Mary: The First Girl

9

I felt his hand slide across my waist before I saw him coming. I had once again, found myself talking with Chuck near the trees, discussing my possible fate. We weighed my options: escape, fight, or submit, and for the time being, playing along seemed like the best option. 

I tried to explain to Chuck what was so wrong with this, hoping if by some chance I wasn't the last girl here and he grew older among the maze, he wouldn't participate in such horrible acts. 

He seemed to understand, and reassured me that I would probably be safe with Newt.

And as we stood talking, I let my eyes wander across he clearing to where Newt stood, laughing with his friends and avoiding me. 

I couldn't find him for a second, and then felt his arm warp around my waist.

"Newt?" I questioned, looking up to see him smiling down at me. 

"The one and only." He laughed, his accent thicker than it had been earlier. "Hey, Chuck." 

Chuck smiled, and I couldn't help but laugh at his demeanor too. "Hey, Newt." 

"Mind if I steal Mary away? You'll see her again tomorrow, I promise." He asked, kindly. His eyes twinkled under the moonlight, and he leaned his head on top of mine. 

Chuck friended, but then looked up at Newt, puffing his chest out. "I better!" 

Newt grinned, and I did too. And with that, I stood up, nervously. I didn't think I had anything to be nervous about. 

And yet, my heart pounded in my chest as we walked. 

He took my hand, leading me back to the homestead in silence. He didn't so much as look down at me, and I didn't speak either, unsure of what to say, and afraid someone would hear me. 

As soon as we reached the house, he dropped my hand, holding the door open for me. 

"Sorry about that. Didn't want anyone to suspect, you know?" And with that, he led me upstairs to his room. Opening the door, he let me walk in first, silent still. 

Finally, the door clanged shut behind us, and I had the courage to speak.

"Newt, what..." I began. "Thank you. Thank you so much. I don't know how I'll ever repay you, but thank you."

He shrugged, folding his jacket back up and putting it in his drawer.

"No worries, Greenie. I won't do anything. I just couldn't let Gally or Drew or whoever to...well, you know what would've happened. I'm sure. Listen, I'm gonna go shower, we can talk about this," He gestured between us, "later.." He grabbed a towel, and left quickly, leaving me to my own thoughts.  

Thankful to be left alone, my heart stopped pounding and I went back over to the wooden crate, and pulled out a pair of sweat pants and a tank top. I slid it over my body easily, folding my clothes on top of the crate, and then went over to the mirror to put my hair up in a high pony tail.