Newt had to go check something in the Bloodhouse, so I stayed by my tree. I felt changed happier talking with Newt, he just relieved my anger and worry, he made me feel so much better and I couldn't explain why. He knew what to say and how to distract from the bad sides of the Glade and the maze, the best part was I knew he had my back just like Jackson. He was the second-in-command here and he was keeping my secret about lying to everyone, which was something I would never expect him to do. Newt was always so honest and open... but apparently not about me, I smiled at the thought of him keeping my secrets.

I got up and stretched, I should go for a walk now because I'm sure that Newt wants to go the bonefire. I went back to my room for a minute, just to lay out some clothes for tonight, One second thought I really needed to take a shower. I left my room and almost ran into Ben.

"Oh hey! I was just looking for you," he smiled.

I crossed my arms," Here I am."

Ben's smile fell," So I'm guessing you're still mad."

"I'm not mad," I lied. "But I am busy right now," I went to move past him but he blocked my path.

"Hey," he stopped me. "Let me explain, okay?"

"Sure," I said sarcastically. "I would love to hear about how you and Hank think I made the whole thing up."

"That's not what I was going to say."

"Well, I don't care what you have to say," I sneered.

"Greenie...," he tried to calm me down.

"THAT'S NOT MY NAME!," I shouted, surprising myself and him.

Ben's mouth was open and he shook his head," I'm so sorry. I don't know why I said that. I'm so sorry." I could tell it was an accident, but I didn't have the patience for his apology.

"I have to go," I pushed past him and went to the Homestead.

He didn't run after me or follow me, which was good, I didn't know if I was going to blow up on him again. I walked past the faces of the Gladers, not focusing on any of them until I saw Alby. He was talking to the builders, I need to stay calm this time. Block Ben from your mind. I walked up to them and he saw me, ending his conversation.

"I was just about to come find you," he told me.

"Found you first," I joked and then stopped myself. "I, uh, need to talk to you."

"Yes, you made that clear," he was bringing up earlier. "We can go to the tower," he led the way.

As we walked there, I tried to phrase what I wanted to say. I wanted to sound like I knew what I was talking about and make a good argument. We climbed the stairs and Alby turned to me.

"Greenbean, you can't just come up and start yelling at me," Alby started.

"I know, I know. I'm sorry for that, but I had just seen Mihno and Hank come in from the maze. I just couldn't believe you let them back out there after what I had told you. You put them in danger."

"The maze is danger," Alby told me. "They know the risks of running it."

"But the normal risks are not running into a griever," I countered.

Alby sighed," I told them it was their choice to go out. They said if they heard or saw anything they would come back right away."

I took a deep breath, be calm, I told myself.

"Do you think I made it up?"

"No," Alby told me.

"Good, because I didn't."

"Greenbean, just because you are a girl, doesn't mean I don't trust you."

"I never said that."

"I know that what's you think," Alby said smoothly.

"I wouldn't think that if you didn't make me an outcast," I said with a little more attitude than I intended.

Alby sighed and leaned against the railing," I thought what I was doing was what was right," he told me.

"I know that, but it makes me feel out of place. I know that this is different for you guys, you've never had a girl but you have to adjust."

"I thought we did, we gave you a new sleeping place, a job like everyone else, and you've even gotten in trouble, which I honestly thought would help."

Don't bring up Jackson, Just don't.

"Alby, you have to just treat me like everyone else. Yes, I do appreciate my own place to sleep, I love it actually. I think that was a good idea, but the rules are just... they are terrible. I can't be alone with someone? I mean, are you serious?"

"It's only at night, I thought that seemed fair."

"But it makes it seem like I can't take care of myself. You've never had the rule for the boys, so why for me?"

Alby looked up to me,"Because I don't want anything to happen. Something that I won't know how to deal with."

Like what? What is he talking about?

"An example?," I asked for clarification

"A baby," Alby stated simply.

A BABY?! IS HE JOKING!?

"Alby, are you serious," I scoffed in disbelief.

