Eleanor woke up to sunlight streaming through the windows.
Wait, windows?
She was soon awake enough to recognise that she was still in Minho's room.
She freely blushed at the thought of having slept in Minho's bed, with Minho, when she noted that the runner was no where in sight. And, judging from the amount of light already illuminating the room, she guessed he had left long ago to take care of his Runner duties.
Eleanor made sure she was quick in leaving Minho's room, not before making his bed, something she was sure he wouldn't even notice but she felt like she had to do anyway. She didn't know how long she had been sleeping, so she couldn't afford to take her time to get up as she liked to do.
She quickly closed the door behind her and froze.
Two pairs of eyes watched her as she turned around. She could see them gazing between her and Minho's door, and could do nothing to stop the flush that covered her cheeks at the smirks and raised eyebrows of the two Gladers.
She felt herself diving into a 'it's not what it looks like' speech but caught herself in time, deciding not to give them the time of day. She didn't owe them any explanation. It was not like those boys had actively said two words to her before.
She knew what it must look like, seeing the only girl coming out of one of the boys' room but she didn't care. It wasn't not like the boys had never gossiped about her. So screw it.
Let them say what they want. I have absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about.
Although, by the time she was heading for the patches to meet Zart, she wished she had been a bit less careless on her way out that morining.
Apparently, over breakfast, news spread like wildfire.
You'd have thought the Gladers would be pinning over the new Greenie, but little Chuck was as overlooked as ever. Eleanor almost felt jealous of him. She had tried to ignore the quiet side-comments, and the not so quiet ones. The stares were another story, however.
She felt the same way she had on her first day all over again. Except, it was much worse.
These were people that she knew, people that she lived with, that were treating her like a piece of meat. Then, there were the boys that had never spoken to her before shouting 'Hey, Eleanor' with a suggestive tone as she walked by, or simply whistling like she was some kind of animal.
She felt violated, and, even though she had tried to ignore them, she may or may not had given the finger to a few boys that decided it was the best time to try and flirt with her.
It was so infuriating. She desperately wanted to come across some familiar faces.
She knew that boys were pigs, living with around thirty of them for two months had proven as far, but she now knew they could be completely disrespectful.
That was why, for the first time since she had been assigned to be a Track-hoe, she was genuinely glad to see her Keeper.
"Zart, please tell me I'm on soil duty today." She fastly said, as soon as she reached his side.
"Well, 'good morning' to you too, Eleanor." Was his response.
He didn't even look up to greet her, which was nothing new to her.
"Ugh," She groaned. "Good morning Zart"
Her overly-cheery voice and fake smile went completely unnoticed as he still hadn't returned her gaze.
She sighed, then, decided to use what she called the 'annoying twelve-years-old voice'.
"Zaaaart." she whined, "Send me to get soil today, pleaseee."
Said boy still did not look up, apparently too busy organizing tools. She simply kept her gaze on him as he frowned.
"Why? You hate getting soil." He moved along the gardens as she followed close behind.
"Just, please. I'm pretty sure no one wants to be on soil-duty. So, let me."
As she watched him, Eleanor thought, How many times can you put the same tool in one place?
"I was going to send the new greenie to do that." He spoke.
Eleanor noticed how he didn't sound like himself at all.
In any normal conversation with the Keeper he would have been more than annoyed with her by then.
After watching him put the same rake in the ground for the third time, she realized. He wasn't organizing, he was keeping himself busy. Busy from what? From looking at her?
The previous day she would've attributed such strange behaviour to the three year anniversary. But there was something so unusual about his behaviour, that resembled more a nervous slopper than his usual self. And knowing precisely what the topic of conversation had been over breakfast that morning, she was more than sure as to why he was avoiding her gaze.
She blushed at the realization but frowned immediately. If there was someone she had not expected that from, it was Zart.
He is a teenager after all, she told herself.
Sometimes she forgot there were just kids.
There was one thing she was certain of, however. She was never going to comfront her Keeper about it. She'd rather they stayed out of that fragile awkwardness zone.
"Oh c'mon Zart." She argued. And on a sing song voice added. "I'll get out of your way."
He groaned and gave up, finally. "Fine!"
For the first time during that whole interaction his eyes met hers, but soon drfited away as if regretting the action.
His embarrasment towards her felt like a punch in the stomach.
Don't be ridiculous, she told herself, you have not done anything wrong.
Feeling ashamed for something she hadn't done would only make her feel worse than she already felt.
"Thank you, thank you." She quickly said and took off before he could change his mind.
The rest of her morning went by a little bit better than it had started.
