"No way in hell." Gally's nostrils flare out, "In no way is a shucking chick going to be able to keep up with them. She'd get herself killed by a Griever in two seconds!"
What the hell is a Griever?
"I think that's something for the Keeper of the Runners to decide." Alby continues, "It's his team. He chooses the best of us. Let him be the judge of that."
I keep my eyes peeled and hope that someone could give me a name.
A hard knock at the door startles me, a tall stalky Asian kid is standing at the threshold.
"Ay, Newt. All the maps are logged. It's getting dark so think it's best if you shuckfaces finish up."
"First we need to figure out her sleeping arrangements."
"No need." Newt extends his hand and helps me up off the floor, "She'll bunk with me."
"That's settled then. Y'all can scram. Time to start the bonfire." Alby says.
Everyone files out leaving Newt and I in the room alone. He turns to biting his lip down in the process.
"How the hell did you know about the Runners?"
He lied to cover my ass and now he's searching for answers.
My blood feels as if it runs cold.
"Be thankful I covered for you. Probably would've thrown you in the bloody slammer. Now tell me." He hands back the piece of paper.
I overheard another boy talking about it.
His eyes scan over me, inspecting me.
"This is the story you're gonna stick with?"
I nod.
An incredible pain shoots through my head
Marie! It's Thomas.
Who are you, Thomas.
You'll remember in time. Anyway, I think I've found a way to control The Swipe that's been given to you.
The Swipe?
The Swipe that was placed on your memory. There seems to be some sort of switch to turn it off. I turn it off and you get your memories.
Then what in the hell are you doing? Just sitting there looking pretty!? Switch it off!
It has to be timed properly. It has to be after the boy, Chuck, comes up in the box.
Why and when will that be?
Most likely within the next six months. The Gladers will have been there two years at that point. And that's right before I come back up.
Back up?
Silence.
Thomas?
"You just look like you bloody went off into space there." Newt chuckles, "Let's get going. You're the guest of honor, can't go missing your own shucking party."
We step out of the hut and make our way towards the bonfire.
The Asian boy runs up to us and examines me closely.
"So this is the She-Bean?"
I glare up at him and Newt wraps his arms around my waist holding me back, sending a wave of electricity through my body.
Thomas needs to flip the switch fast. I need to know if I've met him before.
"She ain't a fan of the nickname slinthead. Her names Marie."
The boy gives a sly grin.
"Well Marie, the names Minho. You need some lovin'? I'm your guy."
I roll my eyes and instinctively hold on to Newt and start walking away.
"So, this is it. The Glade, we've been here almost two bloody years and nothing. Us Runners try to find a way out. So far no luck."
He's a Runner!He can lead me right to the Keeper.
"That boy over there. That's Siggy, call 'em Frypan, he's the Keeper of the Cooks. That one sitting opposite us is Zart the Fart, Keeper of the Track Hoes."
He goes down the list and my heart feels as if it's beating outside of my chest.
"And well me. I'm second in command."
Tell me something I don't know.
"And Keeper of the Runners."