11

Promises

"Why didn't you tell me you were a runner?" She asked in disbelief.

"There is more to it than that Rose... " his voice was soft as he looked towards his leg. "When we first got here, it was Galley, Alby, me, and a few other boys. We didn't know what the Maze was, what was in it. So we all went in there, at least once. But seeing what was inside, we made the Glade our home. But we still planned on exploring it. So, as Alby and Galley made a community, I was a runner. "

Rosanne looked at him, the night air and bright moon softly glistening off his pale skin. "What happened?"

Swallowing down the lump in his throat Newt shifted somewhat uncomfortably. "As time went on, more and more boys came to the Glade. I trained Minho, he became another runner. But after so long I got the feeling that we were never going to get out. No matter where we went, how fast I ran, or what I did. We weren't going to be free... So." He coughed uncomfortably "I didn't see a point of carrying on." Rosanne knew immediately where it was going. "So I climbed to the top of the Maze, and jumped. The vines caught me though and I broke my leg. Minho found me, took me back and I was a splint for months. And every day after I couldn't get over the fact of how selfish I was that day."

"And you haven't gone back since..." She finished for him. Newt shook his head no, eyes locked on his hands in his lap. "You don't have to. I can do it on my own Newt."

"No... You can't be alone. Not out there."

"I think you've forgotten that I lived out there Newton. It's not as dangerous as you think..."

"Anything can happen... Especially when you go looking for something like we are. Im coming with."

She let out a long breath..."Okay."

A silence fell over them both. Of course the normal bon fire raged in the background, but neither one had the slightest interest. He was so hurt from his story. Remembering things, it always brought pain.

"We'll get out of here..." She whispered taking his hand in hers. "Someday."

Nodding he looked back towards his feet. "We should go and sleep... Rest up like Galley said."

Rosanne nodded rising to her feet. Soon enough they were both descending down the ladder and across the Glade into the homestead. Once in their room however, Newt just sighed facing his bed.

Rosanne took off her gear, one by one setting all of the items onto her bed side. Once turned around though, she faltered seeing Newt in the same spot. He was nervous, she could easily tell.

"Hey..." She walked up behind him and snaked her hands around his torso and onto his stomach. "You'll be okay, I promise..." Laying her head between his shoulder blades Rosanne breathed in deep.

Newt reached up placing his hands over hers. No more words were said. Instead he turned around, placed his lips on top of her head and pulled her tighter against him. "Time to get some sleep. You'll need your rest."

"You too." He agreed gradually letting her go.

Once apart she could still see the doubt in his eyes. "It's okay to be scared... If you weren't you wouldn't be human." She whispered.

"Yeah..." He doubtfully said.

"I keep my promises Newton." Her blue eyes looked up into his brown once again.

He let out a long breath holding her arms in his hands. "I know... But that still scares me."

"Goodnight Newt." She smiled walking back towards her bed.

He watched her kick off her shoes and soon enough she was under her covers. "Goodnight love."

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