The Cost of the Cure

Chapter 70

You wait outside of the Homestead the next day while the Gathering takes place over Thomas. Newt had tried to convince them to let you attend, but hadn't been able to persuade all of them. There was enough change in the Glade already, and you doubt they could have handled much more.

Half an hour in, Gally storms out. You watch him stalk away in mild shock. He had never been afraid to show his outrage, but he had never just left something before because he was mad. He always stayed and fought. You shake your head and continue to stand outside. You'll just have to wait until it's over for Newt to fill you in.

A thought occurs to you. It's almost like he's training you to become second in command, like he usually is. You try to shake the thought away, but you can't banish it completely. It doesn't make sense. Alby should come out of it soon, and within days things would be back to normal .

Several minutes later, the other Keepers file out of the Homestead, whispering to each other is hushed conversations. You can only catch snippets of them as they walk past, but you catch the words "Runner", "Thomas", "Gally", and the phrase "Minho's finally lost his shucking mind." You're suddenly not so sure you want to know exactly what happened in there.

You're about to walk in and ask Newt anyways when you spot Chuck sprinting as fast as his short legs can take him towards you. He runs right past you and barges into the Homestead. Your eyes widen and you dash after him.

He throws open the door to where the Gathering took place and you almost run into him as he stops without a single warning.

"What's wrong?" Newt asks, dropping the notes in his hand and standing up from the chair he had previously been seated on.

"Med-Jacks sent me," Chuck pants, wringing his hands.

Your heart drops. The only person the Med-Jacks are taking care of is Alby, which means...

"Why?" Newt asks, an edge of panic creeping into his voice.

"I guess Alby's thrashing around and acting all crazy, telling them he needs to talk to someone."

Newt makes for the door and you stand to the side, trying to step out of his way. Chuck holds up a hand.

"Ummm..." he starts, looking down at his feet. "He doesn't want you."

Newt freezes. "What do you mean?"

Chuck points at Thomas. "He keeps asking for him."