Runner of Group D (Maze Runner fanfic)

Chapter 14

Sandra and Leo ran for their lives. They had no idea if Grievers were behind them or in front of them or beside them or wherever else. No place was safe. No place was out of reach. Nothing looked familiar. 

They finally just stopped at a wall, out of breath. Sandra slid to the floor. Her breath was quick and halting. Tears raced down her cheeks as her lip quivered. She felt like how she had that first night in the Maze. Useless. Pathetic. Just waiting for death.

"Sandra." She jumped at the sound of Leo's voice. He was on his knees, head leaning against the wall. His face was drenched in sweat, eyes rimmed with tears. He swallowed hard, breathing heavily. "Are-are you... ok?" he asked through his heavy breaths. 

Sandra couldn't talk. She was shaking fiercely. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She gulped, forcing the lump in her throat down. It didn't work. Sandra just nodded, but even she didn't by it. Leo nodded back, sliding into a sitting position.

Sandra moved closer to him, moving his hand away from his wound. Blood dripped out of his side. Leo breathed a little slower, watching her. She bit her lip and touched it. Leo grabbed her hand instinctively, hissing in pain. She readjusted the grip, holding his hand tightly. Sandra used her other hand to move away the fabric of his shirt. She pressed around the edges of the wound, trying to see it in the dark. Leo's knuckles grew white from squeezing her hand, his expression painful. 

"I've still got some water I think," Sandra finally said, her voice unrecognizable. The fact she still had her pack was a miracle. The fact she remembered she had it was even more miraculous. Leo nodded, relaxing as she pulled her hand away.

"This isn't exactly the safest place," Leo noted. Sandra looked around. Everything was different. Unfamiliar. She leaned on Leo, swallowing the guilt she had on the inside.

"I don't know where is safe," she admitted. Leo brushed her, most likely, unruly hair back. Sandra glanced up at him. His gaze wasn't harsh, but determined. It wasn't sweet and loving, but calm and gentle.

"We'll find someplace." Sandra was never one to want such comforting, sappy words. But now was when she was practically begging for it. Luckily, Leo's rapid mood change allowed him to give her what she asked before he went all superior on her.

A clatter from the right caught their attention. They turned just in time to see the Griever. Its beam landed on them as they launched to their feet and ran. Sandra could hear the Griever's whirring. She didn't need to look back to know it was probably following them.

"Go right!" Sandra shouted, turning at the corner. She came face to face with another Griever. Leo's latching grip on her wrist was the only reason she didn't run head on into its chainsaw.

"Left's better!" he shouted back as he dragged her in the opposite direction. Sandra recovered and started running beside him. A glance back revealed that both Grievers were following them. Ahead was an intersection. Then Sandra remembered something. Probably a long shot and would get them lost or killed, but otherwise, not much risk.

"Split up!" Sandra yelled at Leo, dashing right when they hit the intersection. Leo listened without hesitation, sidestepping left. The Grievers split up, one for each teen. 

"Please be right. Please be right," Sandra prayed as she continued to run down the length of the hall. She was forced to go left and took it as a good sign. The Griever didn't slow. Sandra kept watching the path in front of her, hoping she was right against all odds.

Finally, Leo came into view. He was headed straight toward her, gasping for breath. The Griever behind him was rolling nonstop. Just a few more seconds, Sandra thought. She estimated impact, gauged distance. In other words, she was taking a wild guess and praying like a maniac.