Shadows In Durango

Chapter 56

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

I woke up the next morning feeling groggy and disoriented. The events of the previous night replayed in my mind reminding me of a good movie with a bad ending.

I glanced around at my familiar room, remembering back to how Daryl had kissed me so passionately only before insisting that I leave his room before things would get out of hand.

He claimed that I 'wasn't ready', which I can understand why he would think that since he was a total gentleman at the best of times, but I felt that I was.

I was at least ready to experience something in my life - something exciting and meaningful - something that I had control over for once.

I wanted nothing more than to explore something new with him, feeling now that I could trust him in that way.

But thinking back to how the whole night had ended yesterday, I was sort of glad that he called it quits because last night would have been far from romantic... nothing like how I had imagined my first time. Vincent had openly called me a whore, and I didn't need to be proving him right...

Emma hadn't returned to my room last night, and I did wonder if she had managed to sort things out with Reid?

I crank my neck to the side seeing that the sunlight was streaming in through the window seeming almost too bright as I sat up and rubbed at my tired eyes with a stretch. I could hear faint voices downstairs, and doors opening and closing around the house which gained my curiosity knowing that the others were awake.

I needed to face them after last night, especially Vincent, but the thought alone made my stomach churn.

With a deep breath, I got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to freshen up. I stared at my reflection, my eyes still puffy from crying but my hair bright and blonde just how I liked it.

The pink cowboy hat sat on the bathroom counter, a reminder of last night's ill-fated fun.

I finished up before making my way downstairs, finding Daryl in the kitchen, brewing what looked to be coffee.

He looked up and smiled warmly when he saw me before I glanced around at the rest of the kitchen finding no sign of Vincent just yet.

"Morning, Sofia. How are you feeling today?" he asked, opening up a cupboard before filling and handing me a mug of my own.

"A little better, thanks to you, at least you don't hate me around here right?" I replied with a dry laugh, before taking a sip. The warmth of the coffee was a comforting gesture. "Where is Vincent anyway?"

cooling off. He wasn't here when I woke up, his car was gone. We'll talk to him later though, don't worry. Reid

of relief and dread. I wasn't ready to face Vincent yet,

where Reid was flipping through a magazine with a bored expression and Emma was scrolling

I entered, their

want to wake you!" Emma asked, concern in her eyes as

our own drama after everything had gone down at the bar, but I wasn't willing to

look, I think we

not giving you the warmest of welcomes when you first came to town..." He chooses his words carefully as I remain

was at least trying his best to make things right? I

if you'll give me another chance? I usually don't like the soppy shit but I have to admit that I really do like Emma and I also don't want to make her uncomfortable. I'm working on taking accountability for my shit, you know?" Reid continues to ramble

responded, he was evidently growing more

Vin I would apologise to you and make things right too." He

that he had seemed genuine in his apology despite the other side of him I had

that my friend wanted nothing more than for us to get along, since it was

for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter

be around me often, so what use would I get from

seeming confused with how quickly I had gotten over the whole

and so I'll give you another chance." I nod again with a shrug to confirm, watching his shoulders relax as he turns to look back at Emma who

to hide things... Reid asked me to be his girlfriend last

feeling shocked that Emma's night seemed to have ended well unlike how Vincent had treated

help but be happy for her. Despite everything, it was clear that she and Reid were genuinely trying to make things work between

Reid gave her a shy smile - surprising me with his more sheepish side. It was strange to see him in

but I'm really glad you're giving him another chance - he wont disrespect you again, believe me!" Emma jokes, squeezing Reids hand who nods once to agree with her words. Before I could respond, the front door is heard opening and closing from down the hall causing

asked,

mix of anxiety and determination to defend myself today. Vincent

I turned to follow him out to the backyard for some

running a hand through his hair with a slight groan

an apology. Last night, I was way out of line. I shouldn't have called you those names or dragged you out of the bar like I did. I've thought it over and I

same morning? The

us for the complete experience all for