The Boat On The Beach

Chapter Two: The Boat

Thomas, Minho and Frypan were quick on Gally's tail as he led them to where the commotion was. Thomas couldn't see anything, just a group crowded around something on the shorline. As they approached he met Vince's gaze. He looked uneasy. That didn't make Thomas feel any better. The small group came to a stop at the edges of the crowd, next to Brenda and Teresa.

The two had become quite good friends in the time they had been at the safe haven. Thomas didn't know why, they didn't have any similarities but they seemed to bond over their struggles, or being rejected by Thomas. Well, thats why Minho said anyway.

"Thomas, I..im scared" Teresa whispered to him. Brenda looked nervous too. What was it that could put all of these badasses, and survivors of the biggest war in the history of humanity so nervous? He gave Teresa's hand a gentle squeeze and slid to the front of the crowd, closely followed by the three boys. He slipped past people and stopped when he saw what the terror inducing thing was.

A boat.

A small fishing boat, that looked slightly worn, and was covered with some type of tarpaulin. His gaze met Vince's again and the boy blinked at him.

"What the shuck?" Thomas heard Minho mutter. 

"I don't understand" Thomas frowned. Vince handed him something. A small envelope which looked tired and beaten around the edges, but the bold black name on it catching their attention. 

"It was on the boat" Sonya piped up somewhere behind Vince.

"A letter, for me?" Thomas frowned and immediately opened it. People crowded round, the tarpaulin covered boat forgotten for the moment. 

"Well go on Thomas. Read it" Brenda encouraged, although I could see she was wary.

He unfolded the letter and cleared his throat.

"Thomas,

Hello. If you are reading this, then it means that I am dead, and you have found the safe haven. It also means that WCKD has been defeated. I am ok with that.

I realised  a long time ago that what we were doing was wrong. But i couldn't back out. Like i have said, I swore an oath. But I cannot help but look at you and feel guilty for all that I have done. This is to make up for it. I know, it will not make up for all the years of suffering I put you all through, but I hope that it'll be enough for you to have some closure.

If you are worried about how the boat got there, and if WCKD knows where you are, the answer is no. This was my last wish. Once my employees sent the boat they were free to leave. You won't be bothered again.

I was about to explain to you what to do if you do not have the necessary equipment but I know how smart you all are. You'll figure it out. I know, you don't trust me, but, this is truly of my own accord. I am not acting on WCKD's behalf, but my own. It is up to you whether you take my word or not.

I am sorry for all that I have done,

Ava Pige" Thomas finished.

An eruption of voices almost took over the sound of the beating in his heart.People were yelling and shouting, some telling Vince to see what was in the boat, and some trying to push the boat away, back to wherever it came from.

'Excuse me!" Vince roared over the crowd, as they all fell silent. "Thomas. its your choice." he took a step back from the boat, as did everyone else, allowing Thomas to take charge. 

Thomas swallowed and shook. He felt a firm hand on his shoulder. "Whatever you wanna do man" Minho gave his it a quick squeeze. Thomas gave a curt nodded and shook off all the thoughts about what it could be and what consequences his actions could have. He stepped towards the boat, closely followed by Minho. 

He could feel his blood pumping through his veins. His blood, the thing that could have saved everyone, the whole of human civilisation...Newt. If he'd have known, he could have- "No Thomas, shake it off. This is no time for thinking things like this" he told himself sternly.

Thomas put his hands on the tarpaulin. he could feel everyone holding their breath. Without a second thought, he pulled back the blue material.

Inside the boat, was a boy. But not just any boy. 

It was Newt.