Kneeling for a Second Chance Novel

---- Chapter 445 Valeria and Sebastian were in a discussion about Selena's school transfer. In the end, they decided Selena would finish the upcoming semester in Broburgh City, then transfer to Slate City over summer break in time for the new grade. Valeria called Kayla to inform her that she would be staying in Slate City for a few more days, returning no later than the 15th of the month. It had been a rough few days for the Grants, and Valeria hadn't visited Margaret for three days straight. So that evening, she made time to take Selena over.

Margaret was getting old and spent most of her time alone. She kept the TV on loud, usually tuned to soap operas -the kind of shows older folks loved. That evening, one was on during prime time. Valeria sat at the dining table with her back to the TV. Suddenly , a line from the show rang out. "You can't donate blood to her. She's your daughter!" Her grip on the cutlery tightened. However, even though she was holding them so hard, they still slipped from her hand and clattered to the floor. The cutlery was made of wood, so it didn't break. ---- Selena bent down to pick them up for her.

Valeria slowly turned her head toward the TV. On the screen was the male lead's shocked expression. And at that moment, her own expression mirrored his. "Mommy," Selena called out to her. At the same time, Margaret said, "Riri." Valeria's heart began to race. For a moment, her mind went completely blank. It took a moment before she could speak again. She said, " Granny, do you know what happened to Melvin? I heard he fell into gambling debt and got locked up. Do you know which prison he's in now?" Valeria barely had any memory of Melvin. It had been too long.

She had only seen him when she was very young. In her mind, he was tall and lanky, with an otherwise forgettable face except for a scar cutting through one eyebrow. She couldn't remember if it was the left or the right. He loved drinking and had a gambling addiction. Most people in the small town avoided him. Every conversation seemed to end with him asking for money, even just spare change. At one of the stores, he had even walked out with a lighter and a handful of candy. ---- The owner of the shop rushed out, shouting after him. Back then, Melvin had given Jane that handful of candy.

He had even told her once, "I'm leaving, Jane. This time, I don't know when I'll be back. Just listen to your grandma and be good, okay?" When he left, he handed her more candy -caramel -flavored ones this time. He squeezed her cheek and said the caramel - flavored ones were softer, sweeter, and a little fancier. After that, she never saw him again. Valeria stood outside the visitation room. Through the glass, she sat down and looked at the man inside. His hair was buzzed short, shot through with gray. He looked darker, gaunter, all skin and bone.

Slouched in his chair with a lazy posture, he frowned at Valeria. "Who are you?" he asked. Her eyes went straight to his left eyebrow, and slowly the image lined up with her memory. A sharp scar cut straight through it. "I'm Jane Carlson," she said. Melvin froze. If it weren't for the restraints , he would've shot to his feet. Even so, the way he lurched forward made it clear ---- he was desperate to get a better look at the young woman in front of him. Aguard snapped a warning. "I never thought you'd come to see me," Melvin muttered. "am I your daughter?" Valeria asked bluntly.

He only hesitated for a beat before answering just as bluntly." No."