Nepenthe (TMR FF) UNDER EDITING

Chapter 12

The Glade has been different since Ethan was killed, and it wasn't a good different. Some of the Gladers had started to give up. They came to the self-conclusion that they were stuck here for good. No way out. I guess I wasn't much better. I would never give up, though. I was going to run that maze until I couldn't run anymore. There was a pattern. Minho had figured that out long ago. It just repeated itself. That meant that it must mean something. We just had to find out what.

"You're daydreaming again, Love. What's been up with you lately?" Newt asked, snapping me back into reality. I turned to the British boy, watching as he dove a fork into his mince and chewed quietly. I wanted to laugh, but I didn't really find this conversation funny. Was he serious?

"You did not just ask that." I stated, rolling my eyes.

"I did actually. Now tell me what's wrong." He said, reaching over the table that we were sitting at and poking my cheek. I scrunched my nose up, resisting the urge to giggle. No Emma, he's not cute. Don't fall for his trap.

"It'd be faster to say what's right." I shrugged, sighing. Newt looked up to the sky dramatically, before throwing his hands up in the air and standing up from his chair. Everyone in the eating area stared at him, including me, but he didn't seem to care. He laughed lightly and climbed up onto his chair, using his crutches as support. My eyes widened as I stood up and rushed around to where he was; grabbing his arms so he wouldn't fall.

"Are you crazy? Get down! You're going to hurt yourself!" I told him, giving him a 'wtf' look. He laughed loudly, throwing his head back. What the hell was he doing?

"Do you wanna know what's right, Emma?" He shouted. He had everyone's attention by now, and I wanted nothing else but to run away. I hated when people stared. It made me want to throw up. I'd rather fight the grievers any day.

"What are you doing?" I whispered angrily, tugging on his long sleeved shirt. He grinned down at me, wiggling his eyebrows. My stomach sank and I suddenly felt sick. That look was never good.

"If nothing else, the only thing right about this place is that we have each other! That's all that matters." He announced, gesturing to the entire Glade with a single hand. I rolled my eyes. He was so dramatic. But everyone was buying it, and they all laughed, so I guess it was okay. The Gladers need a little entertainment.

"Just ask her out already!" Ben shouted, as half of the boys murmured in agreement. I watched in awe as they grinned at us, wolf-whistling like immature teenagers. I guess that's what we were, after all. I covered my face with my hands, giggling slightly. My face was as red as a tomato by now. I don't think they cared much for my embarrassment though.

"Bloody hell, I'm getting there! Bunch of impatient shanks." Newt said, making me freeze. He then looked at me, a cheeky grin appearing on his face. I stood there, my mouth hanging open in shock. All the embarrassment was wiped out of my system and replaced with confusion. What the actual shuck was going on? "Emma. I've been meaning to ask you this for a while..."

"Wot."

"Will you do me the honour of being my girlfriend?" He finally asked, his eyes hopeful. Everyone in the Glade fell silent as they stared at me, waiting for me to answer. I felt happy and sick at the same time; as if I was gonna throw up rainbows. My eyes were wide as I stared at the Brit in front of me, a smile slowly creeping onto my face.

"Sorry, I couldn't hear you from all the way up there. You might have to get down." I joked, tugging his sleeve again. I was totally avoiding the question. He smirked, and raised his chin in defiance. I gulped loudly. Oh god.

"EMMA, THE PRETTIEST SHANK IN THE GLADE, WILL YOU BE MY GIRLFRIEND?" He screamed, the sound echoing throughout the entire Glade. "Was that better?" He asked, his voice back to normal.

"I hate you." I muttered, walking over to a chair. Without rethinking what I was about to do, I quickly stood on it, steadying myself so I wouldn't fall over. Now it was Newt's turn to stare at me in shock. I smirked at him, before cupping my hands around my mouth and turning my head to the sky.

"NEWT, THE MOST ANNOYING SHANK IN THE GLADE, I'D LOVE TO BE YOUR GIRLFRIEND! NOW GET DOWN FROM THE STUPID CHAIR!"

The whole Glade cheered as Newt struggled to get down. He eventually found the ground safely, and hobbled over to me, the biggest grin I had ever seen lighting up his face. I glared at him playfully, jumping down from my own chair and meeting him halfway. He dropped his crutches, using his good leg for support. Without warning, he grabbed the back of my neck pulling me towards him. Before I could ask him what he was doing, our lips met. I gripped his forearms, my eyes widening. And then it was over. My mouth dropped open when he pulled away, a smirk on his stupid, shank, face.

"W-what?" I stuttered, staring at him in shock. I couldn't contemplate what just happened. Newt kissed me. He actually kissed me. My best friend, the boy I've liked for months now, just kissed me. I can't even. Holy shuck.

"Do you believe me now?" He asked, his voice soft. I furrowed my eyebrows, to shocked to even understand what he was saying. The only thing that I could focus on was the shouts and cheers from the other boys.

"Uh...I don't know. What?" I asked.

"I love you, Emma. I've loved you for a really, really long time." He whispered, leaning in and kissing my cheek.

"Okay." I muttered, staring at him. He let out a laugh, his head falling back.

"After all of that, that's all you can say? Okay?" He laughed.

"You kissed me." I stated, still completely confused.

"That I did."

"I'm your girlfriend."

"Good that." He chuckled, nudging me.

"You actually love me?" I whispered, tears blurring my vision. His eyes softened as he brought me in for a hug, his embrace warming me immediately. I bit my lip. All I could feel was happiness. Complete and utter happiness.

"More than anything." He whispered, his arms tightening around me. I returned the gesturing, clutching the back of his shirt in my fists.

"You're such a shank." I choked out, a giggle escaping my throat.

"But a lovable one, right?"

"Yeah." I whispered, closing my eyes. It was then that I realised that I would never want to be anywhere else in the world, if Newt wasn't with me.