Running

Chapter Twelve

* Ryleah's POV *

I fiddle with the small necklace tied around my neck, and watch Ryder as he talks on his earpiece.

"Yes, I know that," He growls impatiently, leading me to believe he is talking to his brother, Brandon. It's hard to believe they grew up together, let alone being twins. "Brandon," he says, confirming my predictions. "You're not better than me. They tell me things too, you know."

My mind drifts off as I hear the irritated responses of Ryder, and travels back to the last time I saw Madelyn. It's been a while. Two weeks, I think. We had lunch together, catching up on her latest things to say. It all reminded me of how we used to talk, "Pre - War" , as Ryder would've called it.

"Ryleah," Ryder waved his hand in front of my face, causing me to snap back into reality. "It's time to go."

I nod, rising to my feet. "Where," I question, my eyes bright. "Do I have the pleasure of gracing everyone with my presence?"

He rolls his eyes. "The Cafeteria, Miss. Humble."

I grin and follow him out of the dorms, catching up to his side. Ryder and I are pretty close now. Now that everything is out in the open for both of us, I feel the air is lighter, and it's easier to talk to each other.

"What am I doing in the Cafeteria?"

Ryder glances at me, mulling over whatever goes on in his tiny brain. "I guess you'll find out when you get there." A mischievous grin spreads across his face, soon replaced by a wince. "What was that for?" He asks, rubbing his arm softly where I slapped him.

"It was a reality check," I snorted, pointing my finger at him. "Now what am I doing?"

"You," he says, placing his hand on top of my pointed finger, lowering it. "Are doing nothing. Kaden and Sarah, however, are going to be doing an Introduction and a Meet n' Greet for you and Madelyn." His hand drops back to his side, and he turns forwards, proceeding to walk.

The rest of the walk is spent in a comfortable silence, as I take in the surroundings. One would think since I've been here long enough, these things wouldn't take me by surprise. But I was rarely allowed out of the dormitory, so I have never been here. They always bring me my food.

Two bright blue double doors come into view, and what looks like chaos is present through the window.

"All this reminds me of is lunch in High School." I mutter, taking a step towards it.

Ryder places his hand on the door, a smile lighting up his sharp features. "That's basically what it is." He says, opening the doors.

Immediately I want to clamp my hands over my ears, and run out of that loud, loud room. It is exactly like High School. If not worse.

Spotting me, Sarah walks over, her arms open. I step into them, an give her an awkward hug.

"Ryleah! Madelyn is over at the head table, and you may go join her. There is a plate of food waiting for you. I would like to speak to Mr. Hart alone."

I have a feeling she couldn't remember Ryder's first name, but knew his last name because he was related to Brandon. Poor guy.

I walk towards the head table, spotting Madelyn's obnoxious waving arms. Yup. That my best friend. I break into a sprint as she pushes out from the table, tackling her in a hug.

"Hey, Shorty!" I grin as I pull back.

"Hey Chica!" She says back, intertwining our fingers.

It's how we always used to greet each other, back home. It feels nice to do it again, because it helps me know that some things will never change.

We walk over to the table, getting flabbergasted looks sent in our direction. I'm not sure if it's because Madelyn and I are holding hands, or because we are sitting at the head table. Or if it's both.

Just as I start to nibble on a piece of bacon, I see Sarah take the stage. I'm starting to wonder if Kaden is just a sidekick.

"Greetings, Rebels!" She announces, a young man walking up and setting a microphone down in front of her. She nods her thanks before continuing. The crowd has now died down, all waiting intently for her to continue. "I stand before you today with news of great importance," She says, and for some odd reason, I get a nervous pit in my stomach. I grip Madelyn's hand tighter, and she squeezes it back in return. "Kaden and I are no longer young. We can not lead the Rebellion into battle, for we can not be battle ready. So, when the time comes, and we are ready for battle, we will pass on our leadership. We will pass it on to two wonderful young women, willing and able to lead our compound into success. They have escaped the government's clutches, running from them for six whole months. They have deadly accurate aim, and bold hearts, and set minds. People of the Dome, I am pleased to introduce you all to Ryleah Pierre and Madelyn Clark who will lead the dome with dignity when Kaden and I retire, and who will receive your upmost respect from now, and henceforth."

Her words of praise, and determination shock me. She has so much faith in us, so much faith that we will lead her compound into success. I'm not sure I am capable.

"We will now proceed to the Question & Answer portion of our breakfast, where Brandon and... His brother will pass around a mic to those who have questions. " she finishes with a smile.

I wince as she refers to Ryder as "Brandon's Brother", because I know how Ryder feels about being compared to his twin. It makes him feel like a small boy, walking in the shadows of someone much older than him, when really that's not the case.

Madelyn and I take the stage, and watch the hands fly into the air. Simple questions were asked; my favorite color, song, what High School I went to, if I had any pets, those types of things.

One teenage boy, with bloodshot eyes raised his hand. Brandon walks over and hands him the mic, and he grabs it, pale bony fingers wrapping around the small black object.

"Why do you, someone so small, so fragile, seem fit to lead this rebellion?" His voice is filled with distaste, and I am taken aback by it.

But his question pierces at my heart. I am broken. I am young. I am trying to fix my life, trying to overcome my fears. I'm fighting to stay healthy, stay out of depression, and fighting to get out of bed from sleepless nights. I'm fighting a war with myself, and I'm loosing. How do I deem myself fit to lead these people, when I can't even lead myself?

Madelyn finishes her speech I didn't even know she started, and the crowd turns their eyes to me, expecting an answer. They look over me, their eyes judgemental, scrutinizing every dark ring under my eyes, every flaw on me.

Just like him.

The microphone I am holding clatters to the ground, and out of the corner of my eye I see Ryder bolting onstage. He places his hands on my shoulders, and looks into my eyes. I rest my palms on the crook of his elbow, watching his mouth moving, but not hearing his words. He shakes my shoulders, and his face morphs into the face of Zachary Pierre. The man who haunts my dreams, who ruined my past. I cry out, my knees buckling. In an instant I feel myself being picked up, and the bumping of running footsteps. I press my face into Ryder's shoulder, his sweaty palms slipping from under my knees. My fingers bend at harsh angles into his shirt, and I only hear one thing. That he says.

"Stay with me."

A / N

Heeeeeyyyy!

This chapter is like vomit, and I feel as though things are getting slightly repetitive. Comment your thoughts, please!

Despite my book where things are repeating themselves, THANK YOU FOR STAYING WITH ME! Almost at 600 views, which I can say with absolute certainty that I did not expect that.

Love you all!
~ Lacey ❤️

P. S : Idk if I said this before, but my typing device is back in session! I can update more now!