Shadows In Durango

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

The neon sign of Intensity loomed overhead, casting an eerie glow on the quiet street. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for my first night of training. The nerves from earlier had returned, but they were mingled with a sense of determination.

This was my chance to prove myself - that I don't need anyone to survive, especially not my family.

I pushed open the door, the bell above tinkling softly as I stepped inside. The bar was dimly lit and almost empty, with only a few staff members bustling about in preparation for the night ahead. Tito, the manager, spotted me immediately and walked over with a welcoming smile.

"Hey there, Sofia! Glad you showed up! Ready for your training?" he asked, his voice warm and reassuring - a little more lively compared to the first time I had met him.

I nodded, trying to mask my anxiety. "Yes, I think so."

"Great. Let me show you around first and then we can get started on your role." Tito said, gesturing for me to follow him as he took off in a quick stride.

We started with the main dance floor area, a large open space with a long, sleek bar running along one side and a scattering of tables and chairs on the other. The atmosphere was relaxed, the calm before the storm of the evening rush as the poles shone brightly on top of the podiums.

"Here's the main bar," Tito explained. "Most of our regulars hang out here, but it's also where we get the most action. You'll learn to handle it eventually, but you don't have to worry about down here for now." He waves his hand around in explanation as I nod along and give him the floor to speak.

He next turned and led me through a side door into a narrow hallway. "This way are the changing rooms for the dancers," he said, opening a door to reveal a bustling room with costumes and makeup strewn about. A few dancers were already getting ready, giving me friendly nods as Tito and I passed through.

Their costumes were scandalous and skimpy, a display of bright colours and feathers, but each girl seemed nice and welcoming thus far - yet it was still early in...

Next, he pointed out the bathrooms and a small cleaning closet. "Pretty standard stuff, but you'll need to know where everything is regardless," he said.

Heading back the way we came, we finally approached the set of stairs that led to the VIP lounge on the balcony. The contrast was striking. Unlike the main bar's lively atmosphere, the VIP lounge exuded a sense of exclusivity and calm. Plush seats and low tables filled the space, offering a perfect view of the bar and everything below.

"This is where you'll be working tomorrow night," Tito said, his tone slightly more serious now to ensure I was listening. "We get some of our most respectful clients up here. It's a good place to start you in, and you'll have a bit more breathing room to learn the ropes. Sometimes it's really quiet and when it's busy, most just order simple drinks." Tito explains, motioning for me to approach the bar with him.

I nodded, taking in the elegant surroundings. "Got it."

Tito led me behind the counter and began to show me the basics of pouring drinks. "It's all about the right balance and control," he explained, demonstrating how to pour a perfect shot before he turned and handed me the large bottle. "Now you try it."

My first attempt was disastrous. The bottle slipped from my hand as I tipped it upside down, spilling liquor all over the counter top. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but Tito chuckled and shrugged it off which I was incredibly thankful for.

I guess that this was the whole point in training, right?

"Don't worry, everyone fumbles at first," he said, handing me a towel as I quickly wipe away my mess. "Try it again and make sure you hold it tight." He instructs.

I took a deep breath, placing the towel aside before fixing a new shot glass. This time, I managed to pour a decent shot, though it was still a bit wobbly when I tipped the bottle upwards.

"Much better," Tito praised. "Keep practicing, and you'll get the hang of it - you'll be shocked with how quick you'll get at pouring too."

We spent the next hour going over different drinks and techniques - luckily Tito showed me the instruction list for each one that was hidden under the countertop for good measure which I would definitely be putting to use.

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I fumbled a few more times, spilling mixers and dropping garnishes, but Tito was patient, offering guidance and encouragement which surprised me.

I didn't take him to be a patient man but here he was, trying his best to train and prep me for my first real shift tomorrow night.

Gradually, my confidence grew, and I started to feel more comfortable behind the bar by the end of the training.

"See? You're a natural now," Tito said with a grin as I successfully poured a series of drinks without a single mishap.

"Thank you, Tito," I said, feeling a surge of pride. "I really appreciate your help and thanks again for giving me the job." I wipe at my forehead, sighing in relief that I had learned a new skill. "Anytime. You've actually done pretty great," He compliments, as I put the bottles back in their places.

After an intense hour of training, Tito and I wrapped things up. I felt a wave of satisfaction wash over me as I cleaned the last of the glasses and set them neatly back in their places. The bar sparkled under the dim lights, a testament to my hard work and newfound skills.

"Get some rest, and I'll see you tomorrow night." Tito waves me off, as I can't help but hide the smile that stretches across my face as I practically skip out of the bar.

The nerves from earlier had transformed into a sense of accomplishment. I had survived my first training session, and despite the initial fumbles, I had proven to myself that I could handle this job.

The cool night air greeted me as I stepped outside, the neon sign of Intensity now a comforting beacon behind me.

I started my walk home, the quiet streets giving me some time to reflect on the evening. My steps were lighter, each one fueled by a newfound confidence.

As I turned the last corner onto my street, the sight of my apartment building came into view...

My heart sank a little at the familiar rundown exterior, but tonight, even that couldn't dampen my spirits. I was making progress, and that was what mattered.

However, my sense of pride quickly turned to anxiety as I spotted my two neighbours loitering out front. They were swigging from a bottle, their movements erratic and unsteady. Their rowdiness echoed through the night, and my heart quickened at the sight of them both - knowing that I would have to pass between them to go through the front door.

I instinctively slowed my pace, watching them from a distance.

Anxiety flushed through me, and I weighed my options. My apartment was only a few steps away, but the thought of confronting them was too daunting. I made a quick decision to sneak in through the back door, hoping to avoid any unwanted attention.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself, and then quietly slipped down the alley that ran alongside the building. The shadows were my allies as I crept toward the back entrance, my footsteps as silent as I could manage on the cracked pavement. Reaching the back door, I fumbled for my keys, my fingers trembling slightly. I could still hear their drunken laughter from the front, and I hurried, desperate to get inside before they both noticed me. The key finally slid into the lock, and I turned it with a soft click.

The back hallway was dimly lit and smelled faintly of mildew, but it was a welcome refuge. I closed the door behind me as quietly as possible and made my way up the creaky stairs to my apartment. Each step felt like a small victory, bringing me closer to safety.

Once inside, I locked the door and leaned against it, letting out a breath I hadn't realised I'd been holding. The familiar, if shabby, surroundings of my apartment greeted me. It wasn't much, but it was mine, and tonight, that felt like enough. I tossed my keys onto the small table by the door and sank onto the floor. The events of the evening played through my mind, a mix of triumph and trepidation. But despite the anxiety of sneaking past my neighbors, I couldn't help but smile. I had taken a big step tonight, both at Intensity and in my own personal journey.