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!

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

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

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

he squints as though I wasn't being

would I lie about my

my fingers in fear of what he would say

mumble, trying to keep the other girls from hearing

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

through its contents. The clothes inside were a chaotic mix of sizes and colors, most

a pair of oversized shorts and a too-small shirt that had a faded school logo

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

thick with the sounds of 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

is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly

sneakers back up, hoping that

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

to stay silent, letting their words wash over me.

hair demanded, stepping closer. She

keeping my eyes on my

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

she snapped, grabbing my ponytail

down until my knees hit the tiles. My hands flew up to

amusement echoing off the walls as they

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

unyielding. Tears of pain and humiliation blurred my