World gone wrong

Chapter 9

   The rest of my day sucked. Not like that's any different than usual though. While I finished sweeping and scrubbing, mr. flirt bugged me endlessly, informing me that his name is Seth. It's still summer so gardening was torture. My hands are stained from polishing, because whatever oily stuff I had to use is sticky, smelly, and and ugly brownish-black color. The gloves I wore for field work made the liquid on my hands melt and drop onto my rag of a dress. Then, I had to clean the horse stalls, which I now smell like. I've poked myself about a million times with a needle, and it shows. After that I did two hours of paperwork and finished it off with laundry. So now, I smell like a sweaty horse that rolled in oil. There's no mirror, but I'm sure I don't resemble a human anymore. 
   I somehow managed to not get a dinner restriction today, so as the bell rings I file out with everyone else. When we get to the eating hall which is just a bunch of broken benches, I pick up a tray of mashed potatoes and corn. Rydel and I sat together on a bench and I sniff the "food". It smells like nothing, as usual. I spoon a bit of the potatoes into my mouth. I quickly spluttered at the taste. "That bad? I guess I'm used to it by now" she laughed at my reaction. I forced the glue-like mixture down my throat. "This is awful!" I exclaim in horror. "Please say the corn is better" she shook her head and I excepted my fate. I can just imaging my gravestone: Died of eating mashed potatoes and corn 

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The bell finally rang for us to go to bed. I was exhausted after another long day of work. I cover my blanket on me best I can and settle into a comfy position.
    Just then, a face appeared over mine, rudely interrupting my slumber. "Clarity" its voice called. I closed my eyes. "Clarity!" Keeping my eyes closed I replied in a sweet voice, "go away. I'm sleeping".
   And then he ripped my blanket off me. "AAARRRGGGG! What do you want?!" The thin fabric of my nightdress let cold air set in around me. I realized the person was Braylon. "I have to talk to you" I snatch my blanket back. "Talk to me tomorrow. Goodnight". He yanked my blanket from me, again! Gosh, he is so annoyingly strong!
   "I have to talk to you now. Tabatha's orders". The room fell silent. I nodded, a sudden lump in my throat. I stood up, self consciously feeling everyone's eyes on me. I took a deep breath. "What are you looking at?" I snapped. Everyone quickly averted their eyes. Braylon's strong hand gripped my arm as he pulled me into the hall. "Ok, what? What is so drastically important it couldn't wait till morning?" I cross my arms.
   "You're attitude". I stared at him. "Excuse me? My attitude is fine thanks. Now that we had this little chat I'm just gonna go-" I tried to escape back to sleep but he caught my arm. "No, Clarity. It's not fine. Three different guards have reported you for being 'sassy'. You can't get on Tabatha's nerves. It's not pretty". I wanted to roll my eyes but I know it won't help my case. I can't help it though. I have to show my emotions. I can't keep them cooped up.
   "Why do you go along with her? Why are you on her side? Don't you see who she really is? She's taking us and turning us into slaves just because we're a little different! She's evil! Don't you see that?"I ended up shouting " I don't care if I'm sassy! At least I'm putting up some kind of fight! At least I make an effort! It may be a small effort but it's better than NONE" I emphasized 'none'.
   There was a brief look of something in Braylon's eyes, but he covered it. I couldn't quite read it.
   "I behave because there's no use fighting. Don't waste your energy. You'll lose. Everyone always loses. Take my advice, Clarity" he was quiet and he sounded sad, in a way I know there's more to his story. He pushes past me and goes inside. I won't stop fighting though. I will never stop fighting. I will fight even if it's the last thing I ever do!