Shadows In Durango

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

Sighing, I used the cheap makeup that I found in town to attempt to spice up my party look a little more for tonight.

Daryl must be serious about being my friend if he apologised and also invited not only me, but Emma to their party tonight and the least I could do was make an effort!

I used ten dollars of the tip money to purchase a pink mini skirt and a black off the shoulder crop top to go with it. The outfit was on the mannequin yesterday when I had visited the thrift store and although I really wanted to buy it, I didn't have any reasons to wear it - but I do now!

I visited the discount store across the street after that, where I found some cheap makeup products on a sale.

The same lady who had served me on my first night in town had greeted me again with a kind smile, proceeding to comment 'you look great dear!' which I appreciated more than she knew.

I wasn't lying when I said I just needed some time to get on my feet...

Finding the small makeup section, I managed to find a foundation which was down to four dollars but was slightly more tanned for my skin. I decided to add an instant tan moisturiser to my basket for two dollars deciding that it would help to make the foundation work and overall would bring my paler skin back to life a little.

Back when my life was normal, at home I was a regular sunbather and I usually kept up with a decent tan, but since being on the run it had faded leaving me paler than what I was used to.

I was like a literal walking ghost of my past self to put it lightly...

I proceeded to purchase a face powder, concealer, bronzer, blush, mascara, highlighter, eyeliner, a lipstick and a brow styler with my total coming to twenty six dollars which was a record for makeup products.

It was a pretty good deal although I wasn't sure how well the products themselves would work having been so cheap but I couldn't grumble...

Having some of my tip money left to spare, I felt accomplished after my shopping spree and quickly made my way home to shower and prepare for tonight.

Here I now sat, in front of the bathroom mirror as I attempted to do my makeup - realising that I hadn't actually purchased any sponges or brushes to help me.

Damn! I was so out of practice with this stuff!

The face powder thankfully came with a little powder puff, but as for the rest, I quickly got started by using my fingers.

I worked the foundation over my skin, the coverage not being great but helping to bring some life into my complexion nonetheless.

I then used a little concealer before using the powder puff to set the liquids, before using the same puff to add my bronzer and blush to help brighten up my cheeks.

It doesn't look too bad... now onto the eyes and brows!

Taking my time, feeling incredibly under practiced, I manage to create a decent winged liner, not too thick, with somewhat neat and styled brows.

Finishing off with some highlighter applied with my finger, before brushing my teeth, I complete the look with my pinky nude lipstick.

Standing back a little, I take in my appearance, having successfully matched my foundation to my tan - without it being too dark and thankful that my blonde hair had dried straight after my shower.

I looked normal again...

The sight alone brought a tear to my eye, as I quickly looked up to the ceiling to diminish any water before it could spill and ruin my end result.

It had been a long time since I had seen myself all dressed up to go hang out with people... wearing a nice outfit with makeup and everything on.

I sprayed so much deodorant to prevent any sweat or smells from conjuring throughout the night and hoped that Emma would pack a perfume in a bag that I could borrow - not owning any of my own at the moment and knowing that it would be the perfect final touch.

If you're loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you!

Ok I'm ready!

I check the time, seeing that I had fifteen minutes to make it to the park, and so I grab my hooded jacket and toss it around me - given that it was still raining and I didn't want to ruin my freshly washed hair or makeup.

I lock my door, placing the key in my school backpack, which I had no choice other than to take with me since I didn't own any cute handbags anymore.

Skipping down the steps, I freeze by the building door when hearing my neighbours drunken hollering from the top floor.

Crap they are coming down here! Better move it...

With that thought alone, I dash out into the storm, thankful that the rain had momentarily eased up as I sprinted my way up the street - trying to keep my tinted moisturiser in tact to avoid unnecessary streaks from forming. It said it was fast drying and water resistant but when is that ever totally true? I doubt it could stand for long through this storm...

It didn't take me long to reach the park as I jogged and took shelter under one of the bus stops nearby to watch for Daryl's car.

I didn't know the time now after leaving my apartment so all I could do was stand around and hope that he shows up for me...

Taking a seat, I check my bare legs over for streaks, and eventually sigh, thankful that they looked ok as I dabbed off any remaining water droplets caught in the storm.

"You lost little thing?" I suddenly look up to find a hooded man, as I stand upright from the bus stop bench.

"N-No I'm good thanks..." I quickly respond, watching his eyes rake over me from head to toe agonisingly slow, as I stood back in attempts to hide behind my hood.

If you're loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you!

"I can wait with you if you want... could help pass the time quicker..." He drawls out slowly, taking a dragged step forward as I gasp and begin to panic.

He was middle aged and scruffy, his teeth stained yellow as he grinned with a wicked look.

"Who the fuck are you?!" I turn on my heels before hearing a car door slam shut - revealing Daryl as he quickens his pace towards me.

The man's eyes widen, and his hands shoot up in surrender - his full creepy demeanour shifting as he tries to act normal.

"Woah calm it! I was only making sure she wasn't lost!" The guy states, suddenly blundering.

"Sofia get in the car!" Daryl warns, his tone blunt as I instantly make a move.

Rushing towards the waiting vehicle in fear of a fight, climbing inside I watch Daryl yell at the guy - pointing an accusing finger at him- occasionally shoving at his shoulder threateningly. My breathing increased as did my heart rate, praying for the night not to get ruined right before it even starts...

But thankfully, the guy takes off in a quick stride, hands stuffed into his jean pockets as Daryl turns back to join me.

Climbing into the drivers side, he closes over his eyes and breathes steadily before even attempting to say anything.

"Next time, I'll be picking you up from your doorstep. I don't care what your brother says!" Daryl turns to me, with his tone evidently agitated.

I all but nod, knowing that right now wasn't the time to convince him otherwise... as he puts the car into drive and we head towards Emma's house.

I just hope that his mood lightens up by the time we get to the party...