See You Soon: A Maze Runner Story

Part 6

Everything that happened next was a blur. Clint and Jeff took Alby, allowing me to stay with Minho. All the boys were in awe that they had survived, and nearly lost it when Minho said Thomas killed a Griever. The celebration was short-lived, as Gally, as usual, complained about Thomas and forced a Gathering.

I sat up front with the other Keepers as Gally went on and on about Thomas breaking the rules. Minho kept his cool as he slung his arm over my shoulder– he hadn't let go of me since he came back. Newt called him up to the center stage, and he instead stood behind me, placing his hands on my shoulders.

"I think, in all the time we've been here, no one has ever killed a Griever before" he said, taking a pause. "When I turned tail and ran, this Shank-" he pointed at Thomas, "stayed behind to help Alby". I patted his hand and he held it tight.

"I don't know if he's brave, or stupid. But whatever it is, we need more of it," he continued, a slight smirk forming on his face, "I say we make him a Runner".

The room exploded into chaos. Everyone was either backing Minho up, or saying he was crazy. Chuck began chanting Thomas' name, which didn't catch on. I looked to Newt, who was now hiding a small smile behind his hand.

"You want to throw the Newbie a parade, that's fine, go ahead. But if there's one thing I know about the Maze is that you do not-"

An all too familiar sound rung out through the Glade, and it sent a shiver down my spine

The Box was coming up. But it shouldn't be.

Minho grabbed my hand as everyone raced out of the Homestead towards the Box. Newt and Gally opened it up, and Newt jumped in.

"What do you see?" someone called out.

"It's... a girl" Newt called back. I was shocked. After three years of being the only girl in the Glade, I never thought another one would come along.

"What's in her hand?" someone else called. A few seconds passed before Newt responded.

"She's the last one ever... What the bloody hell does that mean?" he asked. Suddenly the girl gasped out loud, waking up.

"Thomas" she said weakly, and there was silence. Everyone was looking at Thomas. How could she have known him?

Tension was growing thick, so I decided to step in.

"Alright guys, make way. Med-jacks, let's get to work" I called. In an instant Clint and Jeff jumped in and got the girl out of the Box. We made our way to the Med-hut and they laid her down. As soon as she was on the bed, they ran away.

"Hey! Where are you going?" I asked. They both turned around slowly, making awkward faces.

"Well, she's a girl" Clint started.

"And you're a girl" Jeff continued. I rolled my eyes and sighed.

"Fine, I'll examine her. Don't go too far though" I said, turning to the girl. I checked her pulse- it was a little faster than normal, but it was okay. She was breathing normally and was responding to small tickles with leaves. No concussion, great.

After I concluded she was just sleeping and there was nothing wrong with her, I went outside. Minho and Thomas had just finished a conversation and Thomas was headed for the Deadheads. Minho looked around the Glade until his eyes laid on me, a smile spreading across his face as he made his way over to me.

"What was that about?" I asked, bringing my arms around his neck as he placed his hands on my waist.

"Uh... we're going back in" he said hesitantly. My eyes widened.

"What? No! You just got back!" I exclaimed.

"I know but..." he trailed off, gently taking my hand and pulling me to the side. "Lia, this is the first time we've made any advance in getting out of here. Don't you want to know if there's any sort of clues out there?' he asked. I closed my eyes and breathed in deeply. He was right. We needed to keep this momentum going if we ever wanted to escape. But I was scared to lose him again.

"I'm going with you" I said. Minho shook his head.

"Absolutely not" he said, gripping my shoulders.

"Yes! I almost lost you once, I'm not going to again! Not if I can help it" I exclaimed, trying to keep my voice down.

"You're not going to lose me. I came back, didn't I?" he asked chuckling.

"It's not funny Minho!" I nearly screamed. I took a deep breath and tried to calm down before continuing. "I thought I lost you for good. I don't know what I'd do without you".

Minho took a step closer to me, placing his hands on my hips before taking in a breath. "I know. All I thought about was getting back to you..." he drifted off, gently bringing his hands from my hips to my face, cupping my cheeks.

"I love you Lia"

My eyes widened. His words took me by surprise, and I found myself unable to speak.

"I can't believe it took me so long to say it. I'm sorry... I love you so, so much Lia" he repeated, and pulled me into a kiss. I left butterflies erupting in my stomach, my heart racing, sparks flying. It was bliss. I found myself running my fingers up his tan, toned arms, up his biceps, trailing his neck and through his hair. I was completely immersed in him and was left breathless. I couldn't do anything but stare into his beautiful brown eyes.

"What?" he asked, a small smirk tugging at his lips.

"Took you long enough" I joked, softly mushing him. He chuckled and pulled me close to him, resting his forehead on mine.

"I know, sorry," he replied. After a minute he spoke up again, "So, you'll stay here, right?" he asked. I laughed and turned around, walking towards the Deadheads.

"Not a chance".