CHAPTER NINETEEN
( REMEMBER )

     TODAY HAD GONE BY QUICKER than the snap of my finger. My nerves were torn to shreds by sundown, and I wasn't sure how I could possibly face my friends. Teresa had tried to convince me to spend as much time with them as I could, because I would be leaving. But I couldn't drag myself out of my spot to talk to them.

Newt and Minho had been gone in the Maze all day, and Thomas was with Alby. Of course I couldn't see Nik, Garret, and Gally, because all of them were working. So I was left alone the whole day, carefully going over everything Teresa had said to me.

Chuck was nowhere to be seen as Newt and Minho rushed from the Maze, and straight into the Map Room. I had debated on whether or not I should follow behind them, and tell the two of my dreams.

But I declined my mind's offer.

I sat still on my log, glancing at the tree above me. It shades the area where my log is perched on the ground, specifically for me, and my thinking time. I made sure that no one- not even the builders- could touch this log. It was just last week that I had convinced him to let me keep it.

My reasoning was stupid, but he had agreed anyway. This log was definitely worth the long argument I had with him.

I smile as the Maze doors slam closed, making myself comfortable as I wait for the sun to set. I've been waiting for this all day- something to pry my mind from what Teresa had said to me yesterday. Although it was hard to do, I managed as the sky grew slightly darker.

But as soon as Thomas is away from Alby, and talking to a re-appearing Chuck, I jump from my spot. I bite my lip, following Alby inside of the Homestead. My mind is instantly clear as he turns to face me, a slightly annoyed expression laced onto his features.

"What do you want?" He grumbles, leaning on the frame of his door. "Have something to complain about? In that case, I prefer you suffer through it."

"No, I have to tell you about something, actually," I say quietly, glancing behind me to make sure no one is spying. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

"We're talking right now," He snorts.

I fight the urge to roll my eyes, and flip him off at the snide comment.

"Privately," I say lowly. "I don't want anyone else to know."

He stares at me with an unreadable expression, before nodding his head in the direction of his open direction. I slide past him, and enter his room with my eyes glazing over everything.

A nightstand, dresser, large bed, and chairs are dispersed in the room, making the room look bigger than it is. I take a seat in one of the chairs, watching closely as Alby shuts the door behind him.

"So what's this about?" He raises an eyebrow. "If you're going on a rant about something that's going to waste my time, then get out now."

"It's crucial information," I interject. "And this stays between you and me. No Newt, Thomas, Minho, or anyone else in the Glade, okay?"

"Why can't I tell them?" He asks. "Last time I checked, I was the leader here, not you. And if the others need to hear about it, I'll tell them."

"Alby, please," I beg. "Trust me on this- they don't need to know."

Once again, he stares at me. But this time, it's with a look of confusion. "What the hell is it, Greenie?"

"I have my memories back," I reply in a murmer. "From before the Maze- before now. I've talked to people from W.I.C.K.E.D, and I know what's happening here, what's about to happen. I knew Minho, Thomas, and Newt before the day I came here. And I know Teresa, and Aris, people who aren't even here."

He cuts me off as he stands from his chair, sending it crashing to the floor.

"I'd like for you to repeat that," He grits his teeth, pure anger on his face. "You mean you were with them? You worked for them?"

"I did, but it's not what you think," I say quickly. "It wasn't-"

A loud crash echoes through the Homestead as Alby's fist flies through the wall. A hole forms, and he turns to flip the nightstand. His glare is stone-cold as he does so, slightly beginning to scare me. I stand, too, grabbing his arm to stop him.

"Alby, stop." I clench my jaw. "I told you to trust me!"

"How can I trust you?" He faces me, his scowl deepening. "After what you just did you expect for me to just let it go? For me to just act like it's okay?"

"No, but-"

I can't finish my sentence as I'm shoved backwards, my head hitting the floor with the most force I've ever felt. Tears fill my eyes as the pain hits me head-on.

I fight to keep my breath as the wind was knocked out of me, my windpipes being blocked by the sobs that escape my lips.

