Shadows In Durango

Chapter 91

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

I take the piece of paper from Ashton's hand, my fingers trembling as I grip it tightly.

My mind feels like it's splitting into a million different directions. Part of me wants to rip the paper in half and throw it in his face, but another part of me, the small, tired part that still holds onto old memories, is too drained to fight. Ashton was a ghost from my past, one that I never thought I'd have to face ever again, especially not here. Not now. Not when everything else in my life was already so chaotic.

"I need to go," I murmur, my voice barely audible. I don't wait for his response, don't even glance back at him, as I shove the note into my jacket pocket and head for the door.

The second I'm outside the storage room, I inhale deeply, filling my lungs with the cool, musty air of the school hallway. My heart was still pounding in my ears, and I felt like I might collapse right here and now in the corridor if I don't make a

move.

I force myself to keep walking, my legs shaky but moving on autopilot.

Before I even realise it, I'm outside, heading straight for the football field bleachers which were usually quiet at this time in the day. I pull out my phone with trembling hands, fumbling to send Emma a text, unsure of what else to do. 'Please meet me at the bleachers as soon as you can. You won't believe what just happened to me, I'm freaking out!'

I don't explain much over text, because I can't. Not yet. My mind is still reeling from the shock of seeing Ashton, from everything he said, and the thought of what might happen to my life next.

Seeing another earlier notification from Vincent, I debate on telling him that I had ran into some trouble, but after reading his words - I quickly refrain from that idea.

'You have to give me some time. Trust me when I'm saying that this shit isn't anything little, it's extremely important. I'm waiting to speak to my father and after that, I'll be able to let you in on what's going on. All I'm asking for right now is some patience from you, let me handle my business first.'

It was clear that he was preoccupied with more important stuff and I couldn't just expect him to drop all of that to baby me...

town again? But it wouldn't be that easy this time around, not with Vincent and

honest, I also didn't want to

I can even begin to make sense of it and I can't do it alone. I need my friend... I need to talk

metal of the bench seeps through my jeans, but I barely feel it. All I can think about is Ashton — his face, his words, his presence

have to

so tangled

my thoughts racing and the tears threatening to spill. The wind

but I can't shake the anxiety bubbling up inside

wasn't lying? What if he really wasn't here to hurt me? Could I

have been in such a weird mood today then I would have called him, but I didn't want to add to whatever crap he was already trying to deal with

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don't even notice Emma approaching until she's right in front of

had to leave early!" she says quickly, climbing the steps and rushing to sit down beside me. Her expression is full of concern, her brows furrowed. "What's going on? Did something bad happen?! You look like you've seen a ghost." She babbles, as I rub at my wet eyes to prevent

my throat dry, and for a moment, I don't even know where to start. How

don't even know where to begin..." I whisper, my voice

to help and it will be ok. You don't have to go through anything alone anymore." She tells me, her words meaning more to me than what she even

finally break free. They spill down my cheeks, hot and fast, and I cover my face with

or Daryl? Or did you have

tears, I manage to choke out the words. "He's here... Ashton. My ex I told you about from back home. He's here, at this school!" I sob loudly

Are you sure it's him? When did you see him? Did he see you?!" She asks, as I all but wipe at my face every two seconds

know I was here. Said he had to leave home because my father and brothers were making his life hell after I

him? What if he's here to spy?!" She asks exactly what I had

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