The Maze Runner

Part 8

I slowly awake from my doze in the forest; I squint as the sun shines right in my eyes as I look up at the trees. I look around, slowly remembering last night how I walked away from Newt.
"I must've fallen asleep." I mumble to myself slowly standing up against the tree.
"Adriana!" I hear as I look around; my eyes soon meeting Gally. "There you are. Everyone has been so worried; you didn't sleep in your bunk, you didn't wake up there-"
"I'm sorry... I just fell asleep." I reply softly pushing myself off the tree and walking towards Gally.
"I'm just glad you're okay." Gally responds with a small smile just as he rested his arm around my shoulders.
All I do is nod without another word; we walk back to the Gladers and they all stare towards Gally and I.
"Did I miss something?" I ask blunty.
My voice tone of not caring anymore shocked most of the Gladers, truth is, after Thomas, after the note, what were we to do? The box won't go down so we have no supplies. Might as well just give up. There's no way out.
"Where's Minho and Alby?" I ask scanning my eyes through the boys.
"They left this morning to run." Newt responds. "Alby is going to run with Minho today."
I look around at the crowd once more before turning on my feet and heading towards the Homestead.
"Adriana, Newt and I would like a word before you walk off again." Gally says in a demanding tone.
I stop walking and keep my back towards them.
"What are you guys doing just standing around? Get back to work." Newt motions to the Gladers.
I hear Newt and Gally's footsteps behind me.
"What's going on?" Newt asks placing a hand on my back.
"I'm going to be a Runner again." I state turning to the two boys. "I want to be a Runner again."
Gally just smiles, knowing how much I've missed being out there trying to find a way out.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Newt states having a worried expression on his face.
"Of course that's a good idea, Newt." Gally says smiling. "Adriana is one of the best Runners this Glade has ever seen."
"And I want Thomas on high watch." I say not really responding or commenting on what the boys had to say.
"Why that shank?" Gally asks in disgust.
"Because I said so." I glare turning to Gally. "I know you're not happy that we won't be doing what we used to anymore, but I want Thomas on high watch while I'm gone. Do I make myself clear?"
Newt looks at me confused as I talk to Gally.
"I don't know what's got into you but you're kinda scaring me at the moment." Newt comments.
Gally and I keep a stare for a moment before I break it and look at Newt and sigh.
"I'm sorry, just barely and sleep these days." I reply shutting my eyes. "I'll go find Thomas now."
The boys just nod as they let me walk away to find him.
"Thomas!" I call quickly running over to him. "Do you have a moment?"
Thomas just smiles and nods before walking with me towards the Homestead; he sits on the bunks beside me.
"You have to know something." I say making sure I'm fully facing him. "I've been stung by a Griever, more than once."
Thomas looks at me worried, confused and full of questions.
"And when you get stung." I quickly start again before he opens his mouth. "You remember the life you had before you came here. And I remember you; I think you had something to do with putting us in this place."
Thomas just looks at me before looking at the ground.
"If you know something, now would be a great time to say something." I respond noticing Thomas' reaction.
"Well, to be completely honest, I've been having these dreams too." Thomas starts as he plays with his fingers. "I remember seeing you inside like a capsule of water while you're screaming to be let out and there's a woman with me, saying Wicked is good."
I stare at Thomas. Unsure of what to say or do.
"I have ordered for you to be on high watch, you'll do what you normally do here, work, eat, sleep." I start as I stand up. "You'll just be with either Alby, Newt or Gally."
"Why can't I be with you?" Thomas asks as he stands before me.
He starts to rub his neck awkwardly as I cock a brow with a slight smile.
"Well, starting from tomorrow, I'm going to be a Runner again so I won't be here or able to watch you." I say with a slight shrug.
Thomas sighs slightly as he nods.
"How come you can be a Runner whenever you want but then when I ask about it, you say I can't?" Thomas asks looking at me curiously.
"As I said, you have to be chosen to be a Runner." I say repeating my words. "You haven't been chosen. Plus, the person you should try to impress is Minho. He's the main one you should try and prove your skills to. But don't tell anyone I told you that."
I wink at him with a small laugh before walking away. I look up at the sky and realize it's going to rain.
"Gladers, get undercover!" I yell making my voice echo throughout the Glade.
I walk with Thomas over to Homestead where most of the Gladers are. Newt and I watch as the rain pours, we stare at the maze wall waiting for Minho and Alby but they don't run through.
"It's getting late." I mumble to Newt.
"What happens if they don't make it?" Thomas asks walking towards Newt and I.
"They'll make it." Newt says in a soft tone.
"What happens if they don't?" Thomas asks again looking at Newt.
"They'll make it." Newt repeats in a reassuring tone.
The rain stops after another hour; the Gladers have made their way to the entrance to the Maze waiting and watching for Minho and Alby.
"Can't we send anyone in there?" Thomas asks as we all stand there worried they won't make it.
"It's too late plus it's against the rules. Either they make it or they don't." Gally replies starring into the Maze.
The afternoon roar comes from inside the Maze.
"Where are they?" I mumble hoping they'll come soon.
"There!" One of the Gladers yells.
Minho rushes around the corner with Alby on his back.
"Something's wrong!" Newt says panic in his voice.
"Come on Minho!" Someone yells.
Everyone yells for Minho to make it; just as he was getting closer, the walls start to close. There was nothing to do but stand there and hope Minho makes it back. The doors get closer and closer.
"You can do it Minho!" I yell panicking at the slight chance he has of making it back before the doors close.
Before I knew it, Thomas runs in. Myself and Newt attempt to grab him but miss by inches.
"No! Thomas!" I yell just as the doors close; leaving Thomas, Minho and Alby in the Maze.

TO BE CONTINUED