Shadows In Durango

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

The next day at school wasn't much different to the first except there being no Vincent around to torment me in the school closet!

The ending of the day however, was shaping to be a disaster, as I watched Daryl rush down the street to catch up with me in true Daryl style, bringing flash backs to Friday where he invited me to the party of a lifetime - ending in tears. "Sofia... I've been trying to catch you to talk!" Daryl breathes out, as I try my best to seem unbothered by his company, continuing to walk forward steadily. "Hmm?" I all but hum for him to continue, as he noticeably clenches his jaw at my response as I don't slow or stop for him forcing him to stay by my side.

"Sofia please?! Let me apologise..." He try's again, as I perk up slightly when hearing the word.

All I had wanted from him was acknowledgment that he had hurt my feelings, especially after he had tried blaming it all on Vincent.

"Ok I'm listening." I eventually sigh, stopping in my stride to watch him breathe out in what looks to be relief.

"I'm really sorry ok? I shouldn't have kissed that stupid girl after inviting you to the party. I let Vincent get in my head when I should have just asked you about it first! I've learned my lesson now believe me... and I can't stand you being annoyed with me! I don't have any feelings for that girl, I just knew she would've kissed me back as fucked up as it sounds now!" Daryl explains, as a pang of hurt hits my chest remembering how he had locked lips with the girl. But who was I to grill him about it? He owes me nothing... we aren't together!

"Look Daryl, sure you probably shouldn't have invited me to the party to ditch me for another girl, but we aren't together? We aren't a couple? I've only been in town a week. I guess I just overreacted and didn't like how you blamed it all on Vincent." I explain, feeling comfortable enough to actually talk about it properly since a few days had passed to allow me time to process the whole thing.

Daryl listens carefully, which was probably my favourite trait about him, before nodding slowly when I was done rambling.

"I understand, and I'm sorry. Let me make it up to you? I could take you to my favourite ice cream spot later?" He offers, his eyes glinting with hope as I roll my eyes and smile at how keen he was. Do I just give in?

The plan Emma and I had made sounded way smarter to just avoid the pair of them...

But who could resist this guys damn puppy dog eyes?!

"Ok fine! But you'll have to get me at the bus stop again... my brother!" I tell him, as he reluctantly agrees.

"Oh, I also have a phone again now! I can give you my number and you can let me know when you leave to make things easier?" I suggest, as he pulls his own phone out from his back pocket.

I recite my number to him to which he types it in, before ringing me to make sure he had got it right. I then save his own number to my phone, as we say our goodbyes and head off in different directions.

'You'll hate me... I've done something stupid!' I send a quick text to Emma as I walk towards my apartment, before moments later my phone vibrates with a text back.

'Uh oh... is Vincent forcing you to spend more time with him? Text back a red heart emoji if you're in danger and need my help - though I don't actually know what to do lol!'

I laugh out loud when reading her response, finding humour in her worry that Vincent had taken me hostage.

'Nope not Vincent... but I did just agree to let Daryl take me for ice cream later to make up... he apologised though and actually meant it, at least I think he did!' I text back to defend my actions, picturing in my head what Emma's face must look like right now.

'Girl, how the hell do you keep up with them both they are hard work? Lmao!'

She responds, as I shake my head and glance up, doing my check to see if my neighbours where waiting around out the front today or if they were elsewhere... Elsewhere... great!

I quickly rush inside, climbing up the stairs and unlocking my front door in record timing: hating being out in the building for any longer than necessary.

'I'll let you know how it goes later x' I type back quickly, before deciding to shower and freshen up a bit before the date, if you could even call it that.

It wasn't a date, it was just two friends making up with ice cream, right?

I took my time getting washed, before shoving on some fresh clothes - placing the dirty ones in the sink with plenty of soap to soak in.

Gathering my phone, I notice a new text from Daryl, as I quickly unlock it like a giddy teen.

Why was I acting this way after one brief conversation with him?! This meant nothing... Daryl only wants to be my friend!

'Hey sweetheart, let me know when you're ready and I'll leave to head over for you?'

Feeling the butterfly's fluttering around in my stomach, I pace back and forth across the room thinking of what and how to respond to him.

Why was I overthinking like this?! The text didn't even say anything worth worrying over!

'Hi Daryl, I'm ready too so just let me know whatever time suits you!' I hit send after reading over the words a million times.

'Cool, I'll leave right now. Why don't I text you when I get there? Means you aren't waiting around with any creeps again?'

His reply causes me to blush, as he cares for my safety after what happened last time I had waited for him at the bus stop...

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 perfect!' I quickly send, before deciding to take some money out with me from the envelope.

Twenty dollars will be enough for an ice cream right? Unless he just so happens to take me to the fanciest joint on earth!

I giggle, shaking my head knowing that if anybody would take me for the fanciest ice cream it would probably be him knowing my luck.

Five minutes pass again, before my phone buzzes and I rush to grab it from the charger.

'Be there in five minutes if you want to leave.'

'Ok see you soon!' I swiftly respond, checking out my front window and sighing when seeing the all clear.

No neighbours!

I lock the door, head down the steps and out into the fresh air - walking up to the end of the lengthy road before rounding the corner to find Daryl's parked up car as he watches me from inside. I offer him a small wave, climbing into the passenger side of the vehicle, before my brows furrow when seeing his displeased face.

"Why did you walk that way?" He suddenly asks, as I shrug and give him an odd look unaware of what he meant.

I don't know what I'm supposed to say to that? Why is he bothered about me walking now?!

"That street is rough Sofia, you should probably avoid walking down there." He explains, starting the car as I instantly feel embarrassed. Little does he know I didn't only walk down the street, I damn well live on it...