T W O
"So that's pretty much it," Newt explained, coming to a halt. "Your bed will be set up in the Homestead by tonight, I promise. I don't know who you'll be bunking near, but I'm sure you'll be alright."
Elle nodded in understanding. Newt had just finished showing her around "The Glade" as he had called it. He had explained to her what each hut was and showed her places that were off limits unless told differently. She had been informed that there was hut where everyone gathered for a meeting of some sort. But it wasn't to be touched otherwise.
"Newt!" A new voice emerged. Both Elle and Newt turned in the direction in which Newt's name had been called. Elle watched as a man darted toward them, anger etched in his features.
"Alby," Newt greeted. "This is Elle, one of our new Greenies."
Alby looked at her, his eyebrows furrowed and his lip formed a tight line. Elle began to grow nervous under his stare. It didn't help that he looked quite angry.
Alby extended a hand and Elle shook it.
"I'm the leader around here," he began. "You do your part and we'll be fine. We only have three rules in this place." He turned to fully face her, crossing his arms over his chest. "First, everyone does their part. I won't tolerate slackers. Second, never harm another Glader. Ever. And last, never go outside the Maze unless you're a runner. Understood?"
"Yes," Elle confirmed, nodding.
"Good." He turned his attention back to Newt. "I need to speak with you. Alone."
"Uh, alright." Newt looked around and once he set his sight on a boy, who looked rather young, he waved him over. "Hey, Chuck! Over here!"
Chuck dropped everything he had been doing and rushed over. Elle took in his brown curls and his baby like face. He was chubby, but it suited him and made him look even cuter. He looked young, which was concerned her. He couldn't have been much older than 11, maybe 12 at most.
"I need a favor," Newt explained to Chuck, turning to face him. "Elle, here, is gonna be a Slopper. Would you mind getting her started and helping her out?"
"Yeah, not a problem."
And just like that, Alby and Newt began walking away. Elle watched Newt's retreating back and was almost tempted to run after him. Newt had brought Elle a sense of safety and protection. But once he was gone, all that was all ripped away in an instant. Elle was left feeling vulnerable. But as she began considering it more, she realized that if she had to pick one person to be with, aside from Newt, it would have to be Chuck. He was so young and there was an innocence about him that Elle loved already. She hadn't even known the boy for more than a few seconds and already she found herself growing fond of him.
"Here, follow me." Elle turned around and began following Chuck.
.
.
.
Elle and Chuck soon found themselves inside the Homestead, fixing the hammocks and tidying up. Chuck had shown Elle exactly what to do and she got the hang of it rather quickly, not that there was much to learn.
Elle pulled on the hammock, checking to make sure that it was tight enough. She leaned back, putting all of her weight on it.
"Two Greenies in one day," Chuck spoke, breaking the silence. "That's a first."
"Wait," Elle straightened, turning around to look at him. "Two Greenies? What are you talking about?"
Chuck looked at her, confusion etched into his features.
"I'm talking about you and the boy," Chuck explained. "There was two of you. That never happens. And let's not forget that you're the first girl-"
"There were two of us?"
Elle began to think back, trying to remember if she had seen another boy. She hadn't. But she had been so caught up with herself that she didn't stop to think about much else. She had been too caught up in Newt and that James guy.
"You didn't notice?" Chuck questioned, sounding surprised.
"No, I didn't," Elle confirmed. "I...I was so caught up in what was going on that I didn't even notice. What does he look like? Was he OK? What's his name?"
"Whoa, slow down there, speedy." Elle laughed at the nickname. "He...uh, has blonde hair and looks to be about your age. He's skinny and on the shorter side. He was okay, just a bit shaken up, which is normal. And I don't know his name."
"I'll have to find him," Elle spoke aloud, caught up in her thoughts. "Maybe he knows something I don't. Maybe he'll remember how we ended up here."
"Not likely," Chuck told her, sounding confident. "None of us have been able to remember a thing. All they give us is our name and if we're lucky, we'll remember within a couple of hours."
"They?" Elle repeated. "Who are you talking about?"
"The ones that put us in here," Chuck clarified. "We don't know anything about them. All we know is that every month they send up a new Greenie and some supplies. Some of the Gladers have been here for three years."
"Three years?" Elle was stunned. She couldn't fathom being here for that long.
"Yup." Chuck said, popping the 'p'.
Elle couldn't imagine being here for three months, let alone three years. That would drive anyone insane. The mere thought caused her to stiffen in fear. There has to be some way to leave. Elle didn't—couldn't believe that they were stuck here forever. No.
There has to be way out.
And if Chuck were right, Elle would find a way herself.
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