Shadows In Durango

Chapter 16

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

The final bell of the day rang, a merciful end to what had felt like the longest school day of my life.

I gathered my things, slung my worn-out backpack over my shoulder, and made my way out of the building, grateful to be free of the stifling atmosphere and the ever-watchful eyes of my tormentor in detention.

Although, I did have Vincent to thank since the tall girl chose to leave me alone for the remainder of the school day - barely looking at me with that.

The chilly breeze greeted me as I stepped outside, a reminder of the storm that was rumoured to be on its way.

I shivered and pulled my thin layer tighter around myself with a final thought in mind: I was a working woman now, and I could afford to spend some money on warmer clothes!

If the storm was coming, I needed to prepare for it...

With newfound determination, I headed into town, aiming for the thrift store where I could hopefully find some affordable, cheap bargains once again.

The bell above the thrift store door jingled as I entered, the familiar musty smell of second-hand goods greeting me.

I breathed in deeply, feeling a sense of purpose as I surveyed the room deciding on which area to start in.

I began my search, sifting through the many racks of clothes with practiced ease. My fingers grazed over an old but sturdy waterproof jacket, and I added it to my growing pile of finds. Next, I picked out a couple of thick sweaters, a pair of jeans that looked almost new, and some practical sneakers which didn't seem to have anything wrong with them other than a scuff or two.

but it was barely noticeable and reduced to a price I could easily afford - four dollars. I smiled, relieved that I wouldn't have to face the embarrassment of wearing mismatched clothes from

but I didn't see the girl coming around the corner due to the mountain pile I

with a thud, and my

a girl with messy brown hair and glasses, her face flushed

for this!" the girl exclaimed, her hands

for me as she continued to ramble on. "I wasn't looking where I was going. Are you

"Yeah - yeah, I'm fine. It's okay, really don't worry about it."

a mile a minute. "I'm such a klutz. My mom always says I'm like a tornado in a china shop. I hope I didn't ruin anything. I'm just here to find some books for school, and I got distracted by that jacket over there. It's really nice, don't you think? Oh, sorry, I'm rambling again. I do that when I'm nervous about things." She explains, as I

reminded me of someone from a fairytale novel with her big doe like eyes and quirky style as she stood in a pair of burnt orange

Sofia, by the way." I decide to introduce myself, finding her to be friendly enough for a conversation. The girl looked up, pushing her glasses up her nose with a shy smile. "I'm Emma. Nice to meet

continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next

that I liked Emma's odd but endearing personality and decided to attempt to continue conversing with her more. We began to chat more easily, discovering that we both

said, folding a pair of jeans neatly before handing them back to me. "You're in my English class, I think? I saw Vincent Walker toss something at you the

a warmth I hadn't experienced in a while. "I usually sit closer to the back with my head down but yet, Vincent likes to test me when he can it seems." I breathe out a smile, unsure of my feelings

"That's right! I sit in the row behind you near the window. I don't have many friends, so I tend to just keep to myself. But maybe we could sit

heart swelled with gratitude. "I'd like that. It gets pretty lonely sitting alone, doesn't it?" I offer my

smiling. "It's a deal then. We'll sit together tomorrow. It might

thrift store, we made our way back over to the checkout together with Emma helping

for the upcoming storm, but I had also made a new friend- a

she could ever know, knowing that I could look out

with a cheerful, "See you tomorrow then, Sofia!" Before heading across