One Last Crime

Chapter 1

Found

"s**t! Chantrea, What happened?"

I didn't bother to look to know who it was because I know his voice. I stare at the red liquid spilling from my table down the white tiles.

Mabilis niyang hinawakan ang kamay ko at pinunasan ‘yon gamit ang tissue sa lamesa. Ganoon din ang ginawa n’ya sa hita kong nalagyan no’n.

"s**t! Can someone clean this up?!"

Sakto naman na may dumating na isang staff.

"Sir, what happened here?" Bumaba ang tingin niya sa sahig.

"She spilled the red wine, just clean this up," aniya sa staff.

Hinila niya ang pulsuhan ko, pinaupo niya ako sa bakanteng upuan. Napatitig ako sa repleksyon sa malaking salamin sa harapan.

My face is covered with heavy make up, it doest make me look like a clown though. It makes me look mature and bolder, maybe it's because of the smokey eye shadow I'm wearing and the bold winged eyeliner. My eyes darted on my red lips. There's a little smudge under my lower lip.

"What are you doing, Trea? I told you not to drink wine before the show! Hindi ka talaga nakikinig, nabasag pa ang baso. Stress ka ba? Mabuti at hindi ka nahimatay. Sinasabi ko na nga ba na maling desisyon ang isabak ka agad sa fashion show at kauuwi mo lang dito sa Pilipinas!"

I sighed heavily before turning at him.

"I'm fine, rich." I grabbed a tissue and cleaned the smudge under my lower lip.

Nanliit ang mata niya. "Kinakabahan ka ba? Nabasag pa iyong wine glass o baka naman lasing ka na, Trea?"

"Kaya kong bayaran ang basong ‘yon."

"Oo alam natin kaya mong bayaran ‘yon pero bakit mo ba nabasag? Mabuti at nakapila na sa labas ang ibang model at Ikaw na lang ang nandito sa dressing room!"

"I'm not nervous or drunk. It's just... something is bothering me." I looked away.

Pumunta siya sa likuran ko, Kinuha niya ang pang kulot at sinimulan ng kulutin ang buhok ko. "Ano naman ‘yan ha?! Mas importante pa sa fashion show mo? Mabuti na lang at hindi ka nasugatan!"

"He's not answering my calls," I stated as I glanced at him in the mirror.

"Takte, si Adrian na naman ba? Pagka rating na pagkarating natin dito sa Pilipinas siya na ang mukham bibig mo!"

"I agreed to do this fashion show for him,” mariin kong saad.

He sighed.

"Did you text him the full details?" he asked.

"I did. He said yes, but now he's not answering my calls and it's making me frustrated!" Damn, I hate this feeling.

"Calm down, Chantrea."

"How can I f*****g calm down? Mom's not going to be here, even Dad is not going! I just came back from America but no one will show up to f*****g see me!" tumaas ang boses ko.

Muli kong tinignan ang repleksyon sa salamin, nakatingin si Rich sa akin.

I know that he doesn't know what to say. I'm such a f*****g b***h right now... I mean I'm a b***h as always but I think that this is not right. I'm venting all my frustrations at him, when his job is to only handle me.

I sighed heavily. "I'm sorry for raising my voice, Rich… it's just that they’ve never been like this to me, they're always there to support me in every runway and shoot."

"Idagdag mo pa ang mga hindi kilalang model na makakasama ko sa runway na ito!" naiinis kong saad.

"Anong hindi kilala? Sikat ang mga iyan!" aniya.

"Really? They're famous? How come I did not know them? I really don't freaking get it why they lined me up with these amateur models! I've been in the industry since I was a kid! Unlike them, it's not even their passion. They just model for money." I rolled my eyes.

"Hindi naman sila tulad mo na tagapagmana ng sikat at malaking company sa Pilipinas, Chantrea. Hindi ko sila masisi kung pinagkaitan sila ng ganda,” saad niya.

