Sunshine beaming through the window across the room woke me up the next morning. I sat up in my bed quickly, running my hand through my long hair. I found myself smiling. I could not stop thinking about the boy in my dreams. "Thomas…" I whispered to myself. The name felt weird to me, but I could not deny the ache in my chest that came along with it. The boy was important to me. It was clear we were close. But for the life of me I could not remember anything else about him. I groaned and threw my legs over the side of the bed. My stomach hurt, but I could not tell if it was hunger because of my emotions going crazy. I stood up and stretched before making my way to the window. The walls had not opened yet and most of the gladers were still sleeping in hammocks or sleeping bags. I quickly spotted Frypan though. He was bustling around outside, probably trying to prepare breakfast and lunch for the runners. I decided to go and see if I could assist him since I was awake. Anything to distract me from the dream I just had. I grabbed Newt's shirt and threw it on before heading out.
"Moring Fry." I chirped and I walked into the hut. Fry was bent over a counter and only glanced up for a second.
"Oh hey Greenie. I did not expect to see your bright and shining face this early." He spoke while quickly putting sandwiches together. "Normally the new people hide or sleep all day until Alby makes someone go wake them up. Something with culture shock or whatever."
"Well I guess I'm just a morning person." I smiled at him. "So what's for breakfast?"
"Uh, I think I am going to make scrambled eggs with something. I don't know actually. I haven't gotten that far yet. I'm just trying to get the runners lunches together so Minho doesn't get his panties in a bunch! I gave Zach the day off and then Matt decided to fall and hurt his wrist. Clint said he couldn't move it for a few days so I'm all by myself today." Fry shrugged finishing another sandwich.
"Do you want me to help out? I mean I think I remember how to make scrambled eggs." I looked around the small kitchen area. Frypan already had a large basket of eggs sitting out.
"Are you sure you can handle it? I mean I normally don't let anyone in my kitchen." Fry crossed his arms.
"I think I'll be okay." I tried to reassure him. "If I start messing up you can just kick me out!"
"Fine." Fry sighed. "Just because I don't have Zach or Matt. The eggs are over there. Crack them and put them in a different bowl. Beat 'em together and I'll get you a pan out to start cooking them." I smiled largely and nodded. I was actually excited to be helping out. I followed Fry's instructions and soon was mixing a massive bowl of eggs. I turned back around to find Fry hovering over me. He watches as I poured the eggs in the pan and started cooking them, making sure to mix them around with a spatula.
"You're doing alright Greenie. I might just make a cook out of you yet!" he laughed and started walking back to the sandwiches. "Just put them in that large serving pan when you're done. Now, I've just got to worry about what else to make the boys. Eggs aint enough to feed all the gladers for breakfast!" he seemed stumped. "I have some meat left from breakfast yesterday. Maybe some ham…." He started talking to himself. I poured the eggs out in the pan and glanced around the kitchen. Some ripe tomatoes in a large wooden crate caught my eye. I walked over to them, seeing WICKED written largely on the side. My stomach tightened and then turned back to Fry trying to put the word out of my mind.
"How much bread do you have left?" I asked.
"A lot actually. They always seem to send us up bread…" he mumbled.
"Do you have any cheese?" I grabbed the large crate of tomatoes and put them on the counter towards him.
"…yeah…. What are you thinking Dani?" he asked putting his hands on his hips.
"Well I was thinking we could make some ham and grilled cheese sandwiches. They aren't necessarily breakfast food… or lunch food…. but I think they would be fine with eggs and it would help fill the boys up more than ham and eggs. I could also cut up some of the tomatoes, they look ripe enough. The boys could put them in their sandwich or on the side. Whatever they want. Maybe we could season them with some salt or pepper. If we have any I mean. " I said pulling out a nice round tomato.
"I like it. You go ahead and start cutting up the tomatoes. I'll grab the cheese and meat." Fry pointed to the knives beside him before leaving the hut. I quickly got to work, grabbing some of the bread Fry had left from making sandwiches and put them out in front of me. I started slicing the tomatoes and putting them into organized piles next to the bread. I was slicing the last tomato when I got the sudden feeling that someone was watching me. I stopped cutting and gripped the knife tighter raising it slightly before turning around.
