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.

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

sweetheart. And don't worry about your lunch; I'll keep it aside until you get

you," I replied, genuinely grateful for her

I made my way through the cafeteria, my heart pounding with each step as

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

neared, a smirk already forming on his lips. "Well, well, look who's here with my delivery. I started to think you wouldn't show today! What did you bring me then, Sofia?" he

him. "Cajun chicken pasta and a

an eyebrow, clearly surprised by my choice. "Not bad," he admitted, taking the tray from my hands,

friends 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.

Vincent 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 rounded the

wicked snarl etched on her face, her eyes narrowing furiously as she folded her arms across her chest and

us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is

as they approached. Feeling increasingly uncomfortable, and with that I attempted to leave. But just as I passed the redhead, she extended her hand, stopping me

blink and turn back to the boys in hopes that

it was a normal thing to

hissed in response, her voice low and venomous. "Don't you dare think you can just waltz in here and take what's mine. He doesn't need

passed the lunch tray to one of

warned, his voice cold and commanding. He stepped forward, his eyes locked onto the

mouse. She really thinks she can

"I don't want

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 always tried to