Shadows In Durango

Chapter 67

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

As I made my way back to my room, I couldn't ignore the gnawing feeling of guilt that had taken root in my chest.

I didn't want to seem like I was running off with him so soon... not when I still had to get my feelings in check!

The weight of my decision to go with Vincent was beginning to press down on me, making it harder to breathe with each passing moment. The thrill of traveling with him had been undeniable, but now, as I stared at my half-empty suitcase, reality began to settle in...

I picked up a few more clothes and folded them carefully, trying to distract myself from the thoughts that were spinning around in my head. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was somehow betraying Daryl by agreeing to go with Vincent.

They were both good to me in their own ways, and yet here I was, choosing to follow one while leaving the other behind.

Sitting on the edge of my bed, I pulled out my phone and hesitated before unlocking it. I needed to let Emma know that I wouldn't be at school tomorrow, at the very least. She'd worry if I just disappeared without saying anything. The thought of her bubbly personality dimming with concern made my chest tighten.

I quickly typed out a message to her:

'Hey, just wanted to let you know that I won't be at school tomorrow. Something came up and I have to leave town for a bit with Vincent. I'll explain everything when I get back, I promise - call me if you need anything!'

After hitting send, I stared down at the screen, watching the message get delivered, and sighed. Emma was a good friend. She'd understand, even if she didn't know the full story yet. But Daryl... that was a different story altogether.

I switched over to my text chat with Daryl, my fingers hovering above the keyboard as I battled with what to say to him.

I wonder if he already knows that I'm leaving... maybe he's waiting to see if I'll have the decency to say?

I didn't want him to feel like I was ditching him, especially after the great time we had together today.

me pour out my past to him, offering me comfort without judgment. Although he did grow sorta quiet towards the end... which left me unsettled

was, about to leave him behind without much

I could sense the hurt in Daryl's eyes, even if he hadn't said anything. The last thing I wanted was to make things worse between them... or

I typed out a message, my hands trembling

you come to my room? I really need to

read over the words, my thumb hovering over the send button. It

right thing

just

stringing them both along as I tried to figure out my own feelings.

myself any further, the message slipping away into the

I tried to calm the storm of emotions inside me. I wasn't sure what I was going to

my movements were slower now, more deliberate. The anticipation was building with each passing second, my heart pounding

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they seemed

toiletries to take with me on the

everything in my arms and cursing when finding Daryl stood by

in here without me even

He chuckles, as I bend to gather up my stuff

always have to make a damn fool of myself

a seat." I motion towards the bed as he

knows anything, Vincent must not have told him... because he seems pretty normal, at

asked you to come here because I'm leaving for a couple of days and I wanted to let you know before just disappearing." I shoot the

moment, as he gives me a weird look as though he was waiting for me to say

me to go with him on a business trip! Just for a couple of days." I explain, adding once more that I wouldn't be gone for

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