"Easy Girly." The keeper of the runners grabbed my hand as I whipped around. His eyebrows raised, a little surprised. He was clad in his typical short sleeve button up shirt and cargo pants, but today he had his running vest on with two large knives sticking out from the back where they were holstered. He was only a few inches away from me, and I hadn't even heard him come in. His eyes shined with amusement. I gasped surprised, dropping the knife slightly making the blade cut the inside of my hand between my thumb and pointer finger. I winced before turning and dropping the knife on the table behind me. "Oh look what you did now…" Minho said looking down blood beginning to pool in my hand.
"What I did? Are you kidding me? You're the one who came in and scared me!" I said holding my hand to my chest angrily.
"I wanted to see what you would do. Looked like you were about to stab me." Minho shrugged taking a few steps back.
"Yeah well sorry I felt the need to defend myself from an unknown and unannounced intruder. Oh wait, no I'm not." I purred sarcastically at him. Minho nodded before moving to grab something out of the small pack on his. "Here tie this around your hand." He said handing me a white wrap. His hands hovered, seeming like he wanted to help. I opened my hand to see the gash making Minho frown, a little guilt showing on his face.
"I know what to do with it." I snapped back at him making him drop his hands to his sides. "I need to clean it first."
"Oh that's right. I forgot about your medical degree." Minho shrugged sarcasm dripping off his every word. Frypan then came in with his hands full, but he dropped everything quickly when he saw my hand.
"Blood! In my kitchen!" Fry's mouth dropped.
"Sorry Fry but this shank over here thought it would be a good idea to scare the crap out of me while I was cutting up tomatoes. " I glared over at Minho.
"Why are you even in here?" Minho crossed his arms.
"She was helping me with your breakfast! Now you're delaying everything! Go! Or your runners won't be eating breakfast today!" Fry ordered running around the kitchen to clean up. I laughed as Minho slumped out without another word. Fry stopped and grabbed my hand to look at it. "Dang you really did a number Greenie."
"I know. I need to go clean it out. Will you be okay if I go?" I asked trying to catch all of the blood dripping off in my other hand.
"Yeah. I'll be fine. Thanks for your help Dani." Frypan smiled at me before turning back to the food. I nodded and headed out the door.
I walked into the Medjacks hut to find it completely empty. The place was a mess. Supplies were just carelessly tossed on tables and make shift desks. The only clear space was on a small cot. I groaned inwardly and began my search for alcohol or some type of sanitizing cream. I tightened my hand the best I could, trying to apply pressure to stop the bleeding. "Ughhh seriously…" I groaned before taking a seat on the cot. A noise at the door made me glance up. Clint stood in the doorway rubbing his face.
"Mornin Greenie." He yawned. He walked over to a small table with giving me a second glance. He turned back and threw a cloth at me. I used the cloth to begin cleaning up the blood. Clint then walked over to a different desk and began rummaging through things.
"Clint, how did you know I was hurt…" I asked really confused.
"Minho came and woke me up. He said you cut yourself playing with knives." He turned back to me with a sleepy smile.
"I did not! I was helping Fry with breakfast! And Minho came in and scared me so I cut myself." I whined. "It's not deep it doesn't need stitches or anything." I looked down at my hand.
"Yeah I figured he was full of klunk. You don't really seem the type to be playing with knives." He smiled and walked over. "Here," he said handing me a small white tube. "I would tell you what to do with it but I'm sure you already know." He smirked at me.
"Thanks Clint. I'm sorry Minho woke you up. I could have found the stuff on my own." I said applying the cream carefully on my hand.
"Well he actually tried waking up Jeff first but that obviously didn't work. Jeff is not the morning type. Minho kind of accidently woke me up in the process. It's no big deal. " He smiled kindly before crossing his arms. "Besides I truly doubt that you would be able to get what you need from this place without help. This is my unorganized haven. Even Jeff struggles to find things in here." He grinned looking around at his mess.
"Well that's going to be fun." I laughed a little while wrapping hand carefully. "I may have to do some reorganizing Clint." I shook my head.
"How's your side?" He asked holding out his hand to help me up when I was done.
"Alright I think. It hasn't really hurt or anything so that good news. I honestly haven't really paid attention to it." I smiled. Clint nodded like he was listening but he sidestepped a little and looked back at my shoulder. "What is it?" I asked reaching for my back.
