Running

Chapter 14

* Ryder's POV *

I sigh and run my hand down my face, letting it fall softly so my side. The more I'm awake, the more tired I feel. A small headache throbs at the base of my head, but I ignore it. I've been getting them a lot lately; but much stronger than this.

Closing my eyes, I try to remember what I was going to do. My eyes snap open as I remember that I needed to go over to Ryleah and give her the schedule for the day.

Finding it somewhere in me, I shuffle my feet towards her dorm, flicking the lights on as I walk in.

"Wake up." I call out, watching her rub her eyes in confusion.

"What the heck, Ryder." She whines. "It's like, 3 AM."

Rolling my eyes, I offer my hand out to help her up. "Try 11:23. You really have a knack for sleeping through breakfast."

Taking my hand, she stands up, nodding a swift thanks in my direction. Heading over to the bathroom attached to her room, I wait in there until she is done changing.

It's a simple routine we have in the mornings - well, afternoons. I wake her up, she grumbles about the time, She changes, I give her the schedule, and we're off to our first activity of the day.

I squeeze my eyes shut, as the simple headache I had a few minutes ago comes back with vengeance, pounding its way through my entire skull. Resting my elbows on the counter, I let my head drop into my hands and massage my temples.

"Ryder?" Ryleah calls, opening the door. Her hair hangs loose around her shoulders, and she wears jean shorts with a simple light blue tee shirt. "Oh... Are you okay?"

Straightening, I nod, forcing a smile onto my lips. "Fine."

"Okay." She says uncertainly, her eyes still clouded with worry. "Schedule?"

"Right." I say, remembering her schedule. "Lunch, 11:45. Fitness 2:00. Free time 4:00. Leadership training 7:30." I smirk and add, "Bedtime 9:00."

She smacks my arm lightly as I make my way to the door, fishing my sunglasses out of my pocket.

Why did it have to be so bright in here? I question to myself as I slide them onto my face. Ryleah sends me a confused look, laughing slightly.

"You do realize we're underground, right?"

"Thank you Captain Obvious." I reply sarcastically, the throbbing in my head becoming more intense.

"Hey, Ryleah," I say, my voice tired. "Do you mind if I leave you? I'm going to head back to my apartment for a bit. I'll be back before Fitness."

She nods. "Alright. Do you want me to get you any lunch?"

I shake my head. "Not hungry."

"Did you have breakfast?"

"Yes, mom." I reply with a small smile, my headache growing worse.

"Are you sure your okay?" Concern fills her voice again, and I nod.

"Alright." She says softly, and starts walking in the direction of the cafeteria. Heading back to my apartment, I'm glad to find my mom not home. Slipping into my room, I take my glasses off, lying face down in my pillow.

This headache is going to be the death of me.

* * *

"Ryder..." A faint voice pulls me out of my sleep, and I see my earpiece glowing blue.

Letting out a small breath, I grab it, placing it in my ear.

"Hello?" My voice is still tired, and my eyes just want to close for one more minute.