"I still don't care, Rich. Kung marunong rumespeto ang mga 'yan baka tinulungan ko pa magka-fashion show ‘yan sa ibang bansa, kaso hindi. Wala pa ngang naabot, nagyayabang na agad. I hate girls who does that."

"Palibhasa'y international model ka kaya may maiyayabang!" natatawa niyang saad.

"Fifteen minutes before the show po." saad ng staff.

"Oh maayos naman na ang buhok mo, magbihis kana. Wag kana rin mag-isip masyado at darating ang mga ‘yon, baka traffic lang, wala na tayo sa America kaya, hello traffic na ulit!" natatawa niyang sabi.

"Thanks, Rich." I smiled at him.

"Takte ka dalian mo na! Susupalpalin mo pa ang mga amaturistang mayayabang kaya mag bihis kana!" he winked at me. I laughed with what he said.

"They're here?!"

"Oo, nasa pinaka unahan pa nga ang mudrakels at pudrakels mo!"

I grinned at him.

"Sabi ko naman sa’yong bata ka, darating ang mga 'yan!" nakangiti niyang saad.

All eyes darted on me as I walked fiercely on the runway. I saw my parents smiling at me sitted near the stage, sitting beside them. Some famous artists and singers here in the Philippines are on their row too.

My eyes glanced around the room, that was just a swift glance. I can't find him. I'm not sure if I saw the whole crowd by just glancing. I did the same thing on my next look. I delve my eyes on the crowd but still I can't find him. I lost my hope when I didn't see him. This is my last look, I'm wearing a sexy red bikini that has a lot of strings wrapped around my waist.

"Thank you all for coming to Debezo's summer collection,” Aerrom Debezo thanked everyone.

I'm standing beside him.

He smiled at me. "I would also like to thank the most famous and one of the highest paid models in the world for strutting this runway, Chantrea Callejo."

"I know you just got here from America and you need to rest but you decided to be part of my big night so thank you, Chant!" nakangiting saad nito.

I smiled back at him. Every model gathered at the back stage for the picture taking.

Pagkatapos kami kuhaan ng litrato ay kinuha ko muna ang roba ko at isinuot. "Chantrea! Takte ang galing mo talaga! Ang ganda ganda pa! Kaya isa ka sa highest paid model sa mundo dahil diyan e!" natatawang saad ni Rich saka ako niyakap.

"Kung babae lang talaga ako ay tinalo na kita!" maarteng saad niya. Nakapilantik pa ang daliri habang hinahawi ang buhok.

"You can't beat a Callejo, Rich." I smirked.

"Oo na! Lampasong lampaso mo nga iyong nga amaturista! Hindi mo lang ata nilampaso, napaso mo pa! Ang hot kasi!" nakangisi niyang saad.

"Andaming naglalaway na businessman sayo kanina habang naglalakad ka!" malanding saad niya.

"Pati isang modelo na businessman din! Ang laki laki pa naman no’n! Kasarap sarap!"

Hindi ko na pinansin ang sinabi niya dahil nakita ko si Mommy at Daddy na papunta sa direksyon namin. Agad ko silang sinalubong at hinagkan.

"Congratulations iha,” Mom said.

I pulled away from the hug. "I thought you're not going tonight."

My dad laughed. "Surprise!"

"Dad!" Lumapit ako at siya naman ang niyakap ko.

"Akala ko talaga hindi kayo pupunta, kauuwi ko lang galing America tapos hindi niyo man lang ako pupuntahan. Magagalit na sana ako." I chuckled.

"Ito kasing si Madam, plano niya yan e!" si Rich.

My eyebrows furrowed. "Plan?"

My eyes shifted at dad. "I have a gift for you, Chant."

Oh my god! My eyes widened when I saw the keys between his knuckles.

Inabot niya iyon sa akin. "Lambo!" I excitedly scream. I hugged dad again. My mom can't stop smiling as I look at her.

