Read The Beneath for Free Online Page B

eachnew Farmer takes on the responsibility to protect us.”
    “Are you saying that he has some sort of special power over them?” I asked, trying to keep a sarcastic tone from creeping into my voice.
    “He is the only one who can do it. Something about his bloodline means that they won’t attack him.”
    “But it’s not possible. That sort of thing only happens in films.”
    “It doesn’t matter if you don’t believe me, but it’s the truth. Things are different in the Community.”
    For a moment I could smell the Crop again, hear that strange slithering noise, and I shuddered. Whatever they were I was very glad that they couldn’t get to me. I glanced at Aria and she was still hunched up on the duvet, biting her lip so hard I thought it might bleed. Talking about the Crop had obviously been another bad move on my part.
    “So, um, tell me about the boys down there. Is there anyone special for you back in the Community?”
    “What do you mean?”
    “I mean, do you have a boyfriend – a partner? Or someone you’d like to be a partner.”
    “No, not yet. Our matches get made by the Farmer and the other Elders, so there’s not really any choice in the matter.”
    Everything she was saying sounded worse and worse. “That’s horrible! So you can’t just choose someone you like?”
    Aria shook her head. “No, it’s all settled for us. Do you, then? Can you pick anyone as your partner?”
    “Well, theoretically, I suppose, but you have to choose each other. I can’t just go and pick someone. I have to hope that they like me too.”
    “That sounds much more difficult!”
    “Well,” I said, laughing, “it can be tricky, or so I’ve heard.”
    “And have you picked one yet?” she asked.
    A picture of Will instantly flashed across my mind. Would he count? “There is someone I like, but I don’t know yet if he likes me.” I couldn’t believe I was telling her that – I’d not said anything to anyone about him. In fact, I don’t think I’d ever had much of a conversation with anyone about boys. Before my world fell apart – when I still had some friends – it wasn’t really something we had talked about.
    Aria gave me a shy smile.
     
    The more Lily tells me about Above, the more surprised I am. The tales we are told about them being violent, aggressive and promiscuous seem very wrong. She is going pink talking about boys, just as I would if I mentioned Dane. Being Assigned to Dane would make the whole thing much more bearable, but it will never happen. He’s far too young, and not important enough.
    Up here we might have a chance, but I’ll never persuade him to leave. He knows what it’s like Above, and prefers to be safe underground. But it will never be safe for any of us in the Community while the Farmer is in charge.
    I sigh, wishing that I could explain more to Lily, but until I know if I should continue with my mission I have to be careful what I say.
    I reach for Lily’s hand. “Whoever he is, I’m sure he likes you too.”
    It’s her turn to smile, and her eyes glaze slightly. She must be thinking of him. As she does, her hand goes to the little necklace she is wearing. I’ve seen her do it several times so far.
    “What’s that?” I ask. “It’s pretty.”
     
    I quickly let go of the necklace. Every time I was nervous or worried, my hand automatically strayed to the silver chain with the tiny yet perfect line of charms. I’d had it for years, a present from Nan when I was young, and it was supposed to ward off bad luck. It hadn’t been doing me much good lately.
    “Oh, it’s nothing, just a bunch of little silver things.”
    “What are they supposed to be?”
    I felt along the chain, although I knew each one perfectly. “There’s a heart, a slipper, a whistle and a horseshoe.”
    “What funny things to be wearing round your neck!”
    “I know,” I laughed. “Nan is a bit superstitious. Anyway, do you want to hear my plan about how you can stay uphere?” I had