Bruises | The Scorch Trials

Chapter 25

The truck trundles along the worn path and fills the silence with a crunching and jostling. Theo heaves a sigh as we pass a metal gate. A cracked faded sign barely hangs onto it. I can just make out the words 'mandatory infection check.'

The truck screeches to a halt. I jump out and come to a stop in front of a large opening to a tunnel. It's dark and has an unwelcoming aura. "You sure this is the only way?"

Theo nods. Yesterday, he found a map in the back of Bertha. It had a large red circle drawn over a specific point. Since I had no idea where to start looking for my friends in the first place, Theo and I decided that the circle was our best option.

"Well, no time like the now." Theo deadpans.

He spins on his feet and climbs into the front of the truck. I follow suit and slide in next to him.

"Ready, little sis?"

"I'm the same age Theo."

Theo chuckles slightly; revving the engine to life. With a slight spluttering sound, the truck jerks forward. I swallow nervously at the darkness that envelopes us. I recognise a lingering feeling at the back of my mind. Guilt. Specifically when I remember Newt's face as I left.

Newts PoV- Back at the Right Arm Camp

"And you just let him leave?"

I can feel the frustration rolling off of me. I know I'm tired and angry, but I can't find the effort to seem calm anymore.

Thomas rubs his eyes tiredly and the tips of his lashes peek at me from his hands. "Yes! If he wants to go after her, that's his problem."

"And you're the reason she left in the first place." I reply.

Really, I feel bad about Jess leaving. We had grown closer over the month in the Right Arm Camp and I considered her a friend of mine. Theo too.

I remember a few nights before she left, I had gotten up early in the morning and found her watching the sunset. We had sat under a tree and talked about our mazes and people that we missed. I had never laughed and cried as hard as I did then.

Now she is gone, and Theo after her.

And although I have a few doubts about Thomas' plan, I keep it to myself. Going out into the Scorch is an even worse plan to get Minho back. And I need him back.