A Battle With Hope (Newtmas)

Chapter 6

Newt awoke early, as usual, before most of the other Gladers. He lay there in the grass for a few minutes, going over yesterday's events. There was something about the new boy, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Was it the small thrill he felt when the boy smiled or the excitement he felt at the thought of seeing him again today. Whatever it was Newt was hopeful that they were to become good friends. He stood up, stretching, his shirt riding up, showing off his lean, toned stomach. He began to wander out of the gardens, and towards the homestead, in search of food. In the kitchen, he found Alby sitting there with his head in his hands. Newt took up a seat next to his friend, and began to shovel food into his mouth.
'What's up man?' Newt asked, through mouthfuls of food.
Alby looked up in surprise, as if he hadn't even noticed Newt sit down.
'I'm heading out into the maze today.'
Newt looked up in surprise, almost choking.
'What!?'
Alby stood up from the table and approached the door, calling over his shoulder to Newt. 'Minho found a dead Griever yesterday, and we're going out to see it. Never, in our two years here have we seen a dead Griever. It must mean something.'
Before Newt could reply, Alby started talking again, 'and one more thing, show the Greenie around will you? Minho and I are heading out soon, I don't have time.'
He paused by the door, waiting for Newt's answer. Newt tried not to show his excitement, excitement that he didn't quite understand himself, let alone anything Alby would understand.
'Sure' he said, trying to sound calm, running his hand through his hair. 'I'll do it.'
'Great, wish me luck!' Alby responded, jogging out of the homestead.
Newt sat there, a small smile playing on his lips. Today was already shaping up to be a good day.

Newt finished his breakfast in a hurry, jogging off to find the Greenie. He tried to ignore the excitement growing in his stomach, in the form of what felt like a dozen butterflies. 'You're being ridiculous' he told himself. 'You've never gotten this excited about showing around a Green Bean before, so what's the deal with this one?!' Newt shook the thoughts out of his mind, as he spotted the new boy sleeping peacefully near the gardens where Newt himself slept every night. Chuck was sleeping soundly next to him. Before waking him, Newt studied the new boy's face. Gone were the traces of worry and panic etched on his face the day before. In the morning light, Newt could see that the boy looked to be about his own age to be, an estimated 16 or 17. He had dark, floppy brown hair and looked to be in good shape. 'Good' Newt thought, 'he'll need it if he's going to be a builder or a track-hoe.' 

He leaned down a shook the boy's shoulder lightly and as the boy stirred, he leaned lower to whisper in his ear. 'Rise and shine Greenie, Day 1 in the Glade is about to begin'. The boy jumped upon hearing Newt's voice, and Newt laughed softly, clearly please at scaring the boy. The boy rubbed sleep out of his eyes and reached to grasp Newt's outstretched hand. Newt helped the boy up, then pressed his finger to his lips, reminding the Greenie to keep quiet, as he led him away from the other sleeping boy.  

'Where are we going?' The Greenie asked as soon as they were far enough away from Chuck that they could talk without waking him.
'Well Greenie' Newt responded, 'Tour starts now, so let's getting moving before these other Shank's wake up.' 

Newt led the boy around the Glade, explaining the four different corners- the Bloodhouse, the Gardens, the Homestead and the Deadheads. The boy listened intently, trying to take everything in. 'Alright, today you'll be with Winston, keeper of the Slicers, in the Bloodhouse. It's a shocking job, but someone's gotta do it. Who knows, you might even bloody enjoy it!' The boy stared at him, as if Newt was out of his mind.

'Somehow, I don't think that'll be the case.' Newt laughed, the boy joining in. Newt showed the boy to the bloodhouse, where he could see Winston beginning work. 'Alright Greenie, I'll leave you here in Winston's capable hands. Might see you around at lunch!'

Newt offered a reassuring smile and began to limp away, heading off towards his sanctuary, the gardens.
'Wait!' he heard from behind him.

He spun around to see the boy walking towards him.
'Um. Thanks for showing me around.' The Greenie said, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly, making Newt smile. The boy smiled too, continuing, 'It's just nice to have a friendly face around. This place is pretty daunting, you know? Wish me luck today.' Newt's smile broadened, he waved and turned back around. Suddenly, he was really looking forward to lunch. 

Hey guys, hope you like this chapter! It's kind of short and not much happens, it's a bit of a filler chapter but a lot is happening in the next few chapters! Please feel free to leave any comments, I'm always happy to hear them!