Amaurotic \\ The Maze Runner [Newt] [1]

Chapter Thirty-Two

[ P R E S E N T ]

Nova rummaged through the many letters that had been sent up into the Glade, until she eventually found the most recent and very last one. She would only assume it was the very last one, considering what her supposed mother told her in her flashbacks and the fact that the Box wasn't going back down anytime soon.

Grabbing the folded letter, she spread it out on her makeshift desk, and sat in her little wooden chair. She was just about to read it, only for her to be interrupted within the first sentence. Nova's shoulders slumped low as she sighed, knowing the letter would have to continue waiting for her fingers to read later on.

And so, Nova folded the letter back up. And instead of placing it back into the bin full of other letters, she shoved it into her pants pocket. Because she was going to read it later, when she had the chance. Mark her words.

"Nova!" A females voice ran through her eardrums, as she felt the vibrations of the girls feet pattering into the homestead. Holding each hand against the door frame.

"Oh..." Nova tilted her head. "Hey, um... Teresa, was it? How're you doing?"

Teresa nodded, "I'm doing better."

Nova smiled, "Good that." She was sure the new girl overheard her name, because she surely didn't tell her.

"Newt didn't want to bother you, as he knew you were either tired or busy with your letters." Teresa explained. "But, he wanted me to come and ask how you're doing, and how your holding up on everything that's happened so far."

Nova smiled with a chuckle, "Ohh." She shook her head politely, fiddling with her fingers. "Yeah, Newt always worries for me."

Teresa went from holding the door frame, to leaning against it. "He does, hm?"

Nova realized Teresa had a seductive touch to her tone. Nova laughed, at the thought.

"Does anyone know?"

"About what?" Nova asked.

"You know," Teresa shook her shoulders slightly. "You and Newt."

Nova smiled even more, "Yes, the Gladers know. They kinda have for a long while now, actually." Her cheeks felt warm. Too warm.

"I-" Teresa began, only to get cut off.

A large clashing noise came straight from the Maze. Nova and Teresa ran outside of the homestead, curious of the sudden ruckus. It gave their hearts a little scare, as it was so sudden.

"Four-hundred and thirty-two," Nova breathed.

Teresa looked at her, "What're you doing?"

"I'm counting the time, its what I do every single day, its how I keep track of time since I cannot see." Nova explains. "If my counting is correct, it should be seven at night."

"Okay? Which means?"

"The Maze should be closing at any moment, they should be back by now." Nova ran towards the Maze. Teresa instantly follows.

It sounded like the Maze was crumbling to its knees, like they had done something to it, and it was breaking down. But, from inside the Glade, according to Teresa, everything looked just fine and normal.

Frypan, Zart and Jeff had already returned to the Glade an hour prior. So, Nova and Teresa were just waiting at the Maze doors for Minho and Thomas. Hoping they would make it, again.

Newt, Chuck, Gally and David were right behind Teresa and Nova. Waiting for their friends to come back as well, full of slight worry.

And to their relief, they saw Thomas and Minho jogging back into the Glade before the walls closed for the night. Nova felt the vibrations, and her heart calmed itself. Thomas and Minho quickly walked through the Glade, as they all kept up with their speed.

"What the hell was going on out there?" Newt asked, in a rushed tone.

Thomas instantly answered that question, "We think we might've found the exit."

"For the Maze?" Newt was shocked. "Really?" He looked at Minho.

Minho tilted his head and nodded, out of breath. "Yeah. I'm not entirely sure, but it looks very promising. Its very new, and something I've never seen before."

"We think its where the Griever's go during the day." Thomas added.

"Grievers?" Chuck jolted, scared at the thought. "You want us to go in where the Griever's sleep?!"

Thomas nodded, "If it means our freedom. Then yes."

Gally scoffed angrily, "Or it could lead us to our deaths, or a dead end. The truth is, Thomas doesn't know what he has done, as usual!"

Thomas groaned, annoyed. He turns around, and looked Gally right in the eyes, inches from his face. "Well at least I did something, what did you do, huh?!"

Gally brought up three fingers, "You've been here for three days. I've been here for three years!"

Nova was confused, she could've sworn it's been more than three days since Thomas has been there. Unless the Changing had her mind all up in so much of a twist, that she's starting to imagine extra days as it all goes by.

"Yeah!" Thomas coaxed. "And you're still here, Gally!"

Gally held the biggest grudge everyone has ever seen. It wasn't long until the group of them dwelled in a very loud argument. One so loud, Nova had to cover her ears. She kept forgetting that she was stung only about a month ago, and she is still going through the Changing. Sadly, she will most likely never not go through the Changing...

It all causes her senses to become more sensitive than they used to me, as her body changes with the sting from the Griever.

"Guys!" A girls voice range through the Glade.

Everyone goes silent, and looks at her. Nova uncovers her ears, and sighs in relief from the pain of their loud voices.

"Its Alby," She states. "he's awake."

She and the rest of the Gladers go running in the direction of the medhut. But Newt stays behind with Nova, waiting until she is ready to go along.

"Nova..." Newt worried. "Are you alright?"

Nova rubs her ears, and cracks the bones in her neck. "Yeah... um... yeah-" She shakes her head from all of the ongoing thoughts and the new feelings. "-I'm just very tired, is all. And-"

Newt sighs, Nova stays quiet. "Remember you don't have to keep secrets from me, its okay..."

Nova held both of her hands, nervous. "I think its the Changing, my body has been acting weird ever since."

"Do you think you'll be okay?" Newt asked.

Nova nodded, "Yeah. I think so. I should be."

Newt carefully brought his hands into hers, fingers interlocking. Which caused Nova to smile, with her cheeks flaring up in heat.

"I'm okay, Newt."

"Good that."

--------
Here's chapter thirty-two! :)

What was your favorite part of this chapter?

Xoxo <3