Cure or curse?

PART ONE ~ CHAPTER SEVEN ~

The day felt like it lasted forever, everyone else in the Glade had been avoiding her, except for Chuck, who had sat with her all day. For once, he had hardly said a word. She had kept a strong face for him, although inside she felt like she was about to explode. 

'This isn't fair.' Chuck sighed, it was creeping closer and closer to the end of her time. She had just under an hour now.

'I know, but there are going to be lots of things that will happen that aren't fair, kid.' She explained gently. 'I did a lot of things wrong, and this is my punishment for them, which is why I want you to stay out of trouble and help everyone.'

'Has anyone that has been banished ever survived before?' He asked.

She sighed, 'No.'

'Maybe you can be the first.' He suggested with a hopeful smile. 

'Yeah, Maybe.' She returned the smile although it wasn't real. 'Promise me that you're going to be okay?' 

He held out his hand with his pinky finger out, 'Pinky promise.' 

She shook it, 'Pinky promise.' Belle could feel her eyes begin to water and knew what she needed to do with the rest of her time, she had been putting it off the whole day. 'I need to go and talk to some people, I'll see you soon kid.'

She turned to walk away but he stopped her, 'Wait.' He exclaimed. 

He ran over to her and threw his arms around her. 'I  don't think I can watch you be sent away,' He cried. 'I'm sorry, I can't do it.' 

'It's okay,' She said softly, 'That's okay. Listen to me, kid.'

He looked up at her as tears fell from his eyes. 

'You're going to be alright.' She smiled. 

'Goodbye, Belle.' He said as he took a step back and wiped his eyes.  

'Goodbye, kid.' She quickly turned and walked away before she changed her mind, she felt as tears streamed down her face, she couldn't stop them.

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Belle had managed to stop herself from crying for now, there would be enough time for that once she was alone. 

She began walking down the Glade, everyone was already standing outside of the maze doors as they waited for her. 

The time was running out, there was no escape now. Part of her wished that Minho hadn't stopped her that morning, although another part was greatful that he had given her some extra time.

'Belle.' She spun around to face the voice behind her. It was Thomas. 

She felt relieved when she saw him, 'I'm so sorry.' She said as she rushed over to him, she tightly hugged him and embraced it as he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her back.

'Sorry about what?' He asked. 

'I lied, I didn't want to admit how I feel because I knew that it would hurt too much knowing that afterwards I would have to go out into the maze...' She explained as she didn't look away from his eyes, he held tight to her hand, it was like everything else fell away for a moment. 'But the truth is, I remember loving you, Tommy, I think that if I had the chance then I still could.'

'I remember loving you too, Belle, I still do.' He spoke gently. 'I can come with you, we can do it together.'

She shook her head, 'No, I'm not letting you die for me.'

'Why not?' 

'Because I want you to live for me, instead.' She smiled, she pushed herself onto her toes and softly placed a kiss on his cheek.