Shadows In Durango

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

The final bell rang, as I 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 home was usually a time for me to decompress and gather my thoughts, but today, my thoughts were a jumble of nerves and excitement.

I clutched my bag tightly as I made my way down the increasingly familiar streets, my thoughts pounding in my head as I wondered what sort of training I would be put through...

I had just turned the corner on to the Main Street lined with stores when I heard footsteps quickening from behind me. I 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 I squinted slightly, wondering why he was rushing towards me.

I stopped, evidently surprised to see him. "Oh hi. What's up?" I asked, trying to hide my nervousness as I 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. I 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 with me just to apologise for the girls' behaviour... that's actually pretty sweet of him.

I offered a small, grateful smile. "Thank you. I appreciate you saying that. It was pretty intense, but I'm okay. I just hope it won't cause any other problems at school - with me being new and all, it's pretty hard already!" I admit, as we begin to stroll together slowly.

"Do you mind if I just walk with you for a bit longer? I could walk you home?" he asked, his tone genuine as I had to clench my jaw to prevent it from hitting the pavement below.

I hesitated, glancing down the street that would eventually lead to my flat. The area I lived in wasn't exactly one I was proud of, and I didn't want him to see it. "Actually, could you just walk me to the park instead? It's just a few minutes from my house anyway," I suggested, hoping he wouldn't press for more details.

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

As we walked, I found myself relaxing a little in his presence. Daryl had a calming aura about him, and his easy conversation helped to distract me from my worries about the upcoming evening.

"Can I ask you something?" I test, unsure on how he would react to what my question was, but deciding I was comfortable enough to ask him anyway.

"So, how come you live with Vincent?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation light. "You two seem so... different." I 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, I 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 I ended up there." He shrugs, as I nod once and stare down at my feet.

"So, you guys must be really close then?" I 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 I almost laugh at his words.

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Vincent? Harmless? I struggled to believe that!

"He's under a lot of pressure?" I 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 - I think he actually likes you." Daryl explained, his tone sincere.

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

I 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 made me believe there was maybe more to Vincent than what met the eye.

As we approached the park, I realised how much I was enjoying Daryl's company. It was the first person in town who had so far opted to spend time with me willingly. He was easy to talk to, and his insights into Vincent were enlightening to say the least.

"Thanks for walking with me, Daryl," I 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 eye me as I 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 want me to 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." I nod and smile, lifting my hand to offer him a small wave.

"I'll see you tomorrow!" He states in conclusion, throwing me a quick wink as I almost faint and fall weak at the knees.

Was this some prank? Why would he be this kind to me?

We parted ways, and I quickly made my way home, my mind buzzing with everything that had just happened. Daryl's words about Vincent lingered in my mind as I quickly showered and changed into a more practical outfit for work: dark jeans, a fitted black T-shirt, and my trustee sneakers.

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As I made my way to Intensity, the nerves from before quickly returned with each step. But I 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 I finally reached the bar, I 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 for me as I could actually learn and not have to be stressed about it.

This was it... my first job!