I'm a Keeper (Gally and Thomas Fanfic) [#Wattys2016]

Chapter 6

Annabel watched as Manon threw herself on Gally. Annabel bit her lip, this would surely have consequences. She was right. The action was immediately followed by a flood of curse words from Newt.
"Get her," he yelled to no one in particular.
Annabel immediately walked over to Manon and dragged her off of Gally.
"What the-" she started, but quickly shut her mouth when she saw it was Annabel.
Minho and Newt helped Gally stand, but Annabel could see that they kept a firm grip on him, in case he would do something stupid. She observed Gally and noticed that he kept glancing at Manon. He had a hurt look on his face, like it bothered him that Manon hit him. Of course, Annabel suddenly thought. He went through the Changing, that explains everything.
"It's clear that you two can't stay away from each other," Newt then said. "So you can spend the night in the Slammer. Together."
"I don't think so," Gally promptly protested.
"And I don't think you're in charge here," Newt calmly responded.
"But Newt-"
"Slim it, slinthead," Minho said, giving Gally a jab in his ribs, which, in his turn, caused Newt to give Minho a warning glare.
"Let's go," Newt announced, leading the way to the Slammer.
"Newt, please listen to me," Gally tried once more, this time in a pleading voice.
Newt suddenly stopped and turned around to face Gally. "Listen, you know the rules. Try bloody live by them for once." He gestured towards the Slammer. "Put them in."
Minho didn't need to be told twice, as he enjoyed hurting Gally way too much. He pushed him forcefully in the jail, snorting as he did so. Annabel could see that Gally dreaded the idea of being a whole night in there together with Manon, and she could understand why. Manon really hurt him before Gally was sent off into the Maze. And Annabel knew he remembered. All of it.
Manon was already on her way to join Gally, when Annabel gripped her wrist. "Be nice to him," she whispered, before letting go of her.
Manon stared at her in confusion, but when Newt coughed impatiently, she shrugged and walked to the Slammer.
"Clear out!" Newt yelled at the crowd of curious boys that had formed in front of the Slammer. The boys quickly hurried along, leaving Newt, Minho and Annabel. Newt closed the door shut and went, together with Minho, back to the party, without giving Annabel a second look.
"Are you okay?" Annabel was surprised to see Thomas standing behind her.
"Um, yeah," she replied hastily.
"You don't sound okay."
Annabel shrugged. She knew he was right, but she didn't really feel like telling him. Actually, she did want to tell him, but knew better than to actually do it.
"Care for some small talk?"
Annabel looked at him, nodding slowly, managing a smile. "Yeah, that would be nice."
"Great." Thomas smiled too. "Let's go somewhere quiet."

"So, do you already know what kind of job you want to do?" Thomas asked.
They were sitting on a log in the woods near the deadheads, away from the boys who were slowly getting drunk. The night had already grown old, and occasionally a chilly breeze swept through the trees, making Annabel shiver.
Annabel didn't need to think about that question. She already knew the answer. However, what she didn't know was how Thomas would react, regarding his memory loss. Under normal circumstances he wouldn't let her, but, of course, these were not normal circumstances.
She took a deep breath and forced herself to look Thomas in the eye. "I want to be a Runner," she said determined.
She saw Thomas's expression change, but she couldn't quite place it. Was it fear? Anger? Concern? She didn't know, but it was clear Thomas wouldn't agree with her choice.
"A runner?" he finally said, sounding shocked.
"Yeah," Annabel nodded. "You of all people must know how I feel."
She realized what she'd just said. And she saw Thomas noticed too.
"What are you talking about?" he said slowly, eyeing Annabel with suspicion.
Annabel shrugged. "Because you're a Runner and all."
Thomas nodded thoughtfully. He believes me, Annabel thought relieved.
"I do see where you're coming from," he said. "But first of all I'm not the Keeper of the Runners, so I don't get to say whether you can or cannot be a Runner. And second, it's not safe out there."
"I can take care of myself," Annabel responded.
"I know," Thomas grinned. "It's just that-" he trailed off, looking away as he did so. "It's just that I don't want you to get hurt," he finally said.
Annabel was astounded. Did Thomas remember something after all? Or was this just him caring? Annabel's head hurt from all the questions. She knew she had to wait for answers, but she didn't think it would be so hard. It just hurt every time she saw Thomas. It hurt that he didn't remember her, that he didn't know who she was or what they once had.
Thomas was still staring into nothingness, as Annabel placed a hand on his arm. He finally looked up, and Annabel caught a glimpse of his concern, before he composed himself. Annabel's voice dropped to a whisper. "I appreciate you caring, but I still want to be a Runner."
It was clear Thomas didn't know how to respond to this. He looked confused and surprised at the same time, as if he wasn't used to resistance from a girl. Well, of course, Annabel thought. He doesn't remember any girls at all.
Suddenly another icy breeze whipped through Annabel's hair, sending chills up her spine. She shivered violently, letting go of Thomas.
"Are you okay?" Thomas asked worried.
Annabel nodded slightly. "Yeah, just a bit cold." She yawned. "And tired," she chuckled.
"Well, let's get you to bed then," Thomas said, standing up and taking Annabel's hand. Her hand immediately felt warmer, even though Thomas's hand was cold as well. "Did Alby already tell you where your place is?"
Annabel shook her head.
"Well, you can sleep in my hammock. We'll find you a place tomorrow."
"But what about you?" Annabel asked.
"I'll sleep on the ground," he said. "So I can keep an eye on you."
Annabel yawned again, before she smiled shyly. "That would be nice, thanks."
"No problem," he said, winking at her.

Author's note:
Please let me know what you guys think! I would love to hear your opinion and thought :)

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