She spent most of her time in the solitude of the Deadheads. She did have to go back to where the Track-hoes were working a few times to bring back the soil for the plants, but she made sure to be quick about it and ignore the persistent stares from the Galders.
Sadly, her time alone was coming to an end as lunch time approached. She considered skipping it, but she was considerably hungry and knew she shouldn't let some immature idiots deny her the pleasure of Frypan's cooking.
Eleanor resolved she would just grab her food and eat outside. So, she made her way towards the Kitchens.
After an infuriating wait for her food, where she had to pretend she wasn't surrounded by stares and whispers, She grabbed her plate and made a beeline for the exit. There was nobody in the room who she'd rather have lunch with than by herself.
She was almost out of the ticking time-bomb that was the Kitchens when she noticed someone sitting alone.
Against her better judgment, knowing she was going to regret that decision and hoping the rest of the Gladers would leave them alone, she approached the table.
Wide brown eyes looked up as she dropped her plate on the table. She could feel eyes burning through her back. She shifted uncomfortably knowing she was the center of attention.
"You're Chuck, right?" She managed to say after clearing her throat. "Can I sit here?"
He looked shocked as he blinked up at her, but a genuine smile quickly made its way through his face.
Eleanor's heart clenched. You don't deserve to be here.
"Ye-yeah, sure!"
Eleanor didn't need to be told twice. She sat down, dedicating him the sincerest smile she could muster.
The young boy started speaking as she began to eat, action which didn't stop him from eating as well.
"Yeah, I'm Chuck. But everyone here calls me Greenie."
She regarded the boy's cheeks, rosy with excitement and had to suppress a giggle or two.
She was about to tell him her own name and explain to him that being called Greenie was a normal thing but he barely left her time to interrupt. She kept herself from replying then, and focused back on her much needed meal.
"Well, Alby said they'll call me that for a month but I don't really mind. At least that way they won't forget my name. You're Eleanor, right? The only girl. I've been hearing a lot about you."
She lightly coughed and swallowed the food still in her mouth, trying to get over the surprise at his bold statement. She looked at the perfect image of innocence in front of her and knew whatever Chuck had heard about her was either completely harmless or he just didn't understand the double meaning behind some of the Glader's gossip. She was willing to bet for the latter.
"They talk too much. Don't believe everything they tell you." She warned. Seeing how sweet an innocent the newbie was, she knew they wouldn't have a hard time messing with his head, so she added, "Actually, don't believe anything they tell you."
They kept eating.
The young boy looked like he had a lot more to say but was restraining himself, so he made himself busy with his food. Eleanor followed his lead and did the same.
When she was finished, she bid her goodbyes to Chuck and raised from the table.
Ignoring the constant stares, something she was getting exceptionally good at, she left her empty plate on the counter and left the Kitchens.
She couldn't remember a time when she was more glad to be out in the burning sun. But her peace was soon shattered as she discovered someone approaching her. Her frown matched her visitors as he reached her side.
She hadn't talked to Newt in over a few days. She was clueless as to why he would be seeking her then.
Eleanor certainly hoped it had nothing to do with the stupid rumors floating around, because the last thing she needed was for the Second-in-command to get on her case.
"Hey." He said, as he reached her.
"Hi." She replied, eyebrows raised, as she gazed up at him.
"Zart said to tell you you can take the rest of the day off."
He sounded uncomfortable which made her feel unsettled.
"Okay..." She said, "That's weird. Did he say why?"
"No." He said. "Sorry."
She was about to ask why on earth her Keeper, who usually hated her, would give her half a day off when a loud voice interrupted her.
"Hey Eleanor!"
Newt and Eleanor turned their attention towards a young Builder standing a few meters away.
"Does your boyfriend know you flirt with other boys when he's not here?"
Dumbfounded, Newt and Eleanor simply stared.
"Oh, I get it." The boy spoke again. "Maybe you only go for Keepers who have their own room. But, there's plenty of room in my sleeping bag if you get cold tonight!"
Eleanor's mouth fell open in shock. How-? Why would he-? What was wrong with him?
Her cheeks blushed with embarrasment and anger. She felt dirty all of the sudden and wanted to disappear.
"What the-?" She heard Newt say.
As she saw him take the first step in the boy's direction, she was quick enough to grab his arm, stopping him.
"Fuck off, Pablo!" She exclaimed.
She didn't exactly oppose to Newt putting Pablo in his place, but she knew he wasn't the only boy who had dared to say similar things to her. Also, the fact that he had done it in front of Newt meant it was probably a dare of sorts. She wasn't sure if that fact made her feel better ot worse. But, she couldn't very well let Newt antagonize half the glade.
