Never Gave Up (Alby Love Story)

Chapter 20 Alby's P.O.V

A group of boys stood outside the Homestead yelling. I was to far away to understand what was being said. Ashton held my hand as we walked towards the building.

"Alby!" Jeff said pushing his way through the crowd.

"Yes."

"The girl got away. I don't know we're she went."

"How do you lose her?"

I walked away and pulled Ashton behind me. Newt followed me muttering about something. Ashton let go of my hand and ran towards the Deadheads.

"Ashton!"

"Going to talk to Thomas." She yelled back.

Newt went after her and I followed. Why is she going to talk to Thomas? Why does she worry about him so much?

We followed her into to the Deadheads. She stood in front of Thomas who was sitting on the ground with a blanket on and the girl sat next to him. Why is she with Thomas?

"Thomas we did this to them. I triggered the ending." the girl said.

"Put her in the Slammer!" I said.

"Alby." Thomas and Ashton said at the same time.

"He right. Thomas she just bloody admitted what she did." Newt said.

Ashton looked at me as the girl stood up. She didn't look happy. She glared me and then looked back at Thomas.

"Billy, Jackson put her in the Slammer." I said and Newt followed the boys as they left.

"Alby you can't put her in the Slammer." Thomas said standing up.

I moved forward and grabbed Thomas by the cover if of his shirt. I really don't like him. Ashton grabbed my arm and tried to pull it away. It didn't work.

"Look around you. Look at the time. The shuck doors didn't close!" I said and let him go and walked away.

I walked of the Deadheads and started to tell the boys to do stuff. Ashton and Thomas were behind me.

"Minho."

"Yes."

"Go collect as many weapons as you can and go the the Homestead."

"I'll help you." Ashton and followed Minho to the barn.

Thomas walked off and I told the Builders to start to patch up the Homestead. All the Gladers will have to stay there for the night.

"Newt get all the boys that aren't working and tell them to get inside the Homestead. I eat everyone in there in twenty minutes."

"Good that." he said and walked off.

As I walked to the Homestead boys poured into the building. Newt and Owen were handing flash lights to everyone entering the building.

Minho, Ashton and a few other runners carried weapons to the Homestead. They then stood next to Newt and Owen and passed them out.

I stood across from them and made sure every Glader was in the building. As I stood I debated on weather or not that I should put Ashton in the Slammer. It's the safest place in the Glade. But she probably wouldn't be to happy about that.

"Ok. That's everyone." Newt said flicking on his flash.

"Thomas came in?" Ashton asked.

Why does she care about him so much?

"Yeah he was one of the first." Owen said.

After everyone was settled down I walked to my bedroom pulling Ashton behind me. She sat on the bed as someone knocked on the door.

"Come in." She yelled.

The door opened and Thomas, Minho, and Newt walked in. Ashton stood up as Newt sat on the bed next to me. Thomas and Minho sat in the chairs.

"Should I leave?" Ashton asked still standing.

"No. Your fine. We just have to discuss things." Minho said.

She sat next to me and grabbed my hand. I still think I should be her in the Slammer. I looked Newt and took a deep breath. I know what I have to do.

"Well it's obvious that I can't be leader anymore."

"Alby." Newt said and Ashton looked at me.

"Since the Changing I haven't been right. I can't be leader."

Newt glared at me then turned to Minho. Ashton was still looking at me.

"Ok. Now let's talk about how we are going to get out if here." Minho said.

"Someone should be studying the maps. See if we missed anything." Thomas said.

"I'll do it." I said and stood up.

"Alby-"

Ashton grabbed my hand and stood up with me. Newt stood to and blocked the door.

"I have a key. I'll be fine. I'll see you in the morning."

I kissed Ashton cheek and walked to the door. I closed the door behind me and walked down the stairs. Boys sat all over the room. They turned their heads as I walked out the Homestead.

The Glade was pitch black. As I walked to the map room I could hear the Grievers out in the maze. They were louder since the door are open.

I unlocked the door and closed it behind me. I placed a chest full of maps on the table and begin to look through.

I sat for about an hour when I heard it. The metal grinding of the Grievers and the screams of the boys coming from the Homestead.

I'm so stupid. I left Ashton there by herself. Yeah she's in a room full of boys. But I'm not there to protect her.

I'm so stupid.