They Don't Own Me

Chapter 24

"How is he?" she asked, walking over to the bed and setting the jar on the table.

"The same. He's been a little restless but nothing like it was. It just seems to be dreams now. He hasn't woken up since we injected him with whatever that stuff was."

Ivy nodded as she sat down on the bed. Her hand hovered a little over Alby's before she grabbed it to hold. She stared at the unconscious boy for a moment before turning her gaze back to Jeff. She immediately noticed how tired he looked.

"How much sleep did you two get?" she inquired.

"We stayed up for a while together then Clint took the first watch. We switched around three this morning."

Ivy glanced at her watch; it was about seven fifteen.

"Wake Clint up then head to the Homestead," she told him. "If Newt asks, you two have the day off and are spending the morning sleeping."

"But-"

"Don't argue. I'll watch Alby. Newt will probably join me for a little bit as well."

Jeff nodded. He stood up and went over to Clint, shaking him awake. After quickly explaining what was happening, the two boys left, expressing their thanks to Ivy. Ivy waved them off, thankful that they had watched her friend during the night. The girl stared at Alby, noting how much better he looked. She looked down at his wrists and saw that they were slightly red from his restraints. After a moment's debate, she squeezed his hand lightly and began to untie him. She worked fast and made sure not to hurt him. Once the ties were undone, she returned to her spot beside him.

Alby seemed more relaxed now that he wasn't tied to the bed. That fact alone made Ivy smile a little. The girl sat in silence, slightly hunched over as she watched Alby. If Ivy was honest with herself, she lost track of time as she sat there.

"-iza..."

Ivy's head shot up, her brown eyes wide as she looked at her friend. She moved closer toward him, trying to hear him but he didn't say anything.

"Alby?" she said gently. "You okay?"

"Eliza." The name came out more clear this time. Ivy became confused.

"Alby, what are you talking about?"

"No," he said, his face suddenly becoming sad and scared. "No, please no. Don't!"

"Alby?"

"Please don't let them take me."

"Who, Alby?"

"Eliza!"

Alby's eyes shot open, panic in them. The boy sat up, his chest beginning to rise and fall rapidly as his breathing became more labored. Ivy quickly grabbed his hand, rubbing it gently to try to calm him.

"Hey, hey, calm down," Ivy whispered. "You're alright. I promise. You're safe, Alby." After a few minutes, the boy's breathing returned to normal though he was still shaking. "That's it. I'm here, Alby, no one's going to get you."

"Ivy?"

"Yeah, I'm here."

Without another word, Alby wrapped his arms around her body, holding her close to him. Ivy was surprised at first but let him hug her, knowing he needed it. She carefully moved back so she was sitting higher up on the bed, giving Alby an easier way to hold her. With slow movements, Ivy ran her hand up and down his arm, keeping him calm. Her heart broke a little when she felt her oldest friend's body shake; she could feel where his tears were wetting her shirt, but she couldn't bring herself to give it a thought.

"Do you want to talk about it?" she whispered, not wanting to disturb Alby.

"They took me from her," he replied, his voice muffled since his face was hiding in her hair.

"Who?"

"My sister."

"You remember?"

"I remember being taken, and screaming. Screaming for her to not let them take me. They didn't want her, but they wanted me. I didn't want this, none of us deserved this. You weren't even supposed to be here. You weren't-"

"Sh, Alby, calm down," Ivy whispered again. "It's okay. I promise it is. I wouldn't want to change what happened, but right now you have to stay calm. Here, drink this." She handed him the water she brought in earlier. The boy thankfully took it, taking his time with the drink as he continued to calm down. When he was done, he handed Ivy the jar back. "Better?" Alby shrugged. "Why don't you rest? I can tell you're still exhausted and you're still recovering."

"Will you stay?"

"Of course."

Alby laid back down, his arm still around Ivy. She continued to rub his arm and eventually, the boy fell asleep again. He was still part delirious from the Changing and it had taken a lot of energy out of him. Ivy didn't dare move in fear of waking him, at least not until he was deep asleep.

As he slept, Ivy's mind went over the words he had said to her. He remembered. The Changing and the serum helped him remember his life before the Maze. He has, or had, a sister named Eliza. He was taken from her against his will. Ivy couldn't help but wonder if she had a family as well. She wondered if she had any siblings or parents. She wondered if she was taken from them the same way Alby was taken from Eliza.

The rest of Alby's words floated to her mind as she thought about everything.

"You weren't even supposed to be here."

What did he mean she wasn't supposed to be here? Was her coming to the Maze a mistake? Was she never supposed to come? Who was supposed to come in her place?

These thoughts ran through her mind, causing her to lose track of time. She was pulled out of her slight trance by a soft knock, causing her to look up at the door. She smiled slightly when Newt stepped into the hut.

"Hey," he said. "How's he doing?"

"Better. He's stopped fidgeting and sweating; that stuff Teresa had must be fighting off the Changing."

"Has he woken up or said anything?"

"Just mumblings. He woke up briefly but fell back asleep. He's still pretty shaken."

Newt nodded, sitting down by the bed. Neither spoke for a while, and when they did, their voices dropped down into whispers as not to wake their sleeping friend.

"So where do you think Minho and Thomas are?" Newt asked.

Ivy raised her arm to look at her watch.

"If they're making good time, then they're probably close to the outer sections. They should be getting there soon."

"Good that. Maybe we'll finally find a way out of here." Ivy nodded. "Have you eaten yet today?"

Ivy paused, trying to think back to the last time she ate.

"I don't think so," she replied. "I came straight here after Minho and Thomas left."

"Let's get you some food then. Can't have you passing out from not eating."

"You go find someone to watch Alby first. Then I'll go with you to the Mess Hall."

Newt left and came back a short time later with Teresa, who had offered to watch Alby. The blonde then practically dragged Ivy to the Mess Hall so she could eat. Frypan was happy enough to give her her food, having saved her a plate from lunch when he realized she hadn't been to either meal so far. Newt and Ivy talked about random things, enjoying one another's company as Ivy ate her meal.

Just before Ivy could put her slice of bread into her mouth, a loud crash was heard echoing across the Glade.