Family Isn't Always Blood (The Maze Runner Fanfic)

Chapter 16: The True (or Fake) Sign of Weakness

"Gone? GONE?" Newt was seething, "How can a dead body move? Someone please tell me how the bloody hell that damn boy's body moved after it was CLEARLY NOT ALIVE?!"

"Newt! Calm down!" Alby placed a hand on Newt's shoulder in an attempt to soothe him. It didn't work.

"Did you see anyone go near the Homestead before you all went in?" Alby asked Minho, turning to face him. I stepped toward Newt, who was on his knees facing his head to the ground, and tilted his chin up to look at me. Sadness and anger were pooling in his eyes. I reached forwards and pulled his body into mine, his tense muscles releasing as he hugged me back. He buried his face into my shoulder, much like I had the time he carried me away from the fighting Minho and Gally.

"It'll be okay Newt, we'll find him." I whispered, stroking his hair for him, as this usually calmed him down. I wonder if his mother of girlfriend or real sister had done it for him in his previous life, and now it forever calmed him down? Could that happen? I don't know.

"But what if we don't, and what if he comes back to the Glade, well if he's left it that is, and hurts more people. I don't know if I can handle another Glader being hurt. And what if you got hurt? Clearly I can't protect you based on what just happened. I would never forgive myself Kayla." Whimpered Newt. I hated  seeing him like this, all small and fragile.

"Newt, I'm a big girl now, you know that. I can take care of myself. Plus, Minho taught me to use  a machete, remember? if it makes you feel better I'll keep one on me at all times until we find Jake." I cracked a small smile as I pulled away to look at his face. He simply gave me a small nod, and strode off to converse with Minho and Alby, regarding the situation.

 I sighed, walking over to the edge of the Deadheads and plopping down on a log. How could this have even happened? The boy I thought I liked, and I thought liked me was actually a sociopath? What are the chances of that? It really wasn't fair in the end. Jake was only boy in a sea of the Glade that I made a real connection with, well except Newt, but he doesn't count in this category. Newt was like a brother to me, not a love interest. 

         I looked up, surveying the Glade. Several boys were removing the bodies from their respective crosses, other carrying shovels towards me, probably going to dig graves for the fallen. There were no Keepers in sight, leading me to believe that a Gathering was being held. I sighed again, dropping my head between my knees. A small tear was pulled down my face, only by the force of gravity and not my controllable emotions. I quickly wiped it away. I couldn't cry! Holding my own was the only thing keeping my alive in the Glade. Crying isn't a sign of strength.

"That's not true."

        My head shot up, searching for the source of the voice. Did I say that out loud? Minho stood in front of me.

"Wha-wha-what do you mean? Of course it is, people cry when they're hurt. You lose strength when you're hurt." I replied as he sat next to me on the log.

"You're looking at it all wrong. Crying isn't a sign of weakness, it is simply a sign of pain, whether it be physical or emotional. When you're in pain, you're not technically incapable of being strong, you're just down for the count." Minho nudged my shoulder lightly. 

"So chin up, Kayla. We've got a long couple days ahead of us." He got to his feet, ruffled my hair, and was off towards the Homestead. I watched his retreating figure, letting his words sink in. Crying is a sign of pain. Everyone goes through pain, everyone cries. It's okay.

It's okay.

A/N: An apology for the VERY late update, but I've been working on another story along with this one. It would be greatly appreciated if you guys would check that out, it's a Dan&Phil fanfiction, and I think it's coming along nicely. Also, if you read it, please comment whether or not it should become PHAN, I haven't decided yet!