"Get up! Come on girl!," A shake woke me up from my sleep.

"What? What!?," I woke up panicked and alert.

"Girl, you're late," I heard the sass and recognized Siggy.

Late?

"Get up and let's get going!," he marched out of the door and left me in the soft morning hue of my room.

I rolled out of my hammock with a smile, it felt impossible to dampen my glowing mood. I caught up to Siggy and helped him start the day.

"You can prep the rice," he told me handing me a large pot. "Since someone slept in, I got the water all ready for you."

"Thanks."

"And why are you so happy, miss sunshine?," Siggy asked.

I shrugged," Can't I just be happy?"

"Not in the Glade."

"So you're saying you've never been happy here?"

"I've had moments, good days as opposed to the bad."

"Well, then I guess today is just a good day for me," my smile brightened.

"Sleeping in better be worth it," Siggy mumbled.

Today is such a good day, I hummed to myself as I got the water to boil. Jackson get's out today. Newt is... actually real. Like he is for real. He likes me. What does that even mean? How do I go about this now? Am I allowed to kiss him?

"Hey," I looked up to see Newt walking towards me.

I stumbled backwards from standing up too fast," Hey," I brushed my hair behind me ear. "You're up early."

Newt smiled," It was hard to sleep last night."

"Oh?," I felt a blush and turned back to the pot on the fire.

"Yeah," he walked up beside me, I could feel him looking at me, I didn't know what to do or know to react. I felt so warm and tingling all over, but frozen in place. "Hey," he called to me softly, drawing my attention to him. He was next to me, we were shoulder to shoulder. "I'm really happy about last night."

My cheeks stung as my lips spread into another smile and my stomach tied itself into a knot.

"Me too," I whispered.

Newt seemed to glisten in the morning light, it made him look magical as the golden rays sparked a dazzling blaze on his ruffled hair. It only lasted for a few seconds before the rising sun was covered by the gray scattered clouds. He returned my smile and we stood there for a moment, I was just trying to absorb everything that was happening until Siggy popped out.

"We need to make sure that-.. oh. Hey Newt."

I jumped, I had been so lost in Newt's dreamy golden gaze, I stepped away from Newt and turned to Siggy.

"Oh, yeah, uhm.. Newt is just here to.. uh.."

"I'm just here to talk with her about Jackson," Newt said confidently.

"Oh, right. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Well, don't take too long, we've got a Glade to feed," Siggy chuckled. "I want to talk with you about the rice when you're done," he said to me and I nodded, to embarrassed to speak. Siggy went back into the kitchen and I felt like I had been caught doing something wrong. I was so embarrassed I didn't even want to look at Newt, I knew my face was bright red. I went to the side of the kitchen and grabbed the rice bag and bringing it over to the boiling pot.

"Here, let me help," Newt picked up the bag easily, pouring the rice into the pot. "Rice for breakfast again, looks like you're making changes around here," he smirked.

"Thanks," I brushed my hair away. "I guess I'm not all bad."

Newt cleared his throat," I... I actually do want to talk to you about Jackson."

What? Why?

"Are you going to tell people what I told you?," I felt fear crept up my spine. "Because Jackson will just get in more trouble for lying and I-.."

"No," Newt lowered the bag. "I'm not going to say anything."

Then what is it?, I wondered as Newt continued.

"I know you guys are really close..."

"Yeah, he's my best friend."

"Yeah, and he gets released today..."

"I know. I'm excited."

Newt sighed," But you know that you can't be friends with him, right?"

"What? What are you talking about?"

Newt turned away," I.. I know he's you're friend and he's helped you out, but what he was charged with... you can't...," Newt dropped his sentence, unable to finish.

My heart felt heavy," I know."

"You know?," Newt sounded surprised.

"Jackson and I already talked about this. We won't be able to hang out or talk for at least a few weeks. It just is so... stupid. I don't care what everyone thinks."

"I know, it's going to be hard, but with the story you guys told, this is the way it has to be."

I looked to the boiling water, rice bubbling up with the air and floating back beneath the foam," I know... I should probably go. Siggy needs help."

"Yeah, absolutely...," Newt paused. "I can still come by tonight?," Newt asked, looking to the ground.

I nodded," Yeah, I'll see you then."

I went back into the kitchen to Siggy chopping onions.

"I'm sorry," he said as I past him. "I didn't realize Jackson was getting out today."

"It's no big deal," I brushed it off.

