Underground Legends: The Hunt (BWWM)

Chapter 7 - Abella

Abella Sterling (Female P.O.V)

October 11, 2074

I brought the car to a screeching stop in front of St. John Catholic school. The grating noise drew a few curious stares from the lower windows of the four-story building. I ignored them, but I couldn't do the same with Sister Tia. The elderly nun shot a disapproving look my way that made my cheeks redden in embarrassment.

Smiling sheepishly, I shifted my gaze to the small boy waiting beside her. Wrinkles formed in his uniform as he slumped underneath the woman's thin arm. The flat line of his lips morphed into a smile when he saw me. I smiled back as he snatched up the black backpack at his feet. He didn't bother putting it on but dashed down the four concrete stairs and into the car as if pursued by the devil.

I shrugged off his behavior, figuring it was because no kid liked being at school for longer than required. I was the same way when I was twelve.

While Logan settled himself into the passenger seat, I rolled down the window.

"I'm sorry, I'm late, Sister Tia," I said as she descended the stairs. "Thank you for waiting with him."

"No problem, dear." The tiny smile on her face and the sincerity of her words warmed my heart.

I started to roll up the window, but she spoke again. "If you want, you can sign him up for the after-school tutoring program with the other kids?"

Her dark blue eyes flicked toward the kids, still mashing their facing against the windows.

That was the last thing he needed. He was already a straight-A student. If anything, he could use more extracurricular activities.

"Oh, umm..." My voice trailed off when I looked Logan's way.

His big brown eyes bulged out of their sockets, and his bottom lip poked out. It was the first time in years I had seen the desperate act.

"Umm... I'll think about it." I finally said.

"Okay, dear."

After waving goodbye, I pulled away from the curb.

"Starting Monday, I'll be the one to take you and pick you up from school," I said while blindly fidgeting with the buttons to raise the window.

He nodded and mashed the correct button himself. "Did you get in touch with dad?"

Softly sighing, I shook my head. "No, he didn't answer."

I intentionally didn't mention that all of the hundred or so calls I made during the drive to his school went straight to voicemail. It would only cause unnecessary worry.

"This morning, when you left for school, did dad tell you he wouldn't be able to pick you up?"

"No."

Numerous scenarios circulated through my brain about what could have gone wrong. However, one reason kept recurring no matter how hard I tried to dismiss it. He started gambling again. I didn't want to jump to conclusions, but I couldn't ignore the signs.

Every time he went on a gambling binge in the past, his behavior followed the same pattern. Ignoring phone calls, disappearing for days, and blatantly disregarding everything of importance. But maybe...

"Is he still going to his gambler's anonymous meeting?" I waited with bated breath for his answer.

"No, he stopped going."

I mashed the brake stopping at the gated entrance of the school. "When?"

"A few weeks ago."

A few weeks ago?!