CHAPTER TWENTY
( END )

     IT DIDN'T TAKE LONG FOR me to suck in a deep breath, my eyes focused in on Thomas's. I didn't fare reply, my head spilling over with options. I immediately looked away, shrugging his hand from my face as I think of Newt. I exhale shakily, clasping my hands together.

"It happened so fast," He says, still staring at me. "It remembered everything before now. You and me, and some girl named Teresa."

I look back over to him, my eyes filling with tears. I hold them back the best I can, knowing that I've been crying too much lately.

"I remember it, too," I manage to choke out. "Even before you did. I had memories of you before you even got here, Thomas."

His eyes seemed to light up at that- a twinkle of hope appearing in them, something that I've never saw before. I couldn't tell him about me leaving, could I? It hurts enough, knowing that I have to leave everyone behind. And for what? What comes after this?

"So you've known, and you didn't tell me?" He asks quietly.

"I didn't know how," I say softly. "I didn't think you'd believe me if I had told you. You would've thought I was a nutcase."

"But how?" He questions. "How were we able to get those memories back?"

"The creators are controlling them," I reply. "If you're lucky, you get snippets of them. But with me, my dreams are only memories."

He looked fascinated by the new information, watching me explain with a smile on his face. I felt my cheeks flush, before my attention was averted to the Homestead, where Minho and Newt stepped from the building.

I close my eyes, wishing Teresa could guide me through the next few things that were about to take place.

"What're they doing up so early?" Thomas asks lowly, more to himself that me.

And then, Newt's gaze had locked with mine, and my breath hitched in my throat.

How was I supposed to choose between these two, if I even chose at all?

A few moments, and the two boys were right with Thomas and I.

It hadn't taken long for Minho to figure out what was going on, especially because Newt told him everything he had remembered in his dream. So when they had both ran over, I was bombarded with questions from the curious Asian.

"So you remember, too?"

"I have for a while," I reply. "And telling everyone wouldn't have helped, especially with the situation between my relationship with Alby. He wouldn't have let me live much longer- after he got the information, that is. Just long enough for him to figure out that I can communicate with them the way no one else can."

"Smart idea," Minho grins. "And Alby's not all that bad. He cares for all of us, Grace."

"Sure he does," I murmer, but shove away the topic.

"What memories do you have?"

"They're scattered," I say, twiddling with my thumbs. "Sometimes I'm able to piece them together, and figure out what I'm missing- or what I need to know."

"Do you know why we're here?" Minho asks, hope filling his eyes.

"Not exactly," I sigh, watching as the hope quickly fades away. "I know as much as you do about that- and experiment or something like that."

"You should've said something," Newt says. "At least to us."

"Gaining memories are dangerous," I shake my head. "You aren't supposed to know until they're given to you. I didn't want to put any of you in danger, or even risk the outcome."

"But about this?" Thomas raises an eyebrow. "This is different."

"It's no different when the memories weren't meant for you," I immediately respond. "Thomas, I was supposed to do something with them- to figure something out. I didn't know how, though. How could I do anything about them? Act rationally?"

"Do you honestly think that memories of Thomas and Newt would get someone hurt?" Minho asks, his voice soft as he examines my face. "Or were you scared of what would happen between the three of you?"

I wait a moment, staring into the woods. A light breeze picks up around us, the question still lingering in the air.

But he was right.

"I don't know what I'm scared of," I mutter. "It doesn't matter, though. I'll be gone soon enough."

"What?" Newt asks, hearing my last words.

"Nothing," I say quickly. "I just- it doesn't matter what I'm scared of."

"You said that you're leaving soon," He says with disbelief. "Grace, what are you not telling us?"

"I'm telling you everything," I lie. "We're all leaving soon, right? Unless you suppose I won't make it out with you guys."

His expression changes completely.

"We are getting out of here," He agrees. "But for now, we need to worry about our problems."

"There are no problems." I interject.

"That's funny," Minho snorts.

"He's right," Thomas says. "Grace, we need to at least talk about this."

"We are talking," I roll my eyes. "Guys, let's just drop this for now, okay? Just spend time together while we still have it."

"Why are you so dead-set on us not asking questions, or wanting answers?" Minho huffs. "There's something you aren't telling us, and I know it. Just tell us."

But by that time, I had stood up, and walked away from the drama that tried to consume me.

I had more important matters to tend to.

___♕___

"I think it's better if I tell you guys first," I look over Garret, Gally, and Nik, a worried expression on my face as I thought over their their possible reactions. "But no telling, okay? This is just between you guys."

