Not Your Average Glader (Completed)

Chapter 8: Busy days in the Glade

Over the next week progress, both physical and emotional, continues in the Glade. While spirits are up so are the walls and roof to the main building that Alby calls the Homestead. The kitchen overflows with hearty and healthy food that keeps Frypan busy and us Gladers happy. The few animals we have are now behind strong fencing and the garden is beginning to sprout.

As I hand over a small block of concrete to one of the builders, I can't help but wonder why I'm not sharing in everyone's excitement.

'Is it my doubt of trust or my desire to run? Or both?'

Whatever the reason the boy next to me notices.

"What's the long face for?"

I look at the boy, Nathan. Tall and slender and bursting with energy. I destinctly remember he was one who would huddle in a ball on the ground and sob.

I shake my head, "Just focusing."

He gives a smile. "On what? Frypan's next meal?"

Even though the food is great now, there is a running joke about how bad Frypan's cooking is.

"If I were thinking about that I would be puking."

Nathan let's out a loud laugh which catches everyone's attention. Some look oddly at us but most chuckle a bit too. It's clear we are rusty when it comes to laughing. After a few moments the joke dies down and we get back to business. The jail, or Slammer is almost built. It's small so it won't take long to build.

"Graham!"

It turn to see Newt jogging over to me. I lay down the next block I had picked up and walk over to him.

"We are calling a Gathering."

"About what?" I ask.

I can feel my insides squeeze up tight. The only thing I can think of to discuss further is me, running.

"Alby didn't say. Just told me to tell the keepers."

"Keeper? But I'm not a keeper."

Newt turns to leave and says, "Meet in the woods in five minutes."

I go back to working on the Slammer. That excitement I was missing is now overflowing. Five minutes go by fast and before long I am standing with the keepers.

Zart, Ben, Frypan, Winston, Newt and Alby. Minho has also been called over. Alby steps forward and speaks,

"First I want to say I've noticed the progress. Everyone has done great. Ben, when do expect the Homestead to be completed?"

Ben seems to be doing math in his head because he looks up as if reading an imaginary white board. Finally he looks at Alby and says,

"If all goes to plan we should have the three remaining walls up in three days."

Alby nods. "And the Slammer?"

I notice a movement out of the corner of my eye. Minho shifted his weight a little. Obviously uncomfortable with the topic as he remembers his punishment.

"It will be finished today."

Alby again nods. "Good. Zart, I noticed the garden is planted."

"Yes, the weather here is strange. Already there are sprouts." Zart answers.

"And the animals are behind fences." Alby begins as he looks to Winston.

"Yeah and Frypan and I want to suggest butchering for fresh meat."

Alby nods as he considers the request.

"Before you do, send a request for more animals. If they send more come talk to me."

Both Winston and Frypan nod.

"Graham."

I jump at the mention of my name. Thus far I have only been a spectator.

"Seeing as the Homestead is almost complete we no longer need your help in the Glade."

There is an awkward pause. If that's his way of saying I can Run its a lame one.

Newt then speaks up.

"Starting tomorrow you can run the maze."

Alby finds his voice and speaks his peace.

"I've never been on board with Running that maze. We don't know what's out there and it would be easy to get lost."

I nod and say nothing in fear he will change his mind.

"Here are the rules. You go alone. There is only a handful of us and we need every hand to run this place. You will take water and a bag of food with you provided by Frypan. You run from when the doors open to an hour before they close. You take this with you everyday."

As he says the last part he tosses something small and shiny over to me. I barely catch it as I'm not expecting it.

"A watch?" I ask as I examine it. I notice it is plain and looks cheap. I hold it to my ear and listen to the low ticking.

"I requested it yesterday. Merry Christmas." Alby says dryly.

"Thanks." I reply as I put on the gift.

Alby recovers from his excitement and says,

"If that is all the business today we will close."

Minho frowns and speaks up. "Oh just get it over with!"

All the keepers look over at him in confusion. Then I see Alby's express turn from annoyance to the outburst to amusement.

"Thank you for reminding me, I had almost forgotten."

I catch a glance as Minho's face falls and his mouth opens in protest. He then tries to hide it by crosses his arms and frowns.

'What a big baby!"

"As punishment for all the trouble caused," Alby begins "Minho will spend two full days in the Slammer beginning tomorrow morning."

Silence until Alby speaks again.

"All business is concluded, keep up the good work keepers."

A/N
I like this one better. Please comment your thoughts! :)