking about me?"

"I don't know,"

"Jack!" I playfully glared at her.

"I'm sorry, I don't know,"

"Jackeline!"

"I don't know, I promise!"

"Haist!" I just sighed and turned my eyes back to the stage again.

"I'm happy for you too, Mommy,"

But my jaws dropped in mid-air when I heard my daughter speak in front of me.

"Y-You are happy for me?" I asked in confusion.novelbin

"Hmhm... and I love you so much!" I could no longer find my tongue when she suddenly stood up and kissed me on the cheek as she grinned widely at me.