Predators Eye

Chapter Three

Chapter Three

I stuffed my hands deeper into the pockets of my green parka, the fluffy hood protected the majority of my head from the icy wind, my scarf and beanie shielded the front of my face. Winter had begun early here in Moscow, the gorgeous colors of fall had whisked away, leaving a cold and barren landscape in its wake. The sky was gray, the thick clouds blanketed the already feeble sun. Thankfully, the grounds were still bare, allowing easy travel through the streets.

As I came up to a crosswalk, the red hand blared at me under the metal hood from across the street. I checked my watch, seeing that it was 2:28. I had to pick up Rosie's 11 year old son, Dylan, from school and bring him to his friends house. Since Rosie worked full-time, she didn't have the luxury of leaving work like I did, so I just had to take him home or to the babysitters. I would watch him, but my other job refrained me from doing so.

As I crossed the street and veered a right, the looming spears of Hinkson Christian Academy peeked over the horizon. The familiar school seal could be seen on the metal arch above the entryway. Parents or siblings commanded the parking lot space, most of them milled around in groups. A large mass of kids were already out, and I knew that it was the last of the elementary school students were about to leave, and it seemed like the middle school had just been let out.

"Elena!" My name was shouted above the dull roar of the waiting students inside the parking lot. I looked up to see one of the woman that regularly stopped by for lunch waving a hello to me. I nodded politely, acknowledging her before walking through the iron gates, trying to spot the familiar head of Dylan, but it was useless.

Eventually, the tousled ginger hair that had become very well-known to me appeared. He saw me first, shifting his bag up higher as he pushed his way through the crowds, his muscular frame did him well. Although he was only in 8th grade, he had grown a strong figure well before most of his other classmates. I knew that due to his heavy amount of sports and TaeKwonDo that he did helped that along, but he had still matured way before everyone else.

"Elena!" He smiled wide, dimples popped in his cheeks. He was the spitting image of Rosie, sharp sea green eyes and small amount of freckles sprinkled the bridge of his nose. Dylan also held the same signature smile and charming attitude his mother also possessed.

"Hey-"

"ELENA!" A body charged into mine, nearly knocking me flat on the ground. I squeaked in surprise, stumbling to catch my balance.

"Oi, mate! Let her breathe!" Dylan pulled off the unknown person. Once my vision refocused, I recognized that it was Keegan, one of Dylan's best friends.

"Hi Keegan," I greeted him with a warm smile, watching as his face lit up. Clear blue eyes flickered with amusement as he shook his shaggy blonde hair.

Keegan bumped his shoulder with mine, his body barely able to keep still. "How you doing? I haven't seen you in forever!"

"I've been doing good. Yourself?"

"Fantastic! Couldn't be better!"

I laughed. Dylan shoved the grinning lad away, rolling his eyes. "Sorry El. He's a little tipsy."

"He's just excited," I shrugged nonchalantly. I was quite used to Keegans ecstatic greetings, it was something I had come to accept.

"A little too excited."

Smiling, I shook my head at Dylan. He sent me a crooked grin, his jade colored eyes flickered with amusement. "Did mum give you the car?" He asked as we made our way out of the school zone.

"No, but we can take a cab if you'd like."

"Nah, I don't mind walking."

Dylan adjusted his backpack as we walked side by side, maneuvering our way through the congested sidewalks. He chattered aimlessly in my ear, I nodded every now and then to show that I was listening. He seemed to be expressing some sort of anger towards a teacher or something. Most of the time it was just the ego talking.