Hiya everyone!
Okay, so I have TWO chapters for you now - wooo I'm excited to know what you think of them. Initially, it was one chapter, but by the end I had over 5000 words and honestly, the scrolling back and forth was getting bit tedious - so here you go! :D
These two are mostly for a time-filler, so they don't go back into the Maze just yet, but Resa continues sampling the jobs - and obviously, I've done a whole lot of character building during it!
But before anything, I want to point out the fact that Resa and Newt did not have sex in the previous chapter - it was merely a steamy make out scene - phew, so that's over with lol ;) And, you guys will definitely know when that DOES happen - trust me!
Reviews;
BookRain - Ughh, I'm the same when they fight but we need to have some drama and tension, don't we? :P And yep, I'm sure it will all work out in the end...
Oh trust me, Newt is not gonna like Finn one little bit! (and probably vice versa!)
Haha, your friend sounds great! Does he know about his personality similarities to Minho? Anyway, thank you for reading + reviewing and enjoy these two! :)
The Tezzerax - Thank you so much!
District DivergentPotterhead - Yess, I'm so glad that the time thingy worked out! Haha, I still can't believe I wrote that romance last chapter lol! I blushed so much just reading it through again :O
Awww, thanks so much, knowing what you all think mean soo much. :) And I agree! They would definitely be stronger together, so I hope I'm conveying their developing relationship quite well because its not ALL about the romance haha!
Enjoy this second double update and thanks again!x
Abby (guest) - Hi Abby! Omg, that's very sweet and I'm sorry you're disappointed most days because I definitely don't update often enough! :( Haha their make-up was VERY mushy, but I'm glad you liked it lol!
Thanks for your support and enjoy!
Jacesangle404 - Yayy, I'm so happy the romance went down well - I honestly didn't think so at first! And me too! I think Newt meeting Finn for the first time will be pretty eventful! :)
Hope you enjoy the double update to make up for the delay and thank you for reviewing!
Tori Foster - Ahhh, I actually can't believe you guys liked it - I'M SO HAPPY :D I'm honestly very glad it worked so well... Exaggerating the feels is my aim lol.
Okay, so I know it sounded like they did it but nope (sorry) not yet ;) They shall do the deed soon however!
Haha, thanks so much for the reviews and enjoy these two!
Fawn22 (guest) - Hey! Omg no wayy! Thank you so much (hugs)
I'm exactly the same though - if I write a fight scene, I'll be planning the make-up immediately after lol. Haha, I'm glad Minho is coming across as realistic, he's one of the best characters and Resa's relationship with him is exactly like a younger sister (at least, I hope it sounds like that!)
Omg, I actually gasped aloud when I read that suggestion! Finn KISS Resa INFRONT OF NEWT? Ahhhh!
Then I thought 'Its a very good idea AND would make a bold statement' So maybe you've convinced me - and nooo, of course I'm not judging! I want to know what you think haha!
Thank you so much and enjoy the double update!x
Guest - Wow, that's impressive! I hope you took food breaks inbetween though lol ;)
I'm so glad you're enjoying it and you're very welcome :) Thanks for reading!
TheMortalMazeRunner745 - YOU ARE WELCOME! Haha, you have no idea how much that adorable review made my day - I'm so grateful and thank you for reading and reviewing... Enjoy these two chapters!
Zoe (guest) - Omgomg, that's one of the sweetest things I've read in a review so far, Zoe! Thank you sooo much for reading and sticking with it for all this time haha! Enjoyy :)
Margarita P (guest) - Vielen Dank! :P Yeah, I agree and that's why I was so hesitant at first - but I'm trying my best to make it stand out from the crowd so people remember it :) Enjoy these two chapters!
"Are you gonna eat those?" I gestured to the pair of potato scones in Knox's plate, trying to hide the obvious want in my face.
He wasn't fooled for a second. "No, I guess not - here you go, greenie" The boy laughed as I immediately began munching on the food, mumbling what I hoped sounded like some form of thanks.
