A Not so Wicked Paradise

CHP 1: Thomas

It's been 3 months since we all stepped through the Flat Trans and escaped to Paradise. It's another chilly morning and I'm sitting on the beach, alone, thinking about what's happened so far. When we first arrived, Minho took charge, and I was able to relax. I was tired of it all. Escaping the Maze only to have Chuck die in my arms. Surviving The Scorch only to be betrayed by Teresa. My closest friend whom I loved... Or love? I don't know. Then when we finally are able to make it to Paradise, Brenda sacrificed herself for me. All because I couldn't move as that piece of ceiling came down at me. Her last words still stab me every time I think of them. "Thomas, you have to make it. I'm sorry-" I was dragged off before she could finish her sentence. I still haven't gotten over her death. As I get up, tying to get Brenda off my mind for the millionth time, someone calls out my name. 

"Tommy!" 

It's Newt. 

"Hey Newt, what's up?" He replies with a panicked look on his face. 

"We... Have a bit of a problem. Follow me." He says before jogging off, with me on his heels. We make it to the center of our community, seeing Minho arguing with a young man. 

"Why do all of us have to be ordered around by you? You're just a kid!" The man shouts into Minho's face. 

"Because I know what I'm doing. If anyone has a problem with the way I'm running things around here, say it now." He announces to the group of Immunes gathered around the confrontation. 

No one says anything. 

"Anything else?" Minho asks the man, with a scowl on his face. The man snorts and walks off. The crowd begins to break up as Newt and I make our way to Minho. 

"Everything alright?" Newt asks Minho, obviously concerned. 

"Yeah... That guy gets on my nerves. It's the third time he's questioned my leadership. Everyone else here is fine with the way I'm running things!" 

He gestures to the Immunes walking off to their designated living quarters. 

"Don't let him get into your head." I say, attempting to comfort my friend. 

"I know, I know... That piece of klunk just gets on my nerves."

The three of us began to talk, walking around the community we've been building for the last month. Minho had divided the community into 7 groups. The Builders, in charge of building houses, furniture, etc. The Cooks, in charge of preparing and serving food to the whole community. The Medjacks, in charge of first-aid and tending to any wounded. The Gardeners, in charge of planting and gardening crops we had found nearby. The Coppers, in charge of settling small disputes and keeping the peace. The Ranchers, who cared for the animals we had found when we first arrived. They looked after the pigs, chickens, cattle and horses. Finally, the Runners. People who would go out and explore Paradise, looking for anything useful that could be an asset to the community. Each group was directed by a Keeper. The Keepers (in order listed above) were Gally, Frypan, Clint, Newt, Aris, Sonya and I. Minho was in charge of the community. Making sure everything was running well. Once a week, Minho held a gathering, where any complaints and issues were addressed.

Minho had first focused on building homes for all 200 Immunes. There were 50 houses. Each house accommodated 4 people. There were 2 bunk beds in each house, with soft grass bedding for comfort. There was a Mess Hall in the center of our community. With several tables and chairs where everyone ate. There was a Building for each group. 

...

Around lunch time, the three of us went to the Mess Hall to get something to eat. The builders had made wooden bowls, plates and utensils. We all sat down and had some scrambled eggs with bacon. As I burst out laughing at another one of Minho's jokes, I spot Teresa out of the corner of my eye. 

🔼🔼 I'll end chapter 1 here. Reviews are helpful, so feel free to speak your mind. Thanks for reading!🔼🔼