Chapter 9

Not long after, Alby walked out and searched for Emily. He needed to get an answer soon.

He soon found Emily sitting under a tree, watching the track-hoes work.

As Alby approached her, Emily's eyes lit up and she sat up a little straighter, as if she knew Alby had something important to say to her.

"Hey Alby what's up?" She asked, as she made eye contact with him.

"The Keepers had a meeting at the homestead today, and we haven't been able to come to a unanimous decision. So, you get to choose which job you'd like to have." Alby said.

"I do?" Emily asked, feeling shocked to say the least.

"Yes, these situations don't normally occur but seeing as how much tension and unrest a forced decision is going to create between the Keepers, we decided it is best if you choose. Your choices are the Cooks or the Runners."

Excitement bubbled in Emily upon hearing the word "runner". Ever since the trials she had wanted nothing more than to be a runner. It gave her a short relief from the life of the Glade-even if the maze wasn't any better.

It felt new and invigorating.

"But I must let you know, Newt isn't too fond of you being a Runner." Alby said cautiously, as if he was unsure whether or not to give the additional information.

Emily's mood plunged down immediately. She couldn't imagine why Newt wouldn't want her to do something she liked.

Doesn't he want me to be happy? She thought.

Emily nodded, and agreed to give Alby an answer before lights-out that night.

Before she made her final decision, she knew she had to confront one person.

Emily spotted Newt as he made his rounds around the Glade, ensuring that everything was in order.

"Newt, I need to have a word with you." She said as she gently grabbed his arm.

Newt looked shocked at first but his expression darkened as he guessed that Alby had already updated her.

They took a quiet walk to the Deadheads, and sat down once more on the rickety benches.

"Why wouldn't you want me to be a runner Newt?" Emily asked, cutting straight to the chase.

"Why would you want to be a runner? Do you know how dangerous it is?" Newt replied, looking agitated.

"I know, there's Grievers and stuff and I could possibly be stuck there. I know what I'm getting into. But I need this."

Newt tried to cut her off but she continued.

"I'm actually good at something here. Running. And it gives me something different, something that would keep me sane. I know I haven't been here long but I can feel it in my bones. I just feel that I'll lose it if I work in the Glade day in day out. Being a runner gives me hope Newt."

Newt's expression doesn't change.

"Well you're right about one thing. You haven't been here long. As dreary as this sounds, nothing, not even running can help you escape the maze. Trust me. We've been trying for two whole bloody years."

Emily's mood started to sink. But the undeniable fire in her still flickered.

"I need to do this Newt, I can feel it. It just feels right. And I need to know you're with me."

Newt looked at her with sullen eyes and a grim expression.

"Sorry shank, but this time you're on your own." He said as he walked off.

As much as it pained Newt to be so mean, he wanted her to change her mind. He couldn't lose her.

Emily felt as if his words had slapped her right across her face. This time, "shank" didn't seem as endearing to her anymore.

Newt left her feeling confused and hurt. But the hurt soon turned into anger.

He had no right to dictate her life - as screwed up as it was.

Even if she liked him, she decided she wasn't going to forgo happiness just to keep him around. 

Later that night, Emily sought Alby out to confirm her decision.

"Hey Alby, I've made my choice. I want to be a runner." Emily stated with conviction.

Alby nodded and gave her instructions for the next day.

Emily felt relieved that she finally made her decision and there was no going back- at least this way she couldn't have second thoughts.

But at the same time, Newt's words kept repeating over and over again in her mind.

She didn't like the fact that they argued but she didn't feel like she did anything wrong either.

That night, the two of them didn't take their nightly walk.

Newt had just heard the news about Emily from some of the Gladers and he stormed off immediately after the work for the day was done.

He sat on the same sickly bench at the Deadheads and placed his head in his hands.

"Oh Em...." He whispered to himself.

A million thoughts rushed through his mind, mostly filled with ones of anxiety and worry.

Newt was so lost in his own thoughts he didn't hear the soft footsteps approaching him, until his name was called.

He looked up and saw Emily, but even in the dim light, he could tell she was pained and hurt - her eyes gave it all away.

She took a seat beside Newt, craving his company but unsure of whether or not to speak.

She didn't want Newt to lash out at her again.

With all the courage he mustered, Newt finally turned to face Emily. He gingerly grasped her hands and held them in his. He felt her tense under his touch but soon relaxed.

"Em.... I'm sorry about earlier, for lashing out at you. Its just that I really didn't want you to be a runner..." Newt said, his eyes clouded with sorrow and regret.

Emily took a deep breath.

"I know, but Newt this makes me happy. Being a runner gives me hope." She explained once again.

Newt shook his head with his eyes squeezed shut.

"Em. Being in the maze will make you more depressed than ever. Trust me I know. I.... I used to be a runner before... before the Grievers attacked and wounded me like this."

Pain flashed across Emily's face as she tried to reach out to Newt but he stopped her.

"The point is Em, it's awfully dangerous and I know I sound really really selfish saying this but, I can't lose you Em." He paused to gauge her reaction.

But Emily was at a loss for words.

"Em, ever since you came, I feel like the days are shorter, I have more energy. You make me happier than I've been in years. I don't dread waking up the next day and the next again because I know I'll see you. I can't lose you Em. You are my hope."

Newt paused and tilted her chin up so that she was now looking at him.

Her eyes were watery and she was speechless.

"Newt I..." She started, but Newt silenced her with a kiss.

A slow soft kiss, full of pain and hope.

She grabbed a fistful of his shirt, pulling Newt nearer to her.

She leaned into the kiss and Newt wrapped his arms around her, keeping her in an embrace.

But their lips never parted.

Emily ran her hands up his chest and tangled her fingers through his hair, desperately wanting every bit of him.

Newt kept one hand on her waist, but gently caressed her cheek with the other. His thumb traced imaginary patterns that cause volcanoes in Emily's tummy to erupt.

They could both feel the longing and the worry.

But in that kiss they lost themselves, moving only in sync to the rhythm of their beating hearts.

Emily buried her head in the crook of Newt's neck, as he gently rubbed her back.

Their breaths were heavy but they feltd as if a huge burden had been lifted off, and all negative energy dissipated.

"Em, I'm so scared." Newt admitted, hugging Emily closer.

"I'll be careful, I promise."

Emily's eyes burned into his and she could see the immense worry he hid behind his eyes.

Newt simply nodded, and took her hand as they walked back to the sleeping area.

He trusted her. He had to.

And besides, there was one person he could ask for help - as much as he hated to.

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A/N : HELLO MY DEAR READERS! this is a really long chapter (okay at least it's one of the longer ones in this book hehe) so what's up guys!! Do you ship Emily and Newt?? and you can comment some ship names too:) I still can't believe people actually read it and like it ahaha :x so surreal.

anywaaaaay THANKS FOR STICKING AROUND!

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