"Haha, you look like you need some feeding up - feeling okay?"
"Hmm, just... Really - " Swallow. " - Hungry" I finished with a grateful grin. "Thanks, Knox"
He burst into laughter again as one of the Farmers, Rob, walked over to our table. "Hi guys - something happen?" He smiled between me and Knox uncertainly.
"Yeah, seems like Resa here's never seen a potato scone before..." Knox nodded over to me as I began to dig in to the second one, sparing a smile for Rob. "Either that, or its love at first sight - "
The boy ducked reflexively when I swatted at him, still giggling weakly. To my relief, Rob didn't join in. He was a relatively quiet - but that didn't mean he wasn't one of the kindest people here, I thought, looking across at him.
To my surprise, he seemed even more subdued than usual - shoulders slightly slumped. I kicked Knox under the table and flicked my head over to the other boy. What was wrong?
"Rob...?" I placed a hand on his arm softly, trying to catch his eyes. "Are you alright?" Knox just frowned at me in confusion.
The Farmer glanced up at me, concealing his sombre expression with a small smile. "Yeah, sorry Resa - its nothing important - I just..." He paused, and shook his head slightly - as if berating himself. "...Its nothing - don't worry about it. So uh... what job are you sampling today?"
I narrowed my eyes at him - something was clearly the problem, and I wasn't gonna let it go this easily. "Hey, I'm not stupid, and if you sit there all ghostly-faced, you better bloody expect me to say something, alright? Because I care about you and of course I'm gonna worry" I paused for effect, not breaking eye contact. "Now hurry up and tell us what's wrong so we can do something about it"
Both boys stared at me, startled. "Well shuck me, greenie - when'd you get so bold?" Knox asked, eyebrows raised.
Rob managed a faint laugh. "You sounded just like Newt, actually"
"Yeah! That's it - or Minho!" The younger boy sniggered. "Been spending too much time with those shanks, I guess"
I blushed, rolling my eyes. "Gee, thanks guys..." I turned back to Rob, refusing to let the matter pass. "But in all seriousness... What the shuck's wrong?!"
He instantly sobered, glancing at his half-empty plate again. "Honestly, its nothing major - " One look at my exasperated expression made him continue hastily. " - But if you really wanna know, its one of the lambs - she's been really ill the past day or two... Like she doesn't go outside and she seems really tired and weak all the time - " He paused, trying to hide the emotion in his face, but I caught his eyes again, nodding at him to finish. "... Uhm, well Harry thinks its better if we just y'know, put her down... But I - Well I'm not as keen on that idea... I think she could get better, even if she's not that strong or anything... We just don't know what's wrong and if it could affect the others..."
I frowned, considering the problem.
Knox spoke up hesitantly. "Well, if we can convince Clint and Jeff to take a look at her, maybe they could do something before she gets any worse?"
"Yeah, and I was supposed to be trying out with them yesterday so if I can talk to Harry maybe he'll let us give it a try..." I looked at Rob, a small smile playing on my lips. "Wait and see Rob, you'll be glad you told us... No problem is too small to share"
He grinned at me and Knox gratefully. "I think I already am guys - and thanks... For listening to me"
Finally! I was going to be able to work in the Med Hut! I grinned to myself, just knowing that I would enjoy learning about all the different remedies and healing techniques necessary to be a Med Jack.
We strolled towards the Farms, hoping to bump into Harry to ask about the sick lamb. I fiddled with my plait, a few long strands were hanging loose around my face and I flicked them out of the way. "Are you sure you can be here, Knox? I feel like I'm holding you hostage or something!"
The boy just grinned widely at me through his dark blue eyes. "'Course I can, Zart really doesn't give a monkey about what time I turn up" He said it with such conviction that I actually believed him, despite the unlikeliness of it all...
He cocked his head at me. "What about you though? Shouldn't you check with Clint and Jeff before you bring them an ill lamb?"