"What's this about?" Garret raises an eyebrow.

"Memories- lots of them. I've been having memories since I got here, and I thought that you guys could understand what I'm about to tell you."

"Go on," Nik says, completely ignoring the fact that I had fucking memories.

"I-I'm leaving," I stutter, tripping over my words. "Tomorrow. The Creators are pulling me out, and I'm not sure how it's going to happen."

"Real funny, Gracie," Gally rolls his eyes. "Now, tell us what you're really here for."

"I'm serious," I look at the ground, not meeting their gazes. "I've been in contact with someone from W.I.C.K.E.D, and long story short, I'm leaving."

"I'd like an explanation, first of all," Garret clenches his jaw. "And second, how could you leave us?"

"It's not my choice," I reply solemnly. "I'm not even sure how this is going to work out. Take me, without involving the rest of the Gladers? Not too easy of a task, if you ask me."

"So you're really leaving?" Nik asks, his face falling with realization. "And you aren't coming back?"

"I'm sorry," I apologize, my eyes filling with tears. "I don't want to go, but I have to. I'm needed for something."

It only takes a moment for me to be enveloped into Nik's arms, my tears flowing freely down my cheeks. Lately, I've been crying a lot. I feel like it weakens me every time I do- draining every ounce of bravery locked away in the back of my mind.

But then, it feels better to let my tears fall. To know that I actually have feelings, and that I'm not a complete robot that doesn't care about anything.

More arms wrap around me.

Gally.

Then more.

Garret.

By this time, my cries have turned into wracked sobs, my body shaking in fear.

Brave?

No, not this time.

How would this end for me? Even though I'm not sure, I can only hope for the best. Where will I go? Who will I be with? What will happen after I'm gone? Will anyone even miss me?

All unanswered questions.

___♕___

Breakfast had passed quickly after that, and Alby had been nowhere in sight. I wanted to see him again- to try and explain that I'm not the bad guy. But I wasn't sure if I'd have the oppurtunity- or if he'd even let me explain.

Chuck wasn't someone that I had planned on telling, along with Thomas, Minho, Newt, or any of the other Gladers. And somehow, that weighed down my heart.

I didn't know when they would come for me- so how was I guaranteed a goodbye?

I had tried to contact Teresa several times throughout the day, but to no avail, she didn't respond. It made me frown to even think about what she was going through.

She's about to go through launch.

I knew- from what she told me- that she would be taking my place. But one question that I wanted an answer to was this; after I'm gone, will the Gladers still remember me? Or would their memories be wiped of me, as if we hadn't met at all?

I feared that I would be forgotten.

And that was definitely a sign of weakness.

The hours of the day seemed to dial down to only seconds, to the point where I couldn't breathe right. My heartbeat sped up as the sun set later on that day, darkness falling over the Glade like a blanket.

And as I lay in bed, I stare at the ceiling, my fingers tapping against my waist.

Oh no, I wasn't in my bed. I was in Newt's, waiting for him to come back from the Map Room. I contemplated telling him the moment he got back, spilling everything I know about W.I.C.K.E.D, and the dreams I've been having.

And when he stepped through the door, I made a quick decision.

"Grace?" Newt asks in confusion, slipping off his shoes. "What are you doing here?"

I sit up, letting out a long breath. "I'm here to tell you the truth."

"And that is . . . ?"

"I'm leaving tomorrow," I gulp down my mind's protests. "W.I.C.K.E.D. is removing me from the Glade, and is sending in someone to replace me."

"That's what you were lying about earlier?" He asks, sitting down on the edge of the bed, facing away from me. "You are leaving. But you didn't bother telling me."

"It's difficult to explain," I tell him. "Newt, you have to understand that I didn't want to hurt you. I only had three days, and I had other things to worry about."

"Those memories last night," He murmers, almost too low for me to hear. "Did you have the same ones?"

"Yes," I smile slightly. "Although I wasn't completely shocked. The moment I got here, I had a connection with you."

"Me too," He chuckles, shaking his head. "You ran, and smashed into Minho without a second thought. Something all of us were too scared to do."

"It was an instinct," I shrug, my smile widening. "You were so different when I met you. Such a big ego you had."

"Had." He grins, turning to face me. "You changed that- made me feel like I didn't stand a chance."

"What?" My smile falters, replaced with a jolt in my chest.

"I liked you from the day we first met," He replies, moving to sit in front of me. "Not because you were the first girl I could ever recall seeing, or that we were in love before. There was just something about you."

My heart pounds in my chest as I wait for him to go on, staring into his eyes intently.

