The Maze Runner (Hayden Love Story)

Chapter Eight

Hayden's P.O.V
I was in the middle of talking to Alby when I heard it; Ashlyn's fragile and innocent voice call out my name. I wasted no time; I ran to wherever her voice was coming from, Alby following just behind. I ran faster and faster across the Glade as her voice called out more and more; pain struck my body as I heard the fear in her voice. My mind began racing. I promised her; I promised her I would never let anything happen to her, I failed her.

We reached the source of her cries which was just behind the bloodhouse. I passed her basket of herbs scattered on the ground. I turned the corner and my heart stopped for that one moment. Alby swore as soon as he turned and saw it also.
Ashlyn was laying on the ground; her jumper raised slightly and her belt laying beside her. Ben laid on top of her, his hands all over her. That wasn't what scared me however, it was Ashlyn's face. Her face had an expression of pure fear as tears ran down it; her frail body trembled as Ben stood. I had no other thoughts however, all I could feel was the pure anger that ran through my body. I stormed up to Ben and punched him with all my strength.
"IF YOU EVER TOUCH HER AGAIN I'LL FRICKEN' KILL YOU." I scream. I felt Alby pull me off Ben in attempt to calm me but it didn't work. I continued to punch every part of Ben I could get. There was no calm in me; I felt nothing but pure rage.
"Hayden!" Alby yelled as he pulled me off Ben. "Calm it!" A few Gladers gathered around and cornered Ben. Alby lifted Ben off the ground by his collar and dragged him away from the scene.
I ran over to Ashlyn as she laid trembling on the ground. I sat down beside her and she crawled onto my lap, her head resting in the crook of my neckas her tears continued to fall. I couldn't put in words how I felt right now. A mix between pure hatred towards Ben and disappointment in myself. I made a promise to her. I promised her that I would never let anything happen to her, but I lied. I hated myself. Her fear brought tears to my eyes and as hard as I tried; I couldn't hold then back.
"I'm so sorry Ashlyn..." I say as I rest my head against hers. "I promised I would never let anything happen to you."
Ashlyn's terrified body continued to tremble as she cried and she didn't reply to a word I said. She closed her eyes and cried into my chest. I felt such hatred for myself, there was no way she could have fought off anyone Ben's size, she was too small; too fragile. Apart from the hatred towards the creators for sending her here. Surely they knew something like this would happen. She is too weak and vulnerable to be in here.
Alby returned a few minutes later and knelt down beside Ashlyn and I. Alby's face was full of worry; as was mine.
"Ashlyn?" Alby asks as he places a hand on her shoulder. Her tears had finally stopped falling and she looked up at us, her face full of fear. "Ashlyn Ben's gone, it's alright."
"It's my fault Alby." I say as I look at Alby. "I promised her that I would never let anything happen to her..."
"Hayden-"
"I'm so sorry." I say as my tears start to spill. "I'm so sorry Ashlyn." I add as I wrap my arms around her.

I carried Ashlyn back to the homestead and back into my room. After what just happened I don't think I trust the Gladers enough to allow Ashlyn to sleep by herself, let alone be out of sight for more than five minutes.
I slip under the blankets and sit beside her on the bed. Her eyes flutter open and her dry and scared eyes stare up at mine. I no longer know what to say. I'm full of such self hatred that I don't even deserve to be near her.
"Hayden." Ashlyn quietly says as she places her cold hand on the side of my face. "Don't do that."
"Do what?" I ask as I wallow in self-hatred.
"You know what." She replies. "Don't think about shutting the world out."
"I have no choice." I reply as I look away. I can't look at her without wanting to tear up again.
"You do." She says as she pulls my face back to look at her. "There will always be bed people; bad people doing bad things; but that doesn't mean everyone else is bad; they are good people."
"Yeah." I tut. "I'm just not one of them."
She sits up in the bed and takes my hand in hers.
"Don't say that." She snaps in reply. Don't ever say that! You did everything you could-"
"I didn't do enough, Ashlyn!" I yell. "Because of me; Ben touched you!"
"Who else do I blame for not getting to you in time?" I say calmer. "You don't understand do you?"
"No." She replies sternly. "I don't understand why you're blaming yourself. Hayden, you saved me! Why do you feed off your self-hatred, why can't you see how perfectly happy I am?"
"You're not happy!" I say again as I raise my voice slightly.
"Who are you to judge whether I'm happy or not?" She screams at me.
I stand from the bed and turn my back for a moment. I need to calm down, the last time I let my anger consume me I almost hurt those around me.
"How can you even stand to be around me?" I ask as I finally let my eyes meet hers. A small and sweet smile creeps upon her pale face.
"Because I love you." She says gently. "And I know you love me too."
Ashlyn stands from the bed and walks over to me.
"Of course I do." I reply as I slip my hand into hers.
"So please stop blaming yourself." She adds. Before I could object she places a soft kiss on my lips.
"I know you're scared; I am too; but everything will be alright, I promise." She smiles.
Her innocence brings a smile to my face. I wrap my arms around her waist, pulling her into a hug. I kiss her forehead and make a promise that I intend to keep.
"From this day on, nobody will touch you; I swear my life on it."