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.

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

glancing down the street that would eventually lead to my flat. The area I lived in wasn't exactly one I was proud of, and I didn't want him to see it.

nodded without

in his presence. Daryl had a calming aura about him, and his easy conversation helped to

I test, unsure on how he would react to what my question was, but deciding I was comfortable

conversation light. "You two seem so...

to him to finish school here. He didn't want to live alone, so he asked a few of his closest friends to move in. That's pretty much how I ended up there." He shrugs, as I nod once and stare down

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

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

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struggled to

echoed out loud, intrigued as to what

ass and It makes him act out sometimes, but deep down, he's

words. Vincent does not and never

mulled over his words, trying to reconcile the image of the arrogant, condescending Vincent with the person Daryl was describing. It was hard to imagine, but Daryl's sincerity made me believe there was maybe more to Vincent than

so far opted to spend time with

for walking with me, Daryl," I said as we reached the park entrance. "I

the other girls... more down to earth and

flutters out, as my heartbeat quickens -

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