Edge of Insanity

Chapter Five

The Gladers let out a whoop as the last torch was thrown on the fire, making it even larger than it already was. I couldn't help but join in. The excitement was contagious.

"I bet you're Ari."

I turned to see a small, pudgy kid standing next to me. He had short brown hair that curled around his head and brown eyes. His gaze flitted nervously around the fire and I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for him. "And I bet you're the greenie."

The kid sighed. "Again with that nickname. How long is it gonna last?"

"Well until you remember your name at least. But, do you see that kid," I pointed a finger in Thomas's direction across the fire.

The greenie nodded.

"That's Thomas. He was the greenie before you and we didn't stop calling him that until today." I chuckled at the look on the newbie's face.

"And that won't be for a month, right?"

"Yep," I leaned back. "Once a month we get supplies and a new greenie."

"So how come you're the only girl?"

I shrugged. "No clue."

"Ari!" I turned to see Ben standing with Minho, Thomas, Frypan and a few other Runners. He waved me over.

"Sorry, greenie, gotta go." I jogged over to the group where Frypan handed me a cup full of amber liquid. "This is my special recipe for you guys. I couldn't make it too hard-core cause you shanks gotta be up in the morning to run the Maze but it still has a little kick to it."

Thomas sniffed the liquid hesitantly. "What is it?"

Frypan just grinned.

"Don't be a shucking wimp." I elbowed Thomas. "Bottoms up!" I threw my head back and swallowed the liquid in one fell swoop. It burned like hell at first but eventually gave way to a sweet apple taste. I set the glass down on the table. "Come on, you guys. I had no idea that I run the Maze everyday with a bunch of soft-hearted, spineless-"

"Okay, okay," Thomas said. "We get it." He took a sip of the drink and made a face.

Not one to ever be outdone, Minho tilted his head back and swallowed it all.

"Thata' boy!" Frypan slapped Minho on the back as the rest of the Runners downed their drinks. Frypan collected the glasses. "Alright now go have fun!"

I followed Ben and Thomas back to the bonfire and we watched the other Gladers mess around in the sand, wrestle each other and drink to their heart's content. Ben slung an arm around Thomas's shoulder and raised another glass to both me and Thomas. "To living our best shucking lives!"

I laughed at that and raised my own glass, echoing his cheer. "To living our best shucking lives!"

~~~

It was around midnight when us Runners called it a night.  From my shack I could still hear the sounds of the bonfire and the Glader's shouts.  As much as I wanted to stay and enjoy the night, I knew I'd only regret it in the morning.  

A twig snapped behind me.  I paused.  

"Boo."

I turned around.  "Very funny, Minho."  He was leaning against the nearest tree, arms crossed over his broad chest. 

"Did I scare you?"  He asked with a mischievous grin.

"No.  Not even a little."  I glanced around.  "Did you come straight from the bonfire?  Someone could had seen-"

"Relax, Ari.  They're all too drunk or passed out to notice."  He took a step towards me.  "And if they did, I doubt they'll remember it in the morning."

He did have a point.  I pushed open the door and stepped inside.  The first thing I did was kick off my shoes.  Then I pulled my long hair free from it's braid, letting the waves tumble down around my shoulders.  

Minho groaned from behind me, already barefoot.  I turned to face him, the flickering flame casting light beams across the small space.  "What?"

He looked at me.  "Nothing.  You just look so damn hot when you do that."