The First Gladers; Into the Scorch

Chapter 1: Refreshments

 You made it. You're free.

Yet something seems strange as images start to flash across your mind. Those people who were attacking the soldiers. Something was wrong with them. They almost seemed in-human.

After taking a moment to collect yourself, you take a look around the bus, for the first time taking note of the survivors. You're not sure what you were expecting, but the numbers are low. Your heart aches inside your chest as you count heads. Ten. Only ten escaped.

You rest your head on the warm glass of the window as you force down your emotions. You still have to be strong at least for the others, if not for yourself. If you start crying now you're not sure you would ever stop.

About halfway through the ride Newt finds his seat next to you, gently taking your hand into his. He smiles down to you softly, yet his eyes glisten with remorse.

"We made it." He croaks.

"Yeah. I guess we did." You respond with a sigh, glancing your hand in his.

After a moment Newt asks, "Why do I feel worse than I did before we left?"

You frown, looking him in the eye, "I'm asking myself the same question."

The two of you sit in silence, listening as Thomas questions one of the soldiers that helped rescue you. She explains that those 'people' you saw attacking the soldiers were actually what they call 'Cranks'. The people who have been infected by the virus and lost their humanity entirely.

At some point along the drive, your exhaustion takes over and you slip into a nightmare riddled sleep. Flashes of death and memories of pain spin through your mind constantly as you sleep, leaving you feeling more tired when you wake up than when you feel asleep.

The jerking of the bus coming to a stop is what finally rips you away from the horrible nightmares and you wake with your head resting on Newt's shoulder. He smiles down at you, still holding your hand. Without a word from either of you, nor the other Gladers everyone climbs out of the bus in a single-file line. After that you quickly run, following the soldiers into a large grey building, shielding your eyes from the sand.

Almost immediately you are met with a blast of cool air. Air conditioning. The air almost tastes sweet. You can't remember the last time you've experienced the cold breeze of air conditioning. The wonders don't stop there. In front of you lies a feast that would make Fry Pan pee his pants. All the food you could ever dream of is laid out before you.

The Gladers each exchange suspicious glances as the soldiers have mysteriously disappeared. Yet, as if in an unspoken agreement everyone makes a mad dash toward the food, grabbing chunks with their bare hands and shoving the miracle food in their mouths. Somehow you find yourself in the middle of it all, eating as much as your stomach can handle when, out of nowhere a piece of food smacks you in the face. You whip around to see Minho grinning mischievously. Without a second thought you fling a massive chunk of mashed potatoes at his face, ultimately starting your first ever food fight.

 You allow your head to relax as you lean against the wall. For the first time in your memory, your stomach is full of absolutely amazing food, you're not sweating or uncomfortable, nor are you fearful of a blood thirsty monster lurking around the corner. For the first time in your memory, you are at peace. As your gaze travels around the room you notice that the other Gladers are too. Everyone sits in silence, enjoying the peace of the moment.

All too soon a man enters the room, disturbing the silence.

"Hello children. My name is Janson, and I'm going to take care of you." The man says with a charming smile.

You sit up from your relaxed position, finally noticing the soreness of your muscles. The boys glance around, unsure of what to say.

"Uhm, hey." You mutter awkwardly.

Janson chuckles, leaning against the door.

"I'm sure you are all very confused." He says.

You nod along with the others.

"Well," Janson starts, "You also smell horrible, so why not go shower off then I'll explain everything?"

Your jaw drops. You can't remember the last time you had a real shower. Sure, there were showers in the Glade but the water was always filthy and cold.

In response to everyones shocked faces, Janson chuckles yet again, motioning for you all to follow as he leads the way out the door.

Janson leads you and the other Gladers down a series of pristine white hallways, eventually leading to two locker rooms opposite of each other.

"Girls on the right, boys on the left." Janson explains.

Just as you're about to step through the door, Newt grabs you by the wrist.

"Hey, once everyone settles down there's something I want to talk to you about." He whispers painly.

You turn to face him, but without another word he disappears through the opposite door, leaving you to wonder what he meant.

Hesitating slightly, you enter the locker room behind Theresa and enter a stall. The sensations is more magical than you imagined it would be. Immediately all cares and worries slip form your mind as the hot water pours over your body. All the dirt and blood is washed away along with the memories of how they got there.

You made it. You're free.

Maybe now you could live a normal life. Maybe now you could tell Newt what you've been meaning to tell him for so long. Could that be what he wants to talk to you about? With this new sense of freedom does he have the courage to tell you how he feels? 

There is no greater love than to lay one's life down for one's friends. John 15:13

A/N: Woohoo!! The first chapter of the next book!!! I hope you're all as excited as I am!! Make sure to comment and vote!! Don't forget I love you all so much!!