Chapter 4
Thomas woke with a start the clock on the wall said 5:15. He had plenty of time to lounge then get ready to head to the feast. The fires had died down leaving the room cool but he was perfectly warm under his quilt. Many of his companions still snored; some had left while, others read.
Thomas wondered where they had gotten the books but didn't worry about it too long. He threw his blanket back shuttered at the decreased temperature and be lined for the toilet. He pondered the recent turn of events as he watched his urine arch downward making that unmistakable sound when it hit the water. His life has been on unfortunate event after another for the last 8 weeks.
First he was in a highly technological advance environment, then the glade, with no running water or electricity, then back to WICKED with it glaring fluorescent lights and constant hum of computers, then the scorch a barren waste land, the WICKED again. In the Glen they didn't even have decent shelters or outhouses but here. Why the seldom used dormitories have running water and electricity but not the family homes? Michael mentions something about wash houses.
The smells of the prepared feast overwhelmed them making their mouths water. It had been weeks since any of them had a decent meal or been sufficiently warm. But the enclosed compound was bustling with last-minute preparations tables were arranged in two long rows piled high with tantalizing dishes. Several wooden barrels where set on a third table with spigots tapped near the bottom and a various assortment of cups set out next to them.
Several large fires were burning randomly around the square the entire area looked warm and inviting even if the temperature hovered near freezing. All of the community stood by curious about the newcomers. The steel gate whined as it rolled shut a strange sense of dread crept up Thomas's spine, he shutters before looking away.
Seeing Michael's reaction when he mentions WICKED eased him a bit but he still had a difficult time trusting these people. He wasn't the only reluctant person but eventually hunger won out as people from both sides made their way to the heavily laden tables. Soon friendly chatter buzzed as people found comfortable chairs and sat to eat and socialize.
Minho and Thomas found a table occupied by two other boys about their age and sat down. They sat awkwardly.
"I'm Angus and my mate here is Henri," said the other boy. He seemed a cheerful person with an infectious grin still little was said between them while they ate. Thomas looked around curiously. This community has women, men, and children of all ages including infants. As he caught bits and pieces of conversations he noticed different accents while some people spoke English well clearly it was a second language for some.
"How did this colony come about?" Thomas's curiosity finally got the better of him even their two dining companions had different accents. Angus and Henri looked at each other, hesitated before they politely removed themselves from the table and left without another word.
Minho gave his head a little shake and huffed clearly annoyed.
"This place is strange," Thomas said after a brief pause. "Where did all these people come from?"
"Like I know," Minho replied. "Why don't you ask another friendly soul?" He grabbed his plate and cup from the table and stood up. "I for one would rather just head back to the glen. This place is shank weird for sure."
Thomas followed. They wove their way through the crowd. Watching for a place where they could deposit their used dishes following a couple looking to do the same. After leaving their dirty dishes in a shallow wash pan full of soapy water they wandered around.
Many of the gladers were making new friends quickly, finding kindred spirits or potential lovers no doubt. Near the edge of the gather at the last bon fire a dozen or more people around their age were gathered sitting on backless benches. Thomas scanned the crowed looking for anyone he was familiar with; most were too caught up in their own conversations to notice him.
Minho nudged him with his shoulder, "That girl from our first visit is staring at you?" He teased indicated with a slight nod of his head.
Thomas followed his eyes; Rachel tilted her head from one side to the next as if trying to decide something before rising from her seat. With a whish of thick curls she disappeared from his view.
Thomas cocked an eyebrow and cut his eyes at Minho, "that seems promising," he said not bothering to hide the sarcasm in his voice.
"Yeah well the first time I saw your ugly mug I wanted to run and hide too," Minho replied.
Thomas curled his lip giving a sarcastic mock laugh. "You don't want to know what I felt like doing the first time I saw your face."
"Oh come on, you wanted to kiss me admit it." Minho teased making kissing noised at Thomas.
"You wish," Thomas said.
"It's gonna take me a lot longer than 2 years to go there," Minho replied and gave a hearty laugh.
The rest of the evening was a blur of unfamiliar faces, strange accents and names to learn. Everyone seemed to enjoy the beverages coming from the casks on the table and as they consumed more the louder, friendlier and uninhibited they became. Thomas suspected it some sort of alcohol and decided to avoid it. Nearby was a table with assorted innocuous beverages so he stuck to that.
As the fires died down, families went home to put young kids down, couples retreated for privacy. Thomas. Minho and a couple of other pathetic souls remained lounging around the benches at the dying fire with smattering of conversations. A couple made out heavily while the rest feels a bit awkward Thomas did his best to ignore it, his eyes wandered over to the other fires noticing Rachel and Michael sitting close together having what appeared to be an intimate conversation.
After the incident in the guard shack and now seeing them together he wondered what their relationship was, Thomas had a moment of clarity when they made eye contact, now his confusion surrounding this girl rose to the surface. Thomas stood suddenly, Minho looked at him questioningly, and "I'm tired," was all he said before heading back inside.
Thomas took a long time falling asleep. His mind raced with his thoughts of this girl. He'd only seen her one time up close but her eyes, the fear in her eyes, and the way her hand shook while she tended to his injuries. He wished he knew what she was so afraid of, certainly it wasn't him. Michael was concerned he and Minho were from WICKED, maybe she was worried about that as well, she recognized them immediately, and maybe she just clarified Michael's suspicions. Ginger wasn't nearly as worried, could she know something no one else knew? Thomas needed to speak with her tomorrow.
