One Last Crime

Kabanata 22

Runaway

It's been a week since they decided to re-open the case and I'm not allowed to go out without my five bodyguards on my side! Even though I'm just walking around the park near our village they never left.

It is f*****g stupid! I cannot believe Mom agreed to Lendhel's plan. I know this is all for my safety but I cannot live like this. I used to have a carefree life in America, isolating me is never a good idea. They said it's temporary but until when? I don't know if I can ever adjust to this setup.

Bihira kong makita nitong mga nakaraang araw si Lendhel, malamang ay abala ito sa kaso. Habang si Adrian naman ay kada araw aking binibisita, tumatagal lamang iyon ng kalahating oras dahil marami rin siyang inaasikaso.

I'm stuck with Rich in the office.

Even though he's the reason this security thing is happening I'm not mad at him. Besides I miss him and for those weeks that I'm frustrated his companion helped me a lot. We did a lot of catching up, somehow it entertained me.

I can't believe Kalilah has a case now because of a diary that she tried to get at the crime scene. At Least she's more lucky than I am. She's also innocent unlike me. Anyways, Emory is at it now. I'm certain that they will win the case, she's my cousin and I know her expertise in the field. Besides, she never loses a case.

I've cancelled tons of photoshoots and most of them are international magazines. Hindi rin nakalagpas ang mga runway shows. Lahat ay hindi natuloy. Most of the brand's are disappointed because I was a big asset to their company but what can I do? I'm stuck here in Riqueza

None of my city friends visited me here. For sure they're all happy of my situation. Lalo na si Panina, sabi ni Rich ay siya ang pumalit sa mga photoshoots at runway shows ko.

I'm sure she's boasting it everywhere. She's too proud of herself. She wouldn't be their brand ambassador if it wasn't for me.

I sighed and rested my back in my swivel chair. I really can't believe this is happening.

I desperately want to leave this town. If I could just run away...

Napasentido ako, wala pang ilang minuto ay nakuha ng atensyon ko ang ingay mula sa labas ng bintana ng opisina. Nahagip ng mata ang mga bodyguards na papasok sa loob ng mansyon. Sila ang grupo na nagbabantay sa garahe. Ibig bang sabihin...

Walang nakabantay doon ngayon?

My eyes narrowed as the argument in my head a while ago made sense. What if I run away?

I pressed my lips together as I stared outside.

Maybe it wouldn't hurt if I did run away for a while. I also need space and time to think.

I took a deep breath and reason with myself, the minute I finished tying my hair in a bun, I'm certain of my decision.

I sprinted to my room, grabbed my clothes and packed it in the duffel bag. I didn't have time to pick out the clothes I wanted to bring. I grabbed it randomly in my walk-in closet.

Babalik rin naman ako sa mansion,, kailangan ko lang munang malayo dito. I need to clear my mind.

The cotton fabric dress fell on the floor as I stripped my clothes off.

I changed into clothes faster than I ever knew I could. I fit into my black pants, and plain white shirt, the leather jacket felt right with it and I paired it with boots.

I know I'm going to leave the ma mansion but I cannot run away from fashion.

I tiptoed out of room with my inch heels boots. I spied sideways, in every corner and went downstairs, making no sounds, smoothly galloping towards the door. I'm so relieved when fresh air greeted me outside. Felt like I was a rebel teen ager but the stake is much higher.

I threw my duffel bag in the car and started the engine.

I flinched when Mom showed up at my car window. Rich is beside him.

How is that possible?!

Mukhang kakarating lang nila. Kahit nahuli nila ako ngayon ay hindi nila ako mapipigilan.

"Chantrea! What are you doing?!" Mom asked.

"This setup is nonsense! I'm going back to Manila, Mom."

"But you can't! You're at risk!"

"Mababaliw ako rito, Mom. Hindi ko kaya, just let me leave." I pleaded.

"Chant makinig ka kay Madam."

I schooked my head. "I'm sorry but I cannot live like this." I tried to hide and prevent everything so I wouldn't be in jail but here I am a prisoner of my own mansion.

I step on the gas and drive at full speed. I glance at the side mirror, Mom frantically went back to the mansion. Siguradong gagawa siya ng paraan para hindi ako makaalis.

I sighed.