"Oh. Uhm nothing. Just thought I saw a bug or something." He smiled innocently. "Do you mind if I uh, look at your side?" he stuttered a little, trying to change the subject. I could tell he was becoming slightly uncomfortable though probably thinking about the last few incidents I've had with him. "I just want to make sure there isn't any sign of infection. And to see if it needs to be cleaned out." he put his hands in his pocket awkwardly.
"Yeah sure. It's fine Clint." I smiled at him before lifting shirt and tank top. Clint bent down and was carefully examining the stitches.
"Clint I sent you in here to help her with her hand. Not to take her clothes off." I heard Minho groan from the door. He was leaning ever against the doorway a small scowl on his face. Clint's face turned bright red again.
"It looks good. We may want to clean it later tonight or tomorrow. Just in case." Clint said standing up.
"Sounds good. Thanks Clint." I genuinely smiled at him and put my shirt back down. "What do you want Minho." I glared at him and crossed my arms.
"I wanted to make sure you weren't dying or anything." He said standing back up. "And that you used my wrap." He pointed to the white cloth around my hand.
"Yeah I can take care of myself." I moved towards him a little, staring him down.
"I never said you couldn't I just didn't want my wrap to go to waste. What if something happened today in the Maze?" he said putting his hand to his chest. "I have to use that wrap to save my life but in my moment of need I remembered I wasted it on you." He smirked, dark eyes narrowing on mine. "And breakfast is ready, if you shanks were hungry."
"Uh, I'm alright. I will get something later." Clint said and grabbed the cream back from me.
"Well greenie looks like it's just you and me then." Minho smiled. I rolled my eyes and made sure to bump his shoulder as I walked past him out the door. I smile slightly at me before he turned to follow me. "Soooo…how'd you sleep last night girly?" Minho questioned trying to make small talk. I thought back the dream I had, and the boy Thomas. I pictured his toned body, flashing back to our closeness to each other. A blush crept on my face and I shook my head trying to rid myself of the embarrassing thoughts. Minho hadn't seemed to notice so I tried to change the subject.
"Why do you call me that?" I tried to speak coolly.
"Girly?" he questioned surprised. "I don't know, maybe because you're a girl?" he rolled his eyes this time.
"I meant Greenie but whatever. And hey! You're a sarcastic cocky mean person. So what should I call you then?" I asked. Minho laughed. "You're like the sassy Queen of the glade? I don't know." I continued.
"It means like newbie ok? And well you can't say much! If I am the Queen, which by the way I prefer King but whatever, you have to be the princess. You're just as sassy as I am." He smirked over at me. Something about that smirk, it just made me smile back.
"Whatever. Shuck face." I said back in a serious tone.
"Oh no. Not that again. Please." Minho laughed out loud. "Don't try glader talk. It's so bad it hurts." We walked into the dining area. All the runners were grouped together eating at tables in the back. Minho moved to join them quickly, putting an arm around Ben's shoulders. I grabbed my plate from Frypan and quickly sat down at the table closest to the door. I really did not want to deal with Ben this morning. I began to eat quietly only to have Minho sit next to me. "Don't be such a Greenie. You should try to be social girly." he said.
"You should try to be less clingy Queen sassy pants." I said before taking a bite of the grilled sandwich.
"What is that by the way? It's not something Fry has made before for breakfast." He said picking up the sandwich. He began to make a face.
"It's a ham and cheese sandwich. And I think yours has tomatoes on it. And it was my idea but Fry is the one who made it. Thanks to you." I said taking another bite. Minho shriveled his nose up picking the tomato out.
"Tomatoes are disgusting." He shook his head. He tossed to tomato at me. It landed on the sleeve right above my injured hand. It quickly dyed the sleeve a reddish color, dampening it.
"Seriously!" I squealed tossing the tomato off. "This isn't my shirt! You're going to ruin it!"
"Well you did ruin one of mine remember?" He shrugged before taking a bite of his sandwich. He groaned "Oh this is good." Making me laugh.
"Dani? You're already awake?" Newt's voice caught me by surprise. He and Alby came walking up to our table.
"Yes she is and she made good food." Minho while inhaling his food.
"Really? Fry let you in his kitchen?" Alby asked surprised. I nodded, Alby's mouth fell open before he made his way over to talk to Fry. Newt seemed surprised too but his faced fell when he saw my hand.
