Fog In the Memory • TMR Book 1

Chapter 3

I stare at his extended hand, hesitant to shake it. I don't know, do I trust him? Do I REALLY want to know these people? Well, how else are you supposed to get out of here? I look at Alby and give a single wave with a shy smile, watching as he studies my behavior; guess I'm not normal.

"So, where are we?" I ask, jumping from hearing my voice for the first time since I can remember. Or, that is, wherever here is.

Alby glances at the boys nearest to him, rolling his eyes. Studying the crowd once again, there appears to be fifty guys and- then it hits me. No girls. How in the world are there no girls? Looking back to the boys, most of them seem to be mid-teens, some young adults. I now realize I have no clue how old I am. My heart sinks at the thought; I'm so lost that I don't even know my own age.

"I do not have time to answer questions right now. My advice to you is just try and avoid being killed, survive, and whatever," he grumbles, rubbing his eyes.

He pauses when he sees my face whiten a bit.

"Man," Alby shakes his head. "I ain't good at this- you're the first Greenbean since Nick was killed."

My eyes widen as the so-called Newt steps up and playfully smacks Alby across the head saying, "Wait for the bloody Tour. Girl's gonna be scared to death and she hasn't heard nothin' yet." Leaning towards me, putting a hand on my shoulder, he chuckles, "We'd all be right cheery if you'd forgive our klunk-for-brains leader here."

I look into Newt's eyes and give him a nod of approval; he seems a lot nicer than Alby. Newt's taller but looks to be a year or so younger. His hair is blond and shaggy, and veins stick out of his muscled arms.

"Pipe it, shuckface," Alby grunts, pulling Newt next to him. "At least she can understand HALF my words. This place is called the Glade, all right? It's where we eat, where we live, where we sleep-we call ourselves Gladers. That's all you need to know until tomorrow."

I give him an understanding nod, despite the other questions I secretly have. Since Alby isn't in the best mood right now, maybe I'll ask them to Newt later.

"Oh, and one more thing. Learn the rules quick, listen, and keep quiet, though I doubt you'll struggle with that last part," Alby chuckles, "First day. That's what today is for you; night's coming and Runners'll be back soon. Box came up a bit late so I don't have time for the Tour, so that'll be right after wake up tomorrow morning." He turns to Newt. "Get her a hammock setup in my room and get her to bed; I don't want these shanks to try anything overnight."

And with that, Alby turns around pushing his way through the crowd, and heads for the slanted wooden building in a corner. As most of the kids wander off, I linger and close my eyes, taking in a deep breath as emptiness eats away at my insides.

"What did I do to get here?" I whisper, not meaning to be heard.

Newt walks over to me reassuringly. "Greenie, what you're feeling, we've all felt it- We've all had a first day. Things are bad, and they'll be worse for you soon, that's the truth- but you'll find ways to make the road brighter. Chuck'll work for ya, wee fat little shank, but nice. Be right back."

Watching him jog off, I slide down the rough face of the tree until I'm on the ground. I shrink back against the bark and close my eyes, wishing I would wake up from this terrible dream.