The Rebel •Newt TMR• HIATUS

20: The Parallel Life

Pollux's POV

The blazing sun beamed down against my back as I sprinted around the Maze, twisting and turning around the vast passages. I enjoyed running, it helped distract me from the problems in my life.

I sighed, stopping for a lunch break at a clearing in the Maze. Sliding down the wall, I quickly ate the sandwich and apple that I had packed earlier. I began planning out how far I would continue until I had to head back. Usually I return at the last minute because I get too caught up in my thoughts that I don't realise the sun setting.

I knew to head back on time today, or else Harriet would kick my ass. Rising from the ground, I wiped my damp forehead and began jogging back to the Glade. My silver eye took in my surroundings as my feet carried me away.

"Lux returning early? That's a new one." Harriet smirked, crossing her arms as I stopped to catch my breath. I glared at her through my floppy auburn locks.

"Harriet actually being nice to me? Never thought I'd see the day." I shot back, earning a playful punch to the shoulder.

"Shut up and hit the showers, Lux. You smell like sweat." The girl's nose crinkled in disgust before turning around and heading over to talk to Sonya. I rolled my eyes, heading off to the showers.

The shower hut was small and had absolutely no privacy. I knocked on the door and listened, making sure it was occupied before heading inside. Sometimes, when any of us are in desperate need of a shower, we will just barge in without knocking, which usually leads to a lot of embarrassment. I stripped down and switched on the water, sighing as the cool water hit my burning back. My fingertips massaged my scalp as I hummed a made up tune to myself, drifting into my own world.

Suddenly, the door burst open, revealing Aris. He threw his shirt off and pulled his shorts and boxers off before turning on another shower. I kept my gaze facing forward so my blind eye would be on his side. Last thing I needed was to be thought of as a pervert. I didn't like Aris in that way, we were good friends and I was definitely more focused on reminding myself of Gally's face.

"How was your run?" Aris asked over the sound of rushing water.

"Same as always. Anything fun happen here?" I responded, slicking my hair back out of my eye.

"Nah, just Rachel attempting to prank me and failing miserably." I chuckled, turning off the water and beginning to dry off.

"You should just ask her out, Ris."

Aris coughed in surprise, groaning to himself. "I told you, we don't like each other like that!" The brunette complained. My silver eye glanced at his flustered face. "Enough about my love life, what about you? Remember anything more about your Gally guy?"

I smiled softly, ruffling my hair to dry it quicker. "Just his handsome face and his ridiculous eyebrows that I love. I just wish I could see him face to face again." Aris nodded in response. "Anyway, I'll see ya later, Stick." I bid my goodbye and left the hut.

"Pollux! Get over here!" Sonya called from the gardens, waving her arms to catch my attention. I huffed, jogging over to her. She seemed to be harvesting some of the veggies we had been growing over the months. "Can you harvest the potatoes while I harvest the carrots?" I nodded, grabbing a basket. We worked for about ten minutes before a screech echoed from the entrance of the Maze. Sonya and I sprinted over, spotting two of my fellow Runners. One was leaning on the other for support, crying out in pain as she put weight on her ankle.

"Iris? What happened to you?" Sonya questioned with a concerned look, rushing to the girl's side and helping her balance. Iris was a younger Glader, about 13 or 14, but she was extremely agile and brave which led her to become a Runner. The girl was winded, blinking away small tears.

"Had a run-in with a Griever, I almost lost it but I tripped. I think it's fractured." She informed in a shaky voice, gesturing to her swelling ankle. "If Clio hadn't found me, I would've been Griever food." Clio nodded, rubbing Iris' back comforting.

I praised Clio as Sonya led them to the med-jacks. Harriet caught up to us and I filled her in on the situation, allowing her to talk to the Runners before leaving us. Sonya returned to the gardens and Clio hit the showers, leaving Iris, the med-jacks and I alone in the hut.

"I-I'm sorry. I let you down, Pollux." Iris mumbled in a defeated tone, avoiding eye contact with me. I grasped her hand gently, causing her deep brown eyes to gaze up at me.

"Hey, it happens. As long as you're alive, then that's all that matters." She seemed more at ease when hearing my words. Seeing as I was the Keeper of the Runners, I understood while she felt the need to apologize to me. She probably expected me to kick her out of the group. Iris sighed, staring out the window at the Glade.

"Are we ever going to get out of this place?" My heart broke at her hopeful question. I bit my lip, unsure of how to respond.

"Yeah, of course. And when we do, we'll be reunited with our family." I lied through my teeth, flashing her a sad smile. If none of us had found an exit by now, who's to say we ever will?

Iris nodded, squeezing my hand as the med-jacks applied ice to her ankle.

"Do you have anyone left to return to?" I was caught off guard, staring at the little girl with an unreadable expression.

"I hope so." I pursed my lips, pushing myself up off the bed and heading to the doorway. "Get some rest, kid." And with that, I walked out with my mind clouded and my heart heavy.