Mysteries of the Maze » Newt {1}

Five

Just a disclaimer, all these characters and ideas belong to James Dashner. I only own Maya!

The unsteadiness of a night fire woke me from my slumber and a yawn left my lips before I even opened my eyes. Looking around, the hut looked just as it did earlier just darker.

I sat up quickly as everything that happened before suddenly came back to me, hitting me like a ton of bricks. My eyes instinctively went to my arm to see it was newly bandaged. It still hurt but it had gone down to a dull ache.

"Good, you're awake."

I looked up as Alby walked in and took a seat next to me. I slowly swung my legs off the side and pulled forward slightly.

"The boy who attacked you won't hurt you again." He said.

"What happened to him?" I asked.

"He was stung. It's a sort of poison that Grievers carry." Alby explained.

"How...?" I had so many questions but I wasn't sure how to say them or which to ask first.

"They live in the maze and typically they only come out at night. This is... very unusual. Not something that ever happens but I want you to know that you're safe okay?" Alby softly rested his hand on my leg, bringing me as much comfort as he knew how.

I nodded and looked around, shivering a bit. Alby wrapped my sweater around me and I gave him a small to thank him.

"I should uh... I should go." I tried to get up but the world spun faster than normal and Alby had to ease me back down.

"Yeah, not gonna happen. Sleep here tonight and then you can go back to work tomorrow morning okay?"

I was too weak to argue so I just nodded and watched him leave. Turning my back to the door, I curled up and closed my eyes, willing sleep to come quickly.

***

When morning came, I was given new clothes to change into and Alby guarded the river as I bathed the best I would. Changing into a blue v-neck shirt and short camping shorts, I let my wet hair fall down my back and air dry. Alby led me to to the food hut for breakfast and despite my efforts to head back to the watchtower, I was forced to sit with all the leaders.

"It's time for you to meet the most important people." Alby chuckled. "You know Newt. That's Frypan, Jeff, Winston and Minho. And you know Gally."

Gally gave Alby a disapproving look and got up, taking his food to go.

"He still really doesn't like me." I frowned.

"He kind of thinks... it's your fault that kid got stung yesterday." Alby replied.

"Alby!" Newt scolded.

"Come on, man." Jeff scoffed.

"Is it my fault?" I asked.

"No!" They all answered at once.

I rolled my eyes. "Look, I'm not gonna cry or whatever just tell me. Is it my fault?"

All the boys exchanged looks and I watched as they tried to decide whether to tell me or not.

"You sure you won't cry?" Frypan cringed.

"Yeah cause isn't that what girls do?" Minho shrugged.

"Everyone cries sometimes for one and girls also punch idiots so what's it gonna be? The truth or a hard punch for every single one of you." I retorted.