When The Darkness Comes // Newt

Part twenty-five, "Because I'm a girl"

"Everything! Every single lovin' thing he does is a mistake."

"Very descriptive. Thanks. I'm serious. Is he literally jacked in the head or what?"

"Nah, Gally's pretty useful when it comes to building stuff, but he's just a jerk."

"I think it's kinda sad that you see him that way," you admit timidly. "He's really nice to me."

"Well yeah, cause you're a girl," mutters Newt, and you can hear him sit down beside you.

You frown. "What does that have to do with it?" No answer. "Newt... What are you indicating?"

"Nothing. I- uh, just remember that wherever it was I came from, there was this unspoken rule that guys have to be nicer to girls or somethin'."

"You should tell that to Alby," you grumble, leaning yout head against the wall in a position where it doesn't hurt. "He makes it a point to pick on me and me only. Because I'm a girl."

"Alby picks on a lot of us. All the time," objects Newt.

"Hm, is it just me or did I say something along the lines of 'You can defend him all you want, I still hate him'. Slim it, and don't waste your breath," you say tiredly.

"You're impossible."

"Thank you."

The night goes on, and presently, you can only hear the sound of Newt's breathing, so he must be asleep. You, however, don't seem to be in the favor of fatigue. All nights come to an end, however, and when the first rays of sun shine into the Slammer, you're still on your feet, peering out the window. And not a moment too soon.

Alby himself is walking towards the Slammer, and he doesn't look happy at all. Four Gladers are beside him, two on either side. Someone is behind them, but you can't see who it is yet. When Alby draws closer, you finally catch a glimpse; you gasp and grip the bars until your knuckles turn white. Minho is walking with his head hanging low, his hands bound, and bruises all over his deformed face.

"What is it?" Newt asks groggily, joining you at the window. "Holy shuck."

The key clicks in the door and Alby swings it open. The Gladers shove Minho in. Minho stumbles, but soon regains his footing.

"Alby, what the klunk is all this?" Newt demands.

"This Glade has been running smoothly for awhile. But now, this Greenie right here has ruined it all. She heard the rules, and she broke them, manipulating Minho here to help her. Then, who but my very own second in command breaks two of the rules. It can only all be because of the Greenie. I don't trust her."

"Trust me to do what?" you scoff. "Plant trees?"

"Shut it!" Alby yells. You flinch, then your face flushes red.

"Alby, c'mon, it's not Y/n's fault," reproaches Newt. "She only-"

"Shut your hole! That's just the problem; 'she only this', 'she only that'. I'm done with her. The Greenie has to be gotten rid of," scowls Alby.

"Stop calling her Greenie, she has a name!"

"What, you're best friends now?"

"Hey!" This comes from Gally, who arrives just in time to hear the last bit. "What's going on here, Alby? What are you doing? What happened to Minho?"

"He broke a rule. Honestly, Gally, are you stupid? You were there when we discussed this." Alby's voice is as cold as ice.

"Be reasonable, man. You really think they should be Banished after what we just found out? We know now that we can survive a night in the Maze! We can escape the Grievers," Gally says earnestly.

"Have you been paying attention?" Alby exclaims, aghast.

"Have you been paying attention? Can I talk to you for a moment? Alone?"