How I survived in an all boys glade

Chapter Sixty-two

- Chickens sent from hell...? -

"Hey, Princess," I hear Minho say, and I look up from my sketchbook to see him standing there in front of me. "Hey, Min," I reply, offering him a small smile. He glances down at the drawing in my lap, where I had sketched Ben, still lying on the ground with the telltale mark from the Griever's sting. Minho doesn't comment on it, but I notice his eyes linger a little longer than usual.

"I heard what happened," he says, sitting down beside me against the wall near the maze entrance. The day's work is done, and Tyrell has volunteered to take care of the animals for the rest of the evening, so I have some time to relax.

"It's weird, you know?" I start, closing my sketchbook and looking up at him. "How he just gets stung in broad daylight." My voice softens a little at the memory, the uncertainty of it still lingering in the back of my mind.

Before Minho can respond, I see Newt and Theo walking over toward us. "Hey, guys," I greet them with a smile as they sit down beside me, Theo on the other side, and Newt beside me, offering me a small but warm smile. He reaches over and takes my hand, gently playing with my fingers as he sits down. I feel the familiar warmth of his touch, and I can't help but feel comforted by it.

"Hello, Love," Newt says softly, glancing down at me. "How're you doing?""What are you guys doing?" Theo asks, looking between the three of us with curiosity. "Just talking about what happened," I reply, keeping my eyes on my sketchbook in my lap, though it's closed now.

"Hey, Newt?" I ask, looking up at him. He tilts his head toward me, meeting my gaze. "Yes?" he replies, squeezing my hand a little.

"Did Alby say anything to you about what happens to Ben?" I ask, my voice quiet. My cheeks flush slightly as I entwine my fingers with his, and I feel a slight warmth spread across my face. I can't help but notice Theo glancing at us from the corner of my eye, before signaling to Minho, who looks over with a raised eyebrow.

Newt takes a deep breath, his gaze thoughtful. "He told me we'll be banishing Ben when the doors close." His voice is steady, but I can see the weight of the situation in his eyes. The silence between us is thick, and the words hang in the air, unresolved.

Before I can reply, Tyrell suddenly comes running up to us, out of breath. "Y/n, you gotta help me with these chickens!" he says, his voice slightly panicked. "They're like devils sent from hell..." he whispers, eyes wide as if he truly believes it.

I can't help but laugh slightly, the tension from the conversation lifting for a moment. "Alright, but they aren't really that bad," I chuckle as I stand up from the ground, stretching a little before letting go of Newt's hand. "I'll see you guys later," I say to the boys, offering them a quick smile before turning to follow Tyrell.

We make our way toward the chicken coop, and as we get closer, I can't help but notice how calmly the chickens are just walking around, pecking at the ground. Tyrell, on the other hand, looks absolutely paranoid. "Okay, what do you need my help for?" I ask, raising an eyebrow as I glance at him.

"I need to feed them, but they won't let me into the coop!" Tyrell points toward the chickens, as if they're somehow guarding the door, and I can't help but roll my eyes.

"You're kidding me, right?" I ask, unable to hold back a laugh. "They're just chickens, Tyrell. How can you be afraid of them?" I joke, walking toward the coop. "I mean, it's not like they're going to jump on you and try to eat you," I continue teasing as I step into the coop and start pouring corn into the feeding bowl.

Tyrell just stands at the door, peeking into the coop, his eyes wide as he watches me feed the chickens. "I don't know," he shudders dramatically, "they just give me the creeps."

I laugh again, shaking my head. "You're such a wimp, you know that?" I tease, finishing up with the feed.

"I'm not!" Tyrell fake pouts, crossing his arms over his chest like a child.

"Okay, if you say so," I grin, walking over to him and raising my hands in mock surrender. 

"Alright, need help with the rest of the animals? Or have you already fed them?" I ask as I close the door behind me.

"No, I still have to feed the pigs and cows," Tyrell replies, nodding before leading the way toward the pig pen. I follow him, feeling more relaxed now, and we finish up by feeding the last of the animals, the simple tasks helping me clear my head after the intensity of earlier.

We move through the stables together in comfortable silence, and I can't help but feel grateful for the small, peaceful moments like this in the midst of the chaos of the maze.