In a world named Erapel, 2 1/2 countries are in war. Erda, Dapeta, and, well, Dapeta. The Northern provinces in Dapeta wish to be part of Erda, yet the government in their homes won't let them.
The only remaining people in those provinces are the...
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July 7th
I slowly opened my eyes before closing them again. I had a terrible sleep the night before, and forgot why for those few moments, just focusing on my slow breath and the buzzing darkness under my eyelids.
"Cameron, I know you're awake."
The voice startled me, and I opened my eyes to see my younger sister, Maria, standing at the door.
"Cameron? Get up. It's July 7th, you know, your birthday?"
That's why I had trouble sleeping! I was too excited to sleep. It was my 15th birthday, the day my parents choose what they want me to do with my life.
That's the thing about Erapel. Especially in Dapeta, when you turn 15 your parents choose a profession or task you'll spend the rest of your life doing. Usually it's a job, but Maria told me that my parents, Rei and Terry, had a different plan for my future.
I stood and walked down the hall towards the kitchen where my parents always were. My assumption was correct, as they were sitting beside the bar, eating something. I cleared my throat. My mom jumped and turned around, a wide smile devouring her face, her eyes twinkling.
"Happy 15th my Cami!" She rose to her feet, running towards me and squeezing me in a tight hug.
"D-don't call me that."
My mom pulled away, still smiling, and behind her my dad still sat, his eyes squinted like he was trying to read my mind. I quickly pried my eyes off him and focused on my mom and Maria.
"When are we telling him?" Fear shook Maria's voice as she looked at my mom.
"Right away." The smile stayed plastered on her face as she spoke. "Cameron and Maria, go sit on the couch, Terry, come help me break the news."
Maria shifted beside me nervously, giving me a feeling that although I didn't mind my parents deciding on my future, I wouldn't like their decision.
Maria and I had fairly close ages. She was 13, turning 14 in September. Despite that 2 year difference, we didn't fight that much.
My mom and dad finally showed up and sat on the couch across from us.
"How do I say this?" My mom looked at my dad. He rolled his eyes and cleared his throat.
"You know those stupid people in Calio, Ontia, Onero and Bianco?"
Those four were the Northern provinces, the ones that were peacefully trying to get the government to let them either enter Erda or let the provinces be part of the country.
"I don't think they're stupid." I heard Maria whisper to herself.
My dad's eyes snapped towards my younger sister, harsh and questioning.
"What did you just say?"
Maria looked away, fearful, and I had to fight myself to not defend her.
"Anyways," his teeth were still gritted, "your task is to travel up to one of the cities up north and spy for the president. Take honour in your task, for you're the only one. Get close to as many people you can, especially the premiers of the provinces, soldiers, and other people in power. Get information on abilities and strengths. When you get more information everyday, write that information in this book."
My heart started pounding. Spying? I can't do that! Hell, I could barely keep a secret like "I was awake a half hour before I was supposed to." How could I possibly keep the secret that I'm spying? Then again, I could just run away and skip that task and live a different life.
No.
I wanted to please my parents. I'd do it.
I took the book from my dad's hand and watched as everyone stood and left, leaving me alone in the living room.