"I just want to avoid it all together," he was obviously uncomfortable with it.

"I'm not having a baby," I walked around to look him in the eyes. "And the fact that that's your reasoning, is just gross."

Alby was silent for a minute," You're right, it may have been premature for me to make a rule based on that."

"It was. I don't think there should be any rules, just because I'm a girl. I want to be treated like everyone else."

"But you're not like everyone else here," Alby told me. "I just want to make sure that everyone is safe."

"Like you said, it isn't safe here."

"The maze isn't safe, the Glade is," he clarified.

"Alby," I groaned. "I hate these rule. It means I can't be with my friends when the sun goes down, they can't be in my room ever and I can't go see them in the Homestead. They are just making it impossible for me to feel like I am welcome here. "

"That's not what I want."

"Then we need to do something," I told him.

"What do you suggest?," he asked openly.

"First, stop assuming I'm like in love with every guy I hang out with... that I'm going to have a baby," I almost shuddered.

Alby sighed," That's not what I meant."

I continued," Second, get rid of all the rules about me, they are just... I just hate them so much," I covered my hands with my eyes. "I hate them," I repeated. "Replace them so they can be about anyone. Rephrase them so it can apply to all the Gladers, not just me."

Alby nodded," That's a good idea."

"Really?," I peeked out between my fingers.

"Yeah," Alby pushed off the railing," I wish you would have told me sooner about this, I would have done this from the beginning."

"Really?," I was surprised.

Alby chuckled, it was deep and throaty," Greenbean," he looked at me with a crooked smile. "We are a family here, you are one of us."

It made me feel like a weight was lifted off my shoulder hearing that from Alby.

"Really?," I repeated, seemingly the only word left in my vocabulary.

"I'll have it done for tonight at the bonfire," Alby tapped me on the shoulder.

"Thanks Alby," I was awestruck.

"No problem, Greenie," he smiled and headed to the stairs.

I couldn't wipe the smile from my face as I sauntered back to my room, things might be taken a turn, I thought happily. I walked past everyone heading to dinner, that's when I saw Jackson. He looked different now, he seemed so distant to me. I watched him hoping he would look up and give me sly smile or subtle wink, anything but he kept his head turned to Billy. But not everything.

"Hey," I turned to see Newt. "I went back to your tree place but you were gone."

"Yeah, I went and talked to Alby."

"Really?," Newt arched an eyebrow.

"Yeah," I let my smile widen. "It went really well."

"That's great," he congratulated me. "You heading to dinner?"

"No, I need a shower."

"But I'll see you later?," he asked backing up towards the kitchen.

"Of course," I smiled heading off to the showers.

The water was unbelievable, it was like magic raining down on me. I wanted to stand under the warm water forever as it massaged my skin and washed away the disgusting filth that was layered on my skin. The water got cold so I had to step out and get dressed, but I still could feel the buzz on my skin. I went to my room and picked an outfit for tonight since I figured Newt was going to drag me to the bonfire. Then I waited for him, and he came sooner than I expected, but I could already hear the party underway.

"Hey," I stood up as he knocked on my wall.

"You ready?"

"Yeah," I smiled," But there is no way I'm playing that pushing-shoving game you guys like."

"What?," Newt sounded confused.

"I just don't think I'd be good at it. Any one of you could pick me up and throw me."

"You mean at the bonfire? I didn't think you wanted to go."

"Well, I know you really want to."

"We don't have to go because of me," Newt stepped forward.

"I know," I brushed my hair behind my ear. "I just want to be able to do something for you..."

"For me?"

I looked at the dirt," Well, yeah. You're always doing things for me."

"You don't have to do this," he stepped in front of me. "We don't have to go."

"Well, I think we should. I want to hang out with you and the only way we can is if we go to the bonfire."

"I wasn't even going to go," Newt told me.

"Really?"

"No, I figured we'd go for a run and then just hang out in the Deadhead or something," he mumbled.

Aww, he's so cute.

"No, we should go to the bonfire," I tug his arm towards the sounds of boys cheering.

