Shadows In Durango

Chapter 1

*****Sofia's POV*****

"Your keys Miss, rent is due in a month - and remember to make it cash!" The grumbly caretaker tosses the metal towards me carelessly as I fumble to catch them, swallowing to wet my drying throat. "Thank you..." I manage to say, with my voice barely audible, but he nods nonetheless as though he had heard me before making his exit.

He was a stout man, who didn't pride himself much on his appearance by the looks of things, but who was I to judge anyone in this state?

I had managed to land this little apartment for only $350 per month, and although that doesn't sound much to the average person, it really was a lot for somebody who was new to town without a job...

Not to mention my new school that would be taking up most of my time during the week. I would need a night time job no doubt, something convenient to help me make some money - and fast.

I sigh, hearing the front door creak before finally closing over, giving me a proper moment to view the apartment for what it was.

It had nothing in it, no furniture, and the place looked as though it had seen over a thousand crack parties in its time.

I was already wary of my neighbours too who I had passed by on my way inside here. Two men who both stood out in front of the building seeming to smoke something that evidently wasn't normal nicotine or tobacco.

I peered out of the broken blinds, seeing one of them wobble slightly in his high state, before rebalancing himself and going in for another puff - this time from a small pipe that I could see...

Unfortunately, it seemed that one of the men was the top floor resident and the other was the bottom floor - sandwiching me in between them like some cruel prank in our block of three.

I had no choice though, this was the cheapest place I could find and I chose this life for myself... this was my burden to carry and I had to make the most of it at this point because I knew I would never go back home.

I walk towards the tiny kitchen, finding nothing in the cupboards other than some soup tins and so I quickly go back over to my bags which were left in the centre of the floor.

I unzip the one which contained my last small puddle of cash in order to scrutinise just how much I had fucked up thus far...

I had used most of what I took now, and this was my last chance to settle somewhere without them finding me again... and so this has to work!

I pull out my small pink zip purse, opening it to reveal some notes and coins as I slump down on the hard wood floor and tip the contents out. Taking a second to start counting it, I chew my lip in anticipation for how bad my situation really was this time around... fifty... seventy... ninety... Pointing to each coin for it to count towards my total, I slump my shoulders slightly and breathe out.

$137...

month's rent but it's something to get me by until I

push all of my money back inside

it's time to explore my new town

was getting further West, but I didn't

this place. But they would always manage to hunt me down, like I was a wild animal, and this time around

get more for my money in the cities with there being better housing options, but I couldn't grumble - at least

that, I toss my backpack over my shoulder and head back out - taking the keys

the bright sun, silencing my two neighbours who eye

I pass through the middle of them both, but after a few more steps they both snigger and mutter between themselves - their

my street seemed to be filled with addicts and drunken people as I passed by, but I didn't mind - as long as they were peaceful and left me out of it that is... The town itself was gorgeous, far different to the

lined with ridiculously large extravagant properties and fancy cars, highlighting the wealth

for the complete experience all for free. The next

my step, slightly embarrassed to be walking by the residents who sat out on their

on my first day of school which I didn't want nor need on top of everything else that I had going on. Plus, nobody

and coffee shops, before finding a discount store that I quickly swerved into

in, but quickly forced a smile to which I returned awkwardly and hurried

that bad now? I had never let myself get this unkept... but this was nothing

I had to spend in order to freshen up

began to add shampoo, conditioner, body wash, a sponge, toothpaste, a toothbrush, deodorant and a razor to shave with. Calculating the total in my head, I was relieved to have only

looked somewhat guilty, as she scanned each one, glancing over what

listen dear... it's on the house... don't worry about paying today, we all fall into a low place sometimes but you'll pick yourself back up again... I'll cover your total." The woman's words shock me, as my lips part and my eyes widen. "N-No I can pay!" I push, quickly retrieving my purse in embarrassment as she shakes her head

you could have a look in there? I'll get this." She pushes, bagging up

was embarrassing, but I

I'm uh, new around here... I just need some time to get on my feet." I nod quickly, realising that she probably thought I was an addict of some sort looking this

day dear..." She smiles and ignores my rambles, handing me the bag with a soft smile

continues. Join us for the