Fighting Against You: A Mazerunner Fanfic

Dinner with New Friends

My feet hit the solid ground and I let out a sigh of relief. I didn't die on that death journey to the top of a treehouse or on the way back down. I guess miracles really do exist.

" You know, " Newt says and I face him, pushing a strand of dark, blonde hair out of my face, " You're taking all of this really well. "

I shrug. What else am I supposed to do?

" Most Greenies don't get out of the box by themselves. They stay in there, crying until we drag them out. " He continues talking as we walk towards a small cluster of buildings. I don't blame them. That's exactly what I feel like doing, but my every instinct is telling me not to let them see me like that--a mess that can't get her act together.

I notice that other people are walking towards the same cluster of buildings we are. They walk in groups, smiling and laughing. Like one big family. I suppose that when you've been stuck in a place like this for three years, you learn to get along with the people around you or be isolated.

" Hey, Newt! " Someone jogs over to us with a smile on his face. His hair is a dark black and even from this distance I can see the striking blue of his eyes. " How's the she-shank? "

She-shank...? He obviously means me, but what's a shank?

" Tough as nails. " Newt grins. I roll my eyes.

The newcomer sticks out his hand out for me to shake when he reaches our side.

" I'm Reed. " I look at his dirt smeared face, then his hand, and back to his face. It's just a handshake, right? It's not like he's going to molest me or anything. Besides, Newt seems to trust him so I can. Or at least I think I can. I don't even trust Newt so what the hell am I thinking?

I grab his hand and shake it.

" I'm... " I trail off, remembering that I can't remember my name. It's weird, thinking of yourself and not having a name to call your own. " Someone. "

Pity flashes through his blue eyes, so brief I barely catch it.

" Are you hungry for dinner? " He asks, steering the subject away from my neglected memories. Food? I guess I could go for some food but I don't know what kind they have here. Judging by the animal pen way far to my left, they have some sort of meat. There's a garden over to my right, far away from the animals that could graze there. They seem to have some sort of decent source of food, but not any seasonings or spices.

" I don't really know. " I say, and Newt and Reed share a look. I have to look up at both of them to catch it, meaning either they're really tall, or I'm short.

" You'll want food soon enough, " Newt says, " Besides, you have to meet some of the Gladers. "

Meeting people when I don't even know myself? I don't know... It sounds dreadful. The forest that I'm walking away from seems like a better place to run to by the second. I could hide and just think and cry if I have to.

" Don't worry. They're all nice. " Reed says but his voice sounds a bit strained. " Just stay on their good sides. "

Great. Now I have to work on not stepping on anyone's toes. I don't even know them or what type of culture this little society has! How am I supposed to know what to say? Would not saying anything make it better? I'll just say hi and shove my face with food.

Yeah, sounds like a plan.

" You seem nice enough, " he adds, " You should be fine. "

" Just a warning, " Newt says, " You are the first girl, please, pardon any staring. "