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

hopeful, approaching to find the same guy teacher from before, standing in

nearby girls to snigger at

he squints as though I wasn't being

heck would I lie about my

fidget with my fingers in fear of what he would say when I again explain that

don't actually, have anything to wear... I forgot..." I mumble,

thing we have spare clothes for the likes of you - go find something in the box!"

I rifled through its contents. The clothes

a faded school logo barely visible. The outfit was mismatched and ill-fitting,

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

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

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on tying my sneakers back up, hoping that they would just get bored

clown in that outfit," another

wash over me. There was no point in responding

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

look up, keeping

I could feel her frustration growing at my lack of acknowledgement - but I didn't know

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

as she pulled me right down until my knees hit the tiles. My hands flew up to my head, trying to free myself from her grip, but she only tightened her hold, dragging me around the changing room

echoing off the walls as they all enjoyed the drama of the

pleaded, my voice breaking out in a cry, drowned out by more laughter and

Tears of pain and humiliation