Chapter Twenty - Three
"settle"

❣︎

I wake to the soft rustle of leaves outside and the distant hum of the waves. For a moment, I let myself forget the ache in my chest. The hut feels safe, warm even, and I almost believe everything is fine.

But as I sit up, the memories of last night hit me like a wave, and I bury my face in my hands.

I breathe in deeply, causing an aching pain in my throat. You can't avoid him forever, I tell myself, though the thought of seeing Gally again makes my stomach twist.

I push the blanket aside and get ready for the day, determined. I've been through worse, I keep in mind. Maybe they will finally allow me to join the mission, or perhaps I can do some chores for Vince.

Outside, the base is already alive with activity. People bustle about, carrying supplies and barking orders. I spot Desmia near the center of camp, her hands on her hips as she directs a group of younger kids. She catches my eye and waves me over, her face lighting up.

"Morning, Addy," she says cheerfully. "You look like you could use some coffee. Come on."

I follow her to a small fire pit where a metal pot sits, steam rising from it. Desmia pours me a cup, handing it over with a knowing look. "So, you gonna tell me what's got you looking like a kicked puppy?"

I shake my head, managing a small smile.

"Uh-huh." She raises an eyebrow but doesn't press further. "Well, you're lucky. Aris has been pacing around like a nervous wreck since sunrise, and I'm pretty sure he's looking for you. Maybe he'll cheer you up."

I glance toward the woods, where I spot Aris leaning against a tree, his arms crossed. His gaze flickers around the camp, and when he sees me, his face softens.

"You should go," Desmia urges, nudging me with her elbow. "He's not bad company"

I nod, grateful for the excuse to leave the conversation. As I approach Aris, he straightens, shoving his hands into his pockets.

"Hey," he says, his voice quiet but warm. "I, uh... Gally asked if I had seen you and I wanted to check on you."

I tilt my head, surprised by his concern. A sickening feeling spreads through me at the mention of Gally's name.

"I mean, you don't have to tell me what's going on if you don't want to," he adds quickly. "I just... I thought maybe we could hang out today."

His words catch me off guard, but I nod. That sounds nice.

The tension in his shoulders eases, and he grins. "Great. We should go fill in the forms Vince prepared for us. Basically confirming which job we want and how much of those community credits we'll get for it."

I nod again, following him with ease. Aris walks hurriedly, but not in an usual way. He's nervous. Now and then, he slows down—he doesn't want to show it and wants me to keep up. The idea of it makes me smile.

We reach a table, full with papers. Aris takes one and hands it to me, then takes his own. Both of us sit down at a nearby table, ready to fill in the form.

Here's a structured Community Credits Job Form aligned with Vince's idea:

Community Credits Job Submission Form

Purpose: Earn credits by completing tasks that benefit the community. Credits can be redeemed for rewards or other benefits.

Job Title:
(What task are you requesting or offering to complete?)
Scavenging.

Description of the Job:
(Provide detailed information about the job. What needs to be done? Include any specific instructions.)
Sailing to places around (the world) to find new, useful products for the Safe Haven. From food to information.

Skills or Tools Required (if any):
(List any specific skills, equipment, or tools needed to complete this task.)
Observation skills, a boat, weapons...

Deadline:
(When does the job need to be completed?)
I'd say every other month, depending on what we need.

Credits Earned:
(How many community credits do you think should be rewarded?)
If it's comparable to dollars, maybe like 200-500 per scavenge?

Contact Information:
Adelaide Griffin.

"Got it?" Aris asks after a few minutes. Nodding, I hand it back to him. He slides our forms into a closed box before glancing back at me. "I need to show you something."

My heart begins to pound. I nod once again, hopping after him while curiosity takes over. Aris leads me all the way to his hammock. A middle-sized, wooden box rests below it. He opens it with a click.

As I crouch down next to him, I pretend to look around the sea. Maybe I'm not supposed to see everything inside that box.

The box closes with another click. I look back at Aris, my eyebrows raised. He's holding a whole stack of papers, full with scribbles that don't make sense until he holds them closer.

"I was bored so I thought this would... be useful to do, I guess," he murmurs, his cheeks catching a faint color of pink. I take the stack from him.

He has drawn different hand movements on each paper in full detail. Next to it, there's a whole paragraph of cursive letters.

For example, one page shows a flat palm, on which the side of another hand rests. This movement indicates 'stop' or anything related to you disliking something. You hold out your palm and slam the side of your other hand down on it.

Even if I could speak, I'd be too stunned to form any words as I look at him, my eyes wide.

"We don't have any sign language books here. I guess this one is it. Unless you maybe want to keep it between us. We'll be able to communicate without anyone else knowing what we're gossiping about—but that's not very handy," he mutters, flustered.

My lips break into a giant smile. Quickly, I scan through the papers until I find the right movements. First, I put my hand on my chin, then gesture towards him. Lastly I form a heart with my hands. Thank you. I appreciate you.

He chuckles, pressing his palms together and bowing a little. Slightly hesitant, I wrap my arms around him.

When he freezes, my breath catches in my throat. I didn't mess up again, did I? But soon, he returns the embrace.