The First Glader | The Maze Runner || Newt x OC

Chapter 7: Routine

At the twenty-five-minute mark, Sniff, on Box duty, called out for the rest of them. The blaring alarm echoed across the Glade.

Everyone gathered around, expectant. Rowan and Alby were already in their designated positions, ready to open the Box when it arrived.

It had been seven months since Rowan's arrival, and many unexpected events had taken place. After Newt's arrival, the next Box brought three Greenies, something that had never happened before. The month after that, only one person came again. Now, Rowan and Alby, who had taken charge of leading this small society of teenage boys, didn't know what to expect.

The steady arrival of more people meant they needed structure. Rowan, Alby, and Newt, now closer than ever, helped create a proper system, assigning tasks based on everyone's strengths (and weaknesses).

- Exhibit A: Sniff

They had the Greenies try out various roles, from running to gardening, and even cooking.
Sadly, no chef was found.

Together, they developed a number of "roles." The Runners consisted of Rowan, Alby, and Newt. Stephen and Marcus, two of the Greenies from Month 5, had taken on the role of Builders, tasked with constructing and maintaining the Glade's infrastructure. Wingston, also from Month 5, dubbed himself a Slicer, working in the Blood House. And finally, Zart from Month 6 decided to become a Track-hoe, tending to the crops and fields.

Everything ran fairly smoothly, though the one who kept order and made the calls was mostly Alby. Out of respect, he had actually offered Rowan the position of leader, but she refused, insisting he was better suited. In the end, most decisions still went through her anyway. Despite her influence, Rowan often felt insecure, being the only girl so far made her question how the others truly saw her.

Newt became their right-hand man, someone many of the Gladers looked up to, even Sniff, though he had arrived first. Meanwhile, Sniff remained their resident architect and the Greenies' greeter. His clumsiness made him the light of every gathering.

Today marked the seventh month since Rowan's arrival. Each month, she couldn't help but feel a sting of frustration at their slow progress toward escaping. She was growing disheartened with every dead end in the Maze. Despite their constant efforts, it was simply too vast and mysterious.

To make matters worse, strange occurrences kept disrupting the Glade's fragile balance, the unpredictable number of Greenies arriving each month, the disappearance of Marcus, who had run into the Maze before the Doors closed and never returned, and most terrifyingly, the sight of a Griever in broad daylight just a week ago. Newt and Alby still hadn't recovered from the shock of that day.

When the Box arrived, Rowan and Alby pried open the heavy doors. Two boys lay inside, pale, drenched in cold sweat, surrounded by scattered supplies. Both stirred weakly under the blinding light.

The one with light skin had short, dark hair, a squared jaw, and sharp blue eyes that darted around defensively even before he sat up.

Everyone stepped closer to the edge, leaning for a better view. Rowan crossed her arms, resting a hand on her hip, lips pressed together.

Boys... again... seriously, they're praying for my downfall. Soon I'll be lynched as a witch.

She shook her head before jumping in, landing steadily as the Box jolted slightly under her impact. The boys startled, blinking up at her, chests heaving, clearly frightened. The blue-eyed boy scrunched his nose in confusion and irritation. His thick, defined eyebrows made every expression look like a glare- the kind of brows that could declare war on anyone without a word. Rowan suppressed a grin. Why is this one pissing me off already...