Hello, hello! This is my first series in a long time, and I am excited to share it with you. The events of the Maze Runner series will be a little different in my story, as I do not like taking events and dialogue directly from any movies, books, etc. Plus, inserting a new character does change things. I wanted to make sure it is known that I do not in any way own or have rights over any Maze Runner content and I own nothing except my OC, Sienna.
I hope you all like it!
GENERAL POV
Sienna awoke covered in a thick layer of sweat, panting heavily. She clutched at her chest and felt the rapid beating of her heart under her fingertips. This was the third nightmare this week. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she tried desperately to calm her breathing and her nerves. A soft knock came from behind the make-shift wooden door, which elicited a yelp from Sienna's throat.
"Si?" a voice called in hushed tones.
"Newt?" she choked out, quickly throwing her sheet aside and lunging toward the door. She pulled it open and came face-to-face with the one person who always managed to calm her down.
The lanky boy made his way over to Sienna's cot and sat down. "I was on my way back from the outhouse and I heard you scream. What's going on? Another dream?"
"A nightmare," she whispered. "Did I… Did I really scream again?"
He nodded, and Sienna plopped down next to him with a heavy sigh. Newt reached his arm around and ran his hand up and down her arm as she leaned into him.
"Do you want me to stay again?" he asked, genuine concern filling his tone.
She raised her head from his shoulder and shook it. Newt had stayed the last two times she had a nightmare, and she hated putting him out like that. He had slept on the very hard, very uncomfortable floor both times, even though she had insisted he take the bed. However, the boy would do anything and everything to make sure she was as happy and comfortable as she could be at all times.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I know you're trying to look out for me, but eventually, I must figure it out myself. I'm sure they'll stop," she told him, forcing a smile. "Please, go back to your hammock and go back to sleep."
Newt stood and moved over to the door, pushing it open and taking a step outside. He turned back and gave the girl a soft smile. "I'm always here for you. You just have to ask."
"I know. I appreciate everything you do for me," she told him. This time, the smile that formed on her lips was genuine.
Newt chuckled and turned on his heels, walking into the dark field into the night. "That's what brothers are for!"
SIENNA'S POV
The next morning, I woke to the sun shining through the slats in the wall. Judging by the brightness of the rays, I had overslept. Alby was going to be so angry.
"Shit, shit, shit, shit," I mumbled, tossing my sheet aside and running to the basket that held my clothes.
I slipped on a red tank top that arrived in the last box sent up to all of us, a pair of heavily worn shorts, and my daily work boots before running as fast as I could out the door. I ran to the outdoor kitchen and skidded to halt at the counter in front of Frypan, who had his arms crossed and right eyebrow raised.
"You're late," he said. There was no anger or annoyance in his voice, which shocked me.
"I am so, so sorry Frypan. I don't know how I overslept; I never oversleep!"
He chucked and uncrossed his arms, placing his left hand on his hip and wiping the sweat from his brow with the back of his right hand. "It's alright, Si. Alby stopped by earlier and told me you'd be running behind. Newt told him you had a rough night."
"Oh. Um, yes," I mumbled, looking down to avoid eye contact.
He furrowed his brow in response. "You alright?"
"I am much better," I said, flashing a brilliant smile and grabbing my usual chef's knife and approaching the already scrubbed and rinsed vegetables that sat on the opposite counter.
It wasn't entirely a lie; I did feel better now than I did last night.
It appeared my response satisfied Frypan's curiosity, considering he stopped asking questions. I threw myself into the task at hand and started chopping the carrots and potatoes as Frypan got to work on the meat the slicers brought by before I arrived. I looked out across the Glade and saw everyone hard at work in their respective jobs. I saw my brother Newt in the gardens, gathering the fresh herbs ready for harvest that Frypan and I had requested. His eyes caught mine and he waved, a gesture I returned. The day was truly beautiful, despite the growing heat of the summer.
Lunch arrived and the hungry Gladers started to flock to the kitchens, grabbing their bowls of stew before separating into their inner-Glade cliques. Newt, Alby, and Gally arrived last, giving Frypan and me a nod and smile as they took their bowls. They were deep in conversation, and the conversation continued as they ate their meals. Honestly, I was just extremely grateful that Alby didn't tear into me for being late this morning. Once all the boys were fed, I grabbed a bowl for myself and ate alone behind the counter, Frypan went to sit with a few of his friends within the Glade.
Being the only female here is hard. Really, really hard. The last three years have come with a lot of hardship. Not just for me specifically, but for everyone in the Glade. It would be nice to have another woman to talk to. Or honestly, really anyone that doesn't giggle or blush each time tampons and pads make their way up in the box or gawk over bras. Newt and Alby have made it more than clear that I am to be left alone, but over the years not everyone had listened to them. As I ate my stew and looked over the crowd in front of me, I felt a great relief that none of those who remained had never made me uncomfortable. Whether it was out of respect for our leader and second-in-command or for me, I was grateful.
Once the boys finished eating, they brought their bowls to the counters and stacked them neatly, a courtesy that Frypan and I had to beat in them with several verbal threats and unkind words. Alby lingered and waved Gally and Newt off, dismissing them to return to their work.
"I'll get started on these and let you guys talk," Frypan said, grabbing the first tall stack of bowls and carrying them off into woods nearby to the washing bins.
I met my eyes with Alby's and started fumbling with the hem of my tank top. "Alby, listen-"
"Is everything alright, Sienna?" he asked, cutting me off. "Newt said you've been having nightmares and you've woken a few of the boys screaming. Three times this week."
"About that-"
"If something is wrong, you can tell me. I know that sometimes it's hard for you in here. If there is anything we can all do to help you or make you more comfortable, please tell me. Your health and safety are important," he said. I looked up to meet his gaze and I could easily see the sincerity.
I knew, however, that there was a "but" coming. "Thank you, Alby. That means a lot. I promise it is just bad dreams, nothing more."
"I just wanted to make sure." He kept his eyes focused on me a moment before continuing. "About being late today… I want to be sure this will not become a habit. I know I don't have to tell you that I can't give you special treatment over the boys or it will cause conflict within the Glade…"
My eyes widened and I furiously shook my head in response. "Alby! Oh my god, no! I am so sorry if it seemed like I was taking advantage of anything, I swear it was entirely an accident being late today. I go out of my way to make sure I pull my weight around here, and I would never expect any special treatment just because I am a girl."
I could have, and probably should have, left out that last part. But it was said and done, and I couldn't take it back. Alby gave me a sympathetic look, one I really didn't want to see, and nodded once before leaving to return to his duties. Once he was far enough away, I groaned and pinched the bridge of my nose in frustration. Why did I have to oversleep today?
I grabbed a stack of bowls and made my way to Frypan at the edge of the woods to help with the cleaning. Once we finished all the dishes, it was time to start preparing for dinner. As we discussed what we could make with the new ingredients from the gardens, we heard an all-too-familiar sound. It hadn't realized just how quickly the month had gone by, it was already time for a new shipment and new Greenie to arrive. Frypan wiped his hands with a rag and tossed it to me. I did the same, and we both ran to the box.
Just as we arrived, the Greenie took off toward the maze. His speed was impressive, perhaps we would have a new runner among us. Just as quickly as the thought crossed my mind, it disappeared as he face-planted in the grass.
Frypan chuckled and nudged my arm, "What a dumb shank."
I laughed and jogged over to where Newt, Alby, and others had gathered around the Greenie. When Newt made room for me to squeeze in to see him, I felt my heart skip multiple beats.
"Thomas," I whispered, audible enough so only I could hear.
I know this isn't long, but here is the introduction. Likes and reviews are very welcome and appreciated!
