By this time I had done what I had to. The night came and from the sound of it, the maze starts to change. "Minho! You wanna go grab dinner maybe?" Newt offered.
I nodded. I was starving. .
Frypan's was very crowded, filled with hungry gladers all lined up or eating. Conversations and laughs filled the glade.
"Good evening mr keeper, here ya go,"
Frypan shoved a tray filled with food.
I nodded a little as a sign of approval and smiled.
I looked around and saw a group of runners all gathered up, the Greenie, Gally among a group of builders blending in and other groups all scattered out.
Newt ushered me to a table with the keepers. The Keepers were already discussing something as me and newt settled. "Hey, what're you shucks talkin about?"
"Nothin' man...." Winston looked down at his food and continued to eat.
All of them stopped talking at once and continued to eat or looked away. Weird.
I ate my food.
I was taking my last bite when my eyes was suddenly hooked on someone. It was her. I can see her. She's sitting a table away from where I am, talking to some friends, eating and looking a bit glum.
"Don't just stare. Go," Newt made me jumped a little.
I took a glance at him then back to her. I'm not even sure why I'm so overwhelmed. I guess I'm afraid that she has changed. Or worst, that she might have forgotten about me.
I glanced back at Newt and rolled my eyes. I got off the table. Newt grabbed my arm and opened his mouth, "It's gonna be alright. I promise,"
This was nerve wrecking. I'm not even sure why.
I spotted her leaving her table. She was in company of some girls. They were walking away towards the homestead. I kept up behind them and finally one of the girls named Stephanie noticed me. She nodded at me and signaled the other girls to clear out. They pretended to bid Paula good bye and she was finally all alone.
It took me awhile to finally begin. "Paula?"
She turned towards me. Her eyes were somehow glowing in twilight. She tucked her hair behind her ears. She looked alerted. Maybe nervous. "Minho...... what's.... what's up?"
"Sorry I kinda scared you right there..."
She smiled and addressed, "No it's fine."
We were staring at each other. Just staring. It seemed to last for an eternity.
"Well I guess I'll go then....." Her words flew faintly out of her mouth.
"No.. I mean....Wait....uhhhhh...."
She crossed her arms and moved towards me.
"Look I'm sorry, I just..... I don't know what I'm doing..... I kinda.... ya know.."
"What're you trying to say?"
"I...I miss ya.... Paula, it's been quite a while and i don't know what's happening.... I just...."
Her hands were now on my face. We were now close. Close enough. I stared into her eyes. I felt a tear dropped from my eye. Her finger wiped away the tear. I held onto her right hand and she finally had something to say, "Minho.... I'm fine. I will be at least. I hope you are too, aren't you?"
"I guess, I mean.... I hope so,"
Worry starts to grow on her. Her hands moved from my face to the back of my neck. She was now hugging me. I put my grip on her waist and hugged back.
I could feel her head brushed through my shoulders. "You have nothing to worry about. I'm totally fine. Some memories did came back and it is haunting me, but aside from it all, I'm totally fine. And yes i figured you'd think this but I did not forget about you, I promise."
She then fell silent.
The stars shone bright up ahead. I was taking all the time I had to cherish this moment.
She then pulled away and reached out her hand. I took her hand and our fingers interlaced. We started walking back to the homestead. Her head was rested on my shoulders as we walk. I took a glimpse of her and from that moment, I was pretty sure that things are moving into place.