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!

start of my morning misery, as I dragged my feet towards the gym halls, hoping for something drastic to have happened in order for the class

find the same guy teacher from before, standing in the same dull grey

of the nearby girls to snigger

squints as

heck would I lie about

as I fidget with my fingers in fear of what he would say when

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

one of those ones are you? Hates exercise? Good thing we have spare clothes for the likes of you -

as I rifled through its contents. The clothes inside were a chaotic mix of sizes and colors, most of them looking well-worn

and a too-small shirt that had a faded school logo barely visible. The outfit was mismatched and ill-fitting, but it was all I

the girls' changing room, trying to ignore the growing pit of dread

the other girls peering towards me, their whispers barely concealed. "Nice outfit, Maria," one of them sneered, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she had overheard my change of name kindly granted to me

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up, hoping that

she looks like a clown in that outfit," another one chimed in, and the group erupted into even more

forced myself to stay silent, letting their words wash over me. There was no point

aren't you saying anything huh?" a tall girl with perfectly styled hair demanded, stepping closer. She was one of the queen bees of the class

keeping my eyes

fell into an uncomfortable silence, and I could feel her frustration growing at my lack of acknowledgement - but I didn't

I'm fucking talking to you bitch!" she snapped, grabbing

my knees hit the tiles. My hands flew up to my head, trying to free myself from her grip, but she only tightened her

as they all enjoyed the drama of the incident at my

out in a cry, drowned out by more laughter and

unyielding. Tears of pain and humiliation blurred my vision