"Is that blood?" Newt asked suddenly pointing to my sleeve. I laughed a little shaking my head.
"No. no. It's tomato juice. Minho apparently doesn't like tomatoes." I glared at him putting my injured hand under my chin.
"Your hand though. Seriously. What happened?" he asked taking a seat across from me. He grabbed the injured hand ever so gently, looking it over.
"Ask that one." I glared over at Minho. He was finishing up his sandwich and was about to start digging into his eggs.
"Don't baby her. She did it to herself. Don't let her lie to you." Minho shrugged and started shoveling in more food.
"Minho! I did not! I was in the kitchen helping Fry make breakfast and this guy decided to come in and scare the klunk out of me. The knife slipped, it was his fault." I put my hands down angrily. Newt looked between Minho and I somewhat expectantly.
"She was going to stab me…" Minho mumbled.
"I would have stabbed you if I were her." Newt said before he pointed to the stained sleeve. "I still may, you ruined my shirt."
"Yeah. Yeah. Whatever." Minho said before finishing his plate. "Well as lovely as a morning this has been, I am off to work now." Minho stood up and took his plate over to a crate across the room before rallying the rest of the runners. He walked back a small grin on his face.
"Have a good day princess!" he called to me as he left. I rolled my eyes and didn't even bother responding. I watched as he and the rest of the runners went to the doors. They stretched a bit, but stopped as soon as a loud bomb rang through the glade. The runners then all took off out into the maze in pairs.
"So they go out there every day?" I turned back to Newt who had gone and gotten a plate of food.
"Yup. They rotate through different sections, but everything is run every day." Newt explained in between bites.
"That sounds exhausting." I sighed and looked back at my plate. I thought about how long the boys had been here and how many times they had run the maze in total. The fact that they still hadn't really found anything was quite discouraging. "When you were explain the jobs you never said how you become a runner." I added looking up to Newt again. He swallowed hard.
"That's because you don't just become a runner. You have to be chosen. Runners are the best of the best. They have to be, otherwise they wouldn't make it back every day. It's risky out there." He said putting down his fork.
"Well…" I started but Newt shifted in his seat looking towards Alby. "What do I have to do to be-"
"Dani." Newt cut me off. "Don't." he leaned closer towards me. "You can't be a runner. Don't ask about it. Please. It'll only…..raise suspicion." Newt lowered his voice.
"Suspicion? Why? Just because I came from the maze, because I'm different? Or because I'm a girl and I could get hurt?" I asked him confused and slightly irritated. Newt just shook his head.
"Dani please just promise me you won't ask about it again. You can't be a runner. "He whispered pulling back. "Besides like I was saying, it's dangerous. Why would you want to go out there anyways?" I looked in his dark eyes and bit my lip. I wanted to find a reason but I couldn't think of one. I glanced back towards the massive break in the walls.
"Minho does it." I crossed my arms angrily. I know I sounded like a child but I didn't care. Newt was about to respond but he scanned the room to see Alby headed our way. I sighed exasperated, and looked down at my plate.
"So how are you feeling to Dani?" Alby asked me taking a seat next to Newt.
"Great. I'm not in any pain at all." I gave him my best smile.
"That's good. Maybe we could get started on your training sooner. The faster you find a job that fits, the faster you will become adjusted to Glader life." Alby nodded. "Although I think you can count this morning as your try out as a cook. Fry seemed quite happy with you." I laughed a little.
"Yeah, I'm not sure if cooking is for me though. I mean I really didn't do much. And it can be a little repetitive." I shrugged. "Nothing against Fry I mean."
"It's quite understandable." Newt agreed.
"Well when you're done I want you to head out to the Med hut and see if there is anything Clint needs help with." Alby said. I nodded.
"I'll head there now." I spoke standing up and left without another word. I took my plate to the same crate Minho did, before going up to Fry. I decided to get Clint a plate of food since he had not come to breakfast yet.
I was looking down at my full hands, trying to balance the small apple and glass of water I got Clint as well as the plate of food. I had gotten him a lot of stuff because I wasn't sure exactly what he would like. I barely had taken three steps out of the dining area before I accidently bumped shoulders with someone.
"Oh sh-" I whispered trying to steady the food and not spill any water. Two rough hands gripped my shoulders making me still. I looked up to see Gally staring back down. He was with two other boys I had seen working with him when Newt took me on the tour. They snickered at me so I decided to not even acknowledge them.