"And you managed to make me fall in love with you, in just the time you've been here," He flushes. "Two months at the most, right? I've been here for two years, and had given up on hope long before you got here. But you brought my hope back."

"Nonsense," I breathe, grabbing his hand in mine. "You changed me. For the better. You gave me hopw, Newt. Through this hell, I've managed to laugh, to smile. And that's a lot for me."

I chuckle, my eyes filling with tears for the second time today. "Newt, it was all you. I wouldn't be here without you, and I definitely wouldn't be crying of happiness."

A sparkle appears in his eye as he smiles, a smile that could make my heart break free from my ribcage.

"I love you, Grace," He says, staring into my eyes. "I always have."

And that's when my decision is finally made, just as the tear rolls freely down my cheek.

"I love you, too, Newt."

And then he kissed me.

___♕___

I could feel it the next morning as I got up from bed.

A gut-wrenching feeling that yanked my mind free of its cage, and twisted my thoughts. One that completely disoriented my feelings.

Newt was wide awake as we made our way down the Homestead stairs, holding my hand in his. I don't know how I'll go today, and I'm not sure if I want to.

But as we step outside, confusion washes throughout my body.

The Gladers stand, all gathered in front of Alby, whom has his back facing us. Chuck was the first one to see us, poking Alby, before pointing our way.

"What the bloody hell?" Newt asks, almost as confused as I am.

Alby turns, a genuine look of happiness on his face. My jaw almost drops, but I keep my composure, staring at them with only wide eyes.

"I'm sorry about yesterday," Alby scratches the back of his head, making his way over to me. "I should've listened. But when I heard what Gally- the shank who never cares about anyone- had to say, I guess it brought me to my senses."

"So you believe me?" I ask, staring up at the dark-skinned boy.

"I do," He nods. "I also believe that you wouldn't do anything to hurt us- that you were doing the right thing, I suppose."

"And you don't completely hate me?" I chuckle as he hesitates.

"I don't exactly like you," He grins. "But yeah, I don't hate you."

Before I even think, I wrap my arms around his neck, and let go of Newt's hand. Alby pulls me into an embrace that surprises me more than the gathered Gladers did.

"That's good to know. But I have a question. Why is everyone here?"

"To say goodbye," He whispers in my ear. "I thought it'd be easier on you to tell them goodbye when they already knew about what you told me."

"Thank you," I smile into his shoulder. "You have no idea how much this means to me."

"Go say goodbye," He pulls away, shoving me towards my group of friends as he lets out a low laugh. "And stop being sappy, Greenie."

My smile disappears though, as I face everyone I've been with for the past two months. My heart shattered as I looked over Chuck, whom was standing beside Thomas with tears streaming down his plump cheeks.

I kneel down in front of him, and give him a weak smile. "Why are you crying, love?" I ask, wiping away his tears.

"Y-you're leaving," He replies, sucking in deep breaths as he cries.

"No, no, I'm not leaving," I say sympathetically. "I'm only going to go away for a little while. Just until you guys get out of here."

I doubted my own words as they flew from my mouth, trying to soothe the small boy the best I could. It made me want to break down and cry with him.

"Why can't you stay with us?"

"Because it's a part of the plan," I say steadily, twirling one of his curls in my fingers. "I'm holding you guys back from what you're supposed to be doing. I'm a distraction, Chuck. I promise I'll see you when you get out. I already know it."

No I don't.

"Y-you will?" He asks, shuffling as he wipes away one of his last tears. I nod in response, only for him to hug me. "I'm going to miss you, Grace."

"I'm gonna miss you, too, Chuck," I murmer, keeping myself from the dam of tears that shake behind my lids. "So much more than you'll ever know."

And in the next moment, I'm in front of Gally, Garret, and Nik again. "Oh, you guys," I chuckle. "Don't go crying on me. It'll only be for a while."

"How can you be so sure?" Nik asks, running his fingers through his hair. "Grace, we can't help you out there."

"And you won't need to," I cut him off. "I'll be perfectly fine, I promise. Just until you're out."

I pull them all into a group hug, and find myself gulping down my fear as I step over to Minho.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you," I apologize. "I didn't know how."

"I understand," He sighs. "But I don't know how we're going to cope without you."

"You did it before, didn't you?" I yank him closer to me by the seam of his shirt, and place my forehead on his. "You'll be just fine without me."

"No I won't."

And that's the first time I've ever saw Minho cry.

A lone tear fell from the corner of his eye, making my heart ache. I did this to him, to all of them. I got too attached.

