Not Your Average Glader (Completed)

Chapter 10: Official Runner

I am suddenly woken to an imposing figure standing over me. I strain my eyes to peer into the darkness, but see nothing. My eyes grow heavy from the sudden exertion.

'It was probably my imagination.'

I close my eyes for but a second and already I feel myself drift back into a peaceful slumber.

"I know you're awake."

Although I'm almost asleep I have no trouble placing my wake up call- Alby. I sigh to myself and slowly sit up.

"What time is it?" I ask with a yawn.

"Time to get ready "

"It's still so early though." It is then I notice the slight hum of snoring. "Everyone is still asleep."

"Everyone else has the sense to stay where it's safe."

I don't have to ask what he means. The Maze. So not to anger him any further I quickly stand up.

He frowns and says, "About time."

I stand there awkwardly for a moment. Alby finally turns and I follow him as he goes to the kitchen.

"Frypan give you the bag?" He asks as he goes behind the counter.

It is then I recall the knife inside the bag. Fear begins to wash over me but I quickly push it off. I don't have time for that now. I nod but then remember he can't hear me. "Yeah he did."

"Good that."

"Good that? What does that mean?" I ask as I take a seat at the table.

Alby looks back at me and says,

"You tell me. You kept saying it in your sleep."

I'm taken back by this news.

"I was?"

Alby ignores my comment and brings over a plate of something to the table.

"Here, eat this."

I peer into the plate and see some sort of mush. Cereal? Oatmeal? I hesitate but take a chance.

"What is this?"

"A Frypan original recipe. Full of protein for the running ahead."

I slowly dig a spoon in and carefully bring it to my mouth.

"It's not getting to slap you. But I will if you don't eat it."

I shove in the food and swallow. I'm surprised at the flavor. It's sweet and fruity.

"Not bad." I say as I go in for another bite.

Alby gets right down to business.

"The doors open in fifteen minutes. There is no shame in backing out now."

Out of nowhere a bubble of anger rises. I glare and slam down my spoon.

"So that's why you got me up? To talk me out of doing this!"

"Is it working?" He asks genuinely.

"No." I reply with a glare.

We sit there silently for about ten minutes. Plenty of smart comments and rude remarks come to mind. I let them sit at the edge of my tongue. A few even try to fly out but I stop them just in time. What's the point of picking a fight?

Finally, finally Alby says something.

"By the time you get back, Minho will already be in the Slammer."

"I wouldn't want to miss that." I say with a smirk.

"I hope you don't." Alby says quietly.

I lay my hands down on the table, harder than I had intended.

"Why does everyone think I'm going to die out there?!"

"Who said that?"

I let out a forced laugh. "Well for one Frypan put a knife in my bag."

"I told him to."

"You think there is something out there?" I ask. The words come out sounding timid and babyish.

"I don't know what's out there." Alby answers evenly.

I look down at the table, my bowl of food no longer looks good. Of course it's hard to have an appetite when everyone thinks you're going to die.

"It's almost time." He says.

We leave the kitchen and make our way to the door. Suddenly I remember my bag and hurry back to get it, careful not to wake up any of the still sleeping Gladers. I walk back to where Aby stands,

"I don't know what you're hoping to find or what you will find, but-

Alby seems unable to speak.

"I'll hurry back." I answer evenly.

"Good."

"Good that." I respond.

The slightest hint of a smile creeps over his face but instantly disappears as the massive door come to life and open. The leader takes a couple steps back as I dash inside.

A/N
wow, had a bit of trouble but here it is. Please please give feedback!! Thanks for reading! :)