The Greenie (The Maze Runner)

Chapter 9

I wondered to myself as I looked at Newt. "If it's so dangerous out there why the runners go out?" I was doing it again, asking too many questions.

"Grievers have never come out during the day, only at night. And during the night we can't get to them and they can't get to us. So it's pretty safe. During the day is the only safe time for the runners to go in and find the way out." Newt didn't look at me. He watched as the maze doors shut in front of us.

"That's weird."

"What is?"

"That now the Grievers decide to come out during the day and attack people."

"Yeah. But hopefully it doesn't happen again and we stay safe in the Glade, like it always has been." I looked at Newt, admiring how he was so worried about his and the other Gladers safety.

"I'm gonna go head and get some food. Wanna come?"

"No. I just wanna be alone."

"Okay." I walked to the kitchen and got food. I sat at the table with Thomas and Chuck, who were having a conversation about, well I have no idea what about. They never make sense when they talk to each other. I sat in silence and ate my food. Poor Newt, he's so worried that a Griever may get in the glade. I finished eating but didn't bother to get up or move. I just sat there and wonder to myself. More or so worried about Newt. 

Most of the other Gladers have gotten up and headed to the Homestead or somewhere else. Thomas and Chuck were still having their conversation. I finally got the urge to get up and leave. I headed toward the homestead until I saw Minho and Newt talking. Newt seemed kinda upset and Minho mad. I scrunched my eyebrows and stopped for a minute to watch.

I sighed and just continued to the Homestead. I found my bed, well it's not much of a bed. I mean, it's not the most comfortable thing, but it works. I laid down and stared up at the ceiling. Most people were either quietly talking to one another or already fast asleep.

I eventually passed out, but that night I didn't sleep to well. I had a bad dream and I woke up sweating. I took deep breaths and tried to calm myself down. I grabbed the small blanket I had to cover up with and walked outside and sat down in the grass. Besides the Maze changing and the Grievers, it was peaceful out here at night. No one was around being loud or working. It was quiet and you could see what it looked like was stars in the sky. It was a little chilly, but it works. It has to work, it's all we have left. 

"Stacey?" I was startled and slightly jumped. "Sorry. It's just me." The boy said softly and sat by me. I looked out the corner of my eyes and recognized Thomas. 

"Oh hey Thomas." I smiled a little.

"Hey," I looked up at him, "are you okay?" He asked me.

"Oh yeah. Just had a bad dream and couldn't sleep." Thomas frowned. "I'll be fine. You should get some sleep. You have a long day tomorrow."

"I haven't really slept any. The Grievers coming out during the day has me worried." I could see genuine fear on his face. 

"Yeah, it seems to be worrying everyone." I finally made eye contact with him.

*Newt's POV*

I woke up the next morning. Thomas and Stacey were not in their beds. Minho was gone too, as was Alby. Usually someone wakes me in the morning. I got up and put on my shoes. made my way outside and ran into Stacey. "Where is everyone?"

"Minho and Alby went to go look at that dead Griever. Thomas and the other runners are out running." She explained. "Alby said you would say where I was working today."

"Alright, come on. You can work with the slicers today." Zart explained that job to her some. She made a look when I said it. "It'll be okay. Odds are you won't get the job." I said.

"I hope. Those poor animals. I mean I know we have to eat some how, but I don't wanna be slicing what I'll be eating eventually y'know?"

"Yeah, I know." I laughed. I introduced her to Winston and she began to work. I could already tell she didn't like this job.

Two of the runners came back around 3. Followed by Thomas a couple hours later. Alby and Minho haven't returned. Thomas offered to go look for them, so I let him. Being that I couldn't stop him.

About a hour later Thomas returned with Minho and Alby. Thomas and Minho carrying Alby. "What happened?" I asked.

"He got stung." Minho explained.

"Get him to the Med-Jacks. Now!" I ordered. Minho and Thomas quickly got him to Jeff and Clint. I looked at Stacey and she looked worried and scared at the same time. I gave her a smile to reassure her that things would be okay.

She gave me a small smile back and everyone went their own separate ways. I watched as Stacey walked to the homestead. Her long blonde hair swaying as she walks. She was so pretty. She has the bluest of blue eyes and her hair just laid perfectly down her back. She wasn't much shorter than me. Maybe 3 inches or so. She was the definition of perfection and I couldn't help but to stare.

"Hey lover boy." Minho threw his arm around my shoulder. "Stop drooling over Greenie."

"I am not." I snapped my head quickly to look at him.

"You are. Ever since she's gotten here you've been drooling over her."

"Have not." I groaned and crossed my arms.

"Alright. I'm just saying you like her." I glared at Minho and he was dying from laughing.

"Oh, slim it." Minho kept laughing and was to the point of crying. "Let's go eat. Frypan's probably already started cleaning."

"Alright." Minho wiped the tears away and we headed to go get some food.

I was right, Frypan has started cleaning up, but he left a plate for Minho and I. "Thanks man." I patted him on the back and sat down. We quickly ate so Frypan could finish getting everything cleaned up and get out of here himself. 

***

I was the last one awake, or so I thought. I was standing outside, just looking into space, when someone joined me. "Newt?" I instantly recognized her voice. 

"Yes Stace?" I looked at her.

"What do I look like?" She ask curiously.

"You're beautiful." She smiled and I could see her blushing a little. "I'm sorry." I whispered.

"Don't be." She said with a smile and looked down at the ground. "Newt?" She said breaking the silence.

"Yeah?"

"Do you think Minho and the runners can find a way out?" She looked up at me, tears forming in her eyes. 

"We can only hope. It's been 3 years and Minho doesn't have much hope left, but he isn't giving up. Neither is Tommy." She nodded.

"I hope they do get us out of here."

"Me too." I sighed. "Me too." I whispered to myself.

"How do I become a runner?" I looked at her surprised. "I want to be a runner."

"You'd have to talk to Alby." I nodded.

"That's what I thought. I already know he's gonna say no." She sighed.

"Ask him when he's in a good mood and not super busy. Maybe he'll let you."

"I'll talk to him tomorrow." She looked at the Maze walls in front of us. "Ever since I've gotten here a few days ago I've just been wanting to be a runner. It's like that's what I'm meant to do."

"Just like.." Then I paused and she quickly looked at me.

"Just like what?" She asked me, but I didn't answer. "Newt?"

"Thomas."