Shadows In Durango

*****Sofia's POV*****Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

As we both sat around half way through a movie, we both tense when hearing the front doorbell chime out around Vincent's home.

Maybe he's back? We did lock the door after all...

I look to Emma as she remains under the blanket on the sofa and I decide to go open it, rushing down the hall - only able to see the large silhouette through the blurred glass.

Touching the lock, I decide to double check first as I rise up onto my toes to look through the peep hole, shocked to find not Vincent, but Daryl.

Quickly unlocking it, he looks up and smiles at me as I poke my head around the door.

"Hey sweetheart, may I come in?" He jokes, as I chew my lip and blush profusely at his innocent mockery.

He damn well lives here with Vincent and yet here I was cracking the door as though he was some random stranger off the streets! Who am I to stop him from coming inside his own living space?! "Sorry!" I quickly say, moving aside as he just chuckles and enters.

"Home alone?" He looks around at the quiet house before I shake my head.

"Emma's here." I inform him, as he nods and seems relaxed with the thought.

Why did he care if I was left home alone? Especially in Vincent's home... this was probably as safe a place as I could be right now...

"Vincent told me what happened... how are you feeling?" He looks down at me in concern as I shrug and wrap my arms around myself for silent comfort.

"Come here." He suddenly says, reaching out his hands to pull me to him, locking me in a warm and comforting embrace.

We stand in the hallway, rocking slightly as I inhale his rich scent and feel at ease. Maybe staying here with Vincent and Daryl around was the best option... they both seemed to step up to comfort me when I most needed it... but the why was what I couldn't figure out.

Why did either of them even care?

Melting in the moment, I almost forget about my friend who was waiting to finish our movie in the other room, as I gently pull back - causing for Daryl to look somewhat disappointed before he masks it.

"Emma." I smile, reminding him too that she was here as he all but nods.

"I get it, I ain't invited to girls night... it's like English class all over again!" He holds his heart to fake being hurt as I lightly shove his shoulder playfully.

"Stop it! It's not like that... you just aren't... a girl!" I try to explain, as he rolls his eyes before smirking.

"I'm going to shower anyway, I had a long drive." He confirms, moving towards the staircase as I watch him walk off, winking at me and causing for me to grow flustered once again. How the hell will I handle living here with not only one, but both of them?!

Heading back to Emma in a quick rush down the hallway, I bound my way towards her, jumping up on the sofa as she perks up.

"Who the hell was it? Why do you look like somebody just slapped you on both cheeks? You're bright red!" Emma comments and laughs loudly, causing for me to shush her harshly. He might hear her and make fun of me too!

"Jeez what is it girl? Who has you so burned up?!" Emma carries on, as I cover my reddening face with both hands.

"It was Daryl at the door, he's gone upstairs to shower but he hugged me to make sure I was ok... after yesterday!" I whisper out as quiet as a mouse, causing my friend to snort out a laugh at the state I was getting myself in over him. Emma leans in, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, if you're going to be living here with both of them, you might as well enjoy the view," she teases, nudging me playfully.

I roll my eyes, trying to hide my embarrassment. "Stop it, Emma. It's not like that and besides, I'm not even set on staying here yet." I admit, conflicted.

"Oh, sure," she says, drawing out the words. "Just a harmless hug, right? Plus, you know Vincent won't let you go anywhere else after that? He wants you here and you won't win against him." Emma hums, agreeing that it was for the best that I give in and stay with them for the time being.

I guess I don't have much choice either, do I?

Before I can respond, we hear footsteps coming down the hallway.

Daryl reappears, fresh from his shower, his hair damp and tousled. He's wearing a casual t-shirt and sweatpants, looking more relaxed than before. He catches my eye and gives a small, knowing smile.

"Hope I didn't interrupt anything important at girls night," he says, eyeing the still paused movie on the screen.

"Just a movie," Emma replies casually, her tone light but her eyes flicking between Daryl and me with curiosity as he nods once.

"Vincent should be back soon. He's handling some important stuff. You're safe here, Sofia, but he said you've to stay and that I've not to let you leave." Daryl recites in his best 'Vincent' voice making us both laugh.

"Oh so I'm a prisoner here now?" I joke, as he shrugs and pulls a 'I guess so' look making me smile.

I always did like how light and airy Daryl was, always seeming approachable and level headed compared to Vincent. But then I couldn't crush Vincent's unwavering loyalty and truthfulness, he was bold and brave, two things I rarely ever was and if one thing was for certain, he made me feel safe here.

"Well I'll leave you both to your movie, I'll make some food for dinner if you're both hungry?" He suggests, as Emma nods eagerly.

I almost forgot that she was at school all day today on top of this, she must be hungry.

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!

"Emma what time will you have to leave?" I suddenly ask before I forget, as she checks the time on her phone.

"Well uh, it's after six just now so I'll maybe try get home for nine at the latest? Will you be at school tomorrow?" Emma replies, before opening up the text chat with her Mom to let her know the plan.

That was something I missed... being able to talk with my Mom whenever I wanted...

"Yeah I'll be there! At least it's Friday tomorrow!" I smile, realising that the whole of this week had gone by in a flash.

"I'll take you home for nine, don't sweat it." Daryl offers to Emma who thanks him, before he exits to make us all some dinner.

This was actually pretty nice... it felt normal... being in a home with furniture and friends. It was the little things that mattered most...

I must admit, staying here was almost too good to be true.

I glance down at my phone when seeing it light up with a text as I move to unlock it, finding Vincent's name.

'Got caught up here, might not be home until later tonight now. Are you ok with that?'

I read over the message, shocked at the question of whether I was ok with it or not. I didn't exactly have a choice in what he got up to, what did it matter to me if he stayed out late? 'No worries! Daryl got here and Emma is staying until nine so I'm good for company but thanks for checking in!'

I hit send, locking my phone with a smile.

At least I had a bed to sleep in again tonight...