The Maze Arena

Chapter Four

Slowly, i opened my eyes. The darkness that once filled my vision was now blinded by the sunlight coming through my window. I pulled out my numb hand from under the plump pillow and fumbled to reach my phone. When i felt the smooth black casing, i lifted it up to my face and checked the time. 7:15. Staring at the lit screen i turned my phone off and put it back down on my bedside table.

I laid in bed trying to get the sleepiness to disappear. I hated getting up early in the mornings, i just felt weak and numb. I stumbled out of bed and stretched, letting the blood flow back to my arms and legs. I trudged to my bathroom and squeezed toothpaste onto my toothbrush. Brushing my teeth, i started to feel more alert and wide awake with every minute that passed. 

I didn't feel like school. I knew i would have to sit through hours of lessons, listening to our teacher ramble on. Luckily, school would be finishing for me this week because of the maze. When it was time for the maze we would finish a week early so we could physically train to prepare ourselves. 

Throwing on a dark blue long-sleeved t-shirt and a pair of baggy jeans, i walked towards the kitchen where i found Harry making himself a bowl of cereal. He looked up when i walked in, "Morning", his voice sounded hoarse. I knew he wasn't a morning person either.

"Morning", i replied and made my way to the cereal machine when he had finished. I grabbed a bowl and put it under the machine and pressed a button. Cornflakes started to shower into my bowl and then stop when the bowl was filled. I then moved the bowl three centimetres sideways and pressed another button on the machine which then poured milk. Grabbing a spoon, i walked to the kitchen counter and pulled myself up onto a stool and started to eat.

"What lessons do you have today?" Harry asked, sitting on the stool next to me.

"Eh, i don't know. I think it's Maths, Art, Science, Music and something else...you?"

"Art, History, Biology, Physics and Technology". He said. They were the most important lessons you have when you become an Explorer.

"Gotta go, see you later!" I shouted, leaving  my bowl on the counter. I grabbed my black rucksack and rushed out the door.

There was only one big school in the Tower which had a small path leading from the Tower to the school. All the children and teenagers from different sections went to the same school. When you are sixteen or under, you learn all the subjects but when you pass the maze, you are given the specific lessons that go with the section you had been chosen to live in. 

Walking to the path that lead to the school, loads of other kids pushed passed me, running ahead screaming their friends name or cursing from getting pushed and pulled around. I spotted Brooke up ahead, sitting on a bench to the side of the path, waiting for me. 

She was watching the mayhem, of everyone trying to get through the front door of the school. I made my way to her and when she saw me she smiled, "Hey Sam!"

"Hey! Watching people screaming and shoving?" I asked grinning.

"Yep, it's so entertaining. All i need now is a box of popcorn." Brooke laughed.

I walked with Brooke into the building.She was in my class and had the same first lesson. Lance, Sarah, Jake and Greg were in different classes.

I watched the younger kids, running around screaming and rushing to class. I felt a bit jealous that they still had a few years ahead of them before they had to start worrying about...the maze. Shaking my head, i cleared that thought out. At least i was once like them. I remembered when i was running and screaming my lungs out with my friends, not having a care in the world what was going to happen to me when i turned sixteen.