Chapter 3.2
The Tragedy, part two.
The next morning, before the runners had the time to prepare themselves, Newt woke the gladers. ''I know it's early, and all, but Alby here has woken up.'' he said, as the gladers had responded to his wake up call, executed by Frypan hitting some pots. Next to him stood Alby, offering the gladers a grin. ''Goodmorning Alby.'' Chuck said, happy their leader had woken up.
''Good to be back. Now that I'm awake, though, you shanks better get your asses back to work. We've a long day ahead of us.'' he said, making most of the gladers groan. ''Alby is still resting today, but he can show you around for a bit, Theresa. Explain the rules and everything. The rest of us do what they are supposed to do. Minho, a word if I may?'' Newt ordered, and Minho nodded. ''Tommy, you too.'' he added, before the three of them left the homestead, leaving the others to talk with Alby.
''Something wrong?'' Minho asked. ''Not yet. Alby wants to run tomorrow. I said if he rested today, he could. He wants to look for traces left by Ben, can we reach that area from the sector that is open tomorrow?'' Newt asked. ''That would be area Four, it's doable'' Minho replied. ''Four, mmm, that's a tricky one, if I recall correctly. I'm not going to be able to change his mind, but can I have your word that you keep an eye on him. Just in case.'' Newt said.
''You've my word.'' Minho said, nodding. ''Mine too.'' Thomas added. ''Actually, Tommy, the reason I wanted to talk to you, is to ask you to stay behind with me tomorrow. I need someone to help me around for a bit, and Alby suggested you. Do you mind? It's a big task, but-'' ''Staying behind with you for an entire day?'' Minho could swear he saw Thomas' eyes lit up with glee.
''I don't mind a bit.'' Thomas added. ''Cool, thanks mate. Now, get to running, there is plenty to be done today.'' ''Catch you later.'' Minho said, before he fist-bumped Newt, heading back to gather his stuff. Thomas gave Newt an elated smile, before he said, ''See you later, I'll let you know what happens today.'' before he headed back too.
''So, you can't handle it alone and ask a greenie.'' Newt rolled his eyes, before he turned to face Gally. ''I said it before, when I do need help, I ask for it. And technically, Thomas isn't the greenie anymore.'' he crossed his arms. ''He still makes beginner mistakes all around. Just because she showed up, doesn't mean he's got any experience. He'll be more of a hindrance than a help and you barely manage it as is. You already tried to take the short route out once, with a miserable attempt I might say. I'd hate for him to give you that last push...'' Gally said.
''Do not go there.'' Newt hissed. ''What, you mean reminding you of your failure? Of that day the great Newt made the leap, but fell short?'' Gally taunted. ''Get lost.'' Newt told him. ''Or what? You gonna cry and tell Alby? Sounds like true leadership, you've got go-'' Gally's sentence was interrupted by Newt's fist crashing into his face.
Soon enough, before it could get out of hand even more, they found themself seated next to each other, a stern Alby, a pissed off Thomas, Minho and Chuck facing them. ''What was that about?'' Alby demanded to know. ''I lost my temper.'' Newt admitted. Gally sighed, sometimes he was too harsh on everyone, but Newt really needed the pushes he gave him. He needed the challenge.
''That seems unlikely.'' Thomas said. Chuck added, ''Newt, I've never seen you mad before. Surely, Gally has said something.'' Gally gave him a look, causing Chuck to duck behind Thomas as if he were some kind of shield. ''Gally, what happened? Aside from Newt throwing a temper tantrum?'' Alby asked. ''I provoked him, I guess. I had some complaints, and could have said some things a bit more tactful. I had it coming.'' Gally replied.
''Want to talk it over?'' Minho asked, more to Newt then to Gally. ''No. I want to get to work. We're already behind schedule, because of this nonsense.'' Newt said. ''Nonsense?'' Alby asked, but Gally shrugged, ''It has happened before that two people fought around here.'' Alby supposed he had a point there. ''If I go resting, can I be assured that this won't happen again?'' he asked.
''Truce?'' Gally asked. ''Truce.'' Newt said, refusing to shake Gally's hand though. ''Good, I'm heading back to the med-jacks, to be sure. Gally, why don't you help with some space for Theresa, so she can dress there, make her a little home. Newt, go and do the tour with Theresa. Thomas, Minho, why the shuck are you even here, get running. And Chuck, why don't you go and assist Frypan?'' Alby said.
