TITANIUM || The Death Cure ? Newt [3]

Chapter 11

Teresa nodded. "Yes. And since W.I.C.K.E.D. knew we were close, they asked me questions, too. I didn't want to, but I knew they were going to hurt you, so I told them everything I knew."

My mouth was hanging agape after her confession. But it was no surprise since she is called the Betrayer.

"You're lying," I whispered.

"I wish I was, but it's the truth. I don't expect forgiveness from you, but I had to do it for you and Thomas." Teresa dropped her head, being quiet for a few seconds, then speaking as her voice shook. "But in doing so has caused our friendship to break and for you to hate me... Do you hate me, Rosalee?"

I didn't answer her question. The lump in my throat hurt to talk. My hardened heart turned soft, but like she said, she didn't expect me to forgive her. Would I ever forgive Teresa for what she did? Or will I hold this grudge with me until the day I die... or rather, tonight?

"What are you doing in here?" A harsh voice suddenly asked.

Teresa and I turned our heads to the door to find Gally standing there with his arms crossed. No, no, no, I thought. I didn't want this to happen. Why did this have to happen? Gally stormed into the room and began to speak in a low voice at Teresa, sounding like he was threatening her.

To make matters worse, I heard a British voice ask, "What's going on?"

Tears were already blurring my vision as I turned to look at Newt. Gally didn't say anything, Teresa didn't say anything; I didn't say anything.

"Ask your girlfriend," Gally answered while pulling Teresa by her arm to escort her out of the room.

Once they were both gone, I sank to my knees and began crying. I couldn't take it anymore. Newt knelt down next to me and brought me into his arms while tears stained his shirt. I was such a mess, even before coming in to have a discussion with Teresa. Was what she said true? I couldn't since she betrayed us. But deep down, I had a feeling she was telling the truth. And to top it off... I believe her.

"How about we go into another room to talk," Newt suggested.

I nodded in agreement, still watering my eyes out. He helped me stand on my feet and walked me over to the room we were previously sleeping in. Even if the mattress in the room was old, it was the only thing that'll do. I laid my head down on Newt's lap while he played with my hair. I told him everything that happened while sobbing through my sentences. But he was patient as he listened to my story.

After I was done explaining, Newt spoke up. "You and Tommy were doing the right thing. There's no need to be ashamed of that."

"I know, but I feel like this is my fault. Everything that I did to you before I was sent into the Maze; I don't know if I can ever forgive myself," I replied.

Newt was deep in thought as he thought about his next answer. Meanwhile, I took the time to slow down my breathing. I've shed enough tears for one night.

"Rosalee, the person you were before is long gone. The person you are now is what matters to me. I don't care if you've worked with W.I.C.K.E.D. before, or have different eyes or hair or skin color, or if you're tall or short, or smelly or clean; you will always be the woman I fell in love with from day one to now. Nothing you do can change that, ever."

I turned my head to look at him, then he reached his hand to wipe away my tears. I moved to sit up so I could level with him. I curled my lips upward slightly, attempting to put a genuine smile on my face. Newt leaned in to kiss my forehead, then hugged me tighter. I felt whole again. I loved being in his embrace since I could be myself around him. I wouldn't want to change this for the world.

While Newt was stroking my hair once again, I reflected back on Teresa's words before Gally came in. How is it that I am angry toward her, but can't bring myself to punch her? Then, that's when I knew the answer to my own question.

"I don't hate her," I mumbled.

"What?" Newt asked.

"I don't hate Teresa." I fixed my gaze to my lover, explaining the conversation we had. "Teresa asked me if I hate her, and the truth is, I don't. I don't hate her. I want to after her decision, but I can't bring myself to do it. I'm angry at her, yes, but I don't hate her."

Newt simply smiled while tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear. "If you don't hate her, then that means you have a good heart. You ponder and care for those you know and want to provide everything you can for them. That's what had me drawn to you; you care about putting other people's needs before yours. Though you do it so much you forget to take care of yourself. But all of this is because of who you turned out to be."

I wanted to cry again, but my tears were dried out. Instead, I rested my head on his shoulder and let him protectively hold me. There is nothing more romantic than this man giving me kisses whenever I needed it. I want Newt to be with me for the rest of my life.

After a while of cradling me, I began to grow tired. Newt and I checked the watch I was wearing - which Jorge repaired for me - to find that it was getting late. I wanted to stay awake and savor this moment, but my eyelids were growing too heavy. Newt noticed and gently laid me down. By this time, my eyes were closed, but I wasn't asleep yet.

"You should get some sleep before we leave," Newt suggested.

I nodded wearily. "Will you stay with me until I fall asleep?"

He leaned down to kiss my cheek and whispered softly as his breath tickled my ear. "Of course I will."

I smiled while Newt played with my hair. Then, he began to hum. I had no clue he could sing, but it was soothing. I let the melody of his voice guide me to rest before I fully succumbed into the dream world.

~~~~

I thought a little backstory would be appropriate at this time. Now we finally figure out who Rosalee is named after! I had to look up a little bit of the backstory on the The Maze Runner fandom W.I.C.K.E.D.pedia article (HA! Get it?), so I hope there aren't any parts I missed.

Anyway, we're halfway through the story! I'm really excited for the climactic part and I hope you are, too!

-Nellie