It all started when they dropped the bombs on New York. The entire city was destroyed. Next to go was Los Angeles, then Washington D.C. The Rebels left nothing of the old government. It simply fell to the might of the Rebels. They imprisoned everyone who was thought to have some authority. After a few peaceful years, a politician and former Patrol General, started working his way to the top. Once he made it there, he got rid of every opponent of his. They were never heard from again. General Gavin Garter gave money to those who had aided him in his petition.
Since then, the General has been making policies to tighten his grip around us. The Garters prowl through the streets, looking for troublemakers and thieves. They'll arrest you if you don't show the proper respect to them. Making eye contact could be considered an act of aggression, and the Garters will fine you for it.
General Garter calls this the 'New Age'. Everywhere you go, there's projections on the side of buildings, promoting the General, our power, and our wealth. And in fear of retribution, people forced themselves to believe it. And it happened. Soon, everyone who fell in line got money from the goverment, young men who joined the Patrol were given extra to help support their families. It wasn't much, but it was enough to survive on. Then, it started.
Ella is falling apart trying to live a "perfect" high school life. Then she meets Ren, who can see past her scars. Suddenly perfection isn't her only option.
*****
Ella Volkov is a gifted music student, but she's depressed and starting to crack under the pressure of high school. Her overbearing father won't even let her choose what instrument she plays. Then she finds herself alone at a party with Ren, her best friend's crush. She'd always thought he was rude, but after that night he's all Ella can think about. Now she's trapped. If Ella dates Ren, it will ruin her friendship with Jenny. But if she stays true to Jenny, she's losing the one person who can see past her scars. It's up to Ella to decide if she will forge her own path, or stay in the "perfect" box designed for her...
Content and/or Trigger Warning: depression, anxiety, self-harm, violence, sexual assault.
[[word count: 50,000-100,000 words]]