The healer [Maze runner Newt x OC]

Chapter two

The atmosphere in the cafeteria was tense, the air thick with unease. Names were being called, one after another, as the Gladers listened intently, their brows furrowed. Grace sat across from Newt and Thomas, with Minho beside her. She pushed her fork into her food slowly, her mind more on the conversation happening around her than on the meal.

"I wanna know what's through that door," Thomas suddenly spoke, his voice cutting through the murmur of the room. Every head at their table turned to him, including Grace's. Newt sighed heavily, leaning forward slightly, his face hardening.

"Now, we've been over this," Newt said, his voice calm but firm. "You said the door was covered up, so you don't really know what you saw. It could've been anything."

But Thomas was persistent, his jaw set in determination. "I know exactly what I saw. They were bodies." The room quieted, and all eyes shifted to him. Grace's gaze flicked nervously over their faces, feeling the weight of the words.

"Aris said they bring in a new batch every night," Thomas continued, his tone serious.

"Who the hell is Aris?" Minho asked, leaning forward, his brow furrowed in confusion. Thomas nodded toward the hooded boy, who was sitting quietly, staring down at the food in his hands.

"Well, I'm sold," Thomas said, barely sparing a glance at his food. Grace couldn't help but agree, even though a heavy feeling settled in her chest. She ate another bite of her food, trying to push away the growing unease.

The murmur of conversation continued until Janson's voice echoed across the cafeteria. "And last but not least, David. Thank you for your attention. Enjoy the rest of your evening." The room grew quieter as the kids and guards filed out. Newt leaned closer to Thomas, his voice low.

"Okay, until we know anything for certain, we should just keep our heads down. Try not to draw attention to ourselves, all right?"

But Thomas was already on the move, standing up abruptly and heading toward the door. "What's he doing?" Minho asked, his voice laced with disbelief.

"I think he's drawing attention to himself," Frypan muttered. Everyone turned as Thomas tried to get past the guards at the door. The guards blocked him immediately, and Thomas didn't back down. He tried again, but they stopped him once more.

Grace's heart skipped a beat when she saw Thomas pull back, looking frustrated. But then her eyes widened in shock as he sprinted back toward the door, pushing past the guards.

"Back off!" Thomas shouted, shoving one of the guards aside. The room fell silent for a second before chaos erupted.

"What's your problem, man?" one of the guards shouted, shoving Thomas back. Instantly, Newt, Minho, and the others rushed to Thomas's side, pulling him away before things could escalate. Newt kept himself between Grace and the guards, making sure no one could get too close.

"Back off!" Thomas yelled, trying to push forward again.

Grace grabbed his arm, her voice soft but urgent. "Thomas, please..." But he was too angry to listen, pushing against the guard's hold.

"Why won't you let me see her?" Thomas shouted, his words sharp with frustration.

The guard pointed at Newt, barking orders. "Control your friend!"

Before things could spiral further, Janson stepped in, his calm voice cutting through the tension. "What's happening here?" He surveyed the scene, his eyes settling on Thomas, still at the front, while Minho held him back. "Thomas, I thought we could trust each other." Janson's hand rested on Thomas's shoulder, his tone almost patronizing. "You know we're all on the same team here."