TITANIUM || The Death Cure • Newt [3]

Chapter 16

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I couldn't believe this was really over. Everything we have done to get here was out of luck. It felt like only yesterday I was in the Glade, meeting all fifty Gladers, Minho, Newt, Alby, Chuck and Winston. I could still remember the taste of Gally's recipe before spitting it out in disgust and Newt laughing at my reaction at my bonfire party. I miss sleeping in the Homestead, snuggled up in my sleeping bag, hearing the rumbling snores coming from the throats of the boys. I miss doing my job as a Gardener, helping to provide breakfast, lunch and dinner to all the starving boys. Most of all, I miss them. I miss every single boy that was killed, even if I couldn't remember all of their names. They helped change my life forever; I just hope I can thank them for it when...

The staticy voice of Brenda came in through the talkie once more, saying enthusiastically, "Thomas, don't worry. I'm coming to you."

He sat up straighter, clicking the button to talk. "What are you talking about?"

Yelling in a delightful voice, she exclaimed, "Our ride's here!"

I perked up, hope returning. What did she mean by our ride's here? Did Jorge grab the Berg?

"Just look for us near the tunnels," she added before signing off.

There still was faith after all. I let a little smile creep onto my lips, realizing Newt, my family and I were going to get out of here.

Without waiting any longer, Thomas and I grabbed Newt and began running for the tunnels once again. This is actually happening. There may be a chance for my lover after all. We ran faster than when we escaped the Maze, yearning for the feeling of freedom. Even if Newt was panting harder than ever, I wasn't going to give up on him.

"Newt, we're almost there," Gally said to give him some peace of mind.

"Just leave me," Newt replied wearily.

My heart broke again. He's... actually giving up. I understood how the Flare was beginning to take full effect on him, but like Gally had said, we're almost to the tunnels.

A car suddenly flipped down the road, catching on fire as it tumbled. A mob of Lawrence's followers came barreling down the street right after. We waited it out as we supported Newt against the wall. We suddenly heard the sound of a Berg flying above us, which meant Brenda was coming. I could see a shimmer of hope spark past Newt's black eyes. We just have to go one more block and then he'll be okay.

"That's them. We gotta go."

Thomas went to help Newt up, but he pushed him away. I felt pure distraught ache in my chest. I don't understand. He still has time.

"Go without me, man," Newt choked. "You should just..."

He turned over to cough, spitting up more black liquid that had filled up his lungs. He kept breathing ragged breaths, but didn't try fighting anymore. I couldn't hold back tears anymore. I let them fall out of dread and pain. Gally, Thomas and Minho stared at Newt with sad expressions, thinking this was it for him. But no! It couldn't be his time. We just have to get to the tunnels so we could get the serum from Brenda. Minho and Thomas were Runners; I can count on them to help us. I wasn't letting go, and I wasn't going to let Newt go, either.