control ⇢ the maze runner / thomas [1] ✓

Chapter Twenty-Four

"We've got so much history, baby.
Maybe. Maybe you and I were
meant to be. Maybe I'm crazy."
—Juke Jam

CONTROL,
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

RUBY AND GALLY argued for a long time. They even attracted the attention of other Gladers. It only ended when Minho came and stood between the two of them, forcing them to separate.

Ruby wasn't mad at Gally, not at all. She was mad at herself. She was mad at herself, because she knew damn well that he was right. Thomas wouldn't have done the same. He didn't have the memories that she did. He probably never would. And because of that, he had no feelings towards her.

When Minho lead Gally away, Ruby sank down to her knees. Minho gave her a sad glance over his shoulder. How pathetic. She was chasing after a guy who didn't give a shit about her.

Leo stepped up hesitantly next to her. Unsure what to do, he rested a hand on her back. "Ruby, come on, get up. Don't let Gally get to you."

"It's not him", Ruby sighed. "It's everyone. And everything. And it's... knowing that you're in love with someone who will never feel the same." Her last sentence was whispered, like she was ashamed. Some part of her was. "And Gally is acting weird. As in totally bonkers weird. I don't know what's wrong with him. I don't know why he's so on edge. Hell, I barely know what's going on with me."

Leo frowned, kneeling down next to her. Without any warning, he pulled her into a tight embrace. "You don't have to know anything, Ruby. You don't owe anyone anything but yourself."

"I know, Leo, I'm just tired." She was. You could see it on her eyes. You could see it in her smile. "Let's wrap up training for the day, yeah?"

Once training resumed, Newt and Thomas left the homestead. "You're doing great, guys", Ruby praised. "Keep working on your form, I'll be right back!" With that, Ruby jogged over to the other two. "Hey, Newt. Thomas. What's going on? How's Alby?"

Newt looked as tired as she did. The boy rubbed his bottom lip, something she noticed him doing quite often. "He's... been better. He tried to choke himself. Bloody Changing's got him buggin." Newt sighed heavily. He then looked over at the practicing group. "How're they coming along?"

"Pretty good", Ruby smiled proudly. "Great, actually."

Newt nodded. "Good that."

"Speaking of, I should get back", she said, pointing towards them. "Mo almost took Willy's arm off when I went to help Chuck. I don't even wanna know what would happen if I completely left them alone."

Newt nodded. "Well then, we'll leave you to it. Come on, Tommy."

Thomas stood awkwardly for a second, fidgeting on his feet. "Actually I was wondering if I could stay and talk to Ruby for a second?"

Newt nodded towards Ruby. "Well, that depends on Ruby. You got time?"

Ruby clicked her tongue before nodding. "Yeah. Yeah, I've got time. Not much time though. So, make it quick."

Thomas nodded. Newt did as well, jogging off. Thomas waited until he left before turning to Ruby. "I know you're mad at me—"

"I'm not", Ruby interrupted. "I get it. I'm alone in this— my feelings, I mean."

"That's not— I just need some time to figure things out", Thomas sighed. "I need to think about this."

"Then think about it", Ruby shrugged. "It's not like I can go anywhere."

As she went to move past him, Thomas reached out and stopped her. "Alby said to protect the Maps. Do you know why?"

Ruby just shrugged. "Not my business. But I think you should all look at them differently. But hey, I'm just a stupid girl. What do I know?" Ruby smiled softly before walking off.

DECEMBER 14, 2019