"I remembered you when I got here," I say smoothly, our foreheads still touching as I look into his eyes. "From before. We were best friends, even then. I remembered you, without the memories."

"You said my name," He says with shock. I can already feel that his first memory of me is replaying in his head. "And I thought you were crazy."

"It'll all work out," I say, placing my hands on each side of his face. "Just trust me."

"I do," He smiles.

"That's my boy," I giggle, planting a kiss on his forehead, before pulling away to go see Frypan.

"It's been a while," I greet him with a hug. "Miss me?"

"More than I thought I would," He laughs. "You seem to keep us on our toes. It's gonna be different 'round here without you."

"Of course," I flip my hair. "I'm amazing."

"And there's the Grace I know," He squeezes my shoulders, giving me a last look. "I'll see you soon."

"Yeah," I nod. "I'll see you soon."

And then there was Thomas.

"You know, you could've told me," He mutters, wrapping his arms around my waist as I bury my face in his shoulder.

"It's all too complicated," I groan. "I just want more time, to at least explain some things to you before I go."

"Hey, it's fine," He shoves it away. "I understand. So, you and Newt? I guess I saw that coming."

"I'm sorry, Thomas," I frown, looking at him warrily. "He-"

"No need to explain," He shakes his head, the corner of his lips turning upwards. "As long as you're happy, I'm happy. I don't plan on giving up anytime soon."

"I love you Thomas," I kiss his cheek, gripping onto his hand tightly as he leads me to Newt. "Thank you for being there for me."

"And thank you for the amazing memories."

And then there was Newt, my final goodbye.

"I can't believe that you're leaving me," He pulls me into his chest. "I finally got you, and now I have to let you go."

"Newt, you know it's not my dec-"

"I was just teasing, love," He places a soft kiss on my lips. "Like everyone else here, I know that you have no control over this. But that still doesn't mean that I won't miss you."

"Aw, Newt," I pout. "If you start crying, I'll start crying. Then poor little Chuck might lose his mind."

"I can't help it," He sighs, looking down at me as he cups my chin. "I love you, Grace."

"And I love you, Newt."

For the millionth time in the passed few days, my tears fall. But this time, it's not just a few tears.

A whole dam breaks from behind my eyelids.

"Love, don't cry." Newt pleads.

I only shake my head, and embrace him in my arms.

And the countdown starts now, a robotic voice says in my ear. Sixty seconds until retrieval.

"I have one minute," I say, wiping away my tears. "Just remember that I love you, okay? No matter what anyone else tells you."

And then Newt's eyes begin to water, glazing over with tears.

"I love you, too."

Forty five seconds.

I turn to the other Gladers, holding back a sob as I do so. How could I leave these people behind?

Thomas seems to know what's happening, as he begins to tug Chuck away. Chuck yells, crying is wracked sobs as he tries to get back to me.

Thirty seconds.

Alby sends a nod in my direction, and Thomas a smile, before helping with Chuck. The small boy thrashes against their holds, but nonetheless, doesn't get anywhere as they drag him.

Twenty seconds.

I watch as Minho, and the rest of the Gladers follow Alby into the Homestead, most of them looking at me with sadness laced in their eyes.

This is it.

I'm really leaving.

Ten seconds.

I look up to Newt, capturing every detail of him in my mind. I want to remember him, everything about him, when I'm gone.

Nine seconds.

The wind picks up as I look at the green specks of Newt's eyes; the rosy pink tinge to his cheeks.

Eight seconds.

His lips are slightly parted, his hair tousled as a rumbling shakes the ground.

Seven seconds.

He grips my hand in his, holding onto me tightly. I welcome the feeling of his warm hands that embrace mine.

Six seconds.

Everything is beginning to change around me, and a light from above gets brighter. But I only focus on Newt.

Five seconds.

The Maze closes behind us, not shaking my gaze at all. And something grey replaces the light that brightens the sky- the sun completely disappearing behind it.

Four seconds.

I place my hand on Newt's cheek, and wipe away his tear, a smile tugging at my lips.

Three seconds.

He leans into my touch, holding onto me as hard as he can.

Two seconds.

My breath hitches in my throat.

This is how it ends.

One second.

"I love you,"

And then, as if gravity didn't exist, I disappeared.

Everything around me went quiet as the darkness of nothing surrounded me.

I closed my eyes tightly, no longer feeling Newt's hand in mine.

It was so peaceful- wherever I was.

But as I was yanked away from the state I was in, and awakened with a startling gasp, I knew that I could only ever have a moment of relief.

THE END.

_______