Mysteries of the Maze » Newt {1}

Eight

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

Chuck brought me food for the next day and Gally brought me some supplies to keep making weapons but I was bored. I missed being on the ground so that night, when the new Greenie was being initiated, I ignored Gally and Alby's request to keep me hidden and left the watchtower. With camping pants, combat boots, blue v-neck t-shirt and a sweater to keep me warm against the slight chill, I made my way towards the boys' bonfire.

I let my hair fall down past my shoulder blades and tucked my bangs behind my ears.

Gally fought the new Greenie and of course the other boys were acting like complete idiots as they drank Newt's horrible concoction. Chuck poured me some and I took a sip, immediately regretting it but I didn't put it down.

I stood in the circle, slowly drinking and watching as Gally laughed and pushed the Greenie into the sand. He mumbled something that sounded familiar.

"Did you say something, Greenie?" Gally snapped.

"Thomas." He said louder.

My breath hitched in my throat and I almost choked on the hideous liquid in my mouth. The new kid stood up to face everyone. "I remember my name! It's Thomas!"

All the Gladers were silent and all eyes fell on me. Gally and Alby made no moves to remove me knowing I would cause a scene anyway. I slowly stepped into the circle, walking up to the new Glader.

"Thomas." I tried his name on my tongue and it was so familiar it began to scare me.

"Yeah." He nodded.

This had to be him. The Thomas that was in the note. My brain wandered for bit as I looked around at the Gladers. I caught Alby's eye and he nodded to me, smiling.

Looking back at Thomas, I held out my hand to shake. He hesitated at first, but I didn't show any signs of impatience. He slowly slipped his hand into mine and we shook.

"Welcome to the Glade, Thomas." I smiled and the boys erupted into cheers.

Thomas smiled and I let his hand go. Letting the boys crowd him, I started making my way back to my tower, slowly beginning to enjoy the burn of what was in my cup.

***

Thomas was really curious about the maze. The next morning and the rest of the day, I found him staring at the doors. At lunch, as usual, I sat with the rest of the leaders and I finished faster than I usually did. I really didn't want to have to talk to Newt. 

As I left the hut, I caught Thomas almost walking into the maze. Getting there before he could, I landed in front of him and shoved him away hard.

"What the hell are you doing?" I asked harshly.

"Just curious." Thomas shrugged.

"Did Gally tell you the rules yet?"

"Yeah."

"Good. Then you know not to go in there." I said.

"Why is it so bad in there?" He asked.

"I don't know but honestly I don't want to." I snapped.

"Well what are Grievers? Why are we in here?" Thomas asked.

"Don't you think we would of told you if we already knew?" I told him.

Thomas looked down and nodded.

"Exactly, so follow the rules and don't mess around."

"Are you the boss around here or something?" Thomas said.

I scoffed. "A girl can only dream."

"Dude you can't go in there." An all too familiar voice said.

"Chuck, you're supposed to be watching this shank." I scolded him as he ran up.

"I'm not a runner." Chuck put his hands up in defense.

"A runner?" Thomas interjected.

"Don't worry about it." I snapped.

"Gally already shoved him." Chuck told me.

"Awesome. Maybe he should be the Greenie's keeper." My voice dripped with sarcasm. The boys just nodded, too scared to say another word. "Do better Chuck."

"Ay, ay captain." Chuck saluted me and I gave him a gentle smile.

"Don't be smart with me." I gave him a playful wink and walked back to my job at the weapons shed.