I just smiled. "Oh don't worry, there won't be a problem with Clint and Jeff - they love me. BUT, Harry might take a little more convincing - "
" - Excuse me?"
We spun in horror to face none other than the Keeper of the Farmers.
"Harry! I erm, I just meant - "
"When have I ever given you reason to think I don't love you, hmm greenie?" He raised his eyebrows in mock hurt but I saw his amusement underneath it all and smiled at him.
"I'll have to come back to you on that one, Harry" I joked and he punched my arm playfully as Knox released the breath he'd been holding.
"Phew! You almost insulted a Keeper, greenie - that was close!"
Said Keeper just laughed and shook his sandy blond head at us. "So I'm curious now, what do you need to convince me about?"
"Its actually one of the animals..." I paused, glancing at Knox. "We erm - heard it was ill and well - "
" - You spoke to Rob, didn't you?"
We just stared at him.
"Well, yes..." I hurried on. "He mentioned that you were thinking of just killing it... but he thinks we can heal it! Harry, I think we could give it a shot - we being Clint, Jeff and I"
"Resa, I don't WANT to kill it, trust me but whatever this lamb's caught - what if its contagious or something? We can't risk the other animals getting it too... That would ruin us!"
When I was silent, Knox interjected. "Well, what if they examined it - for symptoms and signs and things? Then the Med Jacks could diagnose it and maybe we can learn more about whatever it actually is..."
" - Yes! And that'll help us with it in the future!" I grinned at the boys happily.
Harry pursed his lips thoughtfully. "Okay, you guys have a good point so..." He sighed, folding his muscled arms. "I want you to take this lamb to the Med Hut - keep her away from the rest of us because we don't know if its safe for humans - and see if you can figure whatever it is out..."
"Thank you, Harry! We'll do our best - and then hopefully Rob won't have to say bye - "
He smiled at me. "You care way too much greenie - but... Its a good thing so, don't stop"
I just giggled as Harry turned to Knox, as if just realising that he shouldn't be here. "Hey, and what about you, huh? Don't ya have places to be - like the Gardens maybe?"
The boy shrugged, ever so confident. "Nope not today, Zart actually gave me the day off... Out of the blue, I know right!" He grinned modestly. "Although, I AM the hardest working shank there so I'm not surprised - "
Perfectly timed, an annoyed voice interrupted Knox's humble brag.
"You! Knox - get your lazy shuck ass here before I kick it over!" Zart was barking at the boy from across the Gardens. "No time for buggin' gossips - we need hard work and results!..." He paused to think before continuing. "And that reminds me - we seem to have run out of fresh fertiliser so seeing as you're in the Farms already, I'll get you to fetch some - " He carried on ranting as Knox slowly turned to face us, his cheeks tinted pink.
Harry and I took one look at each other and burst out laughing. This only caused poor Knox to flush brighter as he began edging towards the cattle for fertiliser. "He ermm - he must've meant tomorrow, I guess..." And hurried off with a final grin in our direction.
"What a shank" Harry shook his head again, smirking at me. "Anyway, you should get going as well Resa - come find me once you get the go-ahead from Clint and Jeff, yeah?"
"Yep, and then I'll get the lamb - thanks again!" I nodded my head as I ran off to the Med Hut.
On the way, I glanced towards the Gardens and aimed a smile at Zart who was squinting at me. He returned the gesture awkwardly and turned back to his digging as I huffed a laugh. I was in a strangely good mood today, I noticed. Normally I definitely wasn't a morning person but today was different. I actually wanted to work and talk to people - make their morning as good as mine...
" - Hey, Resa!"
It was a faint call from the Gardens. I glanced up to see Newt waving at me from beside the severed trunk of a cut-down tree, an adorable grin on his face. He was a good distance away - too far to hear me - so I just smiled back and blew him a kiss. To my surprise, he laughed and mouthed something at me. 'Get me away from here, please!' he was begging. I just giggled and raised my hands in surrender.