"Only if you want to," he fell in stride with me.

"I do," I nodded.

"We don't have to stay if you get bored."

"Don't worry about me," I told him.

"When you want to leave, let me know and we'll go," he seemed to stress this heavily.

I laughed," And do what? It's already dark. Alby still hasn't changed the rules. No need for someone else to get into trouble."

Newt grabbed my hand and stopped me from walking," Seriously," he looked into my eyes.

"Newt, I am serious. I want to go and be with you."

I saw a smile tug at the corner of his lips," Well, you wish is my command. Speaking of which, you, I still owe you a favor," he eyes me with a sly look. "Does this count?"

"Of course not. I'll just have to keep thinking," I responded mysteriously.

We approached the fire and the night was already moving along, Newt got us some hooch, which I promised I would pace myself on. I took a sip, Newt and I walked around in circles of the spectacle until we found a place to sit. I finished my drink and watched Gally challenge the new greenie to a match of his personal shoving game. The greenie accepted but just as he was about to go in, I heard a whistle behind me, I turned and saw it was Jackson hiding behind the wall of the Homestead, when I saw him he waved me over. I looked to Newt, he had also turned around.

"Go," he nodded his head.

"Really?," I asked him.

He smiled," Yes."

"I'll be back," I stood up and tried to casually walk over there without drawing attention to myself. As soon as I was hidden behind the wall, Jackson wrapped me in a giant bear hug.

"Oh, girl, I've missed you," he whispered as he squeezed me tightly. I wrapped me arms around his back and squeezed him in return.

"I've missed you too!"

After a few more seconds, Jackson pulled away. "So how have you been, how is everything?"

"Terrible. I can't believe that you still have to avoid me."

"It's temporary," he whispered. "I figure by the time a new greenie comes we can go back to normal."

"A month!" I shouted.

"Shhh," he held a finger to my mouth.

I pushed his hand away," Jackson, you know that's not fair."

"It's how it has to be," he hung his head. "But no more doom and gloom. We only have a few minutes before Billy wants me back."

"Well...," I was suddenly drawing ablank on everything I wanted to say to Jackson. "How are you?"

He scoffed," What a dumb question. I'm awesome."

I hit his arm," Seriously Jackson."

He pretended it hurt and rubbed his arm," No, I'm fine. The baggers and I are still good."

"And the rest of the Glade?"

"Well.. they... you know... are taking their time."

"I knew this would happen, Jackson. Everyone hates you."

"No, no they don't. They never liked me anyway."

I rubbed my hands on my face," I hate this."

"That makes two of us, but for now, I'm glad to get to talk to you."

I smiled," Me too."

"What have you heard about the stinger?," Jackson asked.

"Oh... that, Ben got rid of it."

"Really?"

"Yeah, he told me he took it back out into the maze."

"Good," Jackson took a deep breath. "Excellent. One less problem in my life."

I peeked over my shoulder to the bonfire," Jackson, I don't want you to get in trouble again." I was worried someone was going to find us.

"I won't. Newt said he'd keep this place empty for a minute."

"What?," I looked back to him.

"Newt is making sure no one comes over."

"Newt set this up?"

"Yeah, he's a good guy. You certainly pick your company wisely," Jackson complimented himself, but I let it go, trying to contain my smile.

"Yeah, he's amazing," I said biting my lip.

"How are things going with him," Jackson asked. "I'm assuming well," Jackson eyed me with a sly grin.

"Yes," I giggled. "Newt is... practically perfect. I couldn't have asked for anything more."

"What? What was that? I don't think I heard a thank you in there?," Jackson cupped his ears.

"Thank you," I hugged him again. "Thanks you so much, Jackson. I mean it. Really. If it wasn;'t for you... I don't even know. Newt sends his thanks too!"

"It was all you... well, and him. I just pushed it together."

"We wouldn't be here without the push."

"That is true. Fair point. So tell me, anything new? Kiss yet?"

I shook my head," No... but. I'm okay with that. I just like being with him."

