Together Till the End

Teresa

The safe haven was more than Teresa could've ever hoped for.

Every morning she would wake before the sun came up to watch it rise on another day, knowing that day would be full of joy and peace and a good life with her friends. No more WCKD, no more cranks, no more worrying if Thomas would ever forgive her.

She already knew he had. He'd told her multiple times.

Like today, as Teresa sat in the sand, watching the sun come up, Thomas came and sat next to her. He rested his hands on his knees, looking peaceful, happy. Teresa was glad he got the freedom he deserved. He'd been through more than almost everybody.

Thomas didn't say anything, he just gave her a warm smile before focusing back on the sunrise. Teresa liked it that way. Just a comfortable silence between them.

"Newt and I are going exploring with Minho today," he said after a few minutes. "Even with your wounds?" Teresa asked, turning to face him.

He and Newt hadn't been doing any physical work since they arrived so their bodies had time to heal. Teresa didn't realize they were already feeling much better. Though she knew she shouldn't be surprised. They were some of the strongest people she knew.

Thomas nodded, still watching the sun come up from the water. After a few more seconds, he faced her. "What are you going to do today?"

Teresa sighed. Ever since they made it to the safe haven, she would only work with the people she knew. Especially Frypan, Harriet, and Sonya. The three of them were so loving and accepting of her she found it hard to not work with them. She still felt like an outsider among others, like the person who betrayed them all. Nobody would want her help.

Vince told her not to worry about it, that all had been forgiven, but she still felt uncomfortable around others. She didn't know if she could ever be accepted.

But she knew Thomas wasn't referring to Frypan, Harriet, or Sonya. He wanted her to help in other places, to become apart of the family The Right Arm had created. He wanted her to feel comfortable with everybody. Teresa wanted nothing more, but she didn't know if that was possible. How could others forgive her if she couldn't forgive herself?

"I'll talk to Vince," Teresa said finally. "Maybe he'll have something else for me than helping Fry in the kitchen."

"Sounds good," Thomas said, standing up.

"What?" Teresa teased. "That's it? That's all you came here for?"

"Yup," he answered, looking down at her with a smile. He put a hand on her shoulder. "You need to get out there, Teresa. Nobody hates you anymore. Without you, I would've died. Along with Newt and the others. It doesn't matter what you did before. We all forgive you."

Teresa gave him a smile before returning her gaze to the sun. It really was beautiful, to see it sparkling against the waves.

"Alright, Tom," she relented. "I'll try."

~~~

"Hey, Vince," Teresa said, walking over to where he was helping Gally build another hut.

"Teresa!" Vince said with a smile. "Good to see you." He gave a quick wave to Gally, letting him know he'd be back soon before turning to Teresa. "What can I do you for?"