The Outcast

Chapter 7

The morning approached as the 'sunlight' glazed over Ayla's face. She opened her eyes and sat up. This is it, it's now or never, she thought. After getting ready for the day, she went for breakfast where Newt introduced her to Minho, the keeper of the runners. After the quick breakfast, they started the training. Minho was surprised at how good she was at her fighting skills and her amazing stamina.

"There's really not much I can teach you to be honest. You already know all the survival skills and stuff. But I have a suggestion for you. If you ever encounter a griever, just run. Don't try to fight it." Minho said.

"Not much people survived an encounter with it. Or rather, with them."

"Why not?" Ayla asked him. He shrugged.

"Maybe they're too smart to run. Who knows. Anyway, I guess you can start running with me tomorrow so you can familiarize yourself with the maze." He added. By the time they finish their conversation, it was lunchtime. They met up with Newt. Throughout the meal, Minho continuously praised her strengths. Ayla wasn't even listening, she was kind of embarrassed. It's like Minho was a proud mother who was very intrigued in showing off her daughter's talent. Newt, on the other hand, was smiling the whole time, seemingly enjoying the sight. When they're done with their lunch, there was still plenty of time. So they went to the deadheads and chilled.

"So... have you guys heard about the rumors?" Minho asked.

"About what?" Said Newt.

"About you two lovebirds, duh. What did you expect?" Ayla rolled her eyes, thinking that the idea of her dating Newt seemed ridiculous. They barely knew each other. Why would one assume that they're in a relationship? "I mean, the way you guys talk to each other screams 'love'. It's hard for people not to fall for this trap. Besides, it's not like you don't enjoy each other's presence." Minho said.

"Are you hinting that you dislike our accompany?"

"Yes. Imensly." Minho replied sarcastically.

"Okay. Newt, we shall leave Minho alone." That said, Ayla tucked Newt's arm and waved goodbye to Minho, smiling as she did that.

"You know what Ayla? I'm gonna give you the rest of day off and I'll lecture you on the rules in the morning 'cause you're just too good." Minho shouted but Ayla rolled her eyes and ignored it.

"You wanna help me out in the gardens? I could really use your help." Ayla nodded.

As they worked, they had a gleeful conversation and some occasional tease on each other. It was like every other couple would do, even though they knew nothing about it.

"Help me fertilize the plants will you?"

Ayla nodded and started spreading the fertilizer onto the field. She had a sudden idea of having a little 'fun' when she started to get bored after a few hours of gardening. Seeing as her hands were already covered in mud after working on the field, she walked towards Newt, whose back was facing her, and spread the mud on his face, creating two muddy lines on his right cheek. Newt gasped in surprise, "How dare you..." he said.

Ayla knew the consequences of messing around pretty well, and to avoid that from happening, she quickly started to dash towards the homestead. However, she didn't react to it fast enough for her to get away from Newt's grip. He pulled her close and hugged her with all his might. "You're going to repay for this." He whispered to her ears while she struggled to get away.

"Oh yeah? How?" She challenged him as she turned her head to face him. He stared at her eyes for a moment and said, "You'll know soon." He pecked her cheek, then turned his focus back to the fields to finish up work. Ayla stood there in shock, still processing what had just happened in her mind. Did he actually just kissed me on the cheek? She thought.

Ayla put a lot of thoughts on Newt while she continued to work till dinner. What does this mean? Does he think of me as more than a friend? Does he like me? Do I like him? All thoughts of Newt came rushing into her mind until dinner call snapped her out of it.

Ayla sat with Minho that night. She fidgetted her hands, played with her food, not having an urge to eat. Minho noticed that something was up with her.

"What's up with you?" He asked.

"Huh?"

"Your hands look like they're being shocked and you might explode any moment. Now stop playing eith your food and tell me what's up."

"It's nothing."

"Nothing is a great expression that implicates everything." Ayla blinked, cocked her head, raising her eyebrow.

"It means the 'nothing' that's bothering you is not nothing, shuckface. Just tell mama Minho what or who's bothering you and the problem will be solved tomorrow."

"And how, exactly, are you going to do that?"

"Oh I'm not gonna do the work, Newt's gonna do it for you 'cause you and I will be running in the maze tomorrow."

"See that's the problem."

"What problem? You gotta be specific here shuckface."

"It's Newt. He's the problem" She whispered, slamming on the table lightly. This time, it was Minho who cocked his head, and stared at her.

"Is this where you tell me like him because I TOTALLY won't tell anyone?" He grinned, eyeing Ayla carefully. Ayla felt her cheeks warm up. "N...no...?" she stuttered, playing with her pendant.

"Oh great, that means a 'yes'. I thought you were better than this. If you're gonna find a man, at least find one like me."

"Oh I'm totally not going to find one like you. I don't need another 'Minho' in my life." Ayla retorted. Not that she didn't appreciate him, it's just that she surely didn't need another person to annoy her.

"Relax. I'm not that of a shuckface you think I am. In fact, I'm a hundred times better than a shuckface. And just so you know, you can trust me."

A/N:
Yes. I know I haven't been updating and y'all want to kill me. But please have mercy on me because I will continue to update. Hope you enjoy this chapter. Thank you for your patience.