Julia- I awoke to Newt gently shaking my shoulder, smirking at me. "Come on, it's time." The odd tone of his voice made me frown as I got up carefully to put shoes on. "What's wrong, Newt?" He shook his head and nodded towards the door. I followed him outside and he turned to me and said, "You're not gonna like this." I opened my mouth to ask, but my question was answered for me when I saw Minho reach the Doors; Alby was with him, dressed in running gear. "Excuse me?" I snapped and bolted over. Newt called after me, trying to keep up with his limp, but I reached them before he did. "I'm sorry, where in the rules does it say "Non-runners are allowed in the maze?" I whisper-shouted in Alby's face. "Love, calm down and listen, please," Newt pleaded, reaching us and pulling me away from Alby. "I'm proud of you for respecting our rule, Little Lady, but Ben getting stung in the daytime is something that needs to be investigated." "Besides, Princess, Alby's the leader; he's kind of the exception," Minho said.
I glared at him. "Oh, okay, so then maybe I should…" "NO!" "ABSOULUTYLY NOT!" "ARE YOU TRYING TO GET US KILLED?" The boys exploded, cutting me off. I waved my hand at them, as if to say, "Well, then?" "Firstly; Gally would kill us! Second, no one would ever let you in the Maze. I know you and Minho joke about it, but he'd rather die then actually let you go!" Alby snapped. Minho's eyes were blown wide, like he couldn't believe I even suggested the idea, and Newt looked as if he would pass out. "We have other runners, Alby. This is their job for a reason." Alby sighed and put his hands on my shoulder. "I know, and I know you're right, but I don't want to risk anyone else until we know what's going on. I know the Maze too, Julia." I frowned; Alby hardly called me by name, so I knew he was serious. "This is dumb; you know that, right?" I said quietly. And then Alby pulled me into a hug. "Nice to know you care about me, too, Little Lady," he laughed in my ear. I rolled my eyes and punched his arm.
"Newt, you're in charge while I'm gone. Julia, I need you to be supportive here, alright? Keep everyone working, no time for questions, got it?" I looked at Newt, and took his hand, nodding. "I'm counting on you two. We'll be back." At Alby's words, the Doors began to open. Newt and Alby said goodbye before he ran into the Maze with Minho. I looked at Newt, and we shared the same worried face. He squeezed my hand, looked back at the Maze once more, then we walked away. I followed him over to the woods, intending to sit and keep him company, but he shook his head. "Go help Fry, I'm sure he'll appreciate it." I really didn't want to leave Newt by himself, but I could tell this was an order, not a suggestion, so I left.
"There she is! Back at it again, huh, girl?" Fry yelled, excited, fist-bumping me. I tried to smile and focused on helping. Fry was good at reading the room, so he didn't talk that much, except to praise me or make me laugh. It helped, and by the time everyone started waking up and getting in line for food, I was genuinely smiling. "Hey, babe," Gally said, walking up behind me and wrapping his arms around me. "Here you guys go! Now take that love stuff outta my kitchen!" We laughed and walked off, and I explained to Gally what happened. "I understand your feelings, babe, but Alby is the leader. If he wanted to go, he has the right to." He paused to take a bite of eggs, then followed up with, "Besides, that's what you and Newt are here for; to be in charge when Alby can't." "But Newt…" "Has been Alby's second for years, and, now he has you. He'll be fine."
*Time Skip*
It was hours later, and we all stood near the Doors, waiting for Minho and Alby to return. Gally was kneeling near my feet, watching, his face dark. I was getting stressed with each second that passed, glancing over at Newt, who was standing next to Thomas, biting his nail. "Come on, guys. Can't we send someone in after them?" Thomas asked. If I wasn't so stressed, I'd punch him. "That's against the rules; either they make it back or they don't," Gally answered, firmly. I almost hit him too. "Can't afford to lose anyone else," Newt told Thomas. Then the doors started closing; and I full-on panicked. "There!" Thomas yelled. And we saw Minho, but something was wrong; he was carrying Alby. No! Then everyone started yelling for Minho, telling him to leave Alby. What the shuck is wrong with everyone?! Leave Alby? I was frozen, watching, helplessly as the Door's closed more and more, taking away Minho's chance inch by inch. Why the shuck can't anyone just run in and help? They're right there! We could've gotten them out by now!
And the next thing I knew, freaking Thomas bolted forward and ran through the Doors, almost getting squashed. Then the Doors slammed shut. Everyone was panicking. Some were yelling, some were shocked. I ran my hands through my hair in stress. "What the shucking hell just happened?! Did he just… did that actually happen?" I yelled, looking at Gally and Newt. "The Greenie just ran in the Maze! What was he thinking?" Gally snapped. Newt's face was frozen in horror, and I couldn't even comfort him. "This was all so stupid!" I snapped, fed up. Everyone looked at me. "They were right there! We could've run in, helped carry Alby back and they'd both be here!" My outburst shocked everyone, especially Gally. "Babe, the hell are you…" "And you! How could you just brush it off the way you did?!" "Either they make it back or they don't. Really, Gally? Not a shred of emotion in that statement!"
