Perhaps the timing could have been better, was her first thought after kissing Gally. However, Emma wouldn't change a thing.
What she would change was the situation. Jordan had attacked her, but the rules were a bit unclear. The rules said that a Glader could not hurt another Glader. Jordan hadn't technically hurt her, not purposely, at least. She scraped her shoulder on the wall. It was unclear if he would have hurt her. He did trip her once, but Alby was rather dismissive of that fact, which irritated all the other Keepers.
He had spoken threatening words and had frightened her on more than one occasion, but was it cause for banishment? When Alby asked Gally, he said yes, as did Newt, Minho, Zart, Winston, and Frypan. When he asked Emma, she was hesitant. Her words would weigh heavily on what happened to Jordan. Did she hate him? Yes. Did she want him to be punished for his actions? Also yes. But did she want him to die for it? That was the question that had no answer. As much as she hated him, Emma couldn't sentence him to die because that's what banishment meant. It meant a Glader would be sent into the Maze to die.
So when Alby asked, Emma couldn't get herself to say anything. All she did was stare dumbly at Alby, who seemed to understand her hesitancy. He was also facing the same mental crisis. Banishing someone was no easy task.
Gally argued on Emma's behalf, practically demanding they feed Jordan to Grievers as soon as possible.
But they couldn't do that either.
Tomorrow a new Greenie arrives. Tomorrow they're having a bonfire. They can't Banish someone on the one night they have a month to celebrate and relax. Plus, it would terrify the Greenie, make them feel unsafe watching someone be sent to their death on their first day.
Newt recommended the idea of waiting a few days. Let Alby and himself talk about the situation. Let Emma process everything going on inside her mind and figure out if she felt safe with Jordan in the Glade with her. It's not ideal, but it's the best they can come up with.
While they wait, Jordan will remain in the Pit. If he complains, Newt will gladly remind him it's either the Pit or Banishment.
The gathering of Keepers and Emma was dismissed late into the night. Far later than she would have liked. It's been several hours since the incident and several hours since Gally kissed her in the Med-Jack hut. Truthfully, she spent half the time thinking about how Gally's lips felt against her own. Softer than she had imagined in her head, which made it that much better.
They hadn't spoken much since the kiss. After they both pulled away the last time, they were breathless, thoughts running wild, eyes slightly wide as they stared at each other. Gally, the braver of the two, opened his mouth to speak, but he never had the chance. Jeff rushed inside with Minho, Ben, and Brandon. Alby and Newt followed a few minutes later, and she was forced to recant what happened twice before repeating the story a third time in the Gathering hut. Gally remained silent the entire time she spoke, eyes never leaving her. He would tense every time Emma cringed and clenched his fist when her features saddened.
There hadn't really been time to talk, which was taking a toll on Emma. The situation had proven to be entirely overwhelming, and it was causing her to think negatively. Perhaps Gally regretted kissing her. Maybe he pitied her.
Shaking her head, she pushed the gloomy thoughts away. They weren't going to help her, only damaging her already crumbling mental self-worth. The others were quick to flood out of the Gathering hut. Nobody wanted to be a part of the meeting in the first place, but they had to. It wasn't easy talking about a fellow Glader, and deciding their fate was even harder.
Newt gently squeezed her shoulder as he passed but knew by the expression on her face that Emma needed to be alone. She needed to rest and recover after the horrible ordeal she had faced earlier.
But she couldn't help herself from searching for Gally as she walked. He wasn't anywhere to be seen. Hiding her disappointment, she headed toward the Homestead.
It still didn't feel real. Jordan had attacked her. There still wasn't a clear answer. Winston, the Keeper of the Slicers and a good friend of Jordan's, didn't have any answers. He was completely shocked that Jordan would act the way he did. The red-haired boy was somewhat reserved, in his opinion. Emma found that humorous. Jordan didn't act that way around her. Maybe if he had, they could have had a shot at being friends. Instead, he decided to act like a lunatic.
Emma hoped that in the morning, she would know what to do. If she should give the go-ahead to Banish him or let him spend a few weeks in the Pit to contemplate what he did. If she felt safe with him walking around again. What would stop him from attacking her again? Gally might not be there next time.
She had a lot to think about.
