Runaway- Book 1 in the River and the Romanovs series

The Great Escape

"Hey, hey, hey!" I said as I slid into my seat, in between Isabelle and Reygan.

"Hi, Rivy!" Reygan smiled, even though she saw me 3 minutes ago. "Did you bring Monsieur Peterok?"

I nodded. "Of course! I shall bring my precious to play the part that my precious must play. And my precious shall survive." I replied as my finger found its way into my pocket and began stroking his head.

"So, when are our last shenanigans going to begin, Captain?" Isabelle asked Reygan.

She pursed her lips. "Once the 3 of us finish eating. Then River will go up to 'ask' Mr. Arang something about math, he'll answer, and then as she's leaving his table, she'll plant the trap." she said deviously, a smirk crawling across her face.

Isabelle smiled. "Good plan! Is there anything I need to do?"

"Maybe go and get us some food from the kitchens when everyone's freaking out over a 'stupid little rodent'." I answered immediately. "We don't want to starve, now, do we?"

They shook their heads. "No."

I bowed my head. "Then let's eat so we can get this show on the road."

"Thank you, Captain." Reygan chuckled.

"Will do, ma'am." Isabelle added.

Laughter escaped my lips and I threw my head back without a care in the world. Then I grabbed my silver fork and stabbed at a roast potato, and got some chicken on with it, popping it into my mouth.

Gotta eat and enjoy my last meal here. So glad I get to get out of this place. And I'm going into the forest! I was never really allowed in there except when I was in detention, and even that was basically never, because we only did that when there was nowhere else for me to go. Why did I even have to come here in the first place? I know I couldn't have gone with Mom; she's in jail. Or Dad, because he's who-knows-where in Afghanistan. What about my grandparents? I've never met them before. Has Reygan? Or what about my aunts and uncles? I know a few of them, even though I have a lot. Shouldn't someone have been able to take us? That only seems logical to me. Well, about Uncle Vladimir...I kinda see why I wouldn't be able to stay with him. But what about Aunt Dani? She's awesome, I would've loved to live with her! But something must've been said about that in my parents' will. I'll have to look into that sometime in the future. If I survive to be an adult, that is. There's actually a high chance that I'll die in the wilderness. Why are we even doing this? Ugh, whatever. It's too late to back out now. Why didn't I realize this earlier! Am I really this dim headed? Why can't I be smart like Reygan? I wish that there was something special about me for once. I'm just the troublemaker orphan kid who shares Earth magic with my twin. There's nothing all that unique about me! Seriously, the only thing I really do is pranks. And those won't get me anywhere in life in the long run. Maybe I should start studying more. Or I should join the military when I'm older and learn to fight! Yes, that's what I'll do! I'll die in glory, fighting for Russia. Or I'll live! I hope I live. Then I'll get to fight. I want to fight! I want to do something important with my life. I want to show everyone that I'm not just a prankster who'll be flipping burgers or working at some gas station one day. I've survived the battle, but I've not won the war.

I yapped up the last of my roasted potatoes, then let my fork go with a clank onto my plate and pushed it forwards, leaning back. "Good meal, good meal." I sighed. "Guys done yet?" I asked and looked on either side of me. Isabelle and Reygan were still eating, and Reygan had about ¼ left, Isabelle with ½.

"Look, please." Reygan replied. Isa nodded. I rolled my eyes.

"Can you guys hurry up please? I want to get out of here, and fast!" I laughed anxiously.