Shadows In Durango

Chapter 7

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

Lunch rolled around too quickly for my liking, quickly becoming another joyless part of my day.

As I stood in the lunch line, my stomach churned with anxiety. What would I get for Vincent this time?

Yesterday's choice had apparently been too boring, and he had made it clear that I had better do better today. I hated the thought of catering to his whims, but I couldn't handle more mockery during class.

The cafeteria buzzed with the usual lunchtime chaos. The clatter of trays, the hum of conversation, and the occasional burst of laughter from groups of friends filled the air. I shifted nervously from foot to foot, glancing over the selection of food options as I neared the counter.

When it was finally my turn, I was greeted by the same lunch lady from yesterday. Her warm smile was a small comfort in this otherwise daunting school. "Hello again, dear. What can I get for you today?" she asked, her voice kind and inviting. I hesitated for a moment before leaning in slightly, lowering my voice. "Do you know Vincent Walker?" I asked, deciding to shoot my shot.

Her eyebrows raised in mild surprise. "Oh dear, who doesn't know Vincent around this place?" she replied with a light chuckle and a shake of her head.

Taking a deep breath, I decided to take a chance. "Do you happen to know what he usually orders for lunch?"

She hummed thoughtfully, tapping her chin. "Vincent, huh? Let me think... Ah, he's a fan of the Cajun chicken pasta. Spicy, flavorful, just like him too." She winked at me.

I nodded, grateful for the insight. "I'll take two orders of the Cajun chicken pasta, please. And two Cokes."

The lunch lady's expression softened with understanding as she began to serve the pasta. "You're sweet, you know that? Trying to please Vincent... it's no easy task." She sighed, her eyes filled with a mixture of pity and concern.

any trouble... I'm new." I tell her the fact despite that she probably already figured that for

the pasta into two trays. "Here you go, sweetheart. And don't worry about your lunch; I'll keep it

replied, genuinely grateful for

each step as

finding him standing with the blonde who had tripped me, the dangerous looking one with the

look who's here with my delivery. I started to think you wouldn't show today! What did you bring me then, Sofia?" he drawled, his tone

carefully set the tray in front of him. "Cajun chicken pasta and a Coke," I said, my voice steady

my choice. "Not bad," he admitted, taking the tray from my hands, balancing it on one hand before moving to grab the

watched him, waiting for his verdict as he shovelled the first bite in to his mouth. He chewed thoughtfully, then nodded. "Much better than yesterday. You might be learning after all." He chews, as the others laugh

and his friends laughed, I felt a small surge of relief that today's choice had been a success. Just as I was about to excuse myself, two cheerleaders

she folded her arms across her chest and stared daggers through me.

the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly

that I attempted to leave. But just as I passed the redhead, she extended her hand, stopping me

blink and turn back to the

it was a normal thing to

"Don't you dare think you can just waltz in here and take what's mine. He doesn't need you

laughter abruptly ceased, as he passed the lunch tray to one of

his voice cold and commanding. He stepped forward, his

however, seemed undeterred. "Oh, please, Vincent. She's just a little mouse. She really thinks she can replace me?" she sneered, her

further. "I don't want any trouble," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper - living up to the

her focus solely on Vincent. "You think this little nobody can take my place?" she continued, her tone growing more shrill. "You're making a mistake, Vincent. You'll regret this. Look at her, she looks... dirty!" Her words cut me deep, considering I had