Approaching the Homestead, Emma froze. Her eyes locked on the spot where Jordan had pinned her against the wall. The scuff marks in the dirt from their feet. She couldn't bring herself to look away, to do anything other than stare fearfully.
Jordan was in the Pit. He couldn't hurt her. What's done is done.
So, why did she still feel so afraid?
Emma felt like a weight had been dropped on her chest, and someone was pushing it down. Her clothes suddenly felt too tight. They were too restricting. Her ponytail was too secured. She could feel every single strand of hair being pulled out of her face. Everything felt wrong in a way Emma couldn't explain.
As she pulled at the collar of her shirt, she failed to hear the person approaching, calling out her name. It wasn't until they placed a firm hand on her shoulder that she was brought back to reality. "Hey," Gally's comforting voice filled her ears. "You good?"
She breathed a sigh of relief, blinking away the tears that had started to build in her eyes. "Yeah," she whispered, voice rougher than she thought it would be. Emma tried not to wince at the sound, opting to pretend it didn't happen at all. "Fine."
Gally knew her better than that. He knew she wasn't entirely all right at the moment, and he couldn't blame her. He was still stewing with rage at what Jordan had done, wanting nothing more than to Banish him. "Come on." Gently, he nudged her away from the spot Jordan attacked her. "It's late, and you need to rest."
Emma hummed in agreement but was unable to find the right words. The two walked silently into the Homestead, Gally guiding her with a featherlight touch on her upper back. It was a grounding touch. It made her feel safe and protected.
As they approached her room, Emma pushed the door open with her palm. The wood squeaked from the force but opened without resistance. She rubbed her hands over her arms, feeling suddenly very cold. Gally stayed with her but stopped a foot from her bed. Emma sat down slowly, keeping her arms wrapped around herself. "I'll che-"
"I know you're mad at me," she cut him off. "For not wanting to Banish Jordan."
Gally sucked in a sharp breath, not expecting Emma to start this conversation. He wasn't angry, at least not with her. It was more that he didn't understand. Why would Emma want to keep Jordan around after what he did? "I'm not angry, Em," he said first because that was most important. "I don't understand, but I'm not mad. I could never be mad at you."
Emma looked up at him through her lashes, a faint smile on her face. Gally swore, at that moment, he had never seen anything more beautiful. "Gally, not being mad at someone? That must be a first." He chuckled at her light-hearted comment, knowing she was deflecting in a sense. "I don't-" she paused, licking her bottom lip. "I can't be responsible for killing someone. I know what he did." Emma did know. He hadn't broken a rule, but he, most likely, would have. Jordan had been harassing her for months. It was a serious problem, but she couldn't be responsible for his death. She would never be able to forgive herself if Jordan's blood was on her hands. "I know, trust me, but I can't do it. I can't live with that." Emma cast her eyes on her hands, which had migrated into her lap. "I can't-"
"I know," it was Gally's turn to cut her off. "I know." Because he did know. "And it's okay." Emma stared back up at him, eyes searching his. "We'll figure it out tomorrow, okay? You need to rest." She nodded faintly, eyes drooping at the idea of sleep. Her body needed to rest after what happened. "We can talk about it tomorrow. Figure something out."
"Okay."
Gally stepped closer, taking her by surprise. She watched as he leaned over, placing a hand on her cheek. Instantly, Emma put her hand over his, leaning into his touch. The Builder smiled, pressing a long kiss to the top of her head. "Get some rest, Em."
She closed her eyes, staying in the moment as long as possible. "Okay." With that, Gally pulled away. Her hand fell to her side as she watched him walk out the door. Gally didn't look back. Instead, he closed the door softly behind him. Emma leaned back on the bed, still unsure what had happened.
But instead of falling asleep with fears of Jordan, she fell asleep to the thought of Gally. She fell asleep with a smile on her face.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning, Emma felt better than she thought. The first thing on her mind wasn't Jordan, but Gally. She smiled at the thought of seeing him but knew it wouldn't be until later.
And then she remembered Jordan, and her stomach twisted at the thought. They would need to figure out what to do with him in the upcoming days. He couldn't stay in the Pit forever, as much as she would have liked that. At least he wouldn't be eaten by Grievers.
