WILL HE ➳ THE MAZE RUNNER

FOUR

WILL HE
CHAPTER FOUR

Ernest woke up with a start, his body jerking out of bed. He didn't know how long he'd been asleep but he did know his paralysed muscles were suddenly coming to life rather slowly. He was also aware of the startling emptiness behind him that previously consisted however the comforting warmth was now startlingly cold in contrast. He felt like he was still in a dream, like his connections to his motor neurons that should be inhibited were not doing their job.

Groaning in exasperation he swung his legs over the side of the makeshift bed, as he shook himself awake he wondered if there truly was a thing such as to much sleep. glancing around in bewilderment he finally settled on a destination, the map room. He was a runner after all and if he wasn't mistaken that was his job. Dragging his practically lifeless body towards his target his senses suddenly decided it was time to spring to life, an onslaught of noise, smell and bright light clouded his Parietal lobe, overwhelming him, Ernest found himself clutching his head and bracing himself from the shock of sensory input.

"Hey Ernest I said you alright there shank?"

He snapped his head up eyes fluttering against the bright light as Gally's face came into a resounding focus. He managed to nod his in confirmation which seemed to be enough of a satisfactory answer for Gally who had decided to continue speaking.

"Well if you are okay you need to get yourself over to the map room, Minho has been looking for you and by the looks of things it is pretty important." Gally grinned cockily at Ernest and ran off to presumably do his job as a builder before giving Ernest a chance to ask any more questions. Shaking himself out Ernest marched towards the map room to hear Minho arguing with Alby over something that sounded suspiciously like Newt, instead of invading their privacy he decided to stand and wait outside.

"I don't care if Newt is second in command and you respect his authority Minho but I'm first In command and personally I'm offended that you don't take my word more seriously." Alby declared his voice wavering slightly giving away his impatience.

"Yes and with all due respect Alby, Newt raised some excellent points that I seriously think you should weigh up," Minho sighed his voice level but his face betraying his frustration.

"Newt was speaking out of fear and personal agenda, the only reason he doesn't want you send our runners to find a way out is because he's head over heels in love with one of them." Alby exclaimed gritting his teeth.

"Regardless his words should be taken into consideration, I don't think I could go against his orders."

"Why? Does he scare you Minho? Our Newt, skinny and defenceless Newt. You can't tell me you truly believe..."

"Why appoint him to second in command then!" Minho yelled anger taking over his patience. Alby looks taken aback, shocked into silence.

"Newt is strong, intelligent and keeps us boys from falling apart Alby, so yeah maybe he did command us not to go out of a deep love he shares with one of our runners but the thing is I took that command with nothing but honest respect." Minho threw his hands in the air empathising his point.

"Minho I'm not asking you..." Alby began but he was cut of yet again.

"No I've finished listening Alby, the only way those boys will run is if you overrule my decision, I will have no part in this, understand." With that final word Minho stormed out the Map room leaving an annoyed and glowering Alby behind.

"I don't know precisely what that argument was about but if there is anything I can do to help I'll be more than happy to." Ernest said as he cautiously entered the map room walking hesitantly up to Alby who regarded him with disdain, which immediately flared annoyance in Ernest's gut.

"Ernest you are our second best runner and I know you, more than anyone would be willing to break a few promises if I meant freedom and safety, no?" Were Alby's questioning words. Ernest backed up slightly but considered Alby's words carefully.

"Yes of course, if it meant everyone wasn't trapped in the glade for another day longer." Ernest replied with caution not entirely sure where Alby was going with this.

"What if I told you, you could give yourself and Newt a happier life, a more free life, together. One that didn't consist or constant fear and the feeling of entrapment?" Alby asked stepping towards Ernest slightly.

"I'd say I would want nothing more than that but what's the catch?" He replied stepping back as Alby stepped forward.

"No catch but Newt may not agree with my decision is all"

"If that's the case I don't think..."

"Listen we both know Newt has some sort of pent up anxiety about this place so if you want to help me run the maze tomorrow with a few others and find a way out then meet us at the doors just before sunrise." Alby nodded before leaving Ernest In he map room confused and at a lost of what to do.

Ernest ran across the open glade and ignored the queue for fry pan entirely, searching for Minho with the soul purpose of asking him what the shuck was going on with Alby. During his frantic searching he felt a warm hand land on his shoulder causing him to jump. He was about to yell at the person interrupting him but stopped himself when he saw who it was.

"We have to stop meeting like this" Newt grinned his brilliant smile lighting up his face. Ernest couldn't help but smile back his whole world now consisting of his boyfriend. A large force of sadness hit Ernest's heart at the very thought something hurting Newt, those thoughts alone were enough for Ernest to buy Alby's words. Besides what's the worst that could possibly happen.