Shadows In Durango

Chapter 87

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

I bounce down the steps behind Emma, us both still giggling at a story she had just told me about Reid falling over when they had gone ice skating on Monday night...

We stop at the bottom step, before seeing Vincent walk out of the living area from down the hallway with Daryl and Reid following out from behind his back. "Where are you two going?!" Vincent deadpans, as I eye him weirdly, wondering why he had an attitude all of a sudden.

Wasn't it obvious?

"School? Where else?" I state the words as though he should have known that already, as Emma sniggers slightly from beside me.

I mean, we were both stood in front of him at twenty past eight with backpacks on? It was a no brainer?

Vincent looked troubled, and I had hoped that he would have calmed down after a good nights sleep but it didn't seem to be that easy...

We were back home now in our comfort zone, surrounded by our friends and far away from the city that posed so many threats... so why was he still on edge?

Had he perhaps found out more about the people who posted the envelope through the door? There must be something that he isn't telling me, but my mind could only work overtime to think up the endless possibilities of what it could be. "I'll drive them there." Daryl offers, as Vincent seems to think on it for a split second, as though Daryl needed to get his permission first to take us to school.

What is seriously going on with them?!

"Are you three not coming in to school today?" Emma squints, as they all just seem to stand around like fish out of water - creating a bubble of awkwardness around this whole conversation - with none of them knowing what to do or say.

"You two go, and I'll just stay here to catch up on some work stuff today." Vincent's eyes are telling, as Daryl and Reid seem to know exactly what he meant by that as they both nod nonchalantly and sigh.

a move to fetch their bags and keys, as Vincent stands

is wrong?" I question him, as he instantly shakes

now..." He pushes out a tight smile, but I can tell by the way his eyes had darkened that

soon? Or at least I hope he will to save this awkwardness

once and head for the door with Emma at my back without another word

with her, feeling suddenly relieved that I wasn't the only one who

Emma and I exchange a

seemed to darken with each passing minute which made him almost hard to bear when he was like

know what was

and Reid eventually join us, their attitudes a little more relaxed compared to

Reid climbs in to the front beside him and we follow

us recently, but I had hoped that Daryl would get over it quick with us

comes to life, gaining my attention as I look down to see that it was a text from Emma who was currently seated

her curiously, I swipe to

is acting off with me... did we do

I look to her and shrug meekly

everything that happened but I don't get it with these two! Maybe we just need some time apart at school for everyone to think straight?' I send her my response before watching her read it carefully as soon as it comes

sound of Daryl and Reid's forced small talk

blurt out, unable to take the tension anymore. "You guys are acting so weird, and Vincent's... I don't even know what he is today. Something's off with

him to take the lead but

us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting

of us can discuss it yet, but I'm sure he will tell you later when

doesn't he just tell me the rest? How bad can it be?!" I press on further, my frustration bubbling to the surface for the first time in a long time. "I can tell something's wrong, and it's not just 'work stuff' that