Gladiolus ~ The Maze Runner

1~8: I'm So Stupid It's Not Even Funny Anymore

As promised, first thing in the morning, Alby, Minho, and I are standing at the doors waiting for them to open. Next to us is a very stressed out Newt. He thinks we're going to die. I do too, honestly.

At least I'll go out in style. I was back in Runner-attire: fitted shirt, lightweight cargos, my favorite running boots, and my harness. Newt even put my hair into a tight ponytail with braids. He used to do my hair before our runs. He obviously doesn't remember if he ever had a sister, but I could see him having one, doing her hair in the morning when she asked for help. He would be a great brother.

Anyway, my hairstylist is currently freaking out because his three best friends are about to run off into the Maze, where Ben had just been stung the day before. If something happened to one of us, he would probably lose his mind. Even our constant reassurance couldn't console him.

When the doors opened, he gave us another lecture before we left. "Now, you all look after each other. No stupid decisions. Get back with plenty of time to spare. If one of you dies out there, I will personally bring you back to life just to kill you again."

We all smiled a bit at that. 

"I'm serious!" he exclaimed. "Be careful!"

"Yes, Newt," we all sighed. Newt was satisfied enough with that answer, so we were off.

We stuck together in the beginning, running our routes. I was surprised at my stamina. I figured that I would get winded pretty easily, but I felt completely fine. I missed running, but I also hated it because it was just me and my thoughts, and I don't like my thoughts.

Alby, on the other hand, started huffing early on but he didn't complain or ask for a rest. When we took a short break, he bent over, hands on his knees. Minho stared at me in wonder. "I forgot how fast you are," he said.

I nodded. "Me too. I can probably still beat you in a race."

"Nah, don't even. I'd kick your shuck ass."

"She'd beat you," Alby said between breaths. "You don't realize how quickly she makes it from one end of the Glade to the other when someone's in trouble."

"Cool it, Alby, you don't know the first thing about running," Minho shot playfully.

We all laughed. So far, the day was turning out okay.

The second half of the day, Minho split off from me and Alby. "I'll meet you guys back in about five minutes," he said. "You shucks take that path, I'll take this one and loop around to meet you." Before Alby or I could respond, he was gone. 

"Okay then," I responded to no one. "Ready?"

Alby nods, and we take off. About five minutes into our stretch, Alby had to stop again. "Sorry," he said. "I'm a little lightheaded."

"All good," I assured. "Take as much time as you need."

He nods. I turn around to look ahead of us. And this, my friends, is where it all goes to shit.

It happened so fast that I didn't even process what happened. I hear the sound of something hiss, followed by a horrible groan that makes me spin around. Alby had risen from his crouch and was facing the opposite direction. He seems okay to me, but that noise was definitely not one that an okay person would make. 

Maybe just a cramp? Hah, I'm very wrong about that.

I slowly approach, tentatively reaching a hand for his shoulder. "Alby?" I ask, and he lashes. He had been holding a knife in his hand, which I didn't notice until it was cutting across my abdomen. I yelp, rolling away. He comes at me again, but I anticipate it this time and catch his wrist, doing a quick maneuver to disarm him. The knife goes flying, and he barrels into me, driving me to the ground. He scoops up the knife and grabs my ankle, dragging me towards death.