Shadows In Durango

Chapter 8

Hxkx%G0fig's POVHHREK

The final bell rang, as | hurried my way out of the school building, my mind racing with anticipation and anxiety

about my first night of training at Intensity.

The walk hwas usually a tforto decompress and gather my thoughts, but today, my thoughts were

a jumble of nerves and excitement.

| clutched my bag tightly as | made my way down the increasingly familiar streets, my thoughts pounding in my

head as | wondered what sort of training | would be put through...

| had just turned the corner on to the Main Street lined with stores when | heard footsteps quickening from

behind me. | glanced over my shoulder, surprised at first to see Daryl jogging to catch up, his easygoing smile

lighting up his whole face.

"Sofia, wait up!" he called, his voice warm and friendly as | squinted slightly, wondering why he was rushing

towards me.

| stopped, evidently surprised to see him. "Oh hi. What's up?" | asked, trying to hide my nervousness as | forced

out my response.

He caught up to me, slightly out of breath from the brief jog. "I wanted to apologise for what happened at lunch

today. Kim and Rachael... that was just uncalled for. | know Vincent can be a real dick sometimes, but they were

both way out of line for getting involved. It was shitty!" He concludes, as my eyes grow wide with each passing

word.

My mind raced to comprehend the interaction, with how he had rushed to catch up withjust to apologise for

the girls’ behaviour... that's actually pretty sweet of him.

| offered a small, grateful smile. "Thank you. | appreciate you saying that. It was pretty intense, but I'm okay. |

just hope it won't cause any other problems at school - withbeing new and all, it's pretty hard already!" |

admit, as we begin to stroll together slowly.

"Do you mind if | just walk with you for a bit longer? | could walk you home?" he asked, his tone genuine as | had

to clench my jaw to prevent it from hitting the pavement below.

| hesitated, glancing down the street that would eventually lead to my flat. The area | lived in wasn't exactly one

| was proud of, and I didn't want him to see it. "Actually, could you just walkto the park instead? It's just a

few minutes from my house anyway," | suggested, hoping he wouldn't press for more details.

But thankfully, he nodded without question. "Sure thing."

As we walked, | found myself relaxing a little in his presence. Daryl had a calming aura about him, and his easy

conversation helped to distractfrom my worries about the upcoming evening.

"Can | ask you something?" | test, unsure on how he would react to what my question was, but deciding | was

comfortable enough to ask him anyway.

"So, how cyou live with Vincent?" | asked, trying to keep the conversation light. "You two seem so...

different." | added the last part cautiously, not wanting to offend him in any way.

Daryl chuckled, shaking his head and looking up at the sky briefly. "Yeah, | get that a lot. But there is a reason for

it. Vincent's parents work abroad a lot, and they left the house to him to finish school here. He didn't want to live

alone, so he asked a few of his closest friends to move in. That's pretty much how | ended up there." He shrugs,

as | nod once and stare down at my feet.

"So, you guys must be really close then?" | confirm, realising that my true thoughts and feelings for Vincent

would have to remain locked away - this was his friend, and a good friend at that.

Daryl nodded. "Yep. Vin can be a tough nut to crack, but he's not as bad as he makes himself out to be. He's got

a lot of pressure on him, and sometimes he doesn't know how to deal with it. He's harmless when you get to

know him." He defends, as | almost laugh at his words.

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Vincent? Harmless? | struggled to believe that!

"He's under a lot of pressure?" | echoed out loud, intrigued as to what he meant by that...

"Yeah. His parents have high expectations, and he feels like he has to live up to them or they will cut him off. His

Dads an ass and It makes him act out sometimes, but deep down, he's a good guy, plus after today - | think he

actually likes you." Daryl explained, his tone sincere.

| scoff at the last part, unable to believe such words. Vincent does not and never will like me... how ridiculous!

| mulled over his words, trying to reconcile the image of the arrogant, condescending Vincent with the person

Daryl was describing. It was hard to imagine, but Daryl's sincerity madebelieve there was maybe more to

Vincent than what met the eye.

As we approached the park, | realised how much I was enjoying Daryl's company. It was the first person in town

who had so far opted to spend twithwillingly. He was easy to talk to, and his insights into Vincent were

enlightening to say the least.

"Thanks for walking with me, Daryl," | said as we reached the park entrance. "I really appreciate it."

"No problem, Sofia. Anytime," he replied with a smile. "You just seem different to the other girls... more down to

earth and sincere..." He hums to himself, cocking his head to the side to eyeas | shift under his gaze.

"Oh, you think so?" My tone flutters out, as my heartbeat quickens - with an eruption of butterfly's dancing from

within my stomach.

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"Seriously... you're a breath of fresh air... are you sure you don't wantto walk you all the way?" He pushes, as

I suddenly snap from my thoughts.

"Oh it's ok! I'll see you around though? Thanks for the company." | nod and smile, lifting my hand to offer him a

small wave.

"I'll see you tomorrow!" He states in conclusion, throwinga quick wink as | almost faint and fall weak at the

knees.

Was this sprank? Why would he be this kind to me?

We parted ways, and | quickly made my way home, my mind buzzing with everything that had just happened.

Daryl's words about Vincent lingered in my mind as | quickly showered and changed into a more practical outfit

for work: dark jeans, a fitted black T-shirt, and my trustee sneakers.

Great, If | leave now | should get there early!

As | made my way to Intensity, the nerves from before quickly returned with each step. But | also felt a flicker of

excitement for the opportunity to make decent money. This was a new beginning, a chance to prove myself and

maybe, just maybe, find my place in this new town.

When | finally reached the bar, | paused outside, taking in the sight of the neon sign which read 'closed' on the

front door. It wouldn't be open for another few hours, which was better foras | could actually learn and not

have to be stressed about it.

This was it... my first job!