Break My Fall {Newt}

Chapter 21

All too soon I find myself at the Homestead, shouts of anger and disagreement pull me from my reverie. Up on the stage stand three familiar faces: Alby stands with his arms crossed, trying to look as big as possible despite how much body mass he lost; Nick is expressionless, the air around him seems to be infected by his sadness; and on Nick's left side is Gally, his face cruel, watching the crowd of Gladers yelling at each other with a sparkle of glee in his eyes.

When I enter the room it's like I've stepped on a pressure pad that instantly silences the angry mob. All eyes are on me and the swarm parts as I make my way to the stage.

"Alby," I say, not at a whisper but quiet enough for only Alby to hear. "Are they making their move? Is this their attempt to overthrow us?"

He nods. His demeanour is calm but I see it in the creases of his face that he is terrified. Leading the Glade is all he's known. If Nick stole his command he'd feel purposeless. Despite the broken pieces in my chest threatening to cut me open wide, I vow to myself that I'll do everything in my power to make sure Alby keeps leading the Glade.

Facing Nick and Gally I hear the crowd whispering, wondering what'll happen.

"So," I begin clearing my throat. "Am I right in believing that you, Nick, are hoping that this meeting today will result in Alby's leadership of the Glade ending, making you the new leader?"

Momentarily taken aback by my bluntness, it takes a second for Nick to recover. "Y-yes."

"And is it true that you, Gally, are hoping my role as second-in-command will also end, resulting in you replacing me."

Gally is ready for my question and answers without even a bat of an eyelid. "Yes."

"Then I think you should state why you feel this way to Gladers." I hear Alby take in a breath, about to interrupt me. I shoot him a look that says 'Trust me' and he closes his mouth with a reluctant nod.

"Then," I carry on, as if I never paused, "me and Alby will say our piece. After which, the Glade will take a vote and who ever loses will accept this and move on. Fair?"

Nick looks like he's about to argue but Gally quickly says, "Fair."

"Okay then, go ahead."

Me and Alby stand to one side as Nick and Gally talk expressively in hushed tones to one another. It's clear they're fighting about who should be the one to speak on their behalf. Finally Gally takes centre stage, Nick falling slightly behind, a bitter look on his usual deadpan face.

The Gladers are in rapt attention, most of them intrigued to hear the Greenie speak for the first time. Alby taps his hand against his side leg, a nervous tick. I want to grab his hand, tell him not to show any weakness, but I'm too consumed by my own thoughts. I try to focus on Gally's speech, I really do, but my head is spinning. All I want to do is lie down but I can't abandon Alby. He's the only person in my life I haven't lost yet.

"I've been here a week but I've already learnt the ways of the Glade," Gally begins. I remember first hearing his voice in the Deadheads. It was so shaky and small. Today it's like a different person. Confidence radiates off him, his words powerful and loud. Bloody hell, I hope me and Alby win.

"There are three main rules, right?" Gally continues. "The first: Everyone does their part. The Medjacks cure the sick, the Bricknicks build and repair, the Trackhoes garden and harvest food. Every role is valid and important to keep the Glade a safe and liveable place. But what exactly do Alby and Newt do?"

Here we go, I think to myself, rolling my eyes internally.

"I'll tell you what they do," he says, his brow arching deviously. "Newt puts his priorities elsewhere, chasing after one Glader when he should be looking out for every Glader. What does he do to help really? Since I've been here I've only seen him sleep— is that really who you want for your second-in-command?"