Shadows In Durango

Chapter 18

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

As the day wore on, the storm outside seemed to grow wilder, the wind howling and rain lashing against the windows with increasing ferocity. Inside the classroom, the tension I felt earlier only seemed to escalate, making it difficult to concentrate on the lesson as it drew to a slow end.

Daryl's occasional glances in my direction and Vincent's lingering stares only added to my discomfort, leaving me feeling hot and under pressure by the pair of them combined.

"What you got next?" Emma asks, as I pout my lip and sigh.

"Physical Ed... I hate it so much! The girls in my class suck and so does the teacher!" I explain, remembering back to yesterday's attack and how painful it had been to try and wash and detangle my hair when I had gotten home.

I also thought back to how Vincent had warned the taller girl to leave me alone, which seemed out of character for him since I couldn't quite put my finger on why he even cared.

"I hated it too... but there's a way to get out of it you know?" Emma explains, instantly gathering my interest.

"How so?" I ask for more, deciding that at this point I would do anything to avoid going back to that class.

The bell suddenly rang out, as students jumped out of their chairs to leave - since the lesson itself had probably been one of the most boring that I had ever sat through in my life.

Daryl gathered his stuff and approached Vincent who waited for him by the door, suddenly choosing to avoid looking at me on passing which hurt my feelings a little.

What was up with him today?!

"So uh, what do I have to do to get out of the class?" I clear my throat and return my attention to Emma who slowly packed her books away.

It was now break time, and I had fifteen minutes to figure it out before the next class starts...

up for extra credit, they will ask if you want to do it during Physical Ed or after school and you say Physical Ed. Most students do

That sounds pretty easy!

as I nod

couldn't face that class again, one girl even attacked me yesterday and I got detention for it." I give Emma

girls here are ruthless! That's why I try and keep to myself..." Emma sighs, as we round

towards an information board with the list of different extra credit choices

for you on the timetable." Emma says as she points to the correct list and I scan over them. Ok so my options are litter

Great...

is a step up from taking part in Physical Ed!" I laugh loudly, causing Emma to giggle only moments before the office lady harshly shushes us both. Slapping a hand over our mouths in horror, I turn back to the

pretty busy at times with classes using the room and the librarian can be a nightmare to assist I've

continues. Join us for the complete experience-all

agrees and I score that from the list too. "So that leaves doing the laundry or sorting the stock room, which I would take either or to be totally honest."

for the quieter one?" She suggests, as I decide to do just

here on my first day, as

as I swallow the lump in my throat instantly feeling intimidated

credit... in column four... I was wondering how many people were signed up for doing laundry or for the storage room." I explain, as she sighs and clicks a couple of buttons on the computer. Taking her time, I glance to Emma who rolls her eyes at her attitude which causes me to stifle a giggle and return back

room has

today?" I ask hopeful, unable to hide my tone as she moves back

my mouth for a second as

recite, as she smashes her manicured nails

of break, as Emma picks

the adventure continues. Join us for

in for stock room duties instead." She tells me, as I thank her

couldn't explain how much relief I felt knowing that I wouldn't have to show my face to the Physical Ed teacher ever