The next day Jack, Frypan, Newt and Chuck were going to help me. I wanted to show them that my work wasn't that easy.
"Those tables need to be painted, Fry. Those seeds need to be planted, Newt. Jack, those curtains need to be sewed. Chuck, you and me are going to paint that wall." I pointed to the wall of homestead. It was the only wall I could paint. I still had a lot to do and I would never get it done without their help. It was going to be a tiring day for them. They thought that the only thing I did was painting and planting seeds, but I did more. I did the dishes, sorted the screws, cared for the animals, consoled crying gladers, gave them compliments and scared away flirters. At the end of the day they all sat down tired.
"That you let us do all of that" Jack complained.
"I also have to do it, but all alone. Fortunately I got a lot of help today. I already finished half of the list of this week! Good job! Now I don't have to do anything." I said happily.
"There's something you can do. That reminds me, Chuck, tomorrow you are a med-jack." Newt said and Chuck nodded, after that Minho came back.
"Was it hard?" was the first he said. The boys nodded and he laughed. I expected a sarcastic comment but he didn't say anything.
"Found out something new?" Frypan asked. Minho stopped smiling and looked down while shaking his head. I saw that a lot. It's what gladers did when they didn't have hope anymore. I gave Minho a shoulder pat.
"It's going to be okay, little brother" I assured him. Weird. A few months ago I was the one who thought that we were never getting out of here, but now I had hope. That hope changed in optimism and naivety. And that was what made me happy and I had to spread that.
Minho looked at me with a sad face.
"We're getting out of this place, all six of us, together." He finally said. I looked at Jack who mouthed "together". I nodded at him.
"Together" Jack and I repeated. Newt, Chuck and Frypan also said that and -even if he wasn't here- Alby would also say it.
"Together" I suddenly heard. I looked up and saw Alby standing there. Ha, he was here. And he said it. Told you so!
Suddenly Chuck's stomach growled and we all laughed.
"Ah, let's see if the mini-cooks can cook without my help" Frypan said. We all stood up and went to have dinner.
When we sat down Chuck looked around. He looked at the glade, the bloodhouse, homestead, the gardens, the deadheads, the doors, the animals, the gladers and then at me.
"Why are you the only girl?" he asked curiously. I looked at him, shrugged and answered.
"Just because" I simply said.
"Because?" he asked.
"Yes, just because" I answered again.
"Marie is punished" Newt said.
"Why?" Chuck asked again.
"Because" I answered annoyed.
"Nobody knows why" Alby said.
"Maybe she's a serial killer" Jack joked.
"No, she's too soft for that" Minho answered and I rolled my eyes at him.
"It is a hard punishment, being here with Minho" I fired back.
"And not for me, or what. I'm glad I'm a runner, then I have a reason every day to run away from you."
"I am also glad that you're a runner, then I'm saved from you for a few hours." I said
"Well, it's a pity that you're so ugly, right?" he asked. Wait, what?
"But I thought we looked alike" I asked confused.
"Yep, that's right. You just called yourself ugly, you shank. Good job!" Frypan said.