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.

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,

I didn't see the girl coming around the corner due

and my clothes

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

so sorry for this!" the girl exclaimed, her hands flying up to her mouth in

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

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

to talk 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 giggle a little at

reminded me of someone from a fairytale novel with her big doe like eyes and quirky style as

couldn't 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

for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter

to continue conversing with her more. We began to chat more easily, discovering that we both attended the

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 other day, I would die if he

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

to just keep to myself. But maybe we could sit together at lunch tomorrow? I mean, only if you would want to? I totally get it if you don't

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

We'll sit together tomorrow. It might

new random friendship solidified at the thrift store, we made our way back over to the checkout together

I prepared for the upcoming storm, but I had also made a new friend- a small, but significant victory in my otherwise tumultuous

ever know, knowing that I could look out for

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