Injured Feet & Rickety Hearts {Book 1 Completed}

//Chapter 24//

when Malaya asks for a hug

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"Hey how are you feeling"

Jeff said as he came through the door, it was around 11:30 the day after and I was awake. I had gone against my promise and sat up in bed, cross legged, I felt numb, but that's because I haven't been walking for two days. For once I missed being a runner.

I smiled at the dark-haired boy before pushing my knotted hair out the way. I hadn't actually been able to brush it or wash it for two days so yeah, it's matted.

"Yeah perfect"

I said maybe a bit too enthusiastic, I wanted to leave! I will fake a freaking school girl giggle if it means I get to get out of here. But what Jeff said next made me want to hug him, he is officially my new best friend.

"You can go now. If you feel woozy again come back here ok"

I was so shocked that I could actually get out of this stupid bed, I looked at Jeff with a thankful expression before swinging my legs over the side, rushing to pull my shoes on as quick as I could. I wanted to see Minho, he would still be running but at least I can see him when he gets back. I've missed my mob of losers.

I know Newt wouldn't be too happy that I was up, he continued to worry about me. Even when I was perfectly fine, but I liked the way he cared, it's better to have someone that was over protective instead of someone that didn't care.

I pushed up onto my feet and tottered ever so slightly, it was hard to hide it from Jeff, but I did my best, if he saw that I couldn't even stand her might keep me in. I was not ok with that.

I made a quick dash to leave the room, dodging past Jeff who was grabbing the bowl of water that I refused people to use by the bed. I was fine, he didn't need to put water on my head, I didn't even need to be bed bound for two days, I was perfectly fine.

The homestead smelt of sweat today, a thick musk of dirt and grim hanging in the air. The Homestead was empty apart from Clint's voice coming out in a calming tone as he talked with someone.

"He's fine for now"

I heard the clearest out of all that he was saying. I knew he was talking about Ben, I was pretending to not hear his muffled pained groans, I couldn't really hear it and I was able to zone out but I know he's sick. I know he's not doing well, how so, I wouldn't even be able to guess.

I left through the door and out into the glade, the fresh air hitting me hard, as I took a deep breath in. The grass glimmered perfect green and the trees in the deadheads leered shade over the perimeter of its edges.

Gladers were working around the place, rolling barrels across to the kitchen and people pulling plants out of the ground. I smiled as I saw Chuck walking out of the Bathrooms, he looked like he was going to throw, poor guy, I feel sorry for him.

I took a few steps in Chucks directions before I tottered again, come on Laya you're ok, just go. I shook my head, chasing that feeling of getting up too quick away before I moved towards chuck.

The boy looked busy, but I knew he would enjoy some company, I think I'll try my luck with Newt later, I know I'll get scolded for being out of bed before I can even think to tell him that Jeff let me leave.

I saw Chucks brown ringlets fall in his eyes as he tossed them away, he looked like he was walking towards the gardens. I picked up my pace carefully before I jogged away, running after Chuck before he disappeared somewhere.

It didn't take too long to catch up to him, even when I was a little woozy.

"Hiya Chuck"

I called and he jumped, swinging around like a metal hinge, he was shocked to see me walking towards him, his eyes widening before he ran forward a few paces. I was a little shocked when he threw his arms around me in a big hug.