"Easy Greenie." He said before taking his hands back. "Is all that for you?" he examined the plate smirking.
"Ha no you're funny. This is all for Clint." I shook my head and motioned towards the medjack's hut. Gally just nodded and began to turn away but I said his name making him pause. "Hey I've wanted to talk to you. And apologize. You know I never meant to hurt anyone, I'm sorry if I-" I started rambling but Gally rolled his eyes and put his hand up stopping me.
"Don't worry about it Greenie." He shook his head and seemed genuinely uninterested in me. I nodded and began to walk away this time when I heard him call, "You won't have to worry about it. I wasn't expecting that from little girl like you. I could have laid you out easily. I didn't want to do anything to you, could have seriously hurt you. But don't worry! It won't happen again." The boys he was with laughed. I turned partially towards them, raising an eyebrow. That really ticked me off.
"Guess we will have to see Gally…" I turned back and started walking, fuming with anger. As if Newt telling me I couldn't be a runner wasn't enough. Now Gally was acting like a jerk when I was trying to apologize. I reached the building and took a deep breath, trying to brush off the situations and calm myself. Clint was too nice to have to deal with me angry. Plus if I wanted to be a medjack he had to like me. "Clint?" I knocked a little on the door as I entered the medjack's hut again.
"Yeah?" I heard him reply. I walked into the room; Clint was leaning against a desk causally. To my surprise Jeff was sprawled out on the cot, looking unconscious.
"What's wrong with him?" I asked nodding to Jeff a little concerned.
"I told you, he doesn't really like mornings. "Clint laughed looking down at the boy. Jeff groaned and turned over on the bed to face the wall.
"Oh, well I'm sorry I didn't know he was going to be here. I would have brought him breakfast too. I'm sorry." I frowned bring Clint the plate of food. Clint took it shocked.
"Wow, uhm thank you Dani." He smiled at me and began to eat. Jeff turned over on the bed again, his eyes still closed.
"Food…Did she say something about food?" Jeff grumbled out. I put my hand over my mouth laughing quietly at him.
"No. No she didn't." Clint quickly said freezing. Jeff laid there another second before turning back over. Clint smiled back at me, as I tried to hold in more giggles.
"Alright so what's the plan for today?" I asked actually kind of excited to get to work. I knew medical stuff, it was something I was clearly comfortable with so I couldn't wait to put my skills to use.
"Yeahh well we kind of just wait for someone to be stupid and hurt themselves. Then we do whatever they need. And then we got back to waiting. Again." Clint explained motioning with his fork. My mouth dropped.
"Ughhh really? I don't want to just sit here all day! I want to do something!" I groaned.
"Well you could always go to the blood house and wait. They slicers are always the first patients of the day." Clint gave me a sarcastic smirk. I glared at him, gagging a little at the thought of the blood house. Sure I was fine with my own blood and others injuries, but animals were a whole different story.
"Ugh. Gross. I'm okay." I ran my fingers through my hair. I glanced around the hut, having an idea. "How about instead I organize this place?" I asked excited.
"It is organized!" Clint grumbled under his breath.
"No. no. I mean organized like a normal person would. And it looks like this place could really use a good cleaning. You know medical places are supposed to be sanitized right?" I asked before moving to wipe dust and dirt off of the closest table.
"Yeah. Sure." Clint shoveled food in his mouth obviously unhappy.
"Clint, just help me pick up a little. That way we all know where everything is. Pleaseeee?" I begged him putting my hands together. Clint gave me a blank face, so I threw in the pouty lip.
"Fine…" Clint finally agreed and put down his plate. I squealed and jumped up and down. He grabbed the small apple and threw it across the room hitting Jeff in the back. Jeff yelped and shot up out of bed.
"What?" Jeff groaned and rubbed his face. He looked between Clint and I accusingly so I put my hands up in innocence. "Clint…" Jeff's eyes narrowed on him.
"Time to wake up Jeff. The lady wants us to clean." Clint smirked at him and took a sip out of his water.
Authors Note: Hey guys! Thank you so much for all of the reviews! They really make my day! I know this chapter was a bit bland but I want Dani to get settled in the Glade and show a little more of her with different Gladers. Thanks for reading! Also review please and have a fantastic day!
PS Happy Early Valentine's Day