Shadows In Durango

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

Heading into the spa, I smile shyly at the older lady behind the reception desk who beams back at me.

"Are you two looking for some treatments for couples?" She smiles, as my eyes widen at hearing her assume we were a couple.

I wasn't exactly sure what this was, other than enjoying each other's company... but to label us as a couple, it felt... strange.

"Not for me I'm afraid, I'm stepping out for work. The lady however, can I leave her here in good hands?" Vincent questions in a charming tone which causes the woman to chuckle and nod in agreement.

"Of course you can, there ain't nowhere better for her! Do you have some treatments in mind sweetie?" She turns her attention to me fully as I lift up the booklet that remained in my hands and swallow before speaking.

"Uh yeah, I would quite like to try an arm and hand massage, maybe feet too? I would have gone for the back but..." I trail off, not wanting to give her the wrong idea by saying that Vincent accidentally kneed me in the ribs. "She has an injury on her stomach so won't be able to lay flat." Vincent steps in to explain as the woman perks up with an idea.

"Not to worry, we have a special chair for anybody in your position that leans you forward just enough so that we can do the back, arms and hands sitting up." She chimes, surprising me as I smile and nod at the idea that sounds great. "Excellent, is there anything else? I recommend the rainfall room to finish off your experience." The woman suggests, as I try to think back on whether or not I had seen what she was talking about in the brochure. "The rainfall room?" I repeat, as she nods and prepares to explain what it is.

"It's a little private room, you get a forty minute session and it's basically to replicate the rain falling around you as you relax on the comfortable memory foam bed." She explains, as I agree that it sounds lush. "Let's do that too!" I smile, as she clicks away on her computer before moving out from behind the desk.

"Right this way then ma'am!" She ushers for me to follow her, as I turn to look up at Vincent who quickly plays in to the whole 'couple' look by leaning down to peck my lips which leaves me surprised.

He chuckles knowing that he had embarrassed me, before he hands me the room key which I put into my bag for safe keeping along with my phone.

"I won't be too long, enjoy yourself!" He states finally, as I say a quick goodbye and follow the nice woman through into the spa.

Leaving Vincent felt strange, since it felt as though I had spent so much time with him recently - I almost felt sad that he would have to go...

Passing through into the back, I see a couple of other ladies - older than myself who seemed like the ideal 'rich housewife' types as they sipped at their Prosecco and chatted in their robes around a sparkling fairy light covered pool. I smile shyly at them on passing but they pay me no mind, too lost in their own dramatic conversations to care.

"Here is a robe for you to wear and some slippers!" The lady hands me the stuff from the shelf, new with tags as I thank her and head in to the female changing area as instructed where I can leave my bag and things in a locker. I keep my underwear on, pulling the soft robe over the top before tying it, with it being oversized ever so slightly which I enjoyed.

Hopefully I can keep this after today...

I decide to take my phone, placing it inside of the robe pocket before leaving everything else behind in the locker for safe keeping. Heading back out, I am then taken to the first room where another woman is waiting, who smiles and stands to shake my hand. "Welcome! Is it for a back, arms, hands and feet massage sitting up today?" She asks as I nod and the other lady leaves me in her hands.

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The overall experience so far was beautiful, with there being relaxing music playing in the background and the scents of natural oils filling the air.

The lady asks me to sit down on the chair which I found surprisingly comfy as it angled me forward without touching my stomach at all.

"You have a little bruise at the top of your neck, will I just work around that area?" She asks gently, as I almost scream when remembering I had also been punched last night by Daryl.

We were over here thinking about my stomach but I hadn't even seen or thought about what the back of my head looked like!

"Oh uh, I'm sorry I forgot all about that! Is it bad?" I whisper gently, as she reassures me that it was only minor and that she can easily avoid it during the treatment.

I was glad that everyone here was so warm and welcoming, since I had never done anything like this before. I had been to a spa one time with my Mom when I was younger, but even that didn't compare to this place! The lady takes her time working her magic, releasing every knot and stiffness to my skin with ease - nearly sending me to sleep in the process.

I lose track of time, relaxing fully and almost forgetting about the world around me - lost in my bubble of pure bliss.

After a while, she finishes up, as I smile lazily and thank her to which she chuckles and gives me a little bow before exiting the room to let me fix my robe.

Once I am organised and can bring myself to stand on my feet in my relaxed state, I head back out to be guided to the rainfall room next which to my surprise is breathtakingly gorgeous - its walls representing a rainforest. "Enjoy!" The lady nods, before exiting the room and leaving me in complete peace.

This was wonderful!

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I climb up onto the plush bed in the centre of the room, the water features falling down to resemble the rain around me as I sigh - losing complete track of time. Maybe I should check my phone...

Pulling it out from my robe slowly, I notice another missed call from Emma but nothing from Vincent yet. It was after nine, and I knew his meeting was scheduled for eight so it had only been an hour.

Clicking quickly, I decide to call back my friend knowing that she must be worried sick about me - yet here I was, laying in a blissful spa away from every and any danger known to man.

Who would have seen this in my future weeks ago when I was quite literally at rock bottom?!

"SOFIA?! YOU SAID YOU WOULD CALL ME WHEN YOU GOT THERE!" Emma yells down the phone, her tone dramatic and concerned as I chuckle slightly.

Daryl has filled her head with God only knows what stories!

"Emma listen, I'm totally fine! I'm currently at a spa that Vincent sent me to whilst he's gone. It's so amazing, I haven't been on my phone but everything's ok!" I assure her quickly.

"Daryl said that Vincent hit you, is that true?! Sofia you can't just forgive him that fast just because he took you to a spa! Are you ok? Does it hurt? You should have called me last night!" She babbles, as I suddenly groan at the mention of Daryl.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Daryl was being way out of line lately - something that I couldn't quite wrap my head around since I didn't expect this from him in the slightest.

"Did Daryl fail to mention that he also punched me full force on the back of my head and gave me a concussion?!" I retort, as her gasp practically rips out through the phone.

"HE DID WHAT?!" She screeches, as I sigh knowing I would have to start from the very beginning.

I knew he would have missed that part out....