CHAPTER TWO

As I ran, I scanned the area around me for somewhere to hide. The first place that caught my eye was a large group of trees in the distance. I picked up the pace and sprinted towards them. While I was on my way over, I became aware of something else. Beyond the trees was a large grey stone wall, covered in vines. I almost froze in shock as I took it the height and expanse of the wall. Looking around I could see that there were four of them, boxing us in. The only doorways were situated in the middle of each wall. I considered turning towards one of them instead, when I realised that I had stopped running. From behind me I could hear shouts and gaining footsteps. I yelped and turned back towards the trees, before realising they were too far away. I would get caught. So instead, I swiftly angled my body towards a large wooden building and sprinted inside. I didn't stop to look at the bottom floor, making my way to the stairs. I ran towards one of the rooms on the far end, bolting inside. I knew people were behind me on the stairs so I frantically looked for a way to barricade myself in. I pushed a large wooden cabinet in front of the door, and just in time as I felt people trying to push their way in.

For the first time in a while, I took a deep breath and stopped to take in my surroundings. I was in a small room with little furniture. There was a bed, the wooden cabinet and a bench attached to the wall. That was it. There were no personal belongings and it looked like the room hadn't been used in a while. I took that as I good sign.

I walked over to the windows and looked outside. The area looked massive. What was it the boy had called it? The glade? Regardless of the name it was huge in size, stretching from one wall to the opposite. There were multiple buildings throughout the place but mine seemed to be the biggest. I noticed what looked like a garden a fair bit away and a bunch of tables a bit closer. It looked like a home. Somewhere where these boys lived. For a second time that day I doubted whether these boys were actually going to harm me. Maybe they were just as confused as I was. However, I pushed these thoughts away, I couldn't afford to underestimate them.

As I walked back to the door, I could hear low voices speaking outside of it. I got closer and pressed my ear against a free spot on the door. There were three different voices.

"What the shuck is she doing in Nicks room?"

"She's probably just scared shank"

"I don't trust her"

"Course you don't Gally, you don't bloody trust anyone"

"That's not true!"

"Slim it you two and help me get this door open!"

"Alby, just leave it mate. Try talking to her, she's probably scared out of her mind."

I heard a few grunts and indecipherable words before one voice rang out loud and clear.

"Hello? It's Alby, the boy from before. We know you're probably scared but we all were. We all arrived in the box the same way you did." The voice paused, maybe expecting a response from me. I didn't say anything but my mind was whirring.

Are they telling the truth? Did they really all come here the same way as me? Maybe they're not bad people, just a scared bunch of kids.

"Umm…this is the glade. You're one of us now." The glade, I was right.

"Do you have any questions? I mean, of course you do, but feel free to ask."

I debated this. Should I ask questions, possibly revealing a weakness, or should I stay silent and observe.

"It's ok if you don't want to, we can lea-"

"Why am I the only girl?" I blurted out. The voice stopped and I got the feeling he was thinking over his response.

"We don't know," I sighed but he continued, "The box has only ever sent up boys before." There was a long pause before a different voice spoke up. This one was more clipped with a different accent.

"Do you think you could open the door? It would easier if we could talk to you in person." I considered this for a second before nodding, what was the harm? If anything, I had a weapon and seemed to be able to defend myself. I didn't respond out loud but began heaving the cabinet out of the way. It took a while but I managed it. Once I was done, I stepped away from the door and waited for them to come in, with my wooden plank held out in front of me as a warning.

Slowly, the door opened and revealed three people outside of it. It was the same three that greeted me in the box. Alby and the other two walked in slowly. One of them sat down on the bench, while the others remained standing. They all seemed uncomfortable to be in here and I got the feeling that this wasn't entirely because of me.

"Hey Greenie," spoke Alby, "Like I said, I'm Alby." I nodded at him, then looked at the other two.

"This is Gally," continued Alby, gesturing towards the second standing boy, "And this is-"

"I'm Newt," finished the one sitting down. I hadn't had the change to look at him before in the box. He was tall and had blonde hair. He was smiling at me, rather awkwardly.

"It's nice to meet you," Newt said. Once again, I just nodded, not trusting myself to speak. Alby gave Newt a weird look before continuing.

"We know you're probably scared," I rolled my eyes, of course I was scared, "But we want you to know that we're here for you greenie, you're one of us now." I peered at him suspiciously. He didn't seem to want to hurt me, but I couldn't let myself trust these boys just yet. For now, I would keep my guard up and try and get some answers.

"Why do you keep calling me that?" I asked slowly.

"Greenie?" Questioned Alby. I nodded, not taking my eyes off of them.

"Yes, why are you calling me that?"

"Well, what do you want us to call you?" Asked Newt, still staring at me. I looked away uncomfortably.

"My name." I stated, matter of factly.

"Well, what is your name then?" Asked Gally, rather gruffly. I got the impression that he didn't want to be here.

"My name is…" I suddenly realised that I didn't know, "It's…" I tried again. I searched my mind desperate for an answer, but none came. I didn't even know my name. Alby must have noticed the look on my face because he spoke up,

"It's alright greenie. You'll get your name back soon, just like the rest of us. For now, we'll call you greenie." I grumbled in response, not sure how I felt about the nickname.

As I was thinking it over Alby turned to Newt and Gally.

"I think it's getting too late for the tour now. I'll do it tomorrow."

Tour? I thought That would be helpful. I suppose Alby's the leader around here.

Alby continued to talk, not facing me.

"For now, Gally you go help with the bonfire. I need to sort out some stuff around the glade. Newt? Will you bring the greenie down?" The other two boys nodded and I suddenly felt a rush of panic. I was being left alone. With Newt! He was the boy who wouldn't stop smiling at me. At least Alby had acted normal, and Gally had barely looked at me. Fear gripped my chest again as Newt took a step forward and the other two headed for the door.

"Wait!" I cried out. Alby stopped and looked back at me, confused.

"Can't you take me wherever I'm going?" I asked him, ignoring Newt completely. Alby chuckled.

"I have some things to do," he responded, "You'll be perfectly safe with Newt. I trust him." I nodded, suddenly feeling foolish. I looked over at Newt to see that he had stopped smiling, instead he looked puzzled and took a step back.

"Alby," he muttered, "If she doesn't want me to help her then maybe you should," He sounded ashamed and I suddenly felt bad. Maybe I had judged him too quickly.

"Nonsense." Alby replied firmly, looking at both of us, "You'll be fine," And with that he walked out of the room and left us alone.