Abused ≫ Newt [2]

Chapter 29.

Despite the sun mysteriously disappearing, Emily felt a strange source of heat as she sat down next to Chuck. She had no idea what time it was- it was hard to tell without the sun or one of those fancy wristwatches the Runner had. It made her disoriented, tired. She knew it was later in the day, however, as the Runners returned not long ago.
She stared up at the boys crowded around her as they talked. Alby and Minho were deep in conversation and, judging by their facial expressions, Emily guessed it was pretty important. Newt stood not too far away, his arms crossed and listening in on the conversation carefully. Every so often, he would glance in Emily's direction, almost as if he were checking to make sure she was okay. She could basically feel the tension radiating off of him. She knew there was still something going on between them, as if he hadn't fully forgiven her for her outburst the other day.
She just hoped they would get on good terms soon. She had a feeling in her gut, one that made her believe that Teresa was right. Something terrible was about to happen.
Almost as if thinking about the girl triggered something, Teresa and Thomas appeared from out of the forest and approached them. Teresa clutched on to Thomas like her life depended on it; her arm linked with his, he practically dragging her along with him.
Newt turned to look at them; he opened his mouth to say something, but no word came out. It made Emily wonder what was going on in his head- what he was thinking. For a moment, she wished that she had mind reading powers instead of telepathy.
Alby shook his head and stepped up. "I'm sick of this." He pointed a finger at Thomas, almost poking his chest. "I wanna know who you are, who this shuck girl is, and how you guys know each other."
Emily shot up and went to stand by Newt, taking a sudden interest in the conversation. Chuck did the same, looking a little hesitant as he squeezed beside Minho and Emily.
Thomas took a step back, looking almost surprised at the leader's sudden outburst. "Alby, I swear-"
"Every time I've seen her since she's been awake, the shank's been with you, shuck-face!"
For a moment, Emily thought she saw a flash of rage in Thomas's light brown eyes. But then the boy shook his head, and it was gone. "So what? I know her, she knows me- or at least, we used to. That doesn't mean anything! I can't remember anything. Neither can she." He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose, almost as if he were trying to calm himself down. Emily had to fight the urge to walk over to him and comfort him. But she stayed where she was, as she knew it would only cause something. "Look," Thomas said slowly. "Emily and Newt knew each other. You're not giving them klunk about it, now are you?"
Alby ignored the question. He looked at Teresa. "What did you do?"
Teresa looked taken aback, her lips moving in a silent attempt to speak.
"What did you do!" Alby screamed, his voice echoing off the walls of the Glade. "You made the shuck sun disappear!"
"I- I triggered something," she replied in a calm voice, one that almost scared Emily. "Not on purpose, I swear. The Ending. I don't know what it means."
Alby opened his mouth to say something, his eyes blazing, but was cut off as Winston ran up to them. The Slicer was out of breath, and it took him a minute to find the breath to speak.
"Alby-"
"What is it?" Alby didn't even give him a chance to answer; he pushed his way past Thomas and Teresa and stared at Winston.
"The Doors, Alby," the Slicer breathed out. "The Doors aren't closing."
Emily was speechless. Beside her, she felt Newt tense as he sucked in a deep breath. She felt as if a rock was lodged in her throat, unable to breath. Without the Doors shielding them from the Maze, they would have no protection from the Grievers.
Alby let out a deep breath, one that reminded Emily of a mad bull, and pointed at Teresa. "I want her locked up. Now." He motioned to two Builders who were standing not far away. "Billy! Jackson! Put her in the Slammer. Ignore every word that comes out of her shuck mouth.
Teresa didn't react, she barely even moved as the two Builders began to pull her away. But Thomas seemed furious. He turned on Alby, threw his hands in the air in disbelief. "What are you talking about? Alby you can't-" He cut off as Alby shot him a look that could have easily held all the hated and mistrust in the world. "But how could you possibly blame her for the walls not closing?"
Alby took a step towards Thomas, and Emily thought he was about to loose it. Newt stepped up, lightly placed a hand on Alby's chest and pushed him away from Thomas. "How could we not, Tommy? She bloody admitted it herself."
Emily took a step towards Thomas as the boy's nostrils flared. They couldn't fight now, not with the huge mess they were currently in. She placed a hand on his chest and stared pleadingly into his eyes. He blinked, almost as if he were snapping back into reality, and she felt him relax under her touch.
"Just be glad you ain't going with her, Thomas." Alby said, his voice dripping with hatred. He gave Thomas a glare, and if looks could kill, Emily was sure Thomas would be dead. The leader stalked off towards the Homestead, muttering something under his breath.
Newt shook his head slightly before turning to them. He raised an eyebrow, looking between her and Thomas. Emily realized that she still held Thomas's chest, his shirt clenched in her fist. She coughed awkwardly, releasing her grip and staring at the ground. She felt Newt's gaze burning into the top of her head; it felt like someone reached through her chest and squeezed her heart. Something was going on between her and Newt, and she wasn't sure if she could fix it.
"Emily, Chuck, both of you go to the Homestead. Gather everyone you can and start barricading every entrance," He said, his voice shaking. Whether with fear or anger, she did not know. "Minho, you and I will go to the Map Room, start gatherin' weapons."
"What about me?" Thomas butted in, bouncing on the heels of his feet.
Newt ran a hand through his hair, "I dunno, Tommy. Go talk to your bloody girlfriend or something. Just stay alive and out of trouble, and make it to the Homestead before we lock the doors."
Emily motioned to Chuck and began heading towards the Homestead. Usually, she would argue and ask to help with something-anything. But then, she just didn't care. She wanted to keep Chuck safe, and that was all. As she passed Newt, he grabbed ahold of her shirt, stopping her. He pulled her into his chest, wrapping his arms around her.
"Be careful, please." His voice was small, almost defenseless.
"I will," Emily said. "I promise. You be careful, as well."
Newt pulled away and smiled down at her, "Always." He reached down and planted his lips on hers. The kiss sent a wave of electricity running through her body; she missed the feeling of his lips on hers. They pulled away as the all-too familiar, blood-curdling screech echoed through the darkening air. A Griever.
Emily let out a shaky breath as she released herself from Newt's grip. He grabbed Chuck's hand, casting one last glance in Newt's direction as she began leading the kid towards the Homestead. For all she knew, that could be the last time she ever saw him. The thought terrified her, and she bit her cheeks to stop the tears that threatened to fall.
Another mechanical screech filled the air, sending shivers up her spine.
The night had begun.