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...

But it wouldn't be that easy this time around, not with Vincent and Daryl involved

also didn't want to leave, I liked it

make sense of it and I can't do it alone. I need

as I wait for Emma. The cold 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 here at

he just have

get so tangled up so

field, my thoughts racing and the tears threatening to

should have been peaceful, but I can't shake the anxiety

here to hurt me? Could I trust him? Should

I didn't want to add to whatever crap he was already trying

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thoughts that I don't even notice Emma approaching until she's right in

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,

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

even know where to begin..." I

placing a hand on my arm. "Whatever it is, I'm here to help and it will be ok. You don't have to go through anything alone anymore." She tells

and before I can stop myself, the tears I had been holding back finally break free. They spill down my cheeks, hot and fast, and I cover my face with my hands,

or Daryl? Or did you have another run

ex I told you about from back home. He's here, at this school!" I

see him? Did he see you?!" She asks, as I all but wipe at my face every

with his grandmother now, that he didn't even know I was here. Said he had to leave home because my father and brothers were making his life hell after I left..." I recite what he had told me in broken sentences, catching my breath every few words

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

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