Mary: The First Girl

13

I ate quickly, and stood up to put my plate away, mumbling to Newt that's I would be right back. After putting it in the rack to be washed, I went over to the sink at the end of the Pavilion to wash my hands, before returning to the table. 

I lingered, looking around at the faces and tables, noting the design of the building. I wondered, briefly, if they had to build this themselves, or if it was already here when they were first sent up?  Did they have to chop down the trees to build these tables, or was the lumber sent up through the elevator that sent me up? 

I suppose they must've built this, if they had a job designated for "builders" but nonetheless, I planned to ask Newt later. Well, that, among other things.

I took the long way back to the table, walking along the perimeter past the posts framing the outdoor dining hall. It was nice to have the fresh air, even if it felt like I was under a damn microscope slide. 

I could hear everything they were saying, but it didn't seem like anyone could see me. I was alone, outside, for the most part. 

As I approached the table, I froze, hearing my name. 

"Yeah, Mary's sweet. But come on, mates. This is bloody crazy. I'm not going to sleep with her, and you shouldn't bloody consider it. What happened to "never harming another Glader"?" I heard Newt say. I smiled, and began walking towards him, thankful for the help, and contemplating if now was the time I should speak up. 

"Whatever Newt. I still think you should do it. May as well, who's stopping you?" One boy, another trackhoe, I think was saying. He was scrawny, maybe a little taller and a couple years younger than me, with strawberry blonde hair and pale skin.

"Me. And where's the fun in that?" I asked, sliding in next to Newt. I smiled at him, and he looked away, flustered. 

Newt laughed, and stood up. "Ready to work, Greenie?" 

I nodded, muttered a goodbye to the table, and followed Newt back through the dish line, and out of the building.

"Sorry about that." He said, as we stepped outside. "Listen, Greenie, I was talking to Alby and we decided  it may be best for you to work with me today, and start trying out other jobs later? Good that."

I nodded, and continued on.