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.

a small smile. "Thanks. I just... I don't want any trouble... I'm new." I tell her

about your lunch; I'll

you," I replied, genuinely grateful for her

with each step as I exited and headed for the

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

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 drawled, his tone

the tray in front of him. "Cajun chicken pasta and a Coke," I

raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by my choice. "Not bad," he admitted, taking the tray from my hands, balancing it on one

nodded. "Much better than yesterday. You might be learning after all."

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

on her face, her eyes narrowing furiously as she folded her arms across her chest and stared daggers through me. Her friend,

the adventure continues. Join us for the

attempted to leave. But just as I passed the

I blink and turn back to the

was a normal thing to say as my temperature continued to

sweetheart, but Vincent is mine!" The red head hissed in response, her voice low and venomous. "Don't you dare think you can just waltz in here and take what's

ceased, as he passed the lunch tray to one

off. You're fucking embarrassing yourself," He warned, his voice cold and commanding. He

a little mouse. She really thinks she can replace me?" she sneered, her words dripping

further. "I don't want any trouble,"

this little nobody can take my place?" she continued, her tone growing more shrill. "You're making a mistake, Vincent.