Mysteries of the Maze » Newt {1}

Six

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

I refused to go to bed once nightfall came. Newt tried to convince me to come to bed but I wasn't tired after sleeping almost all day the day before. I could use the night for quiet thinking.

About two hours later, everyone was asleep. Except me.

The sound of shifting walls kept me awake, and I it was too dark to continue making weapons so I made a pile and kept them next to me just in case. It was about midnight when the latch beside me unlocked and opened slowly. My knife was in my hand and pointing at the doorway as my heart picked up speed, afraid that someone else was going to attack.

I was overjoyed to see the curly orange head pop out from the hole.

"Chuck." I said quietly, heaving a sigh of relief.

I dropped my knife and watched as he climbed up and sat beside me.

"You should be in bed." I told him, softly. 

"You sound like a mom." He replied, sitting beside me.

"I'm no such thing, kid. But really it's late. You should be sleeping." I said.

"I can't sleep." Chuck said, pouting a little.

"Why? What's wrong?" I asked, suddenly worried.

"I keep having these dreams... I don't know if it's my mother or somebody else, but I keep hearing a woman's voice." He explained.

"What's she saying?"

"She's telling me a story." Chuck smiled to himself, looking at the maze in deep thought.

"Is it a good story?"

"Yeah. It's about two people who meet and completely hate each other. And then one day the guy starts having feelings for her. And he kisses her. She blows him off but she never tells him she loves him back." Chuck told me happily.

"Until the guy almost dies, and then she finally finds the courage." I continued, absentmindedly.

"You know it?" Chuck asked, looking at me.

I shrugged and frowned. "I think so."

"Will you tell it to me? It may help me sleep if I feel like it's coming from the real world and not my dreams." Chuck pleaded.

"Uh sure... I guess." I crossed my legs and sat up straighter to get comfortable.

Chuck turned so his back was facing me, and laid his head in my lap, facing the maze.

At first I was totally uncomfortable and I didn't know what to do. Then some familiarity set in and I relaxed, gently playing with Chuck's hair.

"There once was a boy about 17, and he lived in Alaska. He was perfect in school and had the perfect life. But there was also a girl about 17. She also lived in Alaska, but she hated it there. Her life was miserable.

"One day, boy meets girl. But it doesn't turn out the way everybody thinks. The girl hates the way the boy has such a perfect life. And the boy hates how the girl won't let anybody in.

"So they start hating one another. Rumors spread, fights erupt. It's complete chaos. Until one night the boy finds the girl on a bench, crying.

"He asks her what's wrong, and it's there that she spills everything. Her mother dying, and her father a deadbeat shank... the countless boys who take advantage of her and the fact that she has three jobs just to make ends meet.

"It's there the boy realizes how much she really needs someone. And his heart suddenly longs for her."

Chuck's light snoring told me he fell asleep, but this sudden memory of a story was too much. I had to continue.

Not caring if anyone heard me, I did exactly that, aloud.

"The girl refuses to love him back. With all the times her heart has been broken, it has become as hard as stone. As cold as ice. And she doesn't want to change it.

"But the boy doesn't give up. He tries to capture her attention. Everyday is something new. Flowers, presents, notes. But she won't do it.

"One night the boy is out with his friends, being too reckless, and he ends up in the hospital. The girl finds out and goes to see him. It's there where her cold heart cracks and she is flooded with warmth.

"She loves him. He loves her. In that moment they found each other. And to this day, they live on."

***

The loud sound of the Maze doors opening woke me from my slumber. Stretching and shifting to get comfortable, I felt a weight in my lap and looked to down to see Chuck just waking up as well.

I kind of wished he stayed sleeping, I was so comfortable with him. Instead of showing that, I ran my fingers through my hair and said, "Rise and shine, kid."

Chuck smiled and sat up slowly. "You're a lot more comfortable than you look."

"What's that supposed to mean?!" I exclaimed.

He chuckled. "Nothing."

I smiled and shook my head.

"Whatever kid, why don't you head down and eat some breakfast. I'll be right there." I told him.

"Okay." Chuck nodded and did what he was told.

Watching the other Gladers get up and start getting ready for another day, I couldn't help but admire Newt.

He was shirtless and yeah he was a little scrawny but he was still good looking. He shuffled around aimlessly before remembering he had to put a shirt on and his boots.

I shook my head from my day dream and slipped my hair into a high tight ponytail. Slipping down the ladder of the watch tower, I slowly started making my way to breakfast.

Every Glader was already there so I stood in line, patiently waiting for Frypan to serve me some food.

"Hey Greenie." Someone said from behind me.

Turning around, Gally standing there, arms folded and looking as defiant as always.

"Yeah?" I asked reluctantly.

"No hard feelings." He held out his hand to shake and then I realized everyone is watching us.

It was completely silent as Gally offered a truce.

I stared at his hand and took my bottom lip between my teeth, biting down. What was his plan? Apologize and everything would be okay?

"Well?" He asked impatiently. "I haven't got all day Greenie."

I had to. I didn't want to but I had to if we were going to live together with at least a little bit more peace.

Sighing, I slipped my hand into Gally's and shook.

"No hard feelings." I told him.

All the boys whistled and chuckled like idiots. I rolled my eyes and pulled my hand back.

"Good." Gally smiled genuinely.

"Yeah. And by the way, the name's Maya."