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.

gym set caught my eye. It had a tiny stain on the ankle, 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 the school's lost-and-found

my arms full, I turned to head for the checkout, but I didn't see the

thud, and my clothes

and looked up to find a girl with messy brown hair and glasses, her face flushed

my gosh, I am seriously so sorry for this!" the girl

gather the fallen clothes back up for me as she continued to ramble on. "I wasn't looking where I was

a bit dazed but more surprised than hurt. "Yeah - yeah, I'm fine. It's okay, really don't worry

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.

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

her to be friendly enough for a conversation. The girl looked up, pushing her glasses up her nose with a shy smile. "I'm

us for the complete experience

endearing personality and decided to attempt to continue conversing with her more. We began to chat more easily, discovering that we both attended the

I think? I saw Vincent Walker toss something at you the other

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

window. I don't have many friends, so I tend to just keep to myself. But maybe we could sit together at lunch tomorrow? I mean, only if you would want to? I totally

doesn't it?" I offer my understanding, as she

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

way back over to the checkout

of accomplishment. Not only had I prepared for the upcoming storm, but I had also made a new friend- a small, but significant victory in my

me than what she could ever know, knowing that I could look

we left the thrift store, Emma waved goodbye with a cheerful, "See you tomorrow then, Sofia!" Before heading across the