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

Chapter 12

Annabel woke with a start to a low, trembling sound. It was like the whole earth shook, but she knew it was the doors that were opening. She looked to Manon, who was lying curled up like a ball, head in Annabel's lap. Her face was deathly pale, but her shirt was drenched in sweat. She occasionally clenched and unclenched her fists and took sharp, uneven breaths. Annabel knew she had to get back to the Glade, Manon didn't have much time left. She grabbed Manon's right arm and slung it around her shoulder. With some difficulty Annabel managed to stand, hauling Manon with her. Fortunately, she didn't have to walk far, since the entrance to the Glade was just around the corner.
As the doors slowly grinded open, the misty Glade was revealed. The air was thick with the smell of the rain that had fallen, and the grass glistened in the morning dew.
A couple of Gladers stood in front of the doors, scattered across the grass, while the rest had already gone to work. Right in front were Thomas, Gally, Minho, Newt and Chuck, anxiously staring at the empty pathway.
When Annabel and Manon stumbled in sight, everyone let out a relieved sigh.
"They made it!" Chuck exclaimed happily, nudging Newt. "See, I was right!"
Newt squinted his eyes to get a better look. "Chuck, something's not bloody right," he said, eyes fixated on the limp body of Manon.
"Shit," Gally mumbled, sprinting towards the girls. He was immediately followed by Thomas.
"Annabel, you alright?" the latter asked as soon as he was within earshot.
"Yeah, I am," Annabel said, grimace spread across her face. "But Manon isn't."
"What happened?" Gally asked, clearly overanxious.
"She got stung."
Gally groaned frustrated and took Manon carefully in his arms, releasing the heavy weight off Annabel.
"Thanks," she said, but he was already on his way to the Glade. She sighed. She was worn-out from the whole night. Everything that had happened had taken its toll on her. When her eyes found Thomas's, she saw that he was looking at her with worry.
"Are you really okay?"
She shook her head after a couple of seconds. No, she was definitely not okay.
Thomas instantly pulled her into his warm embrace. Annabel shuddered. It felt good to feel his arms around her again. However, she wasn't prepared for what he was about to do next.
"I was so worried," he whispered in her ear. He slightly pulled back and gently raised Annabel's chin, pressing his soft lips against hers.
Annabel was taken by surprise, but leaned in closer after a moment of hesitation. She heard Chuck scream something in the back of her mind, but she didn't pay any attention to it. Right now, only she and Thomas existed.
They both pulled back for air after what felt like an eternity, but in reality it was only after a couple of seconds. Annabel met Thomas's gaze, and an insecure smile appeared.
"Let's get you to the Glade, so you can get some sleep," he said softly.
Annabel nodded, and they walked towards the rest.
"Where is Manon?" Annabel asked instantly when she couldn't find her best friend.
"Gally took her to the Med-Jacks," Minho answered, smirk across his face.
"What's so funny?" Annabel asked.
"I thought Gally wasn't capable of feeling anything besides anger and self-satisfaction, but it seems I was wrong," he snickered.
Annabel rolled her eyes. "I'm going to check on her."

"Hi Clint," Annabel greeted, when she arrived at the Med-jacks'. She had spoken briefly to the Med-jacks, Clint and Jeff, before, but she'd never been to their actual workplace, fortunately. "Where is Manon?"
"Hey Annabel. She's in the back. I'm just going to grab the serum so she can start the Changing," Clint answered, genuine smile on his face.
Annabel felt her stomach churn as she walked to the back. She could only hope they were still on time with the serum, that Manon would make it.
She pushed the door open and saw Gally standing beside Manon. He held her left hand and was gently stroking it. When he heard Annabel come in, he hastily stood up, dropping Manon's hand. "I was just about to leave," he mumbled, while he made his way to the door.
"Gally."
"Yeah."
"Stay with her."
Gally turned around in surprise. "Why?"
The door swung open and Clint walked in, cutting off their conversation. "I have the syringe," he announced, while he walked over to Manon. "Gally, you hold down Manon's arms. Annabel, I want you to hold down her legs."
Why do I have to do this? Annabel thought, but she didn't argue with Clint.
"Okay, here we go," Clint said, while he plunged the syringe deep in Manon's skin.
At first Manon seemed to relax a bit, but soon all her muscles tensed and she started thrashing about, shaking her head violently to the sides. Then a blood-chilling scream erupted from Manon's throat, making Annabel cover her ears.
When she finally quieted down, Annabel looked to Clint in shock. "What was that?"
"She's going through the Changing," he said simply, not bothering to give further explanation. He grabbed a bowl filled with water and a towel. "The Changing will involve a lot of sweating. Use this to cool her head and to wipe off her sweat."
"Where are you going?" Annabel asked.
"I have other patients to take care of. Think you can handle it in here?"
Annabel and Gally nodded in unison and with that, Clint was gone.
They stood in silence for a couple of minutes, until Annabel finally broke it. "Do you still love her?"
Gally looked startled. "What?"
"Manon. Do you still love her?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Oh, I'm sure you do," Annabel pushed, with success.
"I-I do," he said after a long pause.
"Then why didn't you tell her?"
"I – Don't want to get hurt again."
Annabel nodded thoughtfully. "You do realize she doesn't have her memories?"
"Yeah, but she soon will," he retorted, sitting down with a sigh.
Manon occasionally uttered small yelps, but at least she hadn't screamed.
Annabel bit her lip. He did have a point. She didn't quite know why she rejected him, but at the time she seemed to be positive about her decision, even though Annabel had tried to change her mind.
She hesitated before placing her hand reassuringly on Gally's shoulder. "You have to talk to her. I – She loves you too. I know it." She gave his shoulder a light squeeze and left the room, leaving Gally alone with Manon.

A/N

Sorry it took so long for this next chapter. But here it is, and hopefully you like it!

I also hope more people will read it, since I don't have too many votes. If there's something I can improve, please let me know.

Please vote and comment, it would be greatly appreciated ^^

Love ~