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the 𝒏𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒔 ...
RIA WAS INSTRUCTED byAlby to work in the Gardens with the Track-Hoes for the remainder of the current day.
The gentle crash of spades making contact with stone and the soft rustle of leaves filled the atmosphere as Ria neared the Gardens in the north-east area of the Glade. Vegetable patches vibrant with fresh crops bloomed from the ground and twisted vines of tomatoes and grapes climbed determinedly up their wooden trellises. Ria couldn't help but be impressed by the way the Gladers had created such a space, each boy working hard to provide fresh food to eat.
A blonde boy approached her after placing down his dirt and grime covered spade. He wiped his sweat glistened forehead and smiled crookedly. "You here to work?"
Ria nodded timidly. "Yeah ... Alby said I should talk to someone named Zart?"
"That's me, Greenie. Umm ... you can go help Jem. He's digging up dirt so we can make a new patch, over there you see." Zart suggested, extending a finger to point in the direction a little to his left. Ria's stomach dropped once she saw where she'd be working.
The boy who had deliberately barged past her with such hatred was busy at work. He looked up as if he'd somehow sensed her, locking eyes with Ria. Unsurprisingly, he shot her a hard glare then began digging up the dirt once more.
"You don't have any other jobs, do you?" Ria started, registering the way her heart seemed to rattle against her ribcage in unease. Zart looked at her sympathetically.
"Jem may not be the sweetest shank, but he's the best we've got at the moment. Go on, Greenie."
Ria swallowed, her throat tight and each step considerably slow made her way towards him. He was hunched over his patch, limbs smeared with grime. As much as she wanted to turn in the other direction, she willed herself forwards. The ground below her was uneven, dirt slipping over her boots and clouding the air.
"What do you want?" Jem snapped, not meeting her gaze.
She took a deep breath before replying, mustering any sentiment of confidence she had. "I need to help dig up a patch of dirt with you."
He paused, watching her carefully. Jem's lips were twisted into a frown. "There's a shovel down there," he jabbed his thumb downwards. "Just get on with it, there's no time for complaining here. That all clear?"
"Crystal." Ria mumbled. She stooped down and picked up a spade, gripping it tight. The cool metal pressed into her palm, her hands already clammy with sweat. Ria shadowed the actions of Jem as she started to dig, tossing dry earth from her spade like rain. Silence hung between them like a wall of glass, fracturing at each grunt or sigh Jem would scoff. Ria wanted to know why this boy was so cold towards her but a feeling of anxiety sat unmoving in the bottom of her stomach.
