บท 37: THE PHONE CALL

DANICA

I look at the stars above the clouds as my mind wandered around. I've been waiting for Celestina's call since earlier. Tomorrow is the last day she'll be staying at Nana's house.

I tapped my fingers on the circular glass table that is in front of me. My dark brown hair was up in a messy bun. I was getting bored as I looked at the clock on my phone.

Celestina said she'll me, I pouted. The cold breeze on my balcony is relaxing. These past few days have been very busy for me since Celestina can't go to our work. I had to put my double effort into managing the place or it will turn into ashes.

We created this 3 years ago after we graduated from college. We handle events such as debuts, birthday parties, and many more important events. I'm happy that throughout the years we are able to nurture and expand this business.

I waited for a few more minutes before going back into my room. Laying down on my bed, looking at the big picture frame of me and Celestina hanging up on the side.

*Tantanantanan~~

My heart shouted in joy when I heard my phone ringing, her name is shown on the screen. I silently laugh hearing the ring tone. She hated this one as I recorded this without her consent.

"Hello!" I answered energetically, standing up.

"Hahaha, why are you so energetic, Da?" Her soft laugh can be heard through the phone.

"I just missed you," I answered pouting making my voice sound sad.

"I missed you too, but don't worry because I will be back soon" She answered making me smile.

I opened the drawer on my bedside table, looking at the 2 tickets going to Japan. I've been pestering her for how many months now because I want her to rest. She's always busy handling the business and following the orders of her 'parents'.

"You should rest now," I told her since it's getting late already. I'm contented that I heard her voice already.

"Goodnight, Da" She answered back like a sweet lullaby to my ears.

"Goodnight," I smiled, finishing up the call.

I took the tickets and placing it back in the drawer. A picture of our graduation pic is placed on a black glass frame on the side together with the lamp behind.

I grab it, this is the first time I saw Celestina smiling at a big event. She usually fakes her smile, especially at those parties where she needed to attend together with her family.

Going up on my bed, I went to the bathroom to wash my face and my teeth as well. I was busy drying up my wet face when I heard a loud crash coming out of my room.

I rush myself, going out of the bathroom seeing a broken frame on the floor, the glass pieces are shattered around. The black frame with our graduation pic is on the ground, broken and crushed.

I sighed, going on my knees as I pick up the big glass fragments on the floor. Seeing the picture is ok, I sighed in relief. Although a small tear can be seen on Celestina's side.

I ignore that one as the picture is still intact. This is my only copy of this pic so it is really important to me. Cleaning up the small glass fragments is harder since I need to clean it thoroughly or else my Pomeranian dog, Jahrik can get hurt.

"Jah! Come here" I shouted when It's time to go to bed already. He was playing with his toys earlier, which are fun to watch.

My dog followed, going up to the bed with the help of the dog stairs placed on the bottom part of my bed.

"Goodnight, Jah" I kissed his temple as he went on my left side, laying down on the soft pillow.

"Celestina, don't forget to call me once you arrived at your hotel, okay?" I reminded her, my phone is on my shoulder since my right hand is occupied with Jahrik's leash while my left one is occupied with 2 water bottles for both of us.

"Yes, mom" She jokingly answered, earning a laugh from me.

*Arf *Arf *Arf

Jerks bark caught my attention, making me look at the direction he barks into. In there I saw a guy holding a dog's leash as well, the same breed as my dog.

I bow on the guy as a sign of apology, pulling Jahrik slightly since he keeps on barking, getting the attention of those people who are walking on the street as well.

"I'm sorry, what are you saying again?" I apologized to her.

"Nothing, I just want to say bye"

"Goodbye, Celestina, take care, okay?" I smiled, I look around when I saw that we are already near my house.

"Bye, bye" then the called died.

I opened the white gate of my house when we arrived at the front. Releasing Jahrik on his leash when we finally entered. I laughed when he quickly went to his water bowl drinking on it. He must be exhausted from the walk, I smiled.

Taking a bath and changing my clothes is my topmost priority after walking around the village. I changed into a simple black T-shirt and denim shorts.

My feet are raised on the couch while watching a movie. My dog is laying on my side as I stroke his fluffy white fur. I looked at the watch on my side, seeing that it is almost 5 o'clock already. That means Celestina already left her Nana's house and is now on her way to the hotel.

She will arrive later at around 7, I reminded myself so I wouldn't forget to call her if she will forget it later. I know that she will be tired once she arrives since she's not used to long drives and I completely understand that.

Sitting on my chair, eating my dinner, I looked at my phone seeing that it is almost 6 now and Celestina hasn't messaged me yet since our call earlier.

I was about to message her when I received a call coming from her side. I accepted it with joy, stopping my eating.

"Celestina, I'm glad you called," I welcomed her with my word,s but got confused when a guy's voice answered instead of her.

"Hello Ma'am, this is SPO 3 Arturo Cruz from the Pagsanghan Police Station. We found this phone together with 2 bodies on the perimeter of the forest. We would like to know if the owner of the phone is related to you?"

My worries suddenly take place while listening to the man's deep and strict voice.

"Y-Yes, She's my friend" My voice stuttered, as a pool of water surrounds my eyes, making it blurry.

"We would like to inform you that your friend is missing, Ma'am" He dropped his words like a bomb.

My world suddenly stops, the phone falling on the ground, creating a loud sound due to the shock I'm feeling. Tears start to wet my face as my mouth couldn't speak any single word. My heart in pain, my mind couldn't think.