"Grace, I didn't mean to-"

This time, I'm the one to cut his sentence off. I push myself onto my feet as steadily as I can, gripping head as I do so. Blood covers my hand as I stare at him in horror. His eyes widen at the sight, and he immediately moves forward to help.

I allow my tears to fall as I dodge his grasp, and sprint from his room. I quickly make my way outside of the Homestead, the night air chilling my bones as I look around frantically.

"Grace?"

Relief floods over me at the familiar voice. I don't hesitate to jump into Thomas's arms, wrapping mine around his neck. I sob into his shoulder, ignoring the blood on my hands.

"What the hell happened happened to you?"

I don't answer as I continue to cry. I don't cry for the pain- I cry for myself. For what I've spilled to Alby. I'll be gone before I answer his questions, which will only make him curse my name.

I eventually pull away, wiping away my tears. "Can you take me to my room?" I ask. "I need to get cleaned up."

He nods, his worried eyes scraping over my bloody hands. "Can you tell me what happened?"

"Some other time," I dismiss it, glancing over at Minho and Newt, who watch with pained expressions. "Can you carry me?"

A slight grin forms on his lips as I smile, and hold out my arms for him like a toddler. He immediately picks me up bridal style, and walks past Newt and Minho, heading straight for the Homestead again.

And for the rest of the night, a frown is etched onto my face.

___♕___

Unfortunately, sleep overwhelmed me quickly that night. I had tried my best to stay awake- knowing I needed to think about my options over my memories.

Of course I only had one day left, which made things even harder. But when I woke up the next morning, bright and early, I was surprised- but slightly happy.

Weirdly enough, the gash on my head from the night before had already healed, no scar taking its place. I shrugged it away though as I pulled on a pair of leggings that had came from the box last week, along with my boots, and one of Minho's t-shirts.

By this time in the morning, Minho was still snoring, and then sun hadn't come up. Almost dawn, but not exactly. The faint glow of light outside was enough so that I could get out of the Homestead without tripping over anything.

And as soon as I was out of the Homestead, I darted straight for my log. I perched myself on it, a new smile twitching on my lips. The night before hadn't been the best- as for loneliness. Usually, I had Newt by my side. But last night, I was greeted with only my blanket to keep me warm.

And honestly, I missed him.

The more I thought about it, the more sick I began to feel.

I was getting so attached to him, in just the little while I had been here. I don't plan on telling him about me leaving tomorrow. If I did, I don't know what he'd do. It breaks my heart to know that within another nightfall, I'll be far away from here, probably never to see any of these people again.

It was definitely bad for me.

And maybe even bad for my friends.

Teresa? I ask.

No response is given, so I wait a moment.

Teresa? Are you there? Can you hear me?

Yes. She responds, her voice quickened. I only have a moment to talk. What do you need?

Do they have the memories? I hesitate, my hand gripping onto the log.

Yes, she says again. They remember everything about you. Even the day you first met them- something you don't even remember. Thomas is actually awake now, looking for you.

No! I rush, looking around me hastily. What am I supposed to do? I can't talk to them about my choices! Hell, I haven't even made up my mind yet.

Just do what you think is right, she says calmly. I'm sure your heart knows exactly what to do, even if your mind tells you it's wrong.

Wait! Please! Tell me who to choose, Teresa!

Thomas is at the Homestead, she says. I'll see you soon, Grace.

No! No! Come back!

But she doesn't reply. I curse incoherent words under my breath as my eyes catch Thomas's he sprints over to me, his eyes filled with something I can't quite place.

"I had dreams last night- about you," He pants, placing his hands on his knees as he tries to catch his breath.

"I know," I murmer, watching as he falls to his knees in front of me. I avert my gaze to the ground, my cheeks flaming as he still stares at me intently.

He grabs my chin between his fingers, his thumb brushing over my cheek as he looks into my eyes.

And I look into his too, seemingly captured in his dark blue eyes.

"I think I remember," He mutters, just loud enough for me to hear him.

"And I think I'm in love with you."

_______