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.

my past to him, offering me comfort without judgment.

leave him behind without much of an explanation or

the look on his face when he saw me with Vincent earlier. The unspoken tension between them had been breathtaking, and I could sense the hurt in Daryl's eyes, even if he hadn't

typed out a message, my hands

come to my room? I really need to talk

my thumb hovering over the send button. It would be better to speak

right thing to

was I just making things

I was being selfish, stringing them both along as I tried to figure out my own feelings. But Daryl deserved to know, to hear it from me directly, not

send before I could second-guess myself any further, the message slipping away into

me. I wasn't sure what I was going to say when he got here, but I just knew that I needed

movements were slower now, more deliberate. The anticipation was building with each passing second, my heart pounding in my chest as I waited to hear his

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seemed to never

grab some soaps and toiletries to take with me on the trip, before turning

my arms and cursing when finding Daryl

the heck did he get in here without me even

chuckles, as I bend to gather

did I always have to make a damn fool of

I didn't hear you come in, take a seat." I motion towards the bed as

think he knows anything, Vincent must not have told him... because he seems

you know before just disappearing." I shoot the statement at him, as he squints slightly in shock

gives me a weird look as though he was waiting for me to say something else which

him on a business trip! Just for a couple of days." I explain, adding once more that

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