We had been staring at each other for a good while when a loud voice broke the silence between us.
"So you guys've finally made it official, yeah!?" I noticed Aidan a few metres away from me, grinning like a fox. He'd obviously seen our entire interaction.
I just rolled my eyes, blushing as Newt furiously gestured to Aidan with his machete. I could make sense of something the second was shouting. It didn't exactly sound pretty, I noticed with a laugh. "Get your bloody backside over here, Aidan! You think you can just butt your nose in whatever shank's business takes your fancy, eh? Well let me shuckin' update you - "
I knew he wasn't properly angry - Newt was very fond of Aidan, but his comment must have touched a nerve... I continued walking to the Med Hut as I thought about what Aidan had said. We were obviously more than just friends - that much was clear as day... However, was it smart to let it become so?
To my delight, Clint and Jeff were more than happy to tend to the lamb - and teach me about the workings of a Med Jack at the same time!
Once I'd brought them the ill lamb, I helped them examine her and we found several symptoms such as depression and tiredness.
"Could it be some sort of infection maybe?" I looked at the poor animal sadly. "We'll be able to save her, right?"
Clint just smiled at me while Jeff continued checking the lambs eyes and mouth for signs of dryness. "Greenie, listen to me - don't worry" I turned my worried gaze to the Med Jack instead. "Sure we can save her. 'Sides, its not like she's throwing up or anything, yeah? Honestly, we've dealt with worse klunk than this"
My interest peaked, I raised my eyebrows at Clint. "Well, you can't leave me hanging now - what's the worse thing you've had to deal with?" Almost as soon as I'd said it, my mind rushed to what Newt had told me about his leg.
" ... I jumped off"
Swallowing, I glanced at Clint through my eyelashes. "... Sorry, you erm - You don't have to answer that..."
He looked at me gravely, shaking his head. "Nah, its not what you're thinking, Resa - Me and Jeff have agreed that the absolute worst incident was this one cow that was really REALLY sick... Like we didn't even see it coming and it was just out in the fields" He paused, watching me warily. "Suddenly, it just began spilling out its shuck guts - blood and all, like we had no idea what to do!" I stared at him in shock. "We'd tried knocking it out with an injection so we could see what had happened but... Well, Alby just insisted we stab it - put the poor shank out of its misery, he said." Clint shook his head at the memory, eyes downcast. "So when it was well and truly dead, we cut it open to see what on earth had caused that... It turned out to be a parasite of sorts - it was long and , well pretty damn horrid!"
"It might've been an intestinal worm?" I guessed, looking out of the window to clear my mind of the thoughts. "Or several... What if that's what happened to the lamb?"
"No, I'm pretty certain its not that, guys" Jeff spoke up suddenly and we turned to face him eagerly. "Look at her mouth - she seems pretty dehydrated to me..." Clint examined the animal while I hovered over them, curious. "And I'd say the weakness is probably due to a vitamin deficiency maybe?" He turned to smile at me. "You seem to know your stuff, greenie - come take a look"
After a while, we diagnosed the lamb with dehydration and a moderate vitamin - or maybe iron - deficiency.
"So, Resa - I want you to make sure she eats this grass because I've added these vitamin supplements which she hopefully swallows between it - right?"
"Okay, can do!" I grinned at Jeff. "Every half hour, yes?"
"Great! And I don't know if lambs eat spinach, but I need you to go get some from the Gardens for this possible lack of iron, 'kay?" He smiled at me, setting a bucket of grass on the ground. "You've actually got a knack for this - its definitely a sign... You're gonna become OUR Keeper in a few weeks - I predict it"
I just laughed, and dismissed the idea. Obviously, I enjoyed working here, but Keeper might be too much... I would probably mess up majorly, anyway.
Okay readers, that's the first half of our double update... Flick over for the next one!
Hope you enjoy them! :)