The Maze Runner (Hayden Love Story)

Chapter Seven

I can hear nothing but voices; soft murmuring's at first but then a whispered conversation. I can't open my eyes however; but I am fully conscious. I can feel the blanket beneath me; I must be laying on Hayden's bed. I remain still on the bed; I don't think I have my strength back to move.
My mind begins to zone into the quiet conversation in the room with me. One of the voices I recognized instantly; Hayden. His soft deep voice was full of worry and concern. The second voice was a deep voice who I only think of to be Alby. Worry is spat out in every word they say and I feel my heart melt for them both.

"She didn't do anything wrong Hayden." I hear Alby say quietly to Hayden. "Gally is just controlling; you know what he is like with the last Greenie."
"But this is different." Hayden worried voice cuts in. "Ashlyn is like no other. Greenie; she isn't afraid of Gally like the others."
"Girls got courage; doesn't make her any less vulnerable."
"That's what I'm worried about." Hayden's voice trembles. "What if the Gladers try to target her again? I can't be there 24/7 to look after her."
"You didn't need to be." Alby's voice comforts. "Ashlyn is a strong girl; she can defend herself, and the other Gladers will watch over her."
"But I want to be the one to." Hayden's soft voice says just above a whisper.
There is a moment of silence between them both. I can feel the concern they both have for me and it melts my heart.
"You love her." Alby says eventually. "Don't you?"
Hayden remains silent for a few moments, but then his silent yet strong voice replies with one answers.
"More than anything."

I open my eyes after what feels like hours later; the sunlight peeking through the gaps in the ceiling blind me ever so slightly. I put my hand to my forehead and feel a wet cloth; someone has obviously been watching over me whilst I've been unconscious. I still have an awful headache but it doesn't seem to bother me anymore. I have more important things to worry about. I turn my head to the right slightly to take in my surroundings. I'm still in Hayden's bedroom and by the look of the light it appears to be around dawn. I then notice Hayden asleep with his upper body on the edge of the bed and his lower body on the floor; my right hand in his. His tired face drowning in worry. His lips were dry and slightly parted; his hair was a mess and his face looked ever so pale; dark bags laid under his eyes. How many sleepless nights has he had worrying about me.
A small smile stretches across my face. Hayden must not have left my side, a warm feeling spreads through my body, a feeling that I have never felt before but wanted more of. With my left hand I gently touched Hayden's face. His eyes flutter open and a small but sweet smile creeps upon his face. I don't yet have the strength to sit up in bed or move but I can always manage a smile.
"How are you feeling?" Hayden asks as he stands and sits on the edge of the bed. I turn my head ever so sligthtly on the pillow so I can see him clearer.
"Slightly weak." I reply. "But I'll be fine tomorrow, I can return to work." Hayden let's out a small laugh and tightens his hand around mine.
"No, no." He says with a smile. "You're not going back to work for at least a week."
"What?" I ask as my smile leaves my face. "Hayden, the Gladers need me."
"Clint and the Med-Jacks have everything under control, you need to rest." He reassures.
I rub my slightly sore forehead and close my eyes for a brief moment.
"I don't remember much of what happened." I confess as I reopen my eyes.
"The pressure got to you." Hayden replies as he looks down at my hand in his. "You passed out, I brought you back here."
"How long was I out for?" I ask. I assumed I was asleep for only a few hours.
"3 days." Hayden says.
"What happened to Gally?" I ask as panic begins to rise in my voice.
"Don worry." He comforts. "We had a meeting yesterday to discuss everything, no one is gonna hurt you."
"But Gally said-"
"Gally is a stupid piece of klunk." Hayden laughs slightly. "I would never let him or any of the Gladers hurt you."
We remain silent for a few minutes but then regardless of my state; I sit up in the bed and hug Hayden.
I feel that warm fuzzy feeling in my stomach again but this time it lasts for a while.
"Hayden..." I say quietly over his shoulder. "You are a truly wonderful person."
"Not as wonderful as you." He says through a small grin.