Shadows In Durango

Chapter 8

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

The final bell rang, as I hurried my way out of the school building, my mind racing with anticipation and anxiety about my first night of training at Intensity.

The walk home was usually a time for me to decompress and gather my thoughts, but today, my thoughts were a jumble of nerves and excitement.

I clutched my bag tightly as I made my way down the increasingly familiar streets, my thoughts pounding in my head as I wondered what sort of training I would be put through...

I had just turned the corner on to the Main Street lined with stores when I heard footsteps quickening from behind me. I glanced over my shoulder, surprised at first to see Daryl jogging to catch up, his easygoing smile lighting up his whole face.

"Sofia, wait up!" he called, his voice warm and friendly as I squinted slightly, wondering why he was rushing towards me.

I stopped, evidently surprised to see him. "Oh hi. What's up?" I asked, trying to hide my nervousness as I forced out my response.

He caught up to me, slightly out of breath from the brief jog. "I wanted to apologise for what happened at lunch today. Kim and Rachael... that was just uncalled for. I know Vincent can be a real dick sometimes, but they were both way out of line for getting involved. It was shitty!" He concludes, as my eyes grow wide with each passing word.

My mind raced to comprehend the interaction, with how he had rushed to catch up with me just to apologise for the girls' behaviour... that's actually pretty sweet of him.

I offered a small, grateful smile. "Thank you. I appreciate you saying that. It was pretty intense, but I'm okay. I just hope it won't cause any other problems at school - with me being new and all, it's pretty hard already!" I admit, as we begin to stroll together slowly.

longer? I could walk you home?" he asked, his tone genuine as I had to clench my jaw to prevent it from

flat. The area I lived in wasn't exactly one I was proud of, and I didn't want him to see it. "Actually, could you just walk me to the park instead? It's just a few minutes from my house anyway," I suggested,

thankfully, he nodded without question.

a little in his presence. Daryl had a calming aura about

how he would react to what my question

how come you live with Vincent?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation light. "You two seem so... different." I added the last part

there is a reason for it. Vincent's parents work abroad a lot, and they left the house to him to finish school here. He didn't want to

my true thoughts and feelings for Vincent would have to remain locked away - this was his friend, and a good friend at

crack, but he's not as bad as he makes himself out to be. He's got a lot of pressure on him, and sometimes he doesn't

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

Harmless? I struggled to believe

lot of pressure?" I echoed out loud, intrigued as to

and he feels like he has to live up to them or they will cut him off. His Dads an ass and It makes him act out sometimes, but deep down, he's a

scoff at the last part, unable to believe such words. Vincent does not and never will

to reconcile the image of the arrogant, condescending Vincent with the person Daryl was describing. It was hard to imagine, but Daryl's sincerity

how much I was enjoying Daryl's company. It was the first person in town who had so far opted to spend time with me willingly. He was easy to talk to, and his insights into

I said as we reached the park entrance. "I really

Sofia. Anytime," he replied with a smile. "You just seem different to the other girls... more down to earth and

my heartbeat quickens -

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