Masquerade

Prologue

My name is Ilea Venus 

I am seventeen years old

I am special

I don't follow the rules

I can create

I am Imperfect

***

7 years ago...

One hour of free time every Sunday. That's all we were allowed to have. And even in our free time, there are still things we can and can't do. Those are the rules of the Nations. As usual, my parents wanted to take me and Trace to the Stage. They don't play music there anymore, but they still have the acts. 

Just like every other Sunday, my family and I decide to use the evening free hour. The morning free hour is always too early, and everyone goes to the midday free hour. We walk down the sidewalk in a single file, as every family should. We waved and greeted every person we passed, as every person should. The rules of the four continents are pretty stupid, and really tiring to follow, but I can't tell anyone I think that. If I did, even if I tell my parents, they would have to turn me in, and then I would get Wiped. They don't tell us what being Wiped means, they only tell us that it must be our first priority to avoid it. Very few people have been Wiped. And those who have, never come back the same.   

We just passed the Fischer family when I saw him, across the street. 

He's new. I haven't seen him in our neighbourhood before. But that's not the thing that makes me notice him. He has that look in his eyes. The one I have spent years learning to hide. He has that special look. Of curiosity, of strength beyond what we know, of creativity and life. He has that look...of rebellion. He thinks just like I do. I know without having to speak to him. He can think for himself, he has an opinion...and he's not afraid to have an opinion. He is not a perfect citizen. He's exactly the same as me.  

He caught me staring. A huge grin began to form on his lips as I felt myself blush. This is embarrassing, great job Ilea. Then he waved to me. A very dangerous move. We aren't allowed to greet others unless we're walking past them. He tugged on his mother's sleeve, gesturing for her to bend down. He whispered something in her ear, which made her look to the closest pedestrian crossing. 

The next thing I know the boy and his parents are walking quickly towards us. When he's close enough behind me, he taps my shoulder. 

"Hi, I'm Tyler. What's your name?" he whispered

"Ilea, where do you live?" 

"My parents and I just moved here. We're staying in B28." 

"Oh I stay in B27, looks like we're going to be neighbours." 

"You're Imperfect too right?"

I knew it. He is like me. He must not be familiar with the rules. Being Imperfect is extremely dangerous. It means we are bound to break the rules, because we have our own minds, we can think. Something that the Nations do not accept. If anyone knew that I am imperfect, most likely nobody would see me again. Same goes for Tyler. 

"Shhh not here"

AUTHORS NOTE:

Hey guys! So that's the first chapter done. 

This was just a quick history kind of chapter, I promise the next chapter won't be so boring. What do you think about the characters so far? 

Some of my friends that read this are kind of confused on how to pronounce Ilea's name. I say it "eye-lee-a" but I guess how you pronounce it is up to you.  If you don't like the cast, feel free to change it or recommend someone better but I think those were the closest to what I imagined the characters to look like. There are a lot more characters to come so don't be worried. 

Please vote, comment and share!

I'll update as soon as possible so stay tuned!

- Megan