We Don't Have Time For This (The Maze Runner/Newt)

Chapter 3

I tried my hardest to get my thoughts together before the gathering. I tried to remember somthing. Anything. Just a tiny detail. All I could think of was.....my name is Flick....my name is Flick.......my name is Flick. 

Shuck it. I'm just a scared little girl. In the middle of God knows where. I paced for a little while, humming to myself. I thought about Newt. About Chuck, and Thomas, and Minho. I just needed a friend. 

"Hey, Flick, time for the gathering." Chuck said, scaring me half to death. I turned to face him. "Are you okay?" He asked.

"What? Why?" I asked. 

"You're crying." He said. "Why?" 

"I don't know...I'm really lost...by myself" I said, wiping my tears.

"Well, the gathering space is just over there. And I'll walk with you if you want." Chuck said. I laughed, and followed Chuck over to the gathering space. The door was locked and there was a big group of  Gladers with their ears pressed against the door. Amongst them was Thomas. I tugged his sleeve.

"Whats going on?" I asked 

" They've been aguring for hours." Thomas whispered. 

Suddenly the door opened and Newt stepped out. He looked at me, then pushed me out of his way, walking away from the gathering space. I followed the rest of the boys into the circular building, waiting for Newt to come back. He didn't.

What did I do to make him so mad? Maybe I was going to be a planter and he didn't want me around all day. Maybe I was chosen to be a runner, and he though I was too immature. Maybe I was going to be a med-jack, and he though I couldn't handle seeing gross cuts.

Alby stood up front and everyione got quiet. "Would Flick's new keeper please step forward." 

My heard thudded as I heard Minho mumble "I can't belive I'm doing this." and he stood up.

The crowd of boys murumered and gossiped as they all headed outside. Minho waited behind for me.

"Greenies never get chosen as runners. Don't be disapointed when you don't get it." I mocked and we both laugh. 

He shrugged. "What can I say? You've got what it takes."

 When we stepped outside, I examined the scene. There was a giant pile of wood and pine straw to light as a fire. The keepers, Alby, and Newt, lit up a stick, and on Alby's cue, they threw the flames at the fire pit, and it set ablaze. Newt sat back down by himself as the other boys mingled. I took a step towards the distressed boy, but Minho caught my shoulder. I looked at him and he shook his head.

"Come sit with the runners. You're one of us now." He smiled.

I joined Minho and a group of about 7 or 8 boys. Minho introduced me, announcing I'd be running along side him, starting after Ben's banishment, which was tomorrow, for a few days to learn what I needed to do, and then I'd get my own section. 

 I talked to Thomas and Minho for awhile, glancing at Newt a few times. He was always staring at me or the fire. Pretty soon my curiosity got the best of me, so I tapped Thomas on the shoulder. 

"Can I talk to you, please?" I asked. 

I knew he could see the concern in my eyes, because he nodded and stood up quickly. We walked out of earshot of everyone else, and I asked "What's up with Newt? He's acting really.....hostile." I told Thomas.

"I don't know. Somthing must have happened in the concil meeting. They normally only last 15 or 20 minuets. This one was hours long." He stated. "Look, I don't even know. Newt tends to get really attached to Greenies, but once we get a new one, he'll probably leave you alone, you know. Completely forget about you."