Soon enough, everyone tended to their assigned tasks, as Newt found himself wandering around the place with Theresa, explaining the names of the buildings and the chores everyone did. ''Seems like you've found a decent way to make this place work like a civilization. It's interesting.'' Theresa said. ''It's not, though. We still aim to get out, we just make it work for now. And even then, we still face our challenges.'' Newt said, eyeing Gally as he was building.
''Doesn't make it any less impressive. It's strange how I felt scared yesterday, and already a part of the group today. And Thomas and Minho are really kind. That chubby kid too, he gave me a flower this morning.'' Theresa said. ''They're good people.'' Newt nodded in agreement, before asking, ''Did you want something to eat? Or something you'd like to learn? Usually we allow Greenies to become only slicers at first, before doing anything else. I could also teach you how to maintain the fields.'' Newt said.
''I thought Thomas was new too. How come he's a runner?'' Theresa asked. ''Who told you Thomas was new?'' Newt asked. ''Oh, it came up in our conversation.'' Theresa casually said. ''Oh, okay. Well, Tommy is special.'' Newt said. ''Tommy?'' Theresa asked. ''It's my nickname for him. Rolls easier off the tongue I suppose.'' Newt said. He had no clue why he called Thomas Tommy, and Minho, Min. It just kinda made sense.
''I think it's cute. The nickname, not the bond you seem to have. That bond seems special indeed. But why is Thomas a special case?'' Theresa asked. ''Because that brat meddles everywhere he shouldn't.'' Theresa was sure that couldn't be Newt's reply, when she turned, she found the source of the other voice. ''Theresa, meet Gally, our resident asshole.'' Newt informed her. ''Pleased to meet you.'' she said, though she didn't mean a word.
Gally merely grunted as he looked at Newt. ''You could at least attempt to be more civil.'' ''Fine. Could you leave so Newt and I could have a talk.'' he said. Theresa looked uncertain, but Newt nodded, ''Might as well get this over with. Go and see if Alby is alright. He is with the medjacks over there.'' he gestured to the building where Alby supposedly was. ''Besides, this will take little to no time.'' he said.
Theresa nodded, giving Gally an angry look, before heading towards Alby. She had wanted to ask questions, she could have helped Thomas' case. Or Minho's for that matter. ''I thought you had received orders to build a place for her. Not to go and bug me.'' Newt said, when she was far enough. ''Actually, as I was building, I thought of something else too. I've already asked Alby, but he told me if you are okay with it, I could build it. The others are busy on the assigned project, but I want to build something else too. All I need is your permission.''
''Oh.'' Newt said, he shouldn't have assumed that Gally was going to talk about this morning, sometimes he really did focus on doing good things for the glade too. ''What did you need permission for?'' he asked. ''A building.'' Gally answered, and Newt fought the urge to roll his eyes. ''What building?'' he asked. ''A building where one can retreat to, when upset. You know, to prevent fights.'' Gally said. ''We can't exactly prevent all of them. We're locked in one space, we must make do with each other, whether we like it or not.'' Newt said.
''I know, but is it really that bad of an idea to have the possibility of some peace and quiet. It's not even that much trouble to make.'' Gally said. ''No, not really. In fact, I think it's a good idea. Except, when one gets to too much thinking, it makes them go to drastic measures. I say we should keep that in mind. But, if Alby's okay with it, then so am I. I know that I would use it, if it ever gets too much.'' Newt said.
That seemed to put a smile on Gally's face. ''That means I can build it, right?'' he asked to make sure. ''Yes.'' Newt told him, and watched as he headed of to where his equipment was. By the time evening rolled by, Gally was still building as Newt was eating food with the others.
''Another day went by, and still nothing.'' Thomas complained. ''Mate, clues can take years. When Newt used to be a runner, we came back day by day without finding anything.'' Minho said. Newt nodded in agreement. ''Hey, yeah. I remember how keen you were on finding the exit daily. Boy, I sure hope we do find it anytime soon.'' Chuck said.
''So, how was your first day around the glade, Theresa. You know, without throwing rocks, and stuff.'' Minho asked instead, changing the subject. ''Good. I ended up helping in the kitchen, Fry-pan said I did good for a greenie, whatever that may mean. Newt showed me around, and I even talked with Alby a bit .'' she said. ''Hanging with the higher in commands, I'd like that too for one day.'' Thomas said, giving a dreamy look at Newt.
