Escape From WICKED

Chapter 2

At fist, Thomas thought Teresa was kidding but the look in her eyes told him she was dead serious.

Do you have a death wish? Thomas thought to Teresa. She stared at him, looking hurt.

Teresa crossed her arms over her chest. "Thomas," she whispered. "We can't stay here. They're gonna get us killed."

"What if they catch us? I mean, if we get caught they'll send us to the Scorch or worse." Thomas said.

"But Tom, we could die, or get stung by a Greiver, or get stuck in the Maze!" Teresa exclaimed.

"And if we run WICKED could kill us, cut out our brains, dissect us, shoot us-The list goes on forever. I'd rather take my chances with the Glade."

Just then, a knock on the door echoed through the room.

"Thomas? May I come in?" Said a voice far too familiar to Thomas and Teresa. It was Janson.

It's past curfew! Teresa said urgently in Thomas's head. He could sense the panic in her voice. What am I supposed to do?

Thomas scanned the room looking for a place for Teresa to hide. His eyes fell on the closet. He opened the closet and gestured for her to get in.

"One minute!" Thomas called to Janson.

Teresa scooted into the closet, closing it shut behind her.

Thomas ran to the door. When he opened it, Janson was on the other side.

"Hello Janson. Can I do anything for you today?" Thomas said.

"Actually, I'm here to tell you that something's come up and your wipe is going to be happening in two days."

Thomas stood stunned. "What?"

Janson ignored him. "Can I come in?"

Thomas moved aside slightly, and Janson squeezed past him.

Tom, did he just say what I think he said? Teresa asked in his mind which almost made Thomas jump, panic clear in her voice.

Thomas didn't answer. He was afraid he'd get caught.

Janson sat at the table, his legs crossed and hands clutched together in his lap.

Thomas forced himself to move towards the table. He strained with effort every step.

"What do you mean my memory is getting wiped in two days?" Thomas asked, trying to keep calm.

"Exactly what I said." Janson said coldly. "You're having your memories erased sooner then we thought. It seems Group B has already found the clue to the exit. We're going to have to send you to the Glade soon."

Thomas stood there. As if the girls were doing better then the guys! He didn't believe it.

Tom! Teresa screamed in his mind. It sent pain shooting through Thomas's head. What is he saying?

I don't know. I'm being sent to the Glade earlier then expected-

"Thomas?" Janson asked, breaking his train of thought. "Are you listening? You've been staring at the closet for a while."

Thomas snapped out of his daze. "Yeah, I'm listening." He said quickly.

Janson looked suspicious, but he kept talking. "The wipe will take four hours maximum. You will be sedated and kept sedated until you are halfway up the elevator to the Glade. Teresa will come the next day as planned, but immediately after she wakes up, she'll go into a coma. She will remember everything until she wakes up, then, all of her memories will be lost-"

A sound came from the closet. A gasp.

Teresa you idiot! What are you doing? You're going to get us in trouble! Thomas said with his mind.

Janson looked at Thomas, an eyebrow raised. "Thomas," he said, an edge to his voice. "Is there something you want to tell me?"

Thomas shook his head. The palms of his hands were slick with sweat.

"So you wouldn't mind if I checked the closet would you?" Janson asked. This was not a question. Thomas had known Janson long enough to know that he was demanding and did take no for an answer.

Thomas nodded without saying a word.

Teresa! Quick! Hide! Thomas panicked as he thought to her.

I am hiding you moron! She snapped back.

Janson was at the closet door, his hand on the knob.

Thomas closed his eyes. He knew that Teresa couldn't hide. They were done for.

But then, just as Janson began to twist the knob, he stopped.

"You do realize what will happen if I find someone in here, don't you?" Janson asked, his stare cold as ice.

Thomas nodded slightly. "Yes sir."

Janson waisted the door knob and swung open the closet door.