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.

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

checkout, but I didn't see the girl coming around the corner due to the mountain pile I was carrying

collided with a thud, and my clothes scattered everywhere

landed with a soft "oof" and looked up to find a girl with messy brown hair and glasses,

this!" the girl exclaimed,

me as she continued to ramble on. "I wasn't looking where

surprised than hurt. "Yeah - yeah, I'm fine. It's okay, really don't worry about it." I smile, pushing myself back up as she blinks

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

quirky style as she stood in a pair of burnt orange paint covered

help but smile at the girl's nervous chatter. "It's alright. Really. I'm 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

the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for

decided to attempt to continue conversing with her more. We began to chat more easily, discovering that we both attended the same school which was a

them back to me. "You're in my English class, I think? I saw Vincent Walker toss something at you the other day, I would die if he did that to me! He's utterly terrifying that one!" She babbles on, as I chuckle

likes to test me when he can it seems." I breathe out a smile, unsure of my feelings towards him after last night saving my job and today saving

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

gets pretty lonely sitting alone, doesn't it?" I offer my understanding, as she seems grateful for it with a

smiling. "It's a deal then. We'll sit together tomorrow. It might just help pass the days a little quicker for us

way back over to the checkout together with Emma helping to carry my items for me which was

stuff, I felt a sense of accomplishment. Not only had I prepared for the upcoming storm, but I had

she could ever know,

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