The Priceless Variable

Deliberations

When they got back, Lawrence set up a shelter for them to stay and plan. Luckily, it was close to the city. They were having a meeting in the main room.

"No! There's gotta be another way." Thomas refused.

"Like what? You've seen the building. She is our only way in." Gally said.

"You really think she's gonna help us?" Thomas questioned.

"I don't plan on asking for her permission." Gally said.

"Am I missing something here? This is the same girl who betrayed us, correct? Same liar?" Brenda asked.

"I like her." Gally said, pointing to Brenda.

"What's going on?" she asked Thomas.

There was a brief moment of silence around the table, until Newt finally spoke up.

"What, are you afraid your little girlfriend's gonna get hurt? Hmm? This has obviously never been just about rescuing Minho. Has it?" he said.

"Newt, what are you talking about?" Thomas asked very quietly.

"Teresa. She's the only reason that Minho's even missing in the first place. Now, we finally have an opportunity to get him back. And what? You don't want to because of her. Because deep down inside, you still care about her, don't you? Just admit it." Newt said really fast, while walking towards Thomas.

"Newt, I..." Thomas started to say.

"DON'T LIE TO ME. DON'T. LIE. TO ME." Newt yelled in Thomas's face and pushed him against a wall.

Mallory went over to them to stop Newt's rant.

"Newt! STOP!" she said.

He grabbed her arm and pinned her down to the table.

"She's still a friend to you, huh? What's next, are you gonna betray us?" Newt questioned her with a harsh voice.

Newt knocked out of his rage when a tear roll down Mallory's face. He had realized what he just did to two of his friends.

"Sorry. I'm sorry." Newt said to everyone.

He held his right arm as he walked out of the shelter.

Frypan helped Mallory off the table and held her in his arms to comfort her.

"What was that all about?" she asked.

"I don't know. But, one of you should go talk to him." Brenda suggested.

"It's okay, Mallory. You don't have to, I'll go talk to him." Thomas said, then left.

Frypan and Brenda walked Mallory out of the main room.

~~~~~~~~~~

Thomas walked outside the shelter and saw Newt sitting on a ledge of concrete. He slowly walked up to him and Newt felt the presence of someone behind him. He looked up and saw Thomas.

"I'm sorry that, back there. I guess I can't hide this anymore." Newt said, then rolled up his sleeve.

He had purple veins on his forearm. It was clear that Newt is infected with the Flare virus.