Sticks and Stones

Chapter 7: Travel

They'd set up a fire in a sheltered spot, another ruined remains of some building, to camp out for the night. They each lay against their packs around the fire, basking in its light. Frypan had finally managed to stop sobbing although the occasional tear still leaked out as they all stared into the fire.

Rachel was between Aris and Newt, with Frypan beside Aris. Next to Newt were Teresa, Minho and finally Thomas across the fire from Rachel. Minho was playing with a knife absentmindedly and Rachel was leaning against Newt's side, her knees brought up to her chin while Newt had an arm wrapped comfortingly around her.

"I thought we were supposed to be immune." Minho finally broke the silence with his low bitter voice, and Rachel closed her eyes.

Newt squeezed her shoulders gently as he stared into the fire, while Teresa murmured: "Not all of us. I guess."

Newt heaved a deep sigh as Rachel shook a little. He kept a tight hold on her but he said in a low voice: "If Winston can get infected, we should assume so can the rest of us."

Rachel shuddered a little as she felt tears prick her eyes once more, and Newt pulled her in closer pressing his cheek against the top of her head as she curled into him.

"I never thought I would say it." Frypan whispered as another tear slid down his cheek. "I miss the Glade."

No one had a reply for that, and so they all just sat silently staring into the fire. Thomas finally got up and walked away, settling down away from the group, with his back to them.

Rachel looked back at the dancing flames and thought back to all the happy times she remembered from the Maze- running with the blonde-haired Sonya around the farm and laughing with Harriet as Rachel braided the girl's hair. The three girls had been close, becoming fast friends from the moment Rachel had first arrived in the group B maze.

But she also remembered all the dark times- the terror of being stuck in the maze, the Grievers, watching friends die right before her eyes. Seeing Aris almost shot, except the shot had been intercepted by another girl who had barely known them. The girl had died asking Rachel and Aris to make sure her friends got to safety, and Rachel hadn't even known the girl's name at the time; it was only later that Harriet had told her. Amelia. A pretty name for the pretty girl who had died for her friends to live. Like Winston.

She was shaken out of her thoughts as Newt shifted. He gently let go and she moved away, sensing he wanted to get up.

"Be right back." He murmured as he stood up and walked off to where Thomas sat. Rachel watched him go, seeing the blond settle down beside his friend, probably to comfort him.

Minho watched Newt as well, before settling down more comfortably. Teresa and Frypan had already turned away, lying down fully for the night. Rachel meanwhile continued to watch the pair, knowing Newt was worried about his friend and wondering if there was anything she could do to help.

"Rach..." Aris whispered and she glanced over at him. He held that same questioning look on his face again, and she looked down.

"Talk to me." Her friend whispered and she sighed.

Lifting her head, she looked up at the sky before looking back at where Newt sat talking earnestly with Thomas. She turned back to Aris.

"Yeah." She whispered and he nodded slowly.

"What'll you do?" He asked quietly, and she sighed as she watched Newt getting up.

I don't know." She admitted.

The pair watched as Newt headed back for the campfire and Aris told her quietly: "Remember. If you ever need me, just give me a shout."

She cracked a smile at that and she nodded.