"Your welcome Chant,” Dad said sarcastically.

Oh wait!

Ano naman kayang kulay ng kotse ang binili nila para sa akin?

I wish they bought the car that I like which is in my favorite color.

Parang nabasa ni Mom ang iniisip ko.

"Your lambo is pink, dear." Para akong bumalik sa pagkabata dahil napatalon ako sa tuwa.

"Best gift ever!" I screamed then hugged them again.

"I love you Mom and Dad."

"We love you too, Chantrea."

"I think we should buy our daughter more cars for her to say that!" banat ni Dad.

"I have many cars already Daddy! And I always say I love you to you and Mom. I don't need an offering to say that... But if you really want it then I want a Tesla car in red." That's an electronic car made by Elon musk. I'm not sure if there's a red color available but I want one.

"Oh no, Chant!" Mom laughed.

"Ako rin Madam, gusto ko ng kahit toyota nalang o Suzuki okaya naman Mazda! Pwede na rin ang Subaru o Porsche kasi binantayan ko naman sa America itong si Chantrea!" aniya ni Rich.

My Mom laughed at Rich jokes, but his eyes widened when he saw my Mom holding a key.

"Here's yours Richard, Thank you for taking care of our only daughter," nakangiting saad ni mommy.

Oh my gosh!

"Wow!" sigaw ni Rich saka ako binalingan.

"Porsche Rich," nakangiting kong saad.

Hindi siya nakapagsalita, tigalgal pa rin dahil hindi makapaniwala na binilihan nga siya ni Mommy at Daddy ng Porsche. Napayakap na lang siya sa kanila.

"You slay the runway, Chant. Manang mana ka sa akin,” Mom said.

"Aren't you tired from the flight?"

"No, dad."

"Good because you're going to your office tomorrow. It's time for you to take over the business.'' A smile formed on my lips, nothing's changed with Dad, he's still the straightforward business man.

"Miguel! Let our daughter rest."

"Calejo never rests, Diñana. You know that when you married me."

"I know, but your daughter just--" I cut her off.

"Mommy it's fine. Daddy's right. Calejo never rests. We treasure our time." My eyes shifted at Daddy who looked like he won the argument with Mommy.

"I'll go to the office early in the morning Daddy."

"Are you sure, Chant?"

"Yes, mommy." I smiled. I've been waiting for this moment to finally manage our company.

Mayroong bumati kay Daddy na businessman dahilan para mag usap sila at maiwan kami ni Mommy.

Rich is busy drooling over his new Porsche outside, for sure.

"I really can't believe your Dad. After all this year he's still like this."

I hold her hands.

"It's okay Mommy. I'm an only child. What's the use of my bachelor's degree in business if I didn't take over our company right?" I chuckled.

"Chantrea!"

Mommy and I glanced at Rich who looked like he saw a ghost outside, we were still at the back stage and everyone is staring at him now, his voice is loud that's why he caught their attention.

My eyebrows furrowed when I saw bodyguards entering the backstage.

What's happening?

There are four bodyguards inside this room now. They lined up. My eyes widened when I saw the last guy who walked in. I'm sure that my mouth is open right now. I put my hands over my mouth to cover it. I still can't believe this! Is this real?!

"Is that Adrian Manansala?"

"Omg! Yes, that's him!"

"Diba siya iyong---"

"Oo! Siya iyong nangangandidato maging mayor ng Riqueza. Nag trending siya kasi ang gwapo! Kung manalo siya nako, titira nako sa Riqueza!"

"Pero bakit nandito siya? May nililigawan ba siyang model?"

Ilan lamang 'yan sa mga narinig kong bulungan.

"Ayan na ang hinihintay mo!" kinikilig na saad ni Rich na ngayon ay nasa tabi ko na.

