Born Again

Chapter forty eight

Sleepovers are usually fun.

Unless it's to mourn over a loss with your friends.

But that's what Thomas found himself doing that night.

He sighed, rolling over on his spot on the floor.

He and Minho had stayed with Newt for the rest of the day, along with the rest of the night.

Thomas had texted his mom to tell her he had skipped and was staying at Newt's. He explained what had happened to Winston and how hard it was for Newt.

Thankfully, Mom completely understood and told him he could stay as long as needed. Thomas didn't know what he'd do if she hadn't let him stay.

He wasn't going to leave Newt in the state he was in. No matter what.

It had taken them a long time to get anything out of him. And even what they did get waswn't much.

All he said was that Winton's dad had left the previous morning and wasn't planning on coming back. Winston killed himself that night.

Thomas didn't get details on how it happened. It was too hard for Newt to talk about.

He wasn't even sure if he wanted details.

Thomas rolled over for the umpteenth time, closing his eyes as he willed sleep to come.

For the first time in his life, his wish came true.

~~~

After much convincing, Newt finally allowed Thomas and Minho to stay for another day. He had tried to say that he was fine but his tear stained face said otherwise.

Thomas and Minho wouldn't have any of it.

Unfortunately, Mr. Park (Minho's dad) showed up just after Mrs. Isaacs left for work and said Minho had to go to school. He said it wasn't alright to miss two days in a row.

Minho protested but his dad wouldn't budge.

"It's alright, Minho," Newt assured him. "Tommy's still here. I'll be fine."

Minho sighed, finally submitting. "Fine," he grumbled, pulling Newt into a tight hug. "Just text me if you need anything."

"I will."

As soon as he left, Newt turned to Thomas. "Sonya went to school today as well so it's just me and you."

Thomas nodded through a yawn. "Anything you want to do?"

Newt thought for a few seconds. "What did we do in your dreams?"

Thomas recalled them almost instantly. One dream, when Winston was lost in the storm, the Gladers just moved on and never thought of him again. In the other one, they walked away so he could die in private.

He didn't think either of those would be good to mention.

"We just went for a walk," Thomas decided. "It was in the Scorch, though. It's not hot here so I think we can do whatever we want."

Newt shrugged. "That's alright. A walk sounds nice," he said. "I'll go get dressed then we can go."

Thomas nodded, looking down at his rumpled clothes. He'd slept in his clothes from the day before because he figured asking Newt for spare pajamas was probably not the most important thing at the time.

He also figured asking for spare clothes wasn't the most important thing.

Oh, well.

Newt came out a few minutes later. He stared at Thomas for a few seconds. "Do you want to change?" He asked at last. "I have some clothes that will probably fit you. Come on." He walked back up  the stairs without waiting for an answer.

Seeing nothing else to do, Thomas followed him up. 

   After changing into Newt's clothes (jeans and a sweater), the two headed off.

   "There's a park not too far from here," Thomas offered as they walked down the street. "If you want to go."

   "Sure," Newt answered, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "That's fine."

They arrived a few minutes later.

Thomas looked around and the playground equipment. "I could push you on the swing."

Newt gave a weak smile. "Sorry, Tommy," he said, sitting down on the grass. "I'm pretty tired."

"That's alright." Thomas sat next to him. "Did you sleep?"

Newt shook his head, moving to lay on his back. "Not really."

Thomas, stupidly, was about to ask why. Instead, he laid next to his friend and just looked at him, concerned. He'd never seen Newt the way he was now. He was worried.

   "I'm alright, Tommy," Newt said after a minute.

   "You aren't," Thomas stated.

   "I will be alright," Newt corrected, looking over at him.

   Thomas hoped so

   After a few seconds; Newt looked back at the sky. He pointed. "Look."

   He looked up. Clouds painted the sky in gentle strokes, beautiful light flowing through them in the morning sun.

Thomas had never really appreciated the sky before. He wondered why. It was stunning.

   "Winston loved the sky," Newt said after a minute.

   Thomas looked over to see tears running down his friend's cheeks.

   "He loved everything really," he continued. "Winston always appreciated the little things in life like this. He even said the sky was so beautiful it had to have been painted by an angel."

   Thomas looked up again. He could clearly see why Winston would think that. It looked heavenly

   "Winston probably painted this for you then," Thomas whispered.

   Newt sniffed. "Maybe."

   He shifted closer and Thomas immediately rolled over to pull his friend into a hug. It was a bit awkward on the ground but he didn't loosen his grip.

   "I just wish Alby would've been able to see this," Newt said. He let go of Thomas and gave him a small smile. "And Winston."

   Thomas chuckled slightly. "And Chuck."

   "All joking aside," Newt said, immediately losing his smile. "He would be proud of you, you know, Tommy."

   "Yeah." Thomas sighed. "And Winston would be proud of you. Alby too."

Newt closed his eyes, laying on his back again. "I hope so, Tommy. I hope so."