DONT BE A SILENT READER ♥️
Mayas pov:
Timeskip: 2 days later.
So far, I've been trying out for all the "normal" jobs—anything but running.
The Keepers have been deciding which job will suit me best, and I've been waiting patiently outside the Homestead. Newt was inside, and I trusted him enough to let him choose my role.
The moment I was called inside, I felt the tension. I was placed awkwardly between the tall boys. Not a single word was exchanged, and I couldn't help but glance at Newt, trying to read his face. He avoided eye contact. My stomach twisted.
"So... Greenie," Alby began.
"Maya," I corrected him, already tired of hearing that nickname.
"Maya," Alby adjusted. "We've decided this job will suit you just fine."
My mind raced. I'd hoped for something like Med-Jacks or even Track-Hoe.
"You'll be joining Frypan in the kitchen," Alby said.
I blinked in surprise, then looked around at Alby, Frypan, and Newt, my eyes lingering on Newt as I tried to make sense of it. "What? I didn't even try out to be a cook? Is not even part of the job list"
I already knew the real reason behind the decision, but none of them would admit it.
"Well, we thought it would suit you because... well, because..." Alby hesitated, glancing between the others for help.
"Because I'm a girl?" I said, my voice rising with frustration.
The silence was deafening. Newt still wouldn't meet my gaze.
"Are you kidding me?" I snapped. "Are you actually kidding me?"
Frypan tried to step in, his tone more cheerful than the situation warranted. "I'm happy to have some company in the kitchen," he said, trying to lighten the mood.
I couldn't hold back the disbelief. "I didn't try out for this, and you're telling me it's because... well, you know," I trailed off, shaking my head.
"What's done is done," Alby shrugged, his tone dismissive. "At least you have a job now. Could've been worse. You could've ended up a slopper."
I stared down at my shoes, completely deflated. I honestly thought they'd show a little more respect, but it seemed I was wrong.
"Alright, back to work everyone," Alby said, the conversation over as quickly as it had started. Everyone dispersed, leaving me with Frypan and a tall, blonde British boy.
"You know I tried..." Newt began.
"I don't want to talk to you," I cut him off, turning to leave. But Newt grabbed my hand gently and spun me back around.
"Maya, I really tried. They were going to make you a slopper," he said, his voice sincere. "I know this isn't ideal, but we'll make it work."
"I'm fine with working in the kitchen," I said, my tone softening slightly. "It's just that you guys have zero faith in me. Tell me, Newt, why did they put me in the kitchen?" I took a step closer to him.
"Maya, it's not—"
"Because girls belong in there, right?" I raised my voice, the anger bubbling back up.
"No, I don't think that" Newt said, shaking his head, his voice pleading.
I crossed my arms, refusing to engage any further. The past few days had been hard, and I'd been starting to think Newt at least respected me, but now I wasn't so sure.
"Bullshit," I muttered before storming out of the Homestead, catching a glimpse of Newt's face as he watched me leave.
I entered the kitchen, trying to steady my breathing. I hadn't been in here before, and everything about the situation felt ridiculous. Frypan greeted me with a smile.
"Hey! We'll make this work. We'll have fun with it," he said, trying to cheer me up.
"I'm glad it's you. I'm just annoyed," I admitted.
"If it helps, I had nothing to do with this. Alby just told me right before you came in," he said, clearly trying to make me feel better.
At least Frypan didn't think I belonged in the kitchen.
He gave me a quick tour of the kitchen,
explaining where everything was. "Be careful with the knives—they're like smaller machetes, cut myself on those things multiple times" he warned. "We get meat from the blood house, and vegetables from the Track-Hoes."
The job wasn't as bad as I had thought. It wasn't that I had a problem with the kitchen, but the circumstances left me feeling boxed in.
The first day, I mostly peeled potatoes and carrots, barely feeling like I was helping. At lunchtime, all the gladers stood in line for their meals, and I took up my new position handing out plates. As I was serving, I noticed Alby and Newt near the front of the line. Without thinking, I quickly swapped positions with Frypan, handing him a plate.
"Eyo, how's everything?" Alby asked, a grin on his face.
"We're good," Frypan answered, passing them their plates.
"Is that so? Maya, how are you?" Alby asked, his eyes narrowing as he caught the sarcastic edge in my tone.
I turned to face them, barely masking my annoyance. "Oh, I'm great," I said, voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Good that" Alby said, but I could tell he wasn't buying it. After a brief pause, he gave Frypan a quick smile before heading to the table.
Newt stood there, still waiting.
"Maya, could we please talk?" he asked.
"I'm really busy cutting tomatoes," I replied with just the right amount of sarcasm, turning back to my task. My knife moved a little more aggressively than necessary as I chopped the tomatoes. I could feel Newt's gaze on my back as he left the kitchen.
"Don't be so hard on him," Frypan said, his voice gentle. "Newt didn't have much say in this. When Alby wanted you as a slopper, Newt did everything he could to make sure you weren't."
Maybe Frypan was right, but I was still disappointed in Newt. Didn't he believe in me at all?
I sighed loudly. "Alright, I'll talk to him later."
"Good," Frypan smiled, clearly pleased with my decision.
After lunch, everyone returned to work, and I followed Frypan as we prepared to make tomato soup. He handed me a basket. "Go ahead and fill this up with tomatoes. Newt's over with the Track-Hoes today; he'll help you."
I didn't want to, but I knew Frypan was right. It was time to make up with Newt.
I walked slowly toward the Track-Hoes. Newt had his back to me, speaking with a guy named Zard.
"Speaking of the sun," Zard said, noticing me.
Newt turned around, and for the first time, I saw the exhaustion in his eyes. I didn't know where to start.
"Still speaking of me?" I said, trying to break the ice.
Newt rolled his eyes, clearly frustrated with my attitude. Zard read the room and decided to return to digging potatoes, leaving us alone.
I took a deep breath. "I just want you to know I'm disappointed. I thought you believed in me."
"Maya..." Newt shook his head, his voice low. "I do believe in you. More than anyone else here. But you're a stubborn little one."
His words made me chuckle despite myself. "Yeah... I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize. I'm sorry you feel misplaced," he said, his tone softening. "I'll talk to Alby again and get you another job."
"No, don't," I smiled. "I like working with Frypan."
He smiled back at me, and I tossed the basket toward him. He caught it easily.
"Help me fill it up?" I asked.
"Of course," he said with a grin, and we sat together picking tomatoes.
Once the basket was full, we returned to the kitchen, and Frypan gave us both a big smile when we arrived.
"Stop that," I smiled back, feeling a little lighter.
The rest of the day passed by in a blur of chopping, stirring, and laughter. When dinner was ready, I sat at the table next to Chuck, Minho, and Thomas.
"How's kitchen duty?" Thomas asked through a mouthful of food.
"It's alright. Frypan's a lot of fun," I replied, keeping it simple and not wanting to share too much.
As Newt sat down beside me, I gave him a small smile. After everything, he was the only one who believed in me.