Besides, she could fight her own battles. Or, at least, she wanted to.
"I wouldn't touch you, not even with a stick." She added.
It didn't make her feel better.
If he was shocked by her lame comeback, he didn't let it show. "Ah, so it's just Keepers then."
Eleanor clenched her fist. If he didn't shut up Gally wouldn't be the only Glader who had been hit by a girl.
Suddenly, like a ray of good karma, a wooden pannel hit the back of Pablo's head making him turn around with a loud 'Ow'.
The Keeper of the Builders held the other end of the pannel over his shoulder. If he had done it on purpose, his face didn't tell.
Gally simply grunted a the recent attention he received and barked, "Get back to work! All of you!"
He added the last one to the builders that were scattered around, watching the interaction.
Not wanting to anger Gally any more than usual, they obeye., Pablo's complaints and hisses could be heard by Eleanor, who slightly smiled, even though she wasn't completely satisfied with his punishment.
"What was that about?" Newt said next to her, snapping her out of her reverie.
"What?" She asked.
Newt signalled back to the builders with an expresion that read it was obvious what he was talking about.
As if summoned, Pablo looked at her again and winked, with a stupid smirk on his face. Eleanor frowned and took her gaze away and back to the blonde boy.
"That." He said.
"Ugh." She groanedand tried specking a nonchalant tone. "Just stupid rumors going around."
Newt stared at her with the same questioning look, her explanation not having cleared the subject in the slightest.
Eleanor sighed and braced herself, trying to come up with a way to explain things without making a big deal out of it. She should've known Newt wouldn't listen to gossip, but she had guessed he would've known about it by then.
"Half the Glade is under the impression that I had sex with Minho last night."
His reaction to her words was the most priceless thing she had witnessed in a while. If she hadn't been so embarrassed, she would have laughed at his face.
His eyebrows had shot up and his eyes widened. There was no trace of his signature frown or his usual half smile. His face was starting to get red, to a point that made Eleanor wonder whether he was actually still breathing or not.
"Not you too." She said, shaking her head. "Nothing happened, okay? We just slept together. I mean... Gosh. I slept in Minho's room. That's all! If I had known this would be the reaction I would get, trust me I would've never done it."
Newt took slow, steady breaths as his colour started returning back to normal and his frown was back into place.
She wasn't sure why she had tried to justify herself to Newt. All she knew was that she didn't want the older boy to think negatively of her. That confused her to no end, the fact that she felt the need to justify her actions.
She was a big girl. She shouldn't have to give anyone explanations. Although, it wasn't Newt's fault but her own. He hadn't asked for any. She had just went ahead and rambled.
"But you know what? This is all very ridiculous." The words escaped her mouth without control.
All the events of the day were catching up to her. Even though she knew she would regret venting to Newt, she did it anyway.
"Everyone's acting as if I did something wrong, as if I should be ashamed of something. And that's only when nothing actually happened. If I had, in fact, had sex with Minho, it would be no one's business but ours. And it certainly wouldn't be anything to be embarrassed about. I think we should be mature enough for all this stupid little snickering and taunting."
She sighed, throwing her head back.
Newt's expression had been quickly masked with pity and understanding. Sad as it was, it was the nicest look she had gotten all day.
"Sorry Newt." She said. "Some times I really hate boys."
At this, he laughed.
Although his cheeks were still a little flushed, he was almost back to his usual self. And if the Second-in-command was good at something, it was at making others feel better.
"Don't worry, it'll blow over." He said, then, scoffed with a pained look on his face. "I just can't wait to see Minho's reaction."
"Oh, god." She said. She hadn't even thought of that. "Do you think we'll have to stop him from killing anyone?"
He laughed. "I think he'll be happy to know he just became the most envied guy in the Glade."
Eleanor blushed, unsure to what extent he meant that statement.
She ran that night.
Eleanor hadn't risked running before dinner for fear of getting caught, knowing that day the attention had been generally shifted towards her. This meant the light was limited and she almost fell a few times, but caught herself just in time. Trees really got in the way, but they were really handy to grab onto.
Her best friend had been more than amused to hear about the gossip of the day when she went to greet him after his Runner duties. Ben and Minho had teased her to no end. But it had oddly been the most normal time she had had all day, mostly, because she knew they were joking and did not look at her any differently than they normally did. She was glad they gave her a reason not to give up in boy kind.
Although, nothing could be perfect.