Shaking her head, she brushed off her worries and got dressed for the day. It didn't take Emma long, and by the time she walked outside, she realized everyone was already hard at work. The sun was high in the sky, signaling it was past midday. "Shuck," Emma cursed, realizing she had slept half the day away. Why hadn't Newt woken her?
Hastily, she rushed across the Glade, desperate to get to work. She didn't want to slack off on her work, not when everyone would soon be whispering about what happened. Emma felt like she had caused enough problems. In fact, she caused most problems in the Glade. Not helping out would only add to that.
"Emma, hey," Zart greeted as she approached.
She barely acknowledged him, eyes on the blond boy who was standing up from his spot, a hand on his hip. "Why didn't you wake me?"
Newt raised an eyebrow, slightly confused about her outburst. "Because you went through a lot last night. You needed to rest." To him, it was obvious. Emma needed to rest and recover.
"I'm fine," she argued. "I don't need to rest. I need to help out and make sure I'm doing my part."
"No offense, Emma," Brandon interrupted. "But you not doing your part really isn't a problem."
"Yeah," Jack agreed. "You do more than all of us combined."
Emma never looked away from Newt. "Wake me next time, yeah?"
"Well, hopefully, there won't be a next time." She glared at him, knowing he was purposely going around making any promises. "You're here now. So, get to-" the alarm cuts him off. It's a signal that the new Greenie is on their way up. "Of course. You're lucky, Glader Girl."
Emma felt the tension leave her almost entirely. She smiled at him, soft and kind. "I don't think luck's particularly on my side these days." It had never been on her side.
"Who knows," Newt said. "Maybe things are changing."
"I highly doubt that."
They walk together toward the box, wanting to be there when the new Greenie arrives. "How are you feeling?"
Emma sighed, not wanting to have this conversation right now, but she couldn't avoid it forever. "Other than Jordan? Actually, pretty good."
There's a group gathering around the box, as there always is. Everyone was eager to see the new Greenie and take a break from work. "Good? After what happened?"
She shrugged, a smirk pulling at the corner of her lip. "Kissed Gally."
Newt's brain seemed to short-circuit as they approached the group. A million thoughts raced through his head, but he never had a chance to voice any of them. Newt was ushered to the front of the group. Typically, he was responsible for the new Greenie.
Emma couldn't help but laugh as she watched the Second-in-Command stumble over his feet. Zart and Jack appeared by her side, watching from the back. "Think it's a girl?"
"No," Emma and Zart said at the same time. There would never be another girl entering the Glade. She had accepted that. It was something that once bothered her but no longer did. She had learned to accept how things were.
Returning her attention to the box, she watched as Gally and Newt yanked open the doors. Rather than Newt entering first, Gally jumped inside. Emma couldn't help but tense at the idea of the Greenie meeting Gally first. He was a bit rough around the edges. He wouldn't be welcoming.
A few people spoke about the new Greenie, being able to see inside the box. Emma was too far away and had to wait for him to crawl out, which he did directly after Gally. The boy had brown hair that covered the tips of his ears. He was on the ground but looked lanky. Emma compared him to Newt in body type and age.
"He's definitely going to be a Slopper."
"I do need help in the kitchen." A few others agreed. Some joined in and placed bets on what the Greenie's job would be.
Emma watched as the new addition to the Glade struggled to process everything. Then, to her surprise, the new Greenie pushes off the ground and takes off in a run. "We got a Runner!"
"Look at him go!"
"Wow!"
Emma had never seen anyone run after exiting the box. Most cry, vomit or shut down and stare blankly at the sky.
The Greenie makes it nearly halfway to the Maze doors before tripping over his feet and tumbling through the grass. Everyone broke out into fits of laughter, other than Emma and, surprisingly, Jack. She couldn't help but glance at her friend. Catching his eye, he shrugged. "I tried to run too."
"Really?"
"Yeah," he said. "Made it twenty feet before Frypan took me down."
"Nice!" Others were yelling at the new Greenie.
"Be careful, Greenie."
"Take it all in," Frypan called to him.
Emma took a deep breath and glanced at Gally. He was standing beside Newt, hands on his hips as he watched the new Greenie. Newt said something to him before pointing toward the Gathering hut. Gally nodded, following after him without some much as a glance in her direction.