In The Maze

Chapter six (Y/N)

Again, this chapter touches on depression as well as how Newt's friends are dealing with it. Please skip if it could trigger you. This is also one of the last "setting up" chapters. The ball gets rolling in the next chapter.

Lewis is named after Lewis who explored the West with Sacagawea and Clark.

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It only took me two more weeks to fall into a routine and grow accustomed to life in the Glade. The gladers and I were steadily becoming more comfortable with one another and I'm happy to report that I've made dozens of new friends. I've also become a source of levity and humor; something I'm quite proud of. In a place filled with so much uncertainty and danger, I'm delighted to be a source of joy for so many. Making the boys laugh as much as I possibly can has become a goal of mine. One I have no trouble achieving.

My cooking is a hit. I remember various recipes from who-knows-where and they're always a hit with the other gladers. Especially my homemade French toast. The boys raved about it and Frypan was happy to try new things. I also discovered that Newt has a sweet tooth; something I was happy to learn and will take into account when I make desserts. Delicacies that were rare to appear in the Glade.

I proved capable as a builder and quickly became Gally's go-to for design. We've already got three more buildings in the works and are working to construct a watchtower. At first, I was hesitant to suggest anything, unsure of what the other builders would think. But I soon found that my trepidation was for naught. Gally accepted me and my ideas which had a domino effect on the other builders.

Between my three jobs, I keep busy, but I always make time to hang out with Newt and Minho when he's around. Newt has remained close to my side and has continued to open up to me, even sharing his relief at being rid of his crutch. Something he refused to talk about to anyone else, even the med-jacks. A milestone I made sure to celebrate.

The only newly arisen problem I faced was how to shower. I wasn't about to shower when the other gladers were in fear something might happen. It was Newt who offered to stand outside of the stall while I showered, at least until I was comfortable on my own.

Slowly but surely, I was finding my place in the Glade. I couldn't wait until I was no longer the greenie.

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"Can I brush your hair?" I asked Newt one day during lunch.

Newt looked at me in confusion, his eyebrows furrowed and lips pursed. He probably hadn't expected my question. "Why?" he asked after a moment of silence. Winston, Jeff, and Zart also paused eating and turned to me. These boys are so nosy.

"Because it looks really tangled and that can't be comfortable." His hair hung loosely over his shoulders but I could see multiple big knots and flecks of dirt and plant matter tangled between the golden strands. "I have a brush and a comb," I insisted. "After dinner when we have free time I can brush it for you."

I noticed almost as soon as I came up that Newt isn't the best at taking care of himself. Besides showering and brushing his teeth, he never takes the time to brush his hair, doesn't take breaks unless Alby makes him, has to be prompted to eat more often than not, and doesn't sleep too well. Although the last one isn't actually his fault. I can't watch him neglect himself for the sake of others. He doesn't deserve that.

Minho has also vented to me on occasion about his concerns for his best friend's health. The keeper of the runners and I have grown close over the past few weeks and I've come to enjoy his company and bubbly personality. Minho is sassy, bold, and a surprisingly sweet guy. You just needed to be able to look past the snark and big ego. We get along well, and one of the many things we bonded over is the need to support and protect Newt.