Edge of Insanity

Chapter Thirteen

Clint and Winston told me they'd cauterized the wound on my leg which meant they'd burned my flesh back together. It was a quicker and more effective way of healing and ensured no risk of infection. They'd assured me I wouldn't have a limp and running would still be possible.

 Eventually.

Minho did point out that I'd have a wicked scar to show off though.  They'd also set the bones in my hand and wrapped it in enough gauze for me to look like a mummy.  As far as my ribs went, however, there was nothing they could do except wrap more medical tape around my torso. As far as Clint could tell the breaks weren't too bad but they still hurt like a bitch. I also reluctantly told them about my black out in the Maze per Alby's request. But neither Medjack could pinpoint any specific reason for me to black out like that. So I'd been left to wonder about it on my own.

I was confined to the infirmary for two days after that. Minho stayed with me during the night, often sneaking back in long after the sun had set. The other Runners had visited me but they were all gone during the day so my main companion became Chuck.

The youngest Glader told me all about how he'd basically failed at all the other jobs around the Glade so Frypan had taken decided to let him help in the kitchen.

"It's gonna be awesome! I'm so excited," Chuck's smile lit up his whole face.

"When do you start?" I shifted my position in the bed. My leg was itching like crazy underneath all the wrappings and I was trying not to focus on it.

"Tomorrow!" Chuck was nearly bouncing in his chair. A bell clanged in the distance. "Oh that's the lunch bell. I'll bring you back some food, okay?"

"Sure," I answered. "Just no sandwiches. I'm sick of them because it was all I could ever eat in the Maze every single shucking day."

"Got it," Chuck gave me a thumbs up. "No sandwiches. I'll be back soon!"

"And I'll still be here..." I trailed off as he skipped out the door. And I was by myself again. At least he'd left the door open. There were no windows in the infirmary so the only natural light and fresh air I could get had to come through the doorway. I sighed, my thoughts wandering to the Maze and what I'd seen out there that night with Ben.

Could it really be our way out of this hellhole?

"Knock, knock." Newt poked his head through the door frame. "Can I come in?"

"Sure," I shrugged. "It's just me, myself and I in here."

Newt chuckled and sat in the chair Chuck had just abandoned. "Did I just see Chuck leave?"

"Yeah. He promised to bring me back some food, but who knows it'll probably be an hour before he remembers." I shook my head. "He gets distracted so easily."

"Yeah, well, he is pretty young." Newt crossed his legs. "Youngest of us all. Sucks he has to grow up here."

"It really does," I agreed as my leg started to itch again. "So why'd you come visit? Surely it wasn't just for the joy of my company. I don't make very good conversation."

"Unfortunately no, it isn't just for your company." Light reflected off the edge of the chair as Newt leaned forward. "I have a question to ask you and I would prefer you tell me the truth, Ari."

My stomach fluttered. "What's it about?"

"Minho."

Shit. "What about Minho?"

"Well, first off everyone knows how Minho is. He's an asshole about 80% of the time with a mouth and a knack for being intimidating. But that comes with the territory of being the Keeper of the Runners. Not just anybody can have that job."

"Where are you going with this, Newt?"

He held up a finger. "Then you come along. And you're the only girl in the Glade. But you didn't let that affect you at all. In fact, you started in the Bloodhouse- a job most of us would never dreamed of taking. Turns out you had a mouth and an attitude just like Minho and you weren't gonna let anyone push you around- not even him." Newt's brown eyes never wavered from me. "Then you became a Runner- another job that scares the klunk out of nearly all the Gladers. But you just took it in stride and the rest of the Runners say you're one of the best. Just as good as Minho."

"Newt," I frowned. "I really don't see what this has to do with anything. What's your question?"

"Minho started messing with you. I mean, he picks on everyone but especially you. It was like he went out of his way to show everyone he hated you. And you shot it right back at him. All the time. But now with all this," he gestured to my leg, "Minho will hardly leave your side. You should've seen him when you and Ben didn't come back from the Maze. He almost killed Gally for saying something about you. Seems a little odd to me."

"What are you saying?" My voice came out hard.

"What I'm asking is, are you and Minho... I don't know... together?"

I stared at him for a moment, every possible line of defense running through my brain. Anything- anything- I could say to deter his theory.

"I'm his roommate, ya know. I hear him disappear almost every night and comes back before dawn. That shank is not as quiet as he thinks he is."

I didn't answer. What could I possibly say? Newt was my friend and I'd already been lying to him for two years now.

"So I was right." He leaned back in his chair, taking my silence for an answer. "How long, Ari?"

I didn't answer, glancing down at the bed sheets.

"Damn it, Ari! How shucking long?" Newt stood, his chair flying backwards.

It was then that I knew I didn't have a choice. "Two years."

"Two years?" His voice was quiet, almost sad. A stark difference from his outburst just seconds ago.

I looked up and I could see the hurt in his eyes. "Newt-"

"No." He looked away. "I- I just need to go."

"Newt! Wait!"

But he was already gone.