Author's Note: Hello readers! I was happy to hear that people actually want me to continue, thank you for responding. I will continue to write and I will make deadlines for myself so that you guys can see when I'll post the next chapter. I'll post chapter... Uh... I think it's chapter nine, yeah, I'll post that next Wednesday. I'm trying to post quickly but Exams are next week and I am buried deep under in textbooks and review homework. Now back to the story...
After my bargaining with Newt I went down to have breakfast with Louisa and him. We completely avoided the topic of the accidental walk in, so overall, it was pretty okay.
However, we did cross the topic of Jack's untimely death.
"So what do you think happened to him?" I ask them both while staring at my empty plate.
"In all honesty? We have no idea what could've have possibly started up his crazy spasm. He'd never been like that before." Newt shrugged in defeat.
"So you're telling me that he just randomly decided to kill himself? And after accusing Louisa of stuffing us all in this hell?" I look up at him, a frown etched into my face.
"We don't have any possible smidgeon of an idea what could have caused this." Newt enunciates.
I let out an appreciative oh, after I realize that he can't say it around other gladers.
"But you do have one thing to look forward to." Newt continues.
"And what's that?" I sigh.
"You start workin' today." Newt smirks.
I groan and bang my head down on the table. If there's anything worse than not having anything to do, it's working.
•••
Hooray! Work! Work! Work! I'm only... Dying! Dying! Dying!
I mean seriously, who knew how backbreaking planting a few seeds would be?
Luckily, it's time for my lunch break. Arivaderchi muddy soil, kon'nichiwa fry oil!
I lumber over to the homely building and lazily take a tray as I move over to the short line. I'm earlier than usual. Mostly because I ditched when Zart was otherwise occupied.
As I quickly move up the line I smell the intoxicating aroma of chili. Mmm! My favorite!
I reach the counter and Frypan ladles a glob of chili into a bowl, which he then sets on my tray. Before I leave, he quickly puts a little more chili into my bowl and winks at me. I beam back at him and practically waltz over to a nearby table.
As I sit, I see Newt striding (limping) over, a grin stretched across his tan features. He takes a seat across from me.
"What are you smiling about?" I garble through a mouthful of chili.
"Ick, that is truly disgusting, but I'm only happy because you look thoroughly bored with your newfound occupation." Newt continues to beam.
"Well what's there to be excited about?! I mean, you move a few seeds over there, you water a few tiny plants, you pick a dozen apples! It only goes on and on and on..." I trail off dramatically.
"Fair enough." He laughs.
"What's making the world go round my fellow prisoners?" A voice sings.
I glance up and Minho striding toward us.
"Don't you ever work?" I mutter through chili.
"Occasionally. When I feel up to the challenge. But that's not a regular occurrence." Minho shrugs and plops down next to me.
"He got another day off." Newt answers me smirking.
"Why can't I have a day off? Working is boring." I complain as I slouch.
"This is your first day! And it's only half over!" Newt exclaims wearily.
"Ugh! Why is life so cruel?!" I throw my hands up in frustration.
"Because life got tired of watching all the little people have good days so it decided to mix it up and get a little more interesting by taking some of the little people and sticking them inside a giant maze." Minho smiles matter 'o' factly.
"Stupid life." I mutter.
"Indeed," Newt agrees.
We sit in an awkward silence for minutes that feel like eternities before I see a small pudgy boy hobble over to us sweating like a pig.
"What is it this time Chuck?" Newt sighs, also glancing at the boy.
"Nothing big, it's just-just..." The boy doubles over gasping for air.
Minho scoots forward and flimsily pats him while looking bored.
"Speak up Chucky." Newt finally says, after the boy pants for few more minutes.
"Yeah, yeah, right, well Alby needs to see ya." The boy, Chuck, finally gets out.
"Bloody, runs over here just to tell me Alby wants to talk..." Newt mutters as he stands and lumbers away.
"Who might you be little man?" I ask after Chuck looks like he's regained his breath.
"I-I'm Chuck." He turns bright pink and stammers.
"I'm Mare." I smile and hold my hand out.
He reaches up a pudgy arm and shakes my hand nervously.
"H-how do ya like the place so far?" Chuck went on, regaining a slight amount of confidence.
"Eh. It's decent and all, but it does have me wondering things. Like, how'd we get here? Why are we here? How do we get out? Ya know." I shrug simply.
"Well you'll have to step in line sister. If there's anything we wanna find out, it's those three questions." Chuck announced cheerily.
Authors Note: 'Poligize for the short chapter but I'm having a bit of a writer's block. I'll try to get the next one to ya by Sunday, and if I don't I'll make it extra long, but don't count on it.