Chapter one~ Jason

The City of Unknown is...well, unknown to a lot of people. Unless you were born there, or brought there by the Council, you wouldn't know that the city exists.

Unknown, as the citizens call it, is known for its gifts. Not the ones you get wrapped in pretty paper with a bow. The ones you earn when you turn 15.

Like my sister Olivia. She has the gift of music. It allows her to play any instrument, but she prefers playing the trumpet.

Or my brother Nick. Gift of sports. He's a soccer player.

What about me? Well....I'm not fifteen yet. Being the third youngest and all.

"Jason!! Jason!!" I snapped up from my thoughts.

"Are you listening?" I faked a smile.

"Um....yes?" My best friend, Maxwell, gave me a pointed look.

"I was saying how there's a new girl and she keeps looking at you." I turned around. The new girl wasn't, as she was looking at her paper. I raised an eyebrow and looked at Maxwell.

"You sure you don't need glasses?" Maxwell growled.

"I swear she was!!" I nodded.

"Uh huh. Sure she was."

"Mr. Dyer, Mr. Jackson, I suggest you pay attention." We (Maxwell and I) looked down.

"Sorry Mrs. Grace." Mrs. Grace continued teaching while I turned back to look at the new girl. She had long, brown hair that reached past her shoulders. She was pale, but not too pale, and kept glancing around the room. On her throat, was three stitches going across.

I frowned.

"Maxwell.....Max! Max! Maxwell!" He turned to look at me.

"What?!" Maxwell was a dirty blonde with green eyes. Normally, he wore a nice t-shirt and some nice jeans to school. Today was no exception.

"What happened to the new girls neck?" Maxwell looked over and shrugged.

"How should I know? Now hush!" I rolled my eyes. I really hoped Maxwells gift wasn't wisdom.....or anything having to do with that.

I sighed in relief as the bell rang.

"Class, your homework tonight is to study the moon and draw it. You are dismissed." I raised an eyebrow.

"Study the moon?" Maxwell shrugged.

"I guess it sorta has to do with science.....I mean, the tidal waves, and the so-."

"Let's just get to Math." Maxwell gave me a pointed look and headed towards the door. I started to follow before someone tapped my shoulder.

It was the new girl.

I smiled, trying to be friendly.

"Hey. I'm Josh. What's your name?" She swallowed nervously, pointing to the name tag.

Hello. My name is: Alex

Alex.....

"Uh..nice to meet you....Alex..." She nodded, pulled out a piece of paper, and scribbled something down.

'Help me.'

I froze, a shiver running down my spine.

"W-with what?" She gave me a desperate look and pointed at the paper again.

"Josh!! Come on!!" I ran out the door, leaving Alex behind me.

"There you are. Where did you go?"

"Um....nowhere. What's are next our next class?" Maxwell frowned.

"Math........,you never forget our classes. Normally I'm asking you." I shook my head, trying to clear my jumbled thoughts.

"Right. Sorry." I followed Maxwell to Math, my mind still on the new girl.

Why did she want my help?
***^********
Being know for its gift, if you had your gift, most people knew you.

If you had a cool gift, you were popular.

And if you did have a gift, you were unknown.

Much like this city.

"So, where should we eat lunch today? Next to the trash cans? Snag a table from someone? Or sneak outside?" Maxwell asked, looking around. I shrugged.

"Outside maybe. Last thing I need is to watch my-." A soccer ball came whizzing past us. It bounced off the wall and into the trash can.

"SCORE!!" The whole cafeteria cheered while I sighed.

"Too late." Nick, my brother came walking up.

"Hey little bro. Almost hit you there." I rolled my eyes.

"Yes, pardon me for foolishly standing here." Nick grabbed his soccer ball and looked at me.

"Woah, no need for the bad attitude. Wouldn't want to be grounded again now would you?" I sighed. Nick was my Dads favorite. Olivia was my moms. Which meant either of them could go crying to Mommy and Daddy and I would get in trouble.

Can't wait till I have my gift.

"No. I wouldn't." Nick smirked and bounced the soccer ball on his feet.

"Of course you wouldn't. I mean, who would?" Nick ran off while Maxwell shook his head sadly.

"See, this is way I'm an only child."

"No, your an only child because-." Someone tapped me on the shoulder and I turned around.

"Oh!! Alex....hey...." Alex handed me a small piece of paper.

"Um...I really don't want your phone number..." She frowned and pointed to the paper again.

'Read later. Away from eyes.' Was written on the top.

"Right.....so, I have to go...you know....bye!!" I grabbed Maxwell and walked off.

"What was that about?" He asked, taking a bite out of his sandwich. I shook my head.

"It's nothing."

"Your a horrible lier." He said, munching on his chips now. I sighed.

"Look. There's just something weird about that new girl."

"Does any of it have to do with the stitches across her throat?" He asked. I shook my head.

"There's just....more to her. Like...something..ugh!! I can't explain it."

"You never were good at explaining things." I punched his arm.

"Shut up." Maxwell rubbed his arm.

"I'm just saying." Well I did appreciate you saying it.

I sighed as the bell rang.

"Time for gym class." I said,standing up.

"Why do they make us run on a full stomach?" Maxwell questioned.

"I have no idea." I said, walking away.

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That night, after listening to my parents ramble on about how amazingly talented my siblings were and how they were sure I would be just as amazing, I made it to my room.

After, you know, playing a round of "Guess Josh's gift."

I laid down my bed, reaching into my pocket. The note was still there.

Open or don't open? Cause honestly, Alex was kinda freaking me out.

I groaned as my curiosity got the best of me and I pulled out the paper, unfolding it.

'You life is a lie.'

What a wonderful way to fall asleep don't you think?