The Maze Girl [On Hold]

Chapter Three

Copyright ©  XsugarfreeX. Property of James Dashner.

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"What's on the menu today, Frypan?" Alby asks, slapping his open hand on a plank of wood they use for a table. I follow shortly behind him, keeping quiet as to not embarrass myself in front of the Gladers anymore than I already have.
Chuck told me that last night I had been screaming for 'Isaac' again, but wouldn't wake up. Even after Thomas yelled 'look, it's Isaac!', still no avail. Minho even mentioned that he considered sleeping in the Maze because I was 'so shuckin' annoying'.

"River, you there?" Alby asks, waving a hand in front of my face. I blink a couple of times before clearing my throat and nodding, grabbing a small bowl and filling with with an oaty mush Frypan put together for the Glader's first meal. After thanking him I stand between Alby and Gally and we begin eating in complete silence. Not awkward, but rather soothing.
     Since last night at the wall, I haven't spoken to Newt. It was a strange feeling to be with him, but it felt so perfect. Too perfect to end so soon, we both would've made it last longer if Minho hadn't come and remind us to get in bed. I would've stayed there all night if I could.

"Builders, we're on a tight schedule today. Before the next Greenie arrives, we've got to add onto the Homestead. Slicers, we need to get some more meat in the kitchen for Frypan. That task can be held off a bit longer but we've gotta start preparing those bloody animals before-"
"Ugh!" All in a matter of seconds, I'm slammed to the hard ground, being crushed by a body on top of me. Newt. "I-I'm so sorry. I'm clumsy sometimes-" I ramble on, more focused on Newt's body pressed against mine than the fact I'm quickly running out of oxygen from his weight. As if time itself became slow motion, we stare into each others eyes full of something indescribable. A feeling of comfort and familiarity floods my body and I feel paralyzed, like I never want to look away. Last night felt the exact same, every time I'm with him I feel like I'm in my proper place, like I was made for his arms. It's only been a day yet I feel this pull between us, something I don't have with anyone else. Whatever exactly is going on, I'm not sure, but I need to find out, especially with this whole Isaac thing going on.

      Gally coughs bluntly and Newt is the first to snap out of it, shaking his head and hopping off of me, giving me a hand and helping me to my feet. A couple Gladers surrounding Frypan's Hut chuckle at the awkward moment and Newt continues on as if nothing happened, keeping a hand rested on my lower back all the while. I wipe off some bits of gruel from my jacket and wait for Newt to continue his orders. After sending the Gladers off to their assigned jobs, Newt calls for Alby who comes jogging over from the Infirmary.
"Ah, ready for the famous tour, Greenbean? Afterwards we'll get to find you a job." Alby chuckles deeply, placing his fisted hands on his hips. Newts smiles cheekily from my right, his hand not having moved an inch from where he left it after the fall. Not that I'm complaining.
"Erm, sure. I-I guess." I reply nervously, knowing I don't have a choice anyway. Newt lightly squeezes my hip, sending shivers up my spine before saluting to Alby and walking towards the gardens.
"What's up with you two?" Alby ask sceptically, raising an eyebrow as his kind eyes bore into mine. After giving him a questioning look, he continues. "I mean you shanks are acting kind of lovey, don't ya think? You got Newt all Jacked in the head, all he talked about last night was you. You sure you don't secretly love him?"

"Yes, I'm positive." I say innocently, trying my best to flat out lie to him.
"Don't even try that with me, River, I know you're lying." He states sternly. We begin walking to our first stop in the tour as he forces me to continue talking.
"It's weird, Alby," He raises an eyebrow. "It's like I feel connected to him somehow. Every time I look at Newt it's like the world stops around us, and every time we touch it feels as if I was made for his arms. I know it sounds cheesy but it's true. I don't know how...it just is." I finish with a sigh and he places a hand on my shoulder, looking at me with a genuine smile.