Shadows In Durango

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

Lunch rolled around too quickly for my liking, quickly becoming another joyless part of my day.

As I stood in the lunch line, my stomach churned with anxiety. What would I get for Vincent this time?

Yesterday's choice had apparently been too boring, and he had made it clear that I had better do better today. I hated the thought of catering to his whims, but I couldn't handle more mockery during class.

The cafeteria buzzed with the usual lunchtime chaos. The clatter of trays, the hum of conversation, and the occasional burst of laughter from groups of friends filled the air. I shifted nervously from foot to foot, glancing over the selection of food options as I neared the counter.

When it was finally my turn, I was greeted by the same lunch lady from yesterday. Her warm smile was a small comfort in this otherwise daunting school. "Hello again, dear. What can I get for you today?" she asked, her voice kind and inviting. I hesitated for a moment before leaning in slightly, lowering my voice. "Do you know Vincent Walker?" I asked, deciding to shoot my shot.

Her eyebrows raised in mild surprise. "Oh dear, who doesn't know Vincent around this place?" she replied with a light chuckle and a shake of her head.

Taking a deep breath, I decided to take a chance. "Do you happen to know what he usually orders for lunch?"

She hummed thoughtfully, tapping her chin. "Vincent, huh? Let me think... Ah, he's a fan of the Cajun chicken pasta. Spicy, flavorful, just like him too." She winked at me.

I nodded, grateful for the insight. "I'll take two orders of the Cajun chicken pasta, please. And two Cokes."

The lunch lady's expression softened with understanding as she began to serve the pasta. "You're sweet, you know that? Trying to please Vincent... it's no easy task." She sighed, her eyes filled with a mixture of pity and concern.

I forced a small smile. "Thanks. I just... I don't want any trouble... I'm new." I tell her the fact despite that she probably already figured that for herself.

She nodded knowingly and quickly packed the pasta into two trays. "Here you go, sweetheart. And don't worry about your lunch; I'll keep it aside until you get back again. Take care of yourself, alright?" She offers, making my life so much easier.

"Thank you," I replied, genuinely grateful for her kindness.

Balancing the tray, I made my way through the cafeteria, my heart pounding with each step as I exited and headed for the gym hall lockers to find Vincent.

It didn't take me long to reach the area in the school that he seemed to occupy like a king - finding him standing with the blonde who had tripped me, the dangerous looking one with the shaved head and Daryl from English who offered me a small wave.

Vincent looked up as I neared, a smirk already forming on his lips. "Well, well, look who's here with my delivery. I started to think you wouldn't show today! What did you bring me then, Sofia?" he drawled, his tone dripping with condescension as he said my name which sent a shiver up my spine.

I carefully set the tray in front of him. "Cajun chicken pasta and a Coke," I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.

He raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by my choice. "Not bad," he admitted, taking the tray from my hands, balancing it on one hand before moving to grab the fork.

His friends watched him, waiting for his verdict as he shovelled the first bite in to his mouth. He chewed thoughtfully, then nodded. "Much better than yesterday. You might be learning after all." He chews, as the others laugh - Daryl offering an eye roll to his humour.

As Vincent and his friends laughed, I felt a small surge of relief that today's choice had been a success. Just as I was about to excuse myself, two cheerleaders rounded the corner, their presence like a sudden storm clouding over the atmosphere.

The redhead leading the way had a wicked snarl etched on her face, her eyes narrowing furiously as she folded her arms across her chest and stared daggers through me. Her friend, a blonde with an equally menacing look, flanked her side.

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I could feel the tension rising as they approached. Feeling increasingly uncomfortable, and with that I attempted to leave. But just as I passed the redhead, she extended her hand, stopping me in my tracks. Her grip was surprisingly strong, as she dug her acrylic-clad free hand into my chest.

"Who the hell are you?!" She snaps, as I blink and turn back to the boys in hopes that they would help to save me.

"My new personal lunch lady." Vincent states aloud, as though it was a normal thing to say as my temperature continued to rise.

"What?! Listen, sweetheart, but Vincent is mine!" The red head hissed in response, her voice low and venomous. "Don't you dare think you can just waltz in here and take what's mine. He doesn't need you to get his damn lunch for him!" Her finger jabbed into my chest again, harder this time, making me wince and retract.

Vincent's laughter abruptly ceased, as he passed the lunch tray to one of his cronies.

"Kim, back off. You're fucking embarrassing yourself," He warned, his voice cold and commanding. He stepped forward, his eyes locked onto the redhead.

Kim, however, seemed undeterred. "Oh, please, Vincent. She's just a little mouse. She really thinks she can replace me?" she sneered, her words dripping with contempt.

My heart raced as I stood there, caught between wanting to flee and the fear of provoking her any further. "I don't want any trouble," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper - living up to the whole 'mouse' remark.

Kim ignored me, her focus solely on Vincent. "You think this little nobody can take my place?" she continued, her tone growing more shrill. "You're making a mistake, Vincent. You'll regret this. Look at her, she looks... dirty!" Her words cut me deep, considering I had always tried to keep my appearance up with what I had.

Vincent's eyes darkened, his jaw tightening. "That's enough, Kim," he said, his voice dangerously low. He took a furious stride towards her, closing the distance between them. "I'm done with you. Leave and don't look in my direction ever again."

Kim's face twisted with rage and disbelief. "You can't do this to me," she spat, but her voice wavered slightly, betraying her uncertainty.

"Watch me," Vincent replied coolly, his eyes challenging her intensely.

Realising she had lost this battle, Kim turned on her heel, her friend trailing behind her like a fart lost in the wind. But not before she shot me one last venomous glare, her eyes promising retribution. Great, another enemy.

The moment they were out of sight, I could feel the adrenaline crashing, leaving me shaky and lightheaded.

Surprised by Vincent's unexpected defense, I managed a quick, "Thank you," before fleeing the scene. I didn't dare to even look back as I hurried back to the lunch hall, my mind racing.

Reaching the cafeteria, I found a quiet corner and sank onto a bench, trying to process everything that had just happened. The lunch lady noticed my return and handed me my tray with a sympathetic smile. "Everything alright, dear?" she asked gently.

I nodded, not trusting my voice to explain. "Yeah, just... a lot to take in," I replied, forcing a small smile.

As I picked at my food, my thoughts were a whirlwind. Vincent's unexpected defense left me more confused than ever.

Why would he break up with his girlfriend for acting that way towards me? It seemed so out of character... unless he was notorious for breaking up with girls whenever they grew jealous and possessive? That made sense! Who knew, but all I could say was that Vincent Walker helped me dodge a bullet with that one.