Into the Maze

Chapter 3

"This is all we got." Alby motioned out at the glade, as the wood below us creaked and swayed with the gentle breeze. "We worked hard for it."

I looked out and watched the boys all working together in different sections. I adjusted my grip on the railing and took a deep breath, I liked it out here, it was peaceful in the tree.

And if I remembered some things, and maybe there was another girl, this place would almost be enjoyable.

"You respect this place, then we'll get along just fine." I looked over at Alby, he looked serious, but kind.

"What's out there?" The boy asked, looking at the door on the wall. On the other side it was dark, and covered in vines. I hadn't even noticed out there.

"We only have three rules," Alby started, completely ignoring his question. "First, do your part, no time for any free loaders. Second, never harm another glader, none of this works unless we have trust. Most importantly, never go beyond those walls. You understand me." He got up in the boys face, mostly talking to him, but kept glancing at me.

I watched him, what could be so bad that was beyond those walls? That could be a way out of this place, why weren't we back there.

"Hey Alby!" Someone called from down below. I leaned over the railing and looked down to find a small boy, who was a little chubby and had brown, curly hair.

"Hey Chuck." Alby chuckled, and I smiled as Chuck waved up at us. He was so cute and tiny, like a little kid, and I was over whelmed with the feeling to protect him.

I pulled my hand up and waved back, Alby noticing my unusual gesture, considering I barely talked to anyone, and now I was waving.

"Where you been, man?" Alby asked, as I turned and started back down the ladder. I wanted to meet this kid, I felt connected to him too.

Not like I was to the boy, or like I was to Newt, it was different. I think it's cause he seemed so young, about 13. The boy from the box looked 16, Newt looked 17, and Alby looked 18, but he also looks like he'd be older than how he looked. I don't know how I know what a 16 year old looks like, I just do.

I jumped off the ladder and walked over to Chuck, who was staring at me. I smiled at him, which broke his gaze and he smiled back.

"I don't remember seeing a girl before." Chuck said, and I grinned. His voice sounded so innocent and pure, I wondered why anyone would put a kid like Chuck in here.

"I'm Parker." I greeted, and turned around, watching the boy and Alby hop down from the ladder, coming over to us.

"That's a really pretty name" Chuck beamed, and I smiled. Aww, I think my heart just melted for this little kid.

"Thank you." I gushed, and the boy from the box walked over, looking at me.

"Wait, you know your name?" He asked, and I nodded. "What is it?" I watched Alby come over closer too, he was looking at me and waiting for an answer. I guess he just assumed I didn't know my name.

"It's Parker." Chuck spoke up, answering for me. Alby looked from Chuck, to me, and then broke into a smile.

"Well, Parker, Greenie, this is Chuck. I've got to go get a few things ready, he'll get you all set up." Alby patted my shoulder, then the boy's, and walked away. We all watched him go before Chuck turned back to us.

"You guys look really alike." He stated. Me and the boy? I turned my head and looked at him, and he had the same idea, looking at me. "The hair, the eyes, your freckles. You even look the same age." Was it possible that we were related? "Anyways, follow me, I'll get your hammocks set up."