How I survived in an all boys glade

Chapter Eleven

- jokes and teasing at the dinner table -

As we approached the gathering area, Theo's voice cut through the chatter. "Hey, look who finally decided to grace us with their presence!" he teased, drawing laughter from the others.

Andrew, always quick with a snarky comment, added with a mischievous glint in his eyes, "I wonder what those two have been up to." He gave us a knowing smirk that made Newt and me exchange a glance, realizing we had been so engrossed in conversation that we'd lost track of time.

"Nothing much, just chatting," Newt replied smoothly, his attempt at diffusing the teasing only slightly successful. Andrew raised an eyebrow, a playful grin forming. "Sure, sure. Well, you missed out on some tasty grub," he teased, gesturing to the plates of food laid out before them.

My stomach, eager for food, betrayed me by growling loudly. "I think we can still grab some food," I said, glancing at Newt. He smiled at my embarrassment, nodding in agreement.

"Of course, you can. Help yourselves," Alby chimed in, giving Andrew a pointed look before turning back to us with a welcoming smile.

As I reached for a plate, I was suddenly reminded of the bandage wrapped around my hand, a quiet reminder of the mishap earlier. Newt's ever-attentive nature kicked in as he noticed my hesitation. "Here, let me help you with that," he offered gently, taking the plate from my unsteady hand and carefully filling it with a selection of food.

We settled down at the table with the others, and before I could take a bite, Billy leaned forward, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Okay, but really, what were you two actually doing for so long?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Deciding to mess with them a little, I looked up innocently and replied, "Oh, nothing really, just making out." I took a bite of my food, casually glancing around as all the guys, including Newt, froze mid-bite. Water was spit out, and some of them even choked, their eyes wide as they stared at me.

I couldn't help but smirk, the atmosphere thick with their shock. "I'm kidding," I quickly clarified, laughing lightly. "Of course, we didn't make out, you guys really believe everything, huh?" My smile spread as their expressions turned from surprise to suspicion.

"No, but really, nothing happened," I added, rolling my eyes at their teasing looks. "I found a sketchbook in my drawer, started drawing, and Newt showed up. We just chatted while I kept drawing."

The group fell silent for a moment, but Minho, always the skeptic, wasn't buying it. "Oh, come on! You think we're gonna believe you after that?" he exclaimed, throwing his hands up in the air.

The group erupted into laughter at Minho's exclamation, and I felt my face turn a deep shade of red. Newt, ever the calm presence, chuckled softly and spoke up with a grin. "Alright, alright. She's telling the truth. We were just having a chat." His words seemed to pacify the group, but the mischievous glints in their eyes suggested they weren't quite convinced.

As we all dove into our meal, the conversation shifted to lighter topics, jokes flying back and forth. I couldn't help but feel a warm sense of belonging, even amidst their relentless teasing.

When the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the Glade in a soft, golden glow, Alby stood up and clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "Alright, shanks, let's clean up and get ready for the Gathering." The mention of the evening's festivities sparked excitement, and the clearing quickly became a flurry of activity as we cleared away plates and utensils in anticipation.

The Gathering was one of the rare times we could forget about the maze, about the dangers lurking outside our walls. The air hummed with laughter and music, the flickering bonfire casting a warm light over the gathering as we danced and enjoyed the evening, our worries momentarily forgotten.

As the night wore on, I found myself gravitating toward the outskirts of the gathering, seeking a brief moment of peace away from the energy of the crowd. Newt found me there, a soft smile on his lips as he approached, his presence a calming comfort in the midst of the lively celebration.

"Thanks for having my back back there," I said softly, breaking the silence between us. Newt simply nodded, his gaze warm and understanding. "Anytime, love. You know I've got you," he replied, his words wrapped in sincerity, soothing the lingering uncertainties I had felt earlier.

I smiled at him, grateful for his reassurance. "Well, I better get to bed," I said, feeling the weight of the day catching up with me. "Long day tomorrow—gonna try out some of the other jobs here."

Newt gave a knowing nod. "Exploring new roles, eh? That's the spirit." His eyes gleamed with pride and a touch of amusement. "Just remember, greenie, don't go running into the maze without a clue."

I chuckled at his playful warning. "I promise to be careful, Newt. Can't have the Glade losing its most charming resident, now, can we?" I teased, offering him a lighthearted smile.

He rolled his eyes at my jest, but the fondness in his gaze was unmistakable. "Watch yourself out there. The maze doesn't take kindly to carelessness." With a final squeeze on my shoulder, he bid me goodnight and disappeared into the shadows, his figure blending seamlessly with the night.

Feeling a surge of determination, I turned towards the towering walls of the Glade, the maze looming just beyond. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new adventures. As I made my way to my sleeping quarters, a sense of excitement and anticipation swirled within me, tempered with the faintest trace of nerves.

The night embraced me in its cool, quiet stillness, the distant chirping of crickets a gentle reminder of the world beyond. With a deep breath, I sank into my bed, the soft rustling of leaves outside lulling me into a dream-filled sleep, ready for whatever the next day would bring.