Nepenthe (TMR FF) UNDER EDITING

Chapter 46

They were bribing us. That must have been it. Once we had gotten to the 'safe place', so to say, we were bombarded with food, clothes, and warm, comfortable beds. I hated every moment of it. I couldn't even stomach the pizza that they offered us, due to the fact that my stomach lurched in a way that wasn't from hunger. Everyone else seemed to be able to devour every single bite, much to my dismay. I couldn't believe that anyone was able to smile after what we had just been through. I couldn't even muster and single word, in fear that If I spoke, the feelings and emotions I had try to hold onto would spill out like my tears had not too long ago.

Eventually, we were told to go to bed, which led to where I was now, lying on a bunk bed, Newt's arm resting protectively over my waist. They had taken Teresa to a different room, obviously not wanting her to share a room with a bunch of boys. They tried to take me as well, but I blatantly refused, clinging onto my boyfriend for dear life. They finally got the memo. I wasn't leaving Newt's, or Thomas' side.

"Hey, Thomas." Minho said from across the room, making me glance over in that general direction. I couldn't see any of them because of the darkness, but knowing that they were there brought indescribable comfort anyway.

"Yeah?" Thomas asked, sounding extremely tired. I would be too if I had just half beaten someone to death.

"What do you think happened to the Gladers who stayed behind?" Newt's grip seemed to tighten on me as Minho spoke, and I leaned back into his embrace. I honestly hadn't really thought about it. I've been so busy thinking about Chuck and Gally, that I had totally forgotten about the other Glader's who were still in the Maze. Had the Griever's revved back up and killed them all? Will they just continue to live in the Glade until they run out of food and supplies and eventually starve?

"I don't know. But based on how many of us died getting here, I wouldn't like to be one of them right now. Grievers are probably swarming all over them." I pressed my lips together, annoyed by how his voice sounded so nonchalant and unaffected, as if he didn't even care. They were our friends.

"You think we're safe with these people?" Minho asked, trying to sound confident, but his voice still wavered.

I wanted to speak up, to say hell no, but instead I just stayed silent.

"Yeah, I think we're safe." Thomas said, after a moment of silence.

"God, I hope you're right." Minho yawned, no one saying a word after that.

I closed my eyes, trying my best to fall asleep like the others, but no matter what I tried, nothing was working. Even Newt was sleeping peacefully beside me, his breath coming out evenly and slow. Usually I could fall asleep just listening to Newt's heartbeat. Tonight, however, was obviously different.

Aris. I sighed in my head, blinking slowly. I didn't want to keep my eyes shut. I would see horrible things if I kept my eyes shut.

What? He asked, his voice sounding broken. I flinched, not really expecting him to reply, but feeling relieved either way.

I just—I just need someone to talk to. I...I just—I can't—

Emma, breath. Aris told me, obviously concerned.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I just—

Someone died, right? One of your friends killed someone, right? Aris muttered, his voice breaking.

My breath caught in my throat, and I let out a small whimper, hating the word. Kill. Died. Death. Dead. I hated it. I hated those words more than anything.