"Love…" Newt breathed shakily, taking a step towards me, but I stepped back. "No! Don't you dare! You can't fix this, Newt! I told you this morning this was a stupid idea. I told Alby. But no!" I flung my hand out, pointing at the Maze. "We could've helped them! And now, the Newbie is going to get himself killed, but at least he did something!" Hot tears pooled in my eyes, and I had screamed myself hoarse. I stomped off towards my hut, angry and hurt. I flung the door open and slammed it shut, only for it to be ripped open immediately. "Babe, what the hell was that?" Gally snapped. I whirled around, angry enough that I almost swung at him. "Just go away, Gally!" I yelled my voice breaking. Gally yanked me into his arms, and that was my breaking point. I fell to my knees and full-on sobbed. I cried out of anger, and out of loss. I wanted to be positive, but two of my friends were locked out in the Maze with one injured.
I cried from frustration; I cried for Newt; I cried from the things I said. I just cried. Gally rocked me gently, shushing me and covering me in kisses. I cried until my voice cracked, then I slumped against Gally, shaking and miserable. Gally whispered words of comfort and love in my ear. Then my door slammed open, and I looked up to see Newt. He was carrying water and the thick blankets from the Med-hut. Wordlessly, he covered me in the blankets and handed me the water, which I shakily brought to my lips, almost spilling it everywhere. Gally held my hand to steady me, helping me drink. Newt watched me with sad eyes, and I could see there were tears trying to form. He slowly reached out his hand and stroked my face, wiping away the tears. Gally kissed my head and gently hand me over to Newt, rearranging the blankets to cover us both. Newt hugged me tightly, as if I would just disappear. "I can't lose you too," he whispered. I buried my face in his neck, reaching out a hand to Gally for him to hold. I needed him too. "You won't," I whispered back.
Gally- We sat on the floor for roughly ten minutes, and I felt so useless. I was angry too, but Julia came first, especially after her breakdowns. She and Newt were equally miserable, pathetically holding onto each other. Guess they didn't have the energy; I would be surprised if Julia had any left. "I need to go," Newt said. Julia nodded and went to stand up, but he gently pushed her back down and into my arms. "Gally, stay with her the rest of the day. No working; she's your only priority. Same goes for you, Julia, no working." He stood and brushed himself off. "Go shower, take a nap or sit outside. Do whatever will make you feel better. I'll join you both for dinner." He kissed the top of her head then walked out. I picked her up and carried her to the showers. I sat her down, but she looked so lost, and ready to burst into tears again. I grabbed a washcloth, ran it under cold water, and gently patted her face, then I ran it all over her neck, trying to cool her off. She held up her arms, and I knew she just wanted to be held.
"What can I do?" I begged her. She said nothing, just wriggled in my arms. I took her outside and started for to our favorite spot in the woods where we liked to watch the sunset through the trees, or watch the moon rise. Chuck stopped me halfway, carrying water and a blanket. I nodded to says thanks and he followed us. When he spread the blanket out, I sat her down on it, and Chuck stepped over to her and hugged her. I saw a tiny smile form on her face, and she squeezed his hand before he left us alone. We sat in silence for a long time, neither of us spoke. Julia got up, stretched, then held her hand out to me. I gathered out stuff and followed her out to the Glade for dinner. Newt was already sitting, putting out two other bowls in front of him. Newt opened his mouth, but Julia held up her hand. "I'm sorry, Newt." I tucked her into my side, feeling horrible for her. Her eyes were red, there were broken blood vessels on her face, and she could barley talk. Newt managed to smile and reached out for her hand, which she gave without hesitation. He patted it then told her to eat.
"I know we both feel like crap, but we need to keep it together, love. It's our job; we need to put on a brave face for everyone and keep order." Julia nodded, brushing her hair out of her face, and pulled herself up. She looked at me, and I gave her an encouraging nod. I'm here, I told her without words. Later on, she walked around with Newt, checking on everyone, making sure everything was in order, then she came over and climbed into my hammock. She didn't want to sleep in her hut; she wanted to be out here, near the Doors, ready for the morning. "Do you want to talk about it?" I whispered. She shook her head. "I feel like if I do, I'll just have another breakdown. If Alby doesn't come back, then it's over. Newt will be in charge permanently, and so will I; he can't do it by himself, he'd hate it." I nodded, softly stroking her face. Newt is capable of being in charge, that's why he's the second, but we all know he hates the formality of it. That's why he and Julia are on equal footing; she handles that part for him.
I kissed her head and told her to get some sleep and not worry. Easier said than done, I thought as I drifted off to sleep.
**Next Day**
Author- Julia, Newt, and a small group of Gladers walked over to the Doors to wait. Julia and Newt walked slower than the rest; they knew what it meant if their friends didn't come back. Newt had been crying, Julia could tell, but he hid it well. Chuck reached the Doors first as they began to open. It felt like they moved slower than normal, as if taunting the kids. And then… nothing. "We told you, Chuck. They're not coming back," Newt said in a low voice that sounded ready to break. He took Julia's hand and pulled her away, both as miserable as the day before, knowing now that everything was up to them. Then Chuck started cheering, and the two spun around so fast they almost fell over. And there they were; Minho and Thomas, carrying Alby! Everyone bolted to them, laying Alby on the ground. He was injured and un-conscious. "You saw a Griever?" Chuck asked. Thomas told him they did. "He didn't just see it; he killed it," Minho told them. Newt glanced back at Julia, they shared the same look of shock and disbelief.
"Call a Gathering, love. Med-jacks, take care of Alby. Tommy, follow me," Newt ordered. Julia ran off, grabbing the other Gladers and telling them to wait in the Council Hall for Newt and the others. Gally stood up front with Julia, who was lounging about, looking dazed. Minho walked in, followed by Newt and Thomas; the latter was pushed into the closed-off chair, facing everyone. Newt leaned against a pillar, glanced at Gally, and started the meeting.