"So you don't want to kiss him anymore?," Jackson asked. "That was like you're whole thing!"

"No, of course I do... but I'm not fighting the urge like I was. And I like him not just because I want to kiss him."

"So the flame of your love is already dying? Bummer."

"Stop it," I giggled and wacked his arm again.

"I'll leave if you are going to abuse me," he turned and took a step away.

"No, no, no. I'm sorry," I pulled him back by the arm.

He laughed," I'm kidding... just kidding. But we probably should get back."

"When can we talk again?"

Jackson sighed," I don't know. Maybe Newt can set it up again?"

"I can't ask him to do that."

"Next bonfire?"

"That's so long away," I moaned.

"I know, but just think of all the good stories you'll have for me." I pouted for a moment longer and Jackson pulled me into another hug. "Gotta look at the brightside."

"Which is?"

"How can you stay mad at such a handsome face?," he joked with a grin.

I laughed and hugged him tightly. "I really do miss you."

"I know," he said solemnly. "I miss you too." It was about another minute before he pulled away, "I should get back to Billy."

"Yeah," I nodded.

"Good luck," he winked. "Bring me something juicy next time," and he was gone again, a new stranger in the crowd.

I should of told him not to ignore me! How did I forget that? Stupid!

I went back to where Newt was sitting, he had got me some more hooch.

"Thanks," I smiled sitting next to him.

"No problem."

"No, Newt. I mean it: thank you."

Newt twisted to look at me,"I didn't do anything," he tried to play innocent.

"You did everything," I smiled.

"I didn't know you like hooch that much," he has a cocky smile while taking a sip.

"Yup, I just really love hooch," I giggled into my drink. "Thank you for getting me some."

It was then I saw Alby come over from across the crowd with a smile on his face, I sat up a little straighter, almost tempted to scooch away from Newt.

"Newt," he smiled at him then looked at me. "I have it all figured out," he announced. "Rules are changed and you are no longer an outlaw."

"Really?!," I jumped up. "You actually did it!"

"Yes, it's all done."

"That's amazing. Thank you, Alby!"

He smiled happily, I never really saw Alby smile very often, so it was nice change for him. He looked around him at the Glade," I would make the announcement now, but I don't think most of them would remember," he laughed. "Gally made this batch especially strong."

"It's good, though. I like it," I looked to my glass and took another big drink, feeling a slight tingle in the back of brain. Alby was right, this stuff was strong.

"Enjoy yourself, alright?," Alby joked and went back to where he had came from, talking to Zart.

I turned to Newt and jumped up in the air, spilling some of my hooch on the ground.

Newt stood up," What did I tell you," he smiled wrapping me into a hug. He pulled back," See, I told it would be better than last time."

"Well, I'm glad you convinced me," I beamed up at him.

I felt safe, happy there, his arms around me. I didn't even care that we were in front of everyone, I just wanted to lay my head on his chest and sway together, but Newt had other plans. He pulled back, but kept his arms around me and raised an eyebrow," So this means, we don't have to stay if you don't want to."

"I'm having a good time. Aren't you?"

"Always," he said pulling me back into the hug.

"Are you drunk," I asked.

"Not yet," he admitted. "You can't tell me you are?"

"No," I shook my head. "But another one of these should do it," I finished the rest of my glass.

"Going for a record tonight," he released his grip on me and reached for his own glass.

I shook my head," Nah... Is there a record? What's yours?"

"Well, back when Gally first starting making his stuff, it wasn't so strong, so maybe like 6 or 7."

"HA!," I laughed at him. "I could beat that."

Newt tilted his head to the side disapprovingly," I doubt it."

"Oh yeah?," I felt confident and I strolled away from him and over to the hooch.

Newt caught up to me," It's not a race."

"But if it was, I'd be winning," I smirked as I filled my glass and took another drink. "I think your just mad because I win all the races we run."

Newt threw his head back and laughed," That's true, but this here," he filled his own cup up, " is one race I know I'll win."

We stepped away I walked right into Joe's path, spilling his drink over both of us.