He walked towards me, he held out his hands from his back. Everyone gasped when he gave me a bouquet of red roses. I can hear some murmurs but I didn't mind them because right now all I can see is Adrian. He's here. Finally he's here!

"Welcome back, Chantrea." He gave me his sweetest smile.

"Thank you, Adrian." Kinuha ko ang bulaklak at inamoy.

"I thought you were not going. You're not answering my calls."

"I'm sorry, Chant. You know I'm busy. I use the chopper just to get here in time but I'm already late. I didn't see you walk on the runway."

He noticed Mommy standing beside me. "Good evening, Mrs. Calejo."

Mommy smiled at him. "Good evening, iho."

Sakto namang tapos na makipag-usap si Daddy kaya pumunta na sa amin. "Is that you Adrian?"

"Yes, Mr. Calejo. Good evening."

"Adrian Manansala? I'm glad you didn't end up like your father. How is he? Still in prison?" f**k! Why did daddy need to bring that up? I saw Adrian's face change.

"Miguel," mariing saad ni Mommy.

"What? I'm just catching up to an old friend."

"I'm sorry iho,” Mommy said.

"It's okay Ma'am." Nginitian niya si Mommy saka binalingan si Daddy.

"Nakalaya na po si Papa sa kulungan, halos isang taon na po siya na wala ro’n," pormal na saad niya.

"That's good to hear,” aniya ni Dad.

"Why don't we talk this out while eating?" nakangiting saad ni Daddy.

"Oh right! Come with us Adrian, we're going to celebrate Chant's comeback,” Mommy said.

"Sure Mrs. Calejo," sagot niya.

Nauna sila na lumabas ng backstage.

Binalingan ko si Adrian. "I'm sorry. Daddy's still..."

"It's okay Chant." Tipid niyang ngiti.

"I miss you," he said.

"I miss you too, Adrian." I hugged him.

"Takte ano ba itong dalawang ito! Nandito pa ako uy!" si Rich.

Natawa na lang kami ni Adrian. Ngayon na nakabalik na ako ay matutupad na namin ang pangako sa isa't isa. Iyan ang nasa isipan ko bago magtama ang mata naming dalawa ang kakapasok lang na lalaki sa backstage.

My eyebrows furrowed. I pulled away from the hug. "Ay takte sino yan?Ang pogi! Jowa ba ng modelo dito o manliligaw? Sino naman kaya? Parang ang sarap iuwi!" si Rich.

My head tilted a little as I stare at him. Hindi ko alam kung tama ba ako pero parang nakita ko na ang mukha ng lalaking ito noon.

"Uy! Montallion!"

"f**k! Bakit mayroong Montallion dito sa backstage?!"

"Ano bang mayroon at umuulan ng mga gwapong bachelor ngayon?!"

"s**t! May nililigawan din ba yan dito?"

He doesn't seem bothered about the murmurs of the models. Maybe he can't hear it? That's impossible. Or maybe he doesn't want to be bothered by it.

Napansin ata ni Adrian ang titig ko sa kung saan kaya sinundan niya iyon. Nangunot ang noo niya ng makita kung sino 'yon.

His face turned serious. Did they know each other? The guy walked coolly towards us. His eyes glance on me. I don't know why his simple glance sent shivers down on my spine.

I smelled his manly scent when he stood in front of us.

"Mr. Manansala?"

My forehead creased, that baritone voice, why does it seem familiar?

He cause a major distraction to everyone here in the backstage. Nakatutok lahat ng mata sa kan’ya. Hindi katulad kay Adrian kanina na pinansin lang pero hindi naman gaanong tinitigan.

"What is this all about?" tanong ni Adrian. Nagsulputan narin ang mga lalaking nakasuot ng pare parehong asul na damit.

Bakit mayroong pulis dito? Anong nangyayari?

I gazed at Adrian. He's eyes remained on the guy in front of us. I suddenly feel uneasy now that he's near to me.

He glanced at me before speaking.

"We found a dead body."