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NICK'S WORDS replayed in Valerie's head over and over like a beloved song. At first, she isn't sure how to outwardly react. In her head, she's yelling with excitement and elation, but on the outside, the Keepers can only see the nervousness and stress fade from her face — until she looks at Frypan.
Frypan, who had stuck by her side despite any disagreements over the topic at first. Frypan, who had spoken in her favor, winning her at least two pivotal votes. Frypan, who was walking toward her with a wide grin on his face. Frypan, who gave her a tight hug as the Leaders and Keepers exited the Gathering Room.
The familiarity of his comforting presence was so strong, Valerie couldn't help but realize she had been longing for it while sitting on the wobbly wooden chair behind her. Everything certainly wasn't over — she needed to actually run the Maze tomorrow, for one — but it was almost as if she was approaching the next chapter of her journey.
Sometimes, a lot occurs between the chapters of a book, some of it skipped over and other parts recapped with little detail. This was the time for her to be happy, to take advantage of the time she had, and to prepare for the next section. She would be outside of the Glade's walls tomorrow, but that wasn't something in the forefront of her mind, for if it was, there would surely be no room for happiness and overanalyzed embraces.
Valerie and Frypan walked over to the Kitchens. Because he didn't smell anything coming from the room, Fry rolled his eyes, assuming the other Cooks hadn't started preparing supper since their Keeper was away.
"Do you want me to...?" Valerie motioned to the front door of the Homestead, wondering if she needed to leave the Cook to gather his subordinates and get to work.
"Nah, not just yet," he said teasingly, opening the door to let her inside.
Valerie quite naturally jumped up to sit on the counter, and Frypan pulled out a chair to sit across from her. The height difference between them was almost amusing, considering Fry normally towered over the majority of the Gladers. Valerie herself was fairly tall, but compared to the other boys, she was basically the same height as an average Glader.