''Who do you think you are kidding, Tommy? You were in here day one begging to be a runner, to explore that, and I quote, giant thing we called the maze. That being said, you do get to be in charge too, only for one day, though.'' Newt said. ''What do you mean?'' Chuck asked. ''Tommy is going to help me to guide the glade tomorrow, while Alby is going to be a runner, looking for clues, maybe he can find out what Ben's fate may have been.'' Newt explained as they all turned silent for a moment. Ben's death still stung.
''I don't get it, who's Ben?'' Theresa asked. ''Ben was a good friend of Newt and me. He passed a few days ago.'' Minho said. ''Oh. Sorry to hear that.'' Theresa said. ''We don't know his cause of death, or whether he really passed actually. He has been pushed into the maze, and no ever survived the maze before. We do presume he's no longer alive, but perhaps he did came close to escaping.'' Newt said.
''But, why don't you run with Minho? I mean, you've been a runner before, right?'' Theresa asked. ''I can't. I've injured my leg. I'd slow them down.'' Newt said, remembering that day when he had 'injured' his leg. ''Rather unhappy subjects tonight.'' Minho dryly commented. ''Yep.'' Newt said. ''I know a remedy against that.'' Chuck interjected, looking all serious. ''Ooh, come on tell.'' Theresa said. ''I swear, she's more curious then Tommy is.'' Newt whispered to Minho, who nodded. ''The remedy is-'' Newt tuned him out as he turned to see Gally still building on his project, the others long done for the day.
Sweat stood on Gally's forehead, as he continued hammering the nails into the wood. He was keen on finishing the project today. ''You really don't know when to stop, do you?'' he heard someone ask. He stopped, made sure the nail would hold it, then turned to see Alby with some food. ''You've got to eat, man.'' he said. ''Oh, thanks.'' Gally said, as he took the plate. ''Sit down, and eat.'' Alby said, before he sat down himself.
''You are doing this for him, aren't you?'' Alby asked, as he looked at Newt, laughing at something. Gally nodded, before he took a bite of the chicken Fry-pan had prepared. ''The two of you are kinda hopeless.'' Alby said. ''I'm not hopeless.'' Gally said. ''You build something to gain his attention, and keep having arguments with him. He may be oblivious to what you're doing, but I'm not. What I don't understand is, why don't you just tell him. I'm sure he'd be flattered.'' Alby said.
''I think the word you are looking for is repulsed. Grossed out.'' Gally said. ''You are overthinking things too much. God, it even sounds like I'm talking to Newt. I'm giving you the same advice.'' Alby laughed. ''It's not that easy.'' Gally said. ''It is. You open your mouth, you say what you think and wait for his response. And perhaps, just for you, bring it with kind words, rather then challenging him.'' Alby told him. Gally rolled his eyes, but looked at Newt, now laughing at something Thomas had said. Maybe Alby's advice was useful.
Later that evening, before they headed to bed, Gally took Newt apart from the group. ''Something you needed?'' Newt asked. ''A word. Please.'' he said. Newt nodded, as they walked over to his new building. ''You have made quite a bit of progress.'' Newt said, as he admired it. ''It's what I do. Newt, don't run the glade with Thomas tomorrow. I'm really worried it's becoming too much for you, and I don't want that to happen. I want you to be happy.'' Gally said.
Newt took his hand off the building, as he turned around and gave Gally a stern look. ''Not this again, Gally, I-'' ''No, let me finish Newt. I need you to be happy, and I want to make you happy. I like you, Newt. I like you the same as you like Minho and Thomas. But, unlike them, I can make us happen. Give me one chance, Newt. It's all I need.'' Gally said. ''I... what?'' Newt asked. Gally rested a hand on Newt's shoulder, his nose nuzzling Newt's hair. ''One chance.'' he whispered, ''Think it over. I don't need an answer now.'' Then he released him, before heading back to bed, leaving a confused Newt behind.
The next day, it turned out Newt wasn't able to give an answer right away. He would've, but he had more pressing issues on hand. After a horrible day, he never expected for Minho to return with a dead body. A dead body that belonged to their leader, Alby.