Shadows In Durango

Chapter 10

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

The morning sun peeked through my cracked blinds, dragging me from a restless sleep. I groaned, the familiar ache of exhaustion settling in my bones.

Another day of school, another day of navigating the complex social web that I had yet to untangle. I forced myself out of bed and into my little routine, each step bringing me closer to the part of the day I dreaded most: lunch.

I arrived early, giving myself time to find my Physics class and thankful to find neither Vincent or his side clones in my class today - it was mostly filled with what others would refer to as 'nerds'.

The time flew by, before the bell rang and the hallways of the school were buzzing with chatter and laughter as I made my way to the cafeteria.

I tried to blend into the crowd, hoping to go unnoticed which so far I had seemed pretty successful at. The thought of buying lunch for Vincent again made my stomach churn. It had become a daily task that filled me with dread, a reminder of my precarious position here.

As I joined the lunch queue, the usual sense of apprehension settled over me as I debated over the different choices today.

The line moved slowly, and I stared at the back of the student in front of me, trying to mentally prepare myself for the encounter with Vincent and his crew - whether it would bring me more ridicule or praise. Suddenly, a familiar scent flooded my senses, a mix of fresh pine and something subtly sweet. I looked up, my heart skipping a beat as I found Daryl standing beside me with a playful grin on his face. "Hey there, Sofia. Fancy seeing you here," he said, his tone light and teasing.

I blinked in surprise, momentarily thrown off balance. "Oh, hey, Daryl. Didn't expect to see you here," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

What a dumb thing to say?! I didn't expect to see him here? In the lunch line? Ugh!

He chuckled, a sound that seemed to chase away some of the tension coiled within me. "Thought I'd join the common folk for a change," he said with a wink. "Plus, I figured you could use some company for lunch today." He offers, as I furrow my brows.

I furrowed my brows, both flattered and confused by his sudden interest. "Really? You want to have lunch with me?"

You look like you could use a break from the usual routine," he

I tilted my head. "A

in slightly as the line shuffled forward. "How about you

He'll be furious - I

him be furious. It's not fair to

my life hell," I stammered, the panic rising in my chest. The thought of Vincent's anger was enough to make my

"Hey, calm down. I'll take the hit for it. I'll grab him a sandwich or something.

idea of standing up to Vincent was terrifying, but Daryl's confidence was infectious. "I don't know... what if he takes it

him. I'll tell him the private lunch deliveries are over. He needs

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point of no return.

me," Daryl interrupted gently. "I've got this. Vincent can be a jerk, but he's not

calmed some of my fears. "Okay," I said, my voice barely above

before letting go. "That's the spirit. Now, let's get something for ourselves and

a strange mix of apprehension and relief. Daryl ordered his lunch and then pointed to a ham and cheese sandwich for Vincent. "That'll do," he said with a wink in

off dramatically. "Positive," he said, handing over the

cafeteria was buzzing with the usual lunchtime chaos, but I felt a sense of calm settling over me knowing that for the first time, I wasn't sitting alone. Daryl's presence was a comforting buffer against the anxiety that usually

with a serious expression. "I'll take the sandwich to Vincent. You stay here and enjoy the last of your lunch. If he has a problem with it, he'll have to deal with me." I nodded, my gratitude evident in my eyes. "Thank you, Daryl. I really appreciate

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his playful grin returning. "Now, eat up.

search of his friend as I watched