The Hawk / Maze Runner/ Harriet

𝒢𝓇𝑒𝑒𝓃𝒾𝑒

Charles and I chat as we walk briskly through the forest, our feet following a distinct path through the woods. Even without the path I'd be able to navigate our way as I've spent the last two months just wandering around in them. Charles continues talking, he rambles on about the latest gossip, something about two boys getting caught kissing? Truthfully I'm not paying attention as much as I should be.

"Well this is where I leave you." He says.

"Yep." I say.

"Good luck with Gally." He says.

"I still don't know why he asked me."
Charles just shrugs as he starts to walk away.

Gally had come to me last night to tell me that he'd need my help today. Apparently he needed help repairing a hut, and ever since Ben got promoted to a runner he's been either doing it on his own or with help from the other guys. But as he said it, 'They aren't exactly helpful.'.

I find Gally by the storage hut, once he sees me he throws me a hammer.

"Geez!" I exclaim as I fumble to catch it.

Gally snorts as he pushes past me and starts to walk away. I roll my eyes as I follow him.

Gally scoops up some planks smoothly and continues walking. I hate having to follow behind him, it feels like I'm just some lost puppy following him around.

We eventually make it to the hut and Gally throws the wood down. He walks to the back of the hut and as I turn the corner it is very clear on why it needs fixed. A giant hole is in the wall and wood fragments are scattered on the ground.

"What even happened?" I ask in astonishment.

"Some boys decided it would be a good idea to wrestle in the tiniest hut they could find."
"I see why the fighting ring was a good installment." I state.

I get to work on cutting the pieces to size, I hold them up to the whole and scratch in a line where I think they need to be sliced at.

Eventually all the pieces are ready, Gally directs me to hold the wood still so he can hammer them into place. We repeat this over and over until the wall is successfully patched.

I'm about to ask if he'd like to go get something to eat, but a blaring alarm rings through the Glade.

"I forgot it was Greenie day..." Gally mutters as he jogs forwards. He looks back at me when he realizes I'm not following him. "Well come on!"
My pace quickens and soon I'm jogging towards the box. I wasn't here for last month's delivery, I was too deep in the woods to hear it.

I stop at the edge of the box, I'm in the front row and slowly boys close in around me.

The boxes gear creaks to a halt and the two boys swing open the doors.

In the box there's a small boy who can't be older than thirteen huddled in the corner, tears streaming down his face.

"Why don't you get this one Char." Newt offers.

"Me?" I question.

He nods reassuringly and I jump down into the familiar metal box.

The curly haired boy stares up at me and I give him a gentle smile.

"Hey...It's alright." I say gently.

He doesn't say anything, so I extend my hand, "Wanna get out of this box?" He cautiously takes my hand, and I see Alby lowering a rope. I scale the walls of the box, just like I had done when I first arrived. But I motion for the Greenie to use the rope.

I get to my feet at the surface. I hear boys muttering about the new Greenie, stuff about him being a 'crybaby'. I glare at them and luckily they shut up.

Alby leads the Greenie away, ready to give a basic tour and answer the hundreds of questions the kid will no doubt have.

Boys heave boxes out of the box, and I take the liberty of hauling some of the boxes towards the main camp.

It's noon by the time all of the boxes are gathered. I start to walk away when Newt stops me.

"Want to help me unpack all of this klunk?" He asks.

I shrug as I sit on a low tree stump.

The first box I open is filled with Hygiene products, deodorant, soap, tooth brushes, and lots of other miscellaneous things. When I reach the bottom of the box, there's a small note with my name on it that's folded up carefully. . I unravel it carefully, and in a computer-like font, it reads. 'You won't need any of those products, you don't have to worry about any of that.'

I guess that explains why I haven't gotten my period in the past months, but it makes me feel slightly invaded that whoever put us here did something to me that got rid of my period.

The next box is filled with clothes, all boy clothes with clean shirts and pants. I short them into piles by size, and when I reach the bottom of this box there's a small paper bag with my name scribbled on it. I open the bag, and inside there's underwear, a new shirt, and most excitedly, a shiny new sports bra.

I excitedly hold it up, flipping it over a few times. Only having one bra is very inconvenient, because if I ever want to wash it I get weird stares from half of the boys.

Newt glances over to me. "What's that–never mind." He says as he turns back instantly.

—-----

I sit with Adam by the glowing fire, we're not speaking, but we both sip on drinks as we observe thoughts around us. A group of boys to our left have been singing out of key for the past thirty minutes, but atleast they're having fun.

I spot the Greenie sitting across the fire, I excuse myself from Adam and I quickly make my way over to him.

"Hey." I say as I sit next to him.

His eyes are still puffy as he looks up at me. I smile back at him.

"I'm Charlotte."
"Chuck." He says.

"Nice to meet you Chuck." I say. "Now word of advice, stay away from the fight circle."

He looks panicked for a second.

"Don't worry, if they try and pick on you I'll stop 'em."
He nods slightly.

I rest my hand on his shoulder. "It's okay." I say. "We've all been through this before, we all remember our first night, and I bet you most guys here have had similar experiences to yours."
"Really?" He asks.

"Yeah." I say. "Do you know, that when I first came up I hid in the forest for three days because I was convinced these kids would kill me."

"Why would you think that?"

"One, I had no memories so I wasn't exactly as calm as I would have liked to be. But I also overheard some guys talking, and stumbled upon the deadheads."

"Well I guess that's pretty reasonable." Chuck mutters.

I pat his back, "Say, have you met my friend Charles?"
Chuck shakes his head.

"You'll like him." I tell Chuck.

"Hey Charles!" I yell over the noise.

The red head looks up and I quickly wave him open. He quickly scurries over.

"Charles, this is Chuck." I introduce. "Chuck, this is Charles. Talk to each other."
Charles rolls his eyes. "This girl..." He mutters to Chuck, and I see him point at me dismissively.