Not Your Average Glader (Completed)

Chapter 17: An Eventful Celebration

The rest of the afternoon I watch. Patiently observing my fellow Gladers. Deciding who is Runner material and who isn't. I automatically eliminate all of the Keepers. It's not worth the trouble asking if it's going to get back to Alby and Newt.

'Minho?'

Since being released from the Slammer he has been a model Glader, well, enough to stay out of the Slammer anyway. I spot him out of the corner of my eye. It is then I recall he was also in my vision I had weeks ago. He was a Runner.

'He might work.'

I begin to walk towards him. My mind races,

'How exactly am I supposed to persuade him to Run. Or anyone for that matter?'

I stop suddenly. He is talking to Newt. I instantly cross him off my list. I can't take any chances. I need Runners who don't really talk to the leaders. Even better if they keep to themselves.

'Be patient. Wait for the celebration.'

》 》 》 》 》 [ ] 《 《 《 《 《 《

The party is everything John had said it would be. The tables are laden with a huge feast: savory sandwiches, fresh fruit, crunchy chips, and a two layer chocolate cake with a strawberry frosting.

"George was right about that cake after all." John says beside me while we watch Frypan lay out the spread.

"Definitely." I reply.

The food not only looks delicious but it is distracting. I can't forget why I'm at this party in the first place. To recruit Runners.

"You can't always take his word for things though. He's very gullible, he'll believe just about anything he hears." John says.

I pause as the words sink in. Gullible. Believes anything. My heartbeat quickens I know exactly who will be my Runners. The younger boys.

I mentally compare the boys to the qualities I'm looking for.

'Fast- younger kids have lots of energy
Smart- they are resourceful
Brave- well, we'll work on that.
I won't have to do much persuading, John settled that for me.'

I'm jottled out of my thoughts as Frypan announces the food is ready. The Gladers eagerly rush over to get a good seat. I follow John to a seat.

Alby and Newt stand at the head of the table.

Newt begins, "I won't say much, words are cheap compared to the things we have been through. This celebration marks our victory of surviving our first month here and I'm proud to say we have not only survived but thrived."

Gesturing to Gally, our newbie, he countinues. "We welcome Gally and all newbies that are sent, with open arms."

There is an uproar of cheers and clapping. I midly join in as I peer about at the younger boys at our table and carefully consider them.

'Bobby will do, Morris will be a great Runner, I'll have to see about Kevin. Definitely George.'

I'm taken back when I look at John siting beside me, all smiles. I never considered John coming with me.

'I'll have to get these kids alone later. Wouldn't look too good out in the open for Newt and Alby to see. They would start asking questions for sure.'

Once again my mind takes over and I missed whatever Alby said. Everyone is cheering again. Must have been a good speech. Plates are being passed down and the feast begins once plates are overflowing.

I slowly chew my sandwich while I block out the numerous conversations buzzing around me. A plan begins to form. A deceptive plan.

'How could I even consider doing that to some gualabual kids?'

'The Maze is at stake. Don't you want to find an exit? That's why you started running in the first place!'

I have a plan. I have possible recuits. I only need the guts to go through with it.

I get John's attention and say something that makes me sick deep inside.

"I have a secret to tell you, after the feast bring Bobby, Morris, Kevin and George to the woods."

A/N
Sorry for the lack of updates. I hope you are all ready for what is about to happen...