They Don't Own Me

Chapter 30

Ivy stepped out of the showers, comfortable in the new clothes she was wearing. She had chosen a pair of combat boots, much like her old ones only less worn out. She also wore a pair of blue jeans and a red tank top, with a black sweatshirt tied around her waist. Her wet hair was left as it was, hanging loosely down her back. The girl nodded to her friends in the hall, seeing as they were all ready.

"Follow me," the guard said.

The teens did so, staying together as they walked down the long hallways. Ivy resumed in memorizing their steps, almost annoyed that she was. They were free now, there was no need for her to memorize the base if they were just going to be relocated. The walk took several minutes and they eventually came to a large door. The guard opened it with his card and stepped inside, calling for one of the doctors. A man in a white coat came over to them, giving the teens a smile.

"Thank you for bringing them, Victor," he said, nodding to the guard. "We'll take it from here." Victor nodded and left the group, most likely returning to his duties. "Now, if you'll follow me please, we'll direct you to different stations. You will go through every station, but we want this go as quickly as possible."

Soon, the Gladers were spread out throughout the room. From where she sat on an examination table, Ivy could see everyone perfectly. The doctors had Minho running while the others were getting their tests done. On the other side of the room, Teresa was sitting a second examination table, waiting to be seen. Ivy sighed, wrapping her arms around herself as a faint chill came over her. Glancing around the room, she made eye contact with Newt, who silently asked if she was all right. She nodded to him, giving him a small smile in response. Several times, she could even see Minho glance her way, making sure she was all right.

Suddenly, a woman with long dark hair appeared, smiling at the teenage girl.

"Good evening, Ivy," she said, giving a slight smile. "My name is Doctor Wheeler. I'll be doing your evaluations today. How are you doing? You settling in all right so far?"

Ivy shrugged slightly.

"It's just not what I'm used to," she replied.

Doctor Wheeler nodded.

"That is understandable. Now, let's get started, shall we?"

As she turned her back to Ivy, the girl noticed another doctor walk toward Teresa and close a set a curtains around the two. Ivy quickly looked to the doctor, seeing her reach for the light blue curtains.

"Wait!" she said, causing the woman to pause and look at her. "Please don't close it."

"Is everything okay?" Doctor Wheeler questioned, taking a step toward her.

"It's just... I'm not used to being around people I don't know." She lowered her voice and ducked her head. "I don't want to be separated from my friends."

"Ivy." The girl returned her gaze to the doctor. "I won't do anything you're uncomfortable with. My job is not to scare you; I want to make sure you can trust me. You want the curtain to stay open?" Ivy nodded. "Then it will stay open."

"Thank you."

"It's not a problem. Now, I'm going to run through my routine check up, ask you some questions, then give you a shot mixed with different kinds of vitamins and elements you have been deprived of while you were in the Maze."

As the doctor began to run her small tests, Ivy looked at her friends, only to find that Thomas was being led out of the room. Thomas was following a guard toward the door. He glanced back at Tersa before turning to face forward. Ivy gave him a questioning look as he walked passed her. The boy simply shrugged, looking confused and slightly suspicious. Soon, he disappeared from sight and the door closed behind him. Ivy turned her head to look at the others, but they seemed as confused as Thomas had been.