"Now you don't seem as happy? What happened to you being miss sunshine?"

Outside a loud rumble growled in the distance, it was thunder.

"Nothing. I'm still happy," I smiled, but it was forced.

It's so dumb that Jackson is going to be shunned by everyone because of me. It's my fault he was there that night, but he was punished for it way more than me and now we can't even talk to each other.

"Well, about the rice, I just want to make sure that we...," Siggy voice faded to back ground noise as we both continued to work. Breakfast was ready to be served, I was setting up plates when loud boom of thunder pierced the air. Siggy stepped outside, "Oh,... We better get this ready to go."

"Go?"

"Ain't no work today. It's gonna rain pretty soon, might as well just take this back to the Homestead."

"It's just cloudy," I looked past him out the door.

"Nope. It's going to rain, no doubt. Go and get the rice before it starts coming down."

I went outside and pulled the pot from the fire, it was almost done anyway, maybe a litter under cooked, but not that it mattered now. I felt a small drop on my arm and looked up, the light gray clouds had transformed into dark spiraling nets casted across the entire sky. I half carried, half dragged the pot to the Homestead and left it in the corner and went back to the kitchen to help Siggy bring more food. The rain began to pick up but we made it all into the Homestead, it was crowded, smelly, and hot stuck inside with everyone. Joe came and helped dish out breakfast, then after Siggy went off to hang out with his boys and Joe drifted back to his solitude. Once again, I was stuck looking out at the people in the Glade and had nowhere to go.

I saw Newt, he was with Alby and Zart across the room, they were all talking and then laughing. I was tempted to go over and talk to him, but I felt awkward; I didn't want to overstep and bother him. He came and saw me this morning? Am I supposed to go to him now? He looks busy, I don't want to interrupt... I looked around more, I saw Gally talking to the builders, but had no real instinct to go talk to him. Searching the room, I knew everyone, their names at least, but I didn't actually know them, they were all strangers.

"Finally a chance to talk with the famous Greenie," I heard a chuckle behind me and turned to see two smiling familiar faces.

"Hey guys," I smiled, greeting Clint and Jeff.

"I feel like we never see you," Jeff said.

"Yeah, why don't you visit us," Clint teased.

"Oh... I just... busy, I guess," I lied. Jeff and Clint looked to one another then back at me, almost like they knew I was lying, which wouldn't be hard. I was a terrible liar. "What?," I asked, feeling nervous.

"Well... Clint and I," Jeff gestured between them. "We wanted to let you know that if you ever wanted to come back and stya in the Med hut, we would love ot have you."

"Yeah," Clint agreed. "We almost miss having you around there."

"What are you guys talking about?," I was confused.

Jeff shuffled his feet and Clint scratched his head, both obviously feeling some awkward tension.

"You know, with the whole Jackson thing," Clint mumbled.

"What we mean to say is, if you don't feel safe in your house anymore, we would be happy to make accommodations for you," Jeff added.

Oh...

"That is... well, that is such a sweet offer. Thanks guys, really. It's very nice of you," I paused, trying to word it all right. "I'm good where I am though. I like my hut, but if I need a night away, I'll let you know."

Clint straightened up and I saw Jeff look past me and scowl. I turned to see what they were staring at, and it was Jackson. He walked in from the rain dripping wet with Alby standing beside him. The whole room went quiet, I sucked in a breath afraid for some big brawl between everyone, but the moment past and murmurs of chatter began to refill the room.

Jackson was wiping his hair off while Alby was talking to him, a hand on his shoulder to show support. Jackson nodded and agreed to what he was saying as he dried himself off.

"That guy is jacked," Clint growled.

"Good that," Jeff agreed.

I didn't turn back to them, I kept watching Jackson, I wanted him to look up at me. I wanted to smile, show my support for him, tell him without actually telling him how happy I was to see him out of that cage. But he didn't look towards me, he kept his eyes on Alby, never once looking away.

"Greenie, you okay?," Jeff asked.

I turned back to them," Yeah," I smiled. "I'm fine."

"If he tries to bother you again," I saw Clint tense up and stopped him.

"No, no, no. Uh, I mean, he won't. Alby has talked to him and so has Newt. I bet he's learned a real lesson."

"The only way a slinthead like that would learn not to attack a fellow Glader, would be to throw them to the maze," Clint's eyes were fiery and angry.

"Clint," Jeff warned.

"I'm just saying," Clint brushed the whole thing off.