My phone rang, it was Lendhel. Nagdalawang isip ako na sagutin iyon dahil alam kong isa rin ito sa pipigil sa akin. Sa huli ay pinili kong kausapin siya. Siguradong natawagan na ito ni Mom.

"What do you think you're doing, Chantrea?" His irritated voice did not shock me at all. I expected him to be mad at me.

"You don't have anything to say about the things I've done, Lendhel. I will leave this town and I will never go back ever again," I said and before he could say anything I hung up.

I passed the street out of our village

I smiled to myself.

I did it!

A few meters more and I will be out of here.

Tinapunan ko ng tingin ang side mirror. Mukhang wala namang sumusunod sa akin kaya naman ginaanan ko lamang ang pag apak sa gas. Nangunot ang noo ko ng walang magbago sa takbo ng kotse, mas lalo pa nga atang bumilis.

Inapakan ko ang brake pero hindi iyon gumagana. Mas lalong kumakabog ang dibdib ko. I frantically step on the brake a few more times , putting my strength with every step. The air is slowly running out in my car as I panicked.

My eyes widened and my heart raced. s**t, what is happening?!

I reached for my phone and dialed Adrian's phone but it's not even ringing!

My eyes spotted a car, right at the back. It was not a familiar car. What if that was the one who sent me the death threats?

Is he here to kill me?

Sweat mixed with fear messed up my mind and body. I panicked more.

Now I don't know if I wanted the car to stop and let the unfamiliar car be the stalker and kill me or let myself crash into something.

Either way the end point is death.

"Chantrea!"

My heart skipped, his voice gave me hope. I turned around and it was him driving the car!

Why is he here? Ambilis niya naman makahabol sa akin kung kakatawag lang ni Mom sa kan'ya?

His car chased mine until were at the same speed. Binaba nito ang car window at dumungaw roon.

"Don't do this. Pull over Chantrea! " he screamed. Kahit maingay ang engine ng kotse at masyadong malakas ang hanging ay naririnig ko pa rin siya kahit papaano.

"I can't!"

"Don't be a pain in the ass. You know you're at risk! This is just a little sacrifice! Stop the car!"

"I told you I can't!"

His forehead creased. "Why?!"

"The brake is not working!"

"f**k!" he cursed.

"Oh my Gosh! Lendhel there's a f*****g tree!" I shouted. My car is going to crash on the tree any minute now. I keep on pulling the brake but it's useless!

"Jump Chantrea!"

Nilingon ko ito. "But I'm scared!"

"And I'm scared to lose you so jump!" mariin niyang saad.

"Come on Chantrea! You're going to crash on the tree!" I've never seen him so scared and pleading before.

Papalit palit ang tingin ko sa kan'ya at sa puno kung saan ako tatama.

My shaking hands open the car door. The cold breeze blew my hair. I gulped as I stared on the rocky road.

"Jump!"

Nanigas ang tuhod ko at para bang ayaw bumitaw ng kamay ko sa pagakakapit sa kotse.

"I can't..."

"You can, trust me Chantrea," he said, eyes darted on mine.

Muli kong sinulyapan ang harap ng kalsada. I'm almost close on crashing the car.

"Now!"

Without hesitation, I jumped out of the car right in time before crashing on the huge tree.

I curled my body, covering my face as I rolled down the road.

Taas baba ang dibdib ko ng huminto. Sinulyapan ko ang kotse na ngayon ay pipe ang harapan at ipit na ipit ang drivers seat.

"Chantrea!" He rushed to me. He picked me up and put me on his lap.

"T-thank you for saving me."

"Don't run away again, Chantrea. You scared the s**t out of me," he said.

I silently nod.

"How did you chase me that fast if my mom just called you?"

"I'm in stakeout to watch the perimeters of your mansion. I was in the car when you drove. Then your Mom called." He took off his jacket and covered me.

"You were really there when I needed you." I muttered as I pulled his jacket to cover myself.

"You almost died, Chantrea." His voice croaked.

I sighed. "Almost."

"I don't know what I will do if that happens..."

I gulped. Bumalik sa akin ang sinabi nito kanina.

He's scared to lose me.

"Don't do it again, Chantrea, can you promise me that?"

My heart thudded. He almost confessed to me a while ago. I don't want to confront him about it but I cannot keep it to myself.

Lalo lang ata akong mababaliw!