Minho hadn't even bothered to clear up the rumours. He had, in fact, entered the kitchen with the biggest grin his face could allow and an arm around Eleanor. She had quickly swatted him away, annoyed at her friend. But his reaction had been so like Minho, that she had been secretly happy to know his attitude towards her had not changed.
When she finished her run, the light had almost completely faded. The only shimmer left came from the torches of the Glade that could be seen in the distance.
She knew most Gladers had gone to sleep by then, and she was ready to do just that. Forget the shower, it had been a long day.
As she was almost through the limit of the trees, she noted there was someone ahead of her, in the clearing.
She narrowed her eyes, trying to dechiper who it was, when she noticed he had looked back at her.
It was a Glader she didn't think she had spoken to at least once.
One of the slicers, she thought.
She didn't even know his name.
Will, or something, her mind told her, Yeah, thanks that's very useful.
Before she had any chance to react, he approached her.
"Hey, Eleanor."
Said girl observed his nervous demeanor, wondering why he was speaking to her at all.
"Hey." She replied, a little unsure.
They were still by the edge of the forest. Shadows danced around them, so she couldn't properly see his face, but his voice sounded nervous so she felt suddenly on edge.
"How are you?"
"Um, I'm good." She said. "You?"
She did not know where this conversation was going, all she could think about was getting to her sleeping bag. Her day had been bizarre enough.
"Good." Will, or whatever his name was, softly replied.
And then, too fast for her tired mind and her unaware senses, he leaned his head in and locked his lips with hers.
It took Eleanor three full seconds to realize what was going on.
His weight had pushed them backwards and her back had been pressed against a tree, the wind partly knocked out of her.
She lifted her arms and tried to push him away from his shoulders but he was either too lost in the moment or had decided to ignore her attempts.
She tried again, harder, her lips resisting against his.
"Hey!"
Her lips were finally released. The boy had looked away to the sound.
Someone quickly made their way throught the forest with long strides.
It wasn't until he was right next to them and had dragged the boy away from her, that she recognized who it was.
Gally pushed the boy who fell unceremoniously on his butt.
He quickly managed to get up, frightened. He took one look at her face and his eyes opened even wider.
"Oh, Shuck." He said, quickly, "I'm so sorry. It was a dare, Pablo said. I- I didn't- I'm so sorry Eleanor."
With one last look at Gally, he quickly turned of his heel and ran away. The older boy started to go after him, but she stopped him.
"Don't."
She hoped it had been loud enough for him to hear, because she didn't think she could find her voice again.
Apparently, it had been because he turned, with a disbelieving look on his face.
"You can't let him get away like that."
Eleanor closed her eyes for a second.
No matter how scared she had been and how much it hurt her that her first kiss, at least the first she remembered, had been with a boy she didn't even know and because of a dare...
She had seen the expression on his face and she knew he really hadn't meant to hurt her.
It didn't excuse his actions, but she would not go after him. At least, not then.
"He didn't realize I didn't want to kiss him back." She said in a small voice. "I wasn't strong enough to push him away."
"This is not your fault, Eleanor." He said.
He was soon in front of her. He didn't make any move to touch her, to comfort her. She didn't expect him to, not anymore.
A few tears escaped her eyes.
She was disappointed in herself. She had thought she could protect herself, but she was wrong. She was always so weak. No matter how much she tried to change it, it still remained that way.
"What is it? Are you hurt?"
Gally had seen her tears.
"No, no." She said, "I'm fine."
After a few minutes of trying to compose herself, she proped herself up from the tree. She tried to keep her emotions in check, at least until she was alone.
Gally nodded towards the homestead.
"C'mon." He said. "I'll walk you."
"Thanks." She said as they started walking.
She wasn't sure how she felt about what Gally was doing for her, and how he was treating her, but she really did not want to think at that moment. They had almost reached their destination when a question occured to her.
"What were you doing in the forest in this late at night?" She asked.
He didn't look at her, as they kept walking, his face stone cold.
"I could ask you the same thing."
Touché, She thought and was ready to let the subject go... until she noticed the way his lips were pursed and his fingers were fidgeting in nervous patterns.
The realization made her stop in her tracks, eyes wide.
He walked a few more steps, then, he realized she was no longer with him. He turned, confused. She looked up at him, a torrent of emotions cursing through her.
"It was you, wasn't it?" She said.
All this time... and she hadn't even considered him a possibility at all.
"All those days, in the woods."
The alarmed look his face adopted told her everything she needed to know. It made no sense. But it was clear to her now.
It had been him. But, why?
"It was you. You've been spying on me."