"Oh, Joe! I'm so sorry," I apologized.

He looked down at himself then to me," You look like you go most of it."

"Are you okay?," I asked.

He shrugged," I'm wet," he said then turned to refill up him cup.

Newt stifled his giggle," You should probably go change."

"Yeah," I handed him my now empty glass. "I'll be back," I took off towards my room.

I got there and stripped my shift off, putting on a dry one, it wasn't really clean, but I don't think anyone would notice tonight. I sat on my hammock, I couldn't shake the smile from my lips, tonight really is the turning point for me. I happily jumped up and headed back to the bonfire, but halfway to the Homestead, I ran into Newt.

"Oh, hey," he jumped when he saw me.

"I was going to come back," I laughed.

"Yeah, I know. But now since there are no rules saying we can't be alone, I thought I'd steal the chance."

"I know, I can't believe Alby actually did that for me."

"I told you, he lives for this stuff."

"Thanks again."

"For?"

"Telling me to talk to him, it was good advice."

"Well, it's my pleasure," he bowed and we turned back to the bonfire. "So what... you have 5 more glasses to go?"

I scoffed," That'll be easy."

We drank, Newt and I had chugged the hooch, trying to get to 7 as fast as possible. The bonfire, felt like something it never had before. I was walking around, talking to everyone, laughing, making jokes. It was great to feel like I was equal to them all, not some scared little girl hiding away in the woods. I knew most of them didn't know about the rule change, but they would know soon. I think I made it to my 5th glass when I started to lose some of the events of the night. I remember Jeff Jeff tried to go climb a tree on a bet, but Clint stopped him and that someone else left to raid the kitchen but Siggy went after them. Then it's all a bit of a blur, I don't remember really anything, but a feeling like I was floating while laying in the grass looking up at the dark cloudy sky. I felt like I was ready to throw up, but didn't, then it was gone. I had no more memories.

I woke up in the Med Hut, it felt familiar to be back in a cot and smelling the ground herbs for medicine. I went to sit up, but my head throbbed, so I groaned and chose to lay still. I had my eyes closed again, trying to block out the bright light, but I heard someone come to the bedside.

"Greenie? You awake?"

I moaned louder," My head hurts."

"Go get Alby," I heard them say.

"Clint?," I asked, trying to hide under my blanket.

"Yeah?"

"Why does my head hurt?"

"You drank a lot last night," he reminded me.

Oh... the bonfire? That was last night? My head was killing and nothing was really coming back to me about what had happened.

"Am I sick?," I asked, trying to open my eyes again, but shutting them instantly.

"Uh... no... no, you're not sick."

"Why am I here?"

"Uh... well.. I think... You'll have to ask Alby."

"What? Why?," I was confused and slowly pushed myself up so I could sit, but still keeping my eyes closed. My head was pulsating, sending shocks of pain through every time I spoke or heard a noise.

"Easy there, go slow," he cautioned me.

I heard footsteps," Alby?," I called out.

"Greenie, how are you feeling?"

"My head," I complained, putting my fingertips on my temples and massaging gently.

"Yeah," he confirmed. "That's bound to happen."

"Clint says I'm not sick."

"No, you're not. Just a little bit of after hooch hangover."

"Is that why I'm here?," I peeked my eyes open while shielding them from the harsh light of then sun. "Oh god," I groaned. "Siggy is going to be mad."

"Don't worry about that, someone is stepping in for you. Tell me, what do you remember about last night?"

I searched my brain, finding little memories about taking a drink of hooch, or laughing.

"Not much," I admitted. "I remember Jeff trying to climb a tree."

I heard a stifled laugh in the corner, then nothing.

"Why? What happened?," I turned to Alby too quickly and my head was paralyzed with pain, "Ow," I cried out and slowly laid back down.

"I'm not sure, to be honest."

"What does that mean?," I turned my head to him.

He looked lost and confused, like he didn't know what to say to me.

"I don't know."


I give you guys the gift of a new Chapter for the holiday season. Enjoy!