Captivated (The Maze Runner - Newt)

Twenty three - search

Lily followed his gaze, her eyebrows knitting together as she thought about it. "I'm not sure." she replied,"Maybe they need him for something..."

She had been wondering that too. 

It was strictly against rules for search parties to enter the Maze - Minho had told her that during training. It's everyone for themselves out there. So, what made Oliver so special? If they all hated him, why did they need him back so much? Sure, the Maze was dangerous, but Oliver seemed to be coping well on his own. He'd survived out there for a whole month! 

Plus, he was the only one who knew her secret. If he came back to the Glade, it would be a lot easier for him to accidentally tell someone...

It was then that Thomas hit her with another blunt question.

"Why Newt?"

Lily's head snapped back in his direction, her lips slightly parted.

"Huh?"

"Why Newt?" Thomas repeated, "If I was gonna place you with anyone, I'd probably go with Minho. You guys have such similar personalities...you and Newt are complete opposites. How does that add up?"

Lily didn't know why, but she felt instantly offended. It wasn't exactly any of his business, was it?

"We think the same way, that's all." she shrugged, trying to be as casual as possible.

Thomas didn't look convinced, but he didn't push her for any more information. He went back to staring at his lap.

A few more moments of silence.

"Hold up!" Lily exclaimed suddenly, replaying what Thomas had just said, "You would put me with Minho? Seriously? I have more class than that." she laughed, giving Thomas a playful shove.

For the first time, Thomas allowed himself a small smile. It was gone as soon as it came, but it was definitely there. Lily realized that she was finally getting through to this boy.

"But while we're on the topic of awkward questions," Lily launched in, seeing her opportunity, "How come you dislike me so much? Newt said you had a bad feeling about me - can't say I'm not offended, Tommy." she added, trying to keep the lighthearted mood going. 

Thomas seemed taken aback. It was evident that the question made him uncomfortable, but Lily was determined to find out.

"Um...I don't know..." Thomas mumbled, "It's hard to explain. I know I'm not meant to remember anything...but I feel like I've met you before. And it wasn't a nice experience."

Lily thought about it. She knew for a fact that she'd met Thomas before - she'd seen it in her dream - but in her memory, the pair of them seemed to get along well. They looked like friends, even. Nothing seemed to suggest that they disliked each other. 

Then again, she had apparently turned insane later on.

"Look, Tommy." Lily sighed, adopting the fond nickname that Newt had given Thomas, in the hope that he would trust her like he trusted Newt. "Whatever I was like before the Maze, I'm not like that now. I promise."

Thomas didn't look convinced. 

"Just give me a chance to prove it to you." she persisted, "What can I do to make you trust me?"

Thomas lifted his head, meeting her gaze for the first time. Biting the inside of his cheek, he thought about her proposal for a while. 

"I think you're a good person." he said slowly, "But...I don't think anything you could do would make me trust you." 

Lily noted how apologetic he sounded. Like he really wanted to have faith in her, but his instincts told him to do otherwise. It had been hardwired into his brain that she was dangerous, despite the fact that he had no idea why.

It was something she was just going to have to accept.

"Fair enough." she said reluctantly, "Suppose I can't force you."

Thomas looked surprised that she had been so understanding. 

In turn, he surprised her by extending his hand.

"No hard feelings?" he said, forcing himself to hold her gaze.

A smile broke out across Lily's face as she took his hand in her own.

"No hard feelings." she confirmed. "Guess I'll leave you to it then, Tommy."

At that, she stood, dusted herself down, and walked off in the direction of the kitchens. After such an exhausting day, filling the empty whole in her stomach was all she could think about. What with meeting Oliver, being yelled at by Alby, trying to make amends with Thomas, and undergoing the gruelling wait for Newt to return from the Maze, she was physically and mentally drained.

Before entering Frypan's lair, Lily turned to take one final look at the Maze.

And for the first time, she dreaded the next morning, when she would have to face it again.