Shadows In Durango

Chapter 14

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

Morning arrived far too quickly, with the bright sun shining through the blinds once again - welcoming me to a new day.

I groaned, my body protesting as I forced myself out of bed (if you could even call my blanketed spot on the floor my bed).

The events of last night still swirled in my mind, mingling with the remnants of restless dreams.

I had survived my first shift at Vincent's bar, but the uneasy tension between us lingered like a dark cloud - making me think over when I would next see him with fears that he would perhaps change his mind and fire me. After a quick shower, I dressed in my usual school attire- simple jeans and a tee. The cold morning air nipped at my face as I stepped outside, my breath visible in the frigid air.

It had started to get pretty cold, and I heard some men at the bar last night talking about a storm that was approaching... which only filled me with dread.

I didn't have any warm clothes or waterproofs if it were to rain, but perhaps with my new job somewhat secured I could visit the store again and pick some new items up?

I continued to walk briskly to school, my mind replaying the strange interaction with Vincent last night as I had met them in the last place I ever expected to.

Why had he insisted on cutting my hours while keeping my pay the same? The more I thought about it, the more baffling it seemed.

I managed to reach the school building in record time, probably wanting to get out of the cold as quickly as I could, and I welcomed the warmth of the place with open arms.

It was another day of physical ed on the cards, and I again didn't bring any suitable clothes for it.

Great!

I hated the whole atmosphere of the class too, with the bitchy girls and rowdy guys drooling over them every two seconds... it was sheer hormones on heat!

the gym halls, hoping for something drastic to have happened

guy teacher from before, standing in the same dull grey uniform with a whistle hung

greets me, causing two of the nearby girls to snigger at him

as he squints as though I

the heck would I lie about

fingers in fear of what he would say when I again explain that I don't have any change of

forgot..." I mumble, trying to keep the

you're going to be one of those ones are you? Hates exercise? Good thing we have spare clothes for the likes of you -

over to the red box with slow steps, my heart sinking as I rifled through its contents. The clothes inside were a

shirt that had a faded school

the

and laughter to which I didn't fit in to in any way, shape or form. I quickly changed, feeling the eyes of the other girls peering towards me, their whispers barely concealed. "Nice outfit, Maria," one of them sneered, her

you're loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for

my head down, focusing on tying my sneakers back up, hoping that they would just

my god, she looks like a clown in that outfit," another one chimed in, and the group

their words wash over me. There was no point in responding

styled hair demanded, stepping closer. She was one of the queen bees of the class clearly, always surrounded

keeping my eyes on my

her frustration growing at my lack of acknowledgement - but I

fucking talking to you bitch!" she snapped, grabbing my ponytail and

shooting through my scalp as she pulled me right down until my knees hit the tiles. My hands flew up to my head,

echoing off the walls as they

of me!" I pleaded, my voice breaking out in a cry, drowned out by more laughter and

grip unyielding. Tears of pain and humiliation blurred my