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!

as I dragged my feet towards the gym halls, hoping for something drastic to have happened in order

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

nearby girls to snigger at him calling me by the

quietly, as he squints as though I wasn't

heck would I lie about my own

in fear of what he would say

have anything to wear... I forgot..." I mumble, trying to keep the other

you - go find something in the

slow steps, my heart sinking as I rifled through its contents. The clothes

pair of oversized shorts and a too-small shirt that had a faded school logo barely visible. The outfit was mismatched and ill-fitting, but it

the girls' changing room, trying to ignore the growing pit of dread in my stomach at showing

chatter 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 voice dripping with sarcasm as she had overheard my change of name kindly granted to me by the teacher just

Join us for the complete

focusing on tying my sneakers back up, hoping

another one chimed in, and the group erupted into even

to stay silent, letting their words wash over me. There was no point in responding

huh?" a tall girl with perfectly styled hair demanded, stepping closer.

up, keeping my

an uncomfortable silence, and I could feel her frustration growing at my lack of acknowledgement - but I didn't know what else to

she snapped, grabbing my ponytail and

hands flew up to my head, trying to free myself from her grip, but she only tightened her hold, dragging

the walls as they

of me!" I pleaded, my voice breaking out

her grip unyielding. Tears of pain and humiliation blurred my vision as I tried