"Yeah," I agreed, looking back over my shoulder to Jackson, he was still standing there but Alby had moved on. Now it was the Baggers who surrounded him, they all seemed happy, Jackson was smiling.

"Are you sure you're okay, Greenbean," Jeff was obviously worried. "Cause if not, we can go talk with Alby and get-..."

"No," I faced them. "No, I'm fine.. just... weird to see him is all," I tried to sound like someone who had been attacked, but what does that even sound like? I think I just sounded sad, but that played very well with the boys.

"Don't worry, we've got your back."

"Always."

I smiled," Thanks."

We talked a while longer, they told me stories about the Med hut and I told them more about the kitchen before they slinked away to steal some place to sit. The entire time I was fighting the urge to turn back to Jackson, it was like my neck was moving on it's own and I had to use all my willpower to keep it facing forward. When they left, I moved to the back of the room, to lean against the wall, so I could have a view of the entire room, with eyes on Jackson, without being too obvious. I just watched him, it felt weird, I wanted to go up and talked to him but I knew there was no chance that was allowed, especially in a room with the entire Glade to witness. He just seemed so normal, like all the tension in the room that was being focused on him didn't phase him at all; he stood, laughing with his friends as I assumed they were filling him in with what had happened since he had been away, even though I had kept him updated.

He didn't even know about Newt. I couldn't walk up to him and hug him and tell him everything about that night, I was stuck glued to the wall. I pretended to play the conversation over in my head. I would go up to Jackson and squeeze him tightly, he would probably laugh and ask me what happened. Then I would spill everything about what happened the other night with Newt, Jackson's face would light up, I know he's laugh at me and tell me he had told me since day one that Newt liked me. Next, we would have formed a plan together on what to do when I saw him again. I couldn't help but smile while I pictured it all, then I opened my eyes and it was gone. Jackson was so far away from me, even though he was in the same room, it was almost easier when he was in the slammer, because then I could sneak off to see him, whereas now everyone was watching him like a hawk to keep him away from me.

Jackson locked eyes with me for just a second, not even that, maybe half a second before looking away. It wasn't even enough time for me to smile at him, which made me feel even more guilty.

"Hiding out over here?"

I turned and saw Ben with his hands in his pockets, leaning against the wall beside me. I felt myself tense up and folding my arms across my chest.

"No," I responded, looking out over the room.

"It's a good spot though, kind of secluded. Like you're own mini Deadhead here in the Homestead."

"Yeah, I guess."

Ben sighed," Look... "

"Stop," I turned to face him. "Ben, I can;t talk about this," I whispered. "We can never talk about this."

He stepped closer and put his head down," I know that. But I also know you have not been the same since I showed you."

"Of course I'm not the same!," I kept my voice low. "That is a huge secret to keep from everyone."

"I promised no one would get hurt. Didn't I?"

I nodded, feeling less tightness in my muscles.

"And has anyone been hurt," Ben continued.

I shook my head.

"I'm telling you, I wouldn't do anything to harm anyone in the Glade. That's a promise. You have to believe me."

I waited a moment. "I do believe you, Ben. But that... that thing could be anything. It might hurt someone accidentally."

"I took it back," Ben whispered, looking down to his feet.

"What?"

"I took it back... back into the maze."

"When?," I was surprised.

"A few days ago, I wanted to tell you but... you've been avoiding me."

I couldn't even deny it, I had been avoiding Ben.

"I'm sorry, Ben. It scared me."

He nodded, "I know... that's why I took it back," Ben looked up to me, he looked so sad and his eyes were big. "I don't want you to be afraid," Ben said as he searched my face. I realized how close we were, I hadn't realized until his eyes were so close.

I turned to face the room and rest my back on the wall," I'm glad you took it back."

"Are... you still mad at me?"

I sighed," I'm not mad at you... I'm mad at myself."

"Why?"

Because I didn't tell Alby the truth and it got Jackson in trouble.

"I just am."

"Well, if it makes you feel better, I've been to your tree every day. I made sure to mark it... I know you stopped going there."

He was right, I couldn't go there knowing what was buried beneath the ground, but the idea of my tree did make me happy. I smiled," Thanks, Ben."

"It was the least I could do," Ben smiled. "So, you're not going to keep avoiding me are you?"

I shook my head," Nope."

"Good," Ben nodded. "I... I never got a real chance to talk to you about the whole Jackson thing."

"It's fine," I tried to brush off the topic.

"No, it's terrible. I'm really sorry that happened. If there is anything I can do, let me know."

"We can stop talking about it," I said flatly.

Ben stayed silent for a few minutes. I didn't mean to sound harsh, but everyone was treating me so oddly and I couldn't stand it. Jackson was not a bad guy and everyone here just threw him out. They've known him longer than me and he tells a lie, everyone believes it and treats him like a villain, which is what he wanted, but it still was crazy.

"Sorry," Ben apologized.

"It's not your fault. I'm just sick of talking about it."

"I can understand that."

"You'd be the only one."

Alby stepped up to us," Good morning," he greeted with a smile.

"Morning Alby," Ben replied.

"Hey," I didn't really know what to say.

"Sorry to cut in, but I just need to talk to the Greenbean for a second," Alby looked to Ben.

"No problem, see you around," he said as he walked off.

Alby waited for him to leave," I just wanted to check up on you, make sure everything is okay."

"I'm fine," I could feel myself getting irritated.

"I know this situation is not ideal, I don't want to keep you here if you're uncomfortable."

"I told you, I'm fine."

"I talked with Jackson, he won't be bothering you."

"Good," I nodded and saw Siggy waving me down from the other end of the room. "I have to go help serve lunch."

"Let me know if I can help with anything," Alby said kindly. I know he was just doing the best he could with such a new and different situation in the Glade, but it was wearing me down.

"Sure," I faked a smile and went over to Siggy to prepare lunch for everyone.

Unfortunately, the rest of the day was insane torture. It went so slowly, it seemed as if time was torturing me on purpose. After dinner Alby approached me again.

"It's still coming down, huh?"

"Yeah," I agreed looking out at the sheets of water spilling from the sky.

"I won't make you stay here tonight," Alby told me. "I can have someone take you home."

"Thanks."

Alby went off to find me an escort, even though I was perfectly capable of finding me way to my place. I watched the rain, it was so dark and gloomy yet soothing in a way; I like the mist of water I felt as the rain hit the ground and the rhythmic hum or the water hitting the roof with the wild and random crackle of thunder and shock of lightening ripping through the sky.

"Ready?," Newt came up beside me.

I smiled," Of course."

Newt and I ran through the rain to my hut, the cold water soaking our clothes as we slipped through the mud to make it their safely. We got to my room and we were both dripping, I handed him one of my towels.

"I have to go back out anyway," he said wiping droplets of his forehead, then taking the towel and wrapping it around me. "But we don;t need you gettin the flu again," he joked.

I wrapped my towel around me tighter, and turn my head away feeling a strong blush rise in my face He's going to leave already? I thought he would stay for a while.

"I get it. Thanks." I tried to sound understanding, as I turned to my hammock and sat down.

Newt stood in the enter of my floor, making his own personal puddle, catching his breath before his said. "You did really good today."

I looked up to him," What?"

"I know it must have been hard to see Jackson and not... ya know, be friendly with him. But you did good."

"Oh... thanks," I wrapped the towel around me tighter.

"It'll get easier, ya know?"

I sighed," No, it won't."

Newt made his way over to the hammock beside mine and sat down across from me," Yeah, maybe it won't."

"I just don't understand how everyone just turned their back on him. He's been here longer and everyone in the Glade sound trust him and know him, but he tells a lie and... it just doesn't feel right."

"Hey," Newt coaxed me to look at him. "He knows you're his friend."

I wanted to smile at the thought but instead it made me sad "We're friends but now we can't even look at one another."

"It'll take some time, yeah... but eventually this whole thing will be nothing."

"How do you know that?," I asked him.

"Because we are getting out of here," he smiled.

I let my lips tug upwards," Hopefully sooner rather than later."

Newt chuckled," Hope is all we got."

"I wish you could stay," I told him and my mind blared alarms.

WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT!?

"Me too," he told me. "But I should get back, I don't want the lads to worry," Newt stood up

"Yeah," I nodded, standing up with him. "Here," I unwrapped the spare towel around me and handed it to him. "At least take it to cover yourself."

Newt took the towel from me," Thanks," he said softly, pausing before he moved to the door. "Have a good night. Sweet dreams," he smiled before running out into the storm.

"NIGHT!," I called after him. I watched him disappear into the dark night , the towel flapping behind him as he held it over his head. When he was gone, I took my own towel off and tied it the doorways to stop some of the rain from